Painted Cliffs
Home . Maria Island, TAS
Tourism Tasmania | Tas Parks & Wildlife Services
All About
Painted Cliffs
The Painted Cliffs of Maria Island: Nature’s Most Beautiful Art Gallery
Walking trail: Grade 4 | 14km return hike | 5-6 hour return
If you think you’ve seen everything Tasmania has to offer, wait until you step off the ferry onto Maria Island. While the island is famous for its fuzzy wombats and haunting convict history, there is one natural wonder that looks like it was painted by a master artist: The Painted Cliffs.
These aren't your average sea cliffs. Sculpted by millions of years of wind and waves, the sandstone walls have been stained with incredible patterns of red, orange, and yellow iron oxides. The result? A swirling, marble-like masterpiece that is easily one of the most photographed spots in Australia.
The Walk at a Glance
- Distance: 4.5km return (from Darlington)
- Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Difficulty: Grade 2 (Easy/Flat)
- Crucial Factor: Must be visited at low tide.
The Experience: A Journey Through Time and Color
The walk to the Painted Cliffs starts at the historic township of Darlington. As you head south along the coast, you’ll likely be stopped in your tracks by the island’s resident wombats—they are everywhere and surprisingly bold!
The track is an easy, level stroll that hugs the coastline, offering beautiful views across Mercury Passage back toward the Tasmanian mainland.
Why the "Paint"?
As you arrive at Hopground Beach, the cliffs reveal themselves. The stunning patterns were formed when ground water rich in iron oxide seeped through the sandstone millions of years ago. As the ocean eroded the rock, it exposed these beautiful "rings" and "waves" of color. The honeycomb patterns (called tafoni) look almost like delicate lace carved into the stone.
Top Tips for Your Maria Island Adventure
- Check the Tides (Essential!): The Painted Cliffs are only accessible at low tide. At high tide, the waves wash right up against the base of the cliffs, making it impossible (and dangerous) to see the patterns. Check the tide charts at the Triabunna wharf before you board the ferry.
- Hire a Bike: Maria Island is completely car-free. While the walk to the cliffs is easy, hiring a bike from the Darlington jetty allows you to zip to the cliffs and then spend the rest of your day exploring the Fossil Cliffs or the Bishop and Clerk peaks.
- Wildlife Etiquette: Maria Island is a sanctuary for wombats, Tasmanian Devils, and Cape Barren Geese. Remember to keep your distance (at least 2 metres) and never feed the animals.
- Pack a Picnic: There are no shops on the island! You need to bring all your food and water for the day from the mainland.
How to Get There
The journey to the Painted Cliffs is part of the adventure!
- The Drive: Drive approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes from Hobart to the coastal town of Triabunna.
- The Ferry: Hop on the Encounter Maria Island ferry for a scenic 45-minute crossing.
- The Entry: You will need a valid Tasmania National Parks Pass, which you can show at the ferry terminal.
Activities
- Hiking
- Walking
- Photography
Facilities
- Lookouts
- Walking trail
- Picnic area
- Carpark
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. Ensure to check for any updates relating to any warnings that may be issued for the area, and check for the opening and closing times.
- Wear suitable footwear and ensure to bring a hat and sunscreen 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.
- Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but memories.
Photo credit: Tourism Tasmania | Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Services
Location
Getting to Painted Cliffs
Address: Painted Cliffs, Maria Island, TAS
Join the fun and bucket Painted Cliffs
