Maria Island is a cyclist's paradise. It has gently undulating roads and no cars (except for a few Parks management vehicles).
Many roads and vehicle tracks are suitable for riding and it's an ideal way to explore the island. The tracks in the north of the park are accessible to most cyclists. More experienced cyclists can also head south to reach more remote areas. If you don't have much time, riding allows you to explore further than you can on foot. With this being said, McRaes Isthmus is slow going as the sand makes riding more difficult.
You can bring your own bike across on the ferry or hire a bike once on the island. Visit the
Encounter Maria Island website for details of costs and bookings for both options.
Safety helmets are required by law – bring your own or hire one when you organise your bike hire. There are no bicycle repair facilities so if you plan to venture to more remote areas, come equipped with a repair kit.
All roads are shared use with walkers, bikes and Parks and Wildlife Service vehicles, please be aware of other users.
Riding is not permitted on the beaches due to threatened shorebirds which nest there. Riding is also not permitted in the Darlington quadrangle. Please follow the directions on the bike zone signage around the island.
Cycle times
Cycle times are riding only, please allow extra time to explore features along the way and make it back in time for the ferry or plan your stay overnight.
When climbing the mountains you are not able to ride all the way, you can leave your bike and continue on foot to the top.
Times and distances
return from Darlington:
Maria Island North
|
Time
|
Distance
|
Reservior track
| 0.5-1 hour
| 4km
|
Painted Cliffs and Oast House Circuit
| 0.75-1 hour
| 4.3km
|
Fossil Cliffs Circuit
| 0.75-1.5 hours
| 4.5km
|
Mount Maria
| 3-5 hours
| 16km
|
To explore South Maria, you will need a detailed topographic map available for purchase at The Maria Island Gateway in Triabunna.
When you are on the island please log your trip intentions in the log book. There are log books in the Commissariats Store or at the Rangers Office.
Times and distances
return from Darlington:
Maria Island South
|
Time
|
Distance
|
Frenchs Farm
| 3 hours
| 22km
|
| Encampment Cove | 4 hours
| 26km
|
| Point Lesueur | 5 hours | 28km
|
| McRaes Isthmus (northern end) | 5 hours
| 28km
|
| Robeys Farm | 8 hours | 38km
|
| Haunted Bay | 8-10 hours | 40km
|