Maria Island National Park
Home | East Coast, TAS
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Overview
Highlights
Maria Island National Park is Tasmania's only island park, six kilometres off the state's east coast and an easy 30-minute trip from Triabunna - about one hour and fifteen minutes drive from Hobart (86km). Encounter Maria Island is the official ferry operator to and from Maria Island National Park. See website for details on pricing and bookings.
The story of Maria Island is dominated by the ocean: from the rise and fall of the sea that created the island and left a legacy of creatures fossilised in its cliffs, to the history of its human occupation.
Start your explorations at Darlington, the most intact example of a convict probation station in Australia, and a World Heritage Australian Convict Site. You can visit convict buildings dating back to 1824 and ruins that reveal key features of the convict probation system. Rediscover the fascinating history through interpretive displays at the Coffee Palace Museum and Commissariat Store. You can even stay overnight in the old Penitentiary buildings or camp in the nearby campground.
There are plenty of rewarding short walks, day walks and even overnight walks. No matter where you are on the island, you're going to see wildlife, including wombats, devils, kangaroos and Cape Barren geese.
Cycling is another great way to explore, or explore further afield, on the island, as there's no vehicle access. Bring your bike on the ferry (fees charged) or hire one on the island (limited availability).
Maria Island Marine Reserve protects a range of beautiful marine life and is home to a diverse range of plant, invertebrate and fish communities, making it a fabulous place for swimming and snorkelling, or a ramble among the rockpools. From the cliff tops you may also see dolphins, whales, seals and sea eagles.
Maria Island National Park has a rich history, originally inhabited by the indigenous Tyreddeme people. It has also been a whaling and sealing post, a penal settlement and an Italianate pleasure resort. You can explore the Island on bushwalks including Fossil Cliffs, Painted Cliffs, and the peaks of Mt Maria and Bishop and Clerk.
Activities
- Mountain biking
- Hiking
- Camping
- Wildlife encounters
Facilities
- Walking trails
- Picnic areas with barbecues
- Camping sites
- Cycling tracks
- Toilets
Important Information
Guidelines
- Always do some research before heading out for your journey. Visit the parks website for up to date information on the current conditions.
- Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.
- Wear suitable footwear and ensure to wear appropriate clothing to protect yourself from the elements..
- Plan ahead and ensure to take enough food and water for your journey.
- Always stay on the marked tracks where possible. Never climb fences, they are there for your own safety.
- Please consider the environment, take your rubbish with you or place in the bins provided. We want to ensure these beautiful places are still here for our future generations to enjoy.
- Ensure to let a responsible adult know of your plans and report back into them once you have finished exploring for the day.
- National park and camping fees apply for Tasmanian National Parks. Check the parks website for bookings and/ or further details.
- Weather conditions in Tasmania can change quickly and frequently, especially in alpine areas. Snow, rain, wind and sun are all possible at any time of the year, and bushfires can occur between October and March.
- Children under 5 are free.
Photo credits: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Services.
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Location & Supplier
Maria Island National Park
Address: Maria Island, Tasmania 7190
12 people have added this to their Bucket List
