Maria Island

A picturesque national park island accessible by passenger ferry offering pristine beaches, historic ruins, diverse wildlife including Tasmanian devils, and excellent walking tracks. The island's combination of history, nature, and accessibility makes it a rewarding day trip or overnight experience.

Things to do

• Walk to Painted Cliffs — Hike to stunning multi-coloured ochre and iron oxide rock formations on the island's east coast, one of Maria Island's most photographed natural features.
• Explore Darlington Historic Site — Wander through the ruins of the convict probation station established in 1825, including restored buildings and interpretive displays about colonial history.
• Spot Tasmanian Devils — Search for these iconic marsupials in their native habitat, particularly around dusk when they are most active; the island has a healthy population.
• Walk the Circumnavigation Track — Complete the challenging 30km multi-day trek around the entire island's perimeter with coastal views, diverse terrain, and coastal camping options.
• Visit Fossil Cliffs — Examine 350-million-year-old coral and fish fossils embedded in limestone cliffs on the western side of the island.
• Relax at Sunset Beach — Enjoy pristine white sand and calm waters at this sheltered beach near the ferry terminal, ideal for swimming and picnicking.
• Climb Mount Maria — Summit the 711-meter peak for panoramic views of the Tasmanian coast, Freycinet Peninsula, and surrounding ocean.

Food to try

• Fresh Tasmanian Oysters — Source locally-farmed oysters from Tasmania's pristine waters, often available at island lodges or bring your own provisions to enjoy raw or grilled.
• Wallaby Steak — Sample native game meat prepared at island accommodation or bring provisions to cook this lean, distinctive local protein.
• Indigenous Mutton Bird (Short-tailed Shearwater) — Experience this traditional Tasmanian delicacy, historically important to Indigenous Palawa people, available seasonally through local suppliers.
• Tasmanian Crayfish — Enjoy fresh rock lobster caught from southern Tasmanian waters, typically available at island lodges during summer months.
• Picnic with Local Produce — Pack fresh Tasmanian berries, cheeses, and cool-climate wines to enjoy while exploring the island's scenic walking tracks.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Wildlife Distances — Keep at least 2-3 meters from all wildlife including Tasmanian devils, wallabies, and wombats; they are wild animals and should never be fed.
• Ferry Schedule Dependency — Plan your visit around ferry timetables as the island has limited water transport; check schedules in advance as services vary seasonally and weather can cause cancellations.
• Leave No Trace Principles — Carry out all rubbish, stay on marked tracks to protect fragile ecosystems, and respect the island's conservation status as a national park.
• Acknowledge Palawa Heritage — Recognize that Maria Island holds cultural significance for Tasmanian Aboriginal people; learn about Indigenous history at Darlington interpretive sites.