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Fossil Cliffs maria island, close-up of cliffs with Bishop and Clerk in the background
Fossil Cliffs, Maria Island National Park.
60 Great Short Walks

Fossil Cliffs

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Alerts for Fossil Cliffs

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Closed area: Painted Cliffs - Partial closure
Applies from 8/5/2024

​​​​​A section of the Painted Cliffs will be closed to public access, pending ​​geotechnical surveys to determine safety risks of loose overhanging rocks.

For further information, please contact the Maria Island Gateway on (03) 6123 4040.​

Last reviewed 2/5/2025 09:50 AM

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Barbecues
  • Camping
  • Cycling tracks
  • Huts
  • Park ranger
  • Picnic facilities
  • Short walk
  • Toilets
  • Visitor centre

Related PagesExpand/Collapse

    ContactExpand/Collapse

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

      ​Visitor centre opening hours
      Open 7 days
      7.45am to 3.30pm 1 September to 30 April 
      9am to 3.30pm from 1 May to 31 August

    1-2.5 hour walk or 1-1.5 hour ride, 4.5 km circuit
    Grade 3: Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps.
    Supervise children, hazardous cliffs, unprotected track edges.
    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

    ​This stunning set of cliffs on Maria Island hold stories both ancient and modern.

    An easy amble adjacent the grass airstrip leads to the dramatic cliff edge. A short steep track gives access to a rock shelf from which you can see the cliff's rock strata up close. They contain a vast number of fossils, including clams, sea fans, corals, scallop shells and sea lilies, that were deposited in the sea around 300 million years ago. This extraordinary fossil richness is one of the finest examples of its kind anywhere in the world. The resulting sedimentary rocks are so lime-rich that the cliffs were briefly mined for the manufacture of cement. On the way you pass silos near the jetty that date from that time.

    ​

      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.

      Bicycles may be ridden on this track but not on the fossil platform.​

      All facilities are in the Darlington township.

      ​

      ​​​​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.​

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

      ​Remember the safe walking guidelines

      • ​Plan to walk safely
      • Be prepared
      • Avoid walking alone and let someone know your plans
      • Record your trip intentions in the log books 
      • Be prepared to turn back

      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.