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Darlington Township Walking path, Maria Island National Park
Darlington Township Walk, Maria Island National Park

Darlington Township Walk

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Alerts for Darlington Township Walk

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Fire ban: Seasonal campfire bans are in place
Applies from 20/12/2025

​There is currently a seasonal campfire ban on PWS managed parks and reserves in the following areas:

  • ​Maria Island and Flinders Island

  • All parks and reserves in the municipalities of Glamorgan-Spring Bay, Dorset, Break O’Day and Tasman.

  • Narrawntapu National Park, Tooms Lake and Snakey Creek Conservation Area

This ban includes campfires, pot fires and other solid fuel.

The map​ below shows all affected areas. You can still use gas stoves and gas barbecues.​

A map of Tasmania highlighting areas where campfire bans are in place​

Look out for these signs.

​
Stylised campfire with a red cross through it

Round pot on three legs with a flue. Red cross through it showing that these are not allowed to be used

Please note: Parts of the reserved estate including The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the Vale of Belvoir Conservation Area and the Three Capes Track are fuel stove only areas at all times of the year.​

Last reviewed 10/3/2026 12:06 PM

Planned event: Maria Island National Park - construction works
Applies from 28/11/2025

​Construction works on Maria Island will start in December 2025. They are expected to take around nine months to complete.

These upgrades will modernise infrastructure ​including: 

  • water

  • wastewater

  • electrical

Works will be managed to minimise impact but there will be heavy machinery, construction noise, dust and ground vibrations in and around Darlington.

Visitors are asked to comply with directions from staff and signage in the area.

Bookings on the ferry are essential to visit the island. Visit Encounter Maria Island to view availability and fare information.

Last reviewed 28/11/2025 04:21 PM

Safety alert: Maria Island - Critically low water levels
Applies from 9/2/2026

​​Due to dry conditions, Maria Island's water supplies are at a critically low level, and water quality is poor.

Please help conserve ​our water resources: 

  • Bring all your drinking water.  There is no treated drinking water on Maria Island

  • Use as little water as possible from taps on the ​island.

Please note ALL showers, including the outdoor shower, are closed.​

Last reviewed 9/2/2026 11:13 AM

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Barbecues
  • Camping
  • Park ranger
  • Picnic facilities
  • Toilets
  • Visitor centre
  • World Heritage Area

Related PagesExpand/Collapse

    ContactExpand/Collapse

    • Maria Island Gateway
      c/- Corner Charles St and Esplanade West
      Triabunna TAS 7190
      Phone: 03 6123 4040
      Email: MariaIslandEnquiries@parks.tas.gov.au

      ​Maria Island Gateway visitor centre opening hours
      Open 7 days

      7.45am to 3.30pm from 1 September to 30 April.

      9am to 3.30pm from 1 May to 31 August.

    1/2 - 2 hours, 1 km
    Grade 2: Suitable for most ages. The track has a hardened or compacted surface that may have a gentle hill section or sections and occasional steps.
    Supervise children.
    A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
    ​This walk leaves from the Darlington Settlement on Maria Island, accessible by passenger ferry.

    About

    ​​Take a self-guided walking tour around the fascinating Darlington Township, which has undergone many changes since European settlement in the 1800s. The now tranquil island has been, among other things, a setting for convict stations, a stronghold for the varied enterprises of Italian entrepreneur Diego Bernacchi and a base for the National Portland Cement Company.​

    A walk around the buildings and ruins of Darlington offers insights into that ​varied history. Discover the stories behind the island's rich human and natural history when you step inside the Coffee Palace Museum and the Convict Administration buildings.

    Sturdy footwear is recommended as this is a heritage site and contains steps, uneven floors and undulating terrain.

      Buy a map from TasMap

      ​​Access Maria Island by passenger ferry from Triabunna, located off the Tasman Highway (A3). The ferry service runs between Triabunna and Darlington, and takes around 45 minutes.

      Visit the Encounter Maria Island website for details on current ferry timetables, fares and crossing information. Passenger numbers may be limited during busy periods and advance bookings are recommended.

      There is no vehicle access to Maria Island – you can explore the island on foot or by bike.


      Where possible, please avoid driving in our reserves at night. You are sharing the roads with our native wildlife, so take it slow and watch out for animals on the road.

      ​

      ​​​​Park entry fees apply

      Park entry fees (including those who travel to the island on their own boat or plane), Penitentiary and camping fees can be paid online or at the Maria Island Gateway in Triabunna.​

      Payment of Penitentiary and camping fees 

      You can pay for your camping fees at the Maria Island Gateway.

      Penitentiary fees can be paid online or through the Sheffield Visitor Information Centre​.

      Walk times

      Walk and ride times are walking or riding only. Please allow extra time to explore ​features along the way to make it back in time for the ferry, or if staying overnight return to camp in daylight.

      Be prepared to be self-sufficent

      Maria Island is a remote island experience, there are no shops or cafes on the island. You will need to bring enough food for your stay, refillable water bottle, sturdy walking shoes, warm and waterproof clothing including a beanie, sun protection including hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, personal first aid kit, mobile phone and a backpack to securely carry all of your belongings. Stock up on basic supplies in Triabunna before you catch the ferry.

      Check the weather forecast before you travel to ensure you have the appropriate clothing.

      All water on Maria Island is not potable and treatment is required (purification tablets or boiling for at least one minute) before use. ​Water is available from signed t​aps in the barbecue shelter and Mess Hall at Darlington. Please note this is a limited supply so bring a full water bottle with you.

      Please take all your rubbish with you when you leave. There is no rubbish tip and no rubbish collection service on the island.

      Smoking is not permitted within the accommodation precincts. Please store your butts in your own carry-out container.​

      ​

      ​Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our know before you go section.

      Walker safety - day walks​

      ​Even for a short walk on a fine day, carry a light pack with a weatherproof jacket, warm hat, water (1 litre per person for every 3 hours of walking), some high energy food and a first aid kit that includes an emergency space blanket. At the same time, be prepared for bright sunshine—carry a sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen. Insect repellent can also make your walk more comfortable and be sure to take a rubbish bag and carry your rubbish out with you.

      If your mobile phone has a signal t​​ake it with you. Limit use of your phone to conserve the battery. If your short walk takes you into very remote areas it would be wise to pack extra food and an emergency shelter or tent.

      For full safety information please refer to Safety in parks.