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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

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Camping
  • Cycling tracks
  • Overnight walk
  • Toilets

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

    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.

      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.

      ​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