Haunted Bay
An image of the blue sea and surounding cliff faces that make Haunted Bay, Maria Island. (photograph: Peter Grant)

Haunted Bay Walk

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Alerts for Haunted Bay

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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


7 hour walk, 8-10 hour bike ride, 40 km 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 with overnight stays at Frenchs Farm.

About

​​​Located in the far south of the island, wild and remote Haunted Bay is an excellent choice for those looking for a challenging and self-reliant ​walk.

You'll need to stay two nights at either Frenchs Farm or Encampment Cove ​to explore Haunted Bay. Please register walk intentions at Rangers Station prior to departure. 

The isthmus is slow going as the sand makes walking and riding considerably more difficult. If you have a bike, you'll probably be pushing it.

Riding is not permitted on the beaches due to threatened shorebirds ​which nest there. After the isthmus, the road is rough with steep uphill parts. It winds for many kilometres through woodland forest before you reach the bay. You will need to leave your bike at the top before beginning the final short, steep descent into this remote bay edged with pink granite rocks.