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Ranger with visitors, Frenchs Farm, Maria Island National Park
Frenchs Farm, Maria Island National Park

Frenchs Farm Walk

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Alerts for Frenchs Farm Walk

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Planned event: Construction Works - Maria Island National Park
Applies from 28/11/2025

​​​​Construction works on Maria Island will start in December 2025. They are expected to be completed November 2026.

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 14/8/2026 04:40 PM

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Camping
  • Cycling tracks
  • Toilets

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    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.

    6 hour walk, 3 hour ride, 22km return
    Grade 3: Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps.
    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

    ​​Frenchs Farm can be reached by the coast track or via the inland track, which takes you through dry and wet eucalypt forests​.

    Once you arrive, explore the old farmhouse and shearing shed at Frenchs Farm. The Frenchs Farm campground​ is located on the edge of the grassland paddocks.

    From Frenchs Farm, it's another 1 hour walk to the northern end of McRaes Isthmus – a narrow neck of sand with sweeping beaches on either side. If you are on a bike, the track is sandy and slow going.

    Frenchs Farm is the starting point for the Haunted Bay Walk and Robeys Farm Walk​.

      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.​

       

      More information

      ​Find out other essential information for visiting Tasmania's parks and reserves on our Know Before You Go web page.

      ​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​

      When you plan to walk in Tasmania, plan for the possibility of bad weather and unexpected situations. Conditions in Tasmania can change at any time of year. 

      Choose a walk that matches your group’s fitness and experience. The track classification guide​ explains walk difficulty ratings and can help you choose a suitable track. 

      Grade 4 and 5 walks can be especially challenging and may include steep climbs, rocky ground, mud, cliffs, or require navigation skills.  

      For all walks: 

      • check the weather forecast before you go
      • take a map
      • let someone know your plans. 

      If you are walking in remote areas or conditions are uncertain, carry extra food, and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). Consider taking an emergency shelter or tent. Learn about the dangers of cold by watching the hypothermia safety video. ​​The safety video is also available with Chinese subtitles.

      More information on planning, including recommended gear lists, is available on our Safety in Parks web page.