The ideal combination of nature and history rewards those who seek to explore Maria Island, off Tasmania’s East Coast. After arriving on the Maria Island ferry, start your exploration at Darlington Probation Station – a World Heritage Australian Convict Site. From Darlington, continue your Maria Island discovery by weaving along the numerous trails on foot or by bike and leave your ordinary life behind.
Spectacular cliffs wrap around the eastern side of Maria Island, providing a perfect vantage point for watching birds dive and swoop into the ocean. In season, you may even be lucky enough to spot the whales that frequent these waters during their annual migration. On the western side of the island, the Painted Cliffs are one of Maria Island’s more memorable spectacles, showcasing the power of nature in their weathered contours, where the combination of wind and waves has eroded the sandstone to reveal a striking facade.
Maria is a special place where long sandy beaches, turquoise water, mountaintop vistas, abundant wildlife and a multi-layered human history come together to create a perfect island destination.
Changes due to COVID-19
If you are feeling unwell please do not visit the Island.
The Triabunna Visitor Centre is open- please allow 30 minutes prior to departure time for check-in, present or purchase your parks pass and boarding.
Please note that if you have any additional luggage you will need to place it on the scales in the Visitor Centre for weighing. Visitor Centre, Encounter Maria Island and PWS staff will provide assistance/direction regarding your luggage but will not handle it.
All visitors must use the hand wash facilities provided at Triabunna and Darlington before boarding the ferry- please ensure that you allow at least 15 minutes prior to your departure time for this to occur. The use of the hand wash facilities is a critical component of the reopening and there may be some delays.
Please follow instructions on all signage on Island including:
- Practice physical distancing
- Not exceeding the maximum number of visitors permitted in each building
- Following directional signage within buildings
- Use of hand sanitiser and soap dispensors
- Waiting your turn to be served by our staff
- Please follow the instruction of Visitor Centre, Encounter Maria Island and Maria Island staff at all times
- Cashless transactions preferred
- Showers in Darlington remain closed.
Click here for the online booking system for the Penitentiary Accommodation. Bookings will reopen on the 15 June with rooms open from 21 July 2020 to 31 January 2021. Penitentiary Accommodation check-ins can occur from 2pm on your day of arrival onto island. Rooms must be vacated by 10am on your day of departure. This is to allow time for the room to be cleaned between occupants. If you have any luggage you wish to store until your room becomes available or until your departing ferry, please use the Penitentiary laundry room or Mass Hall. Keep all valuables with you.
The campgrounds at Darlington, Frenchs Farm and Encampment Cove are open subject to all campers maintaining physical distancing particularly in relation to the use of shared facilities (e.g. barbecue shelter, tables).
If you are staying overnight (Penitentiary Accommodation or camping), please check into the campgrounds at the Visitor Centre once you arrive on the island.