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Camping at Encampment Cove, Maria Island National Park.
Camping at Encampment Cove, Maria Island National Park. (photograph: Dan Broun)

Maria Island camping - Encampment Cove

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Alerts for Maria Island camping - Encampment Cove

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Safety alert: Critically Low Water Levels - Maria Island National Park
Applies from 9/2/2026

​​​Due to dry conditions, Maria Island's water supplies are at a critically low level, and water quality is poor.

Please help conserve ​our water resources: 

  • Bring all your drinking water.  There is no treated drinking water on Maria Island

  • Use as little water as possible from taps on the ​island.

Please note ALL showers, including the outdoor shower, are closed.​

Last reviewed 7/5/2026 03:44 PM

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 take around nine months to complete.

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 11/5/2026 11:47 AM

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Cycling tracks
  • Overnight walk
  • Toilets

Related PagesExpand/Collapse

    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.

    A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
    Tent   
    Fees:

    ​​Camping at this campground is free with a valid parks pass​​.

    Bookings:

    ​Bookings are not available for this campground.

    About

    ​​The small and sheltered campground is located alongside the calm waters of Encampment Cove. An overnight stay here allows you to explore the convict ruins that once made up the Long Point Probation Station at nearby Point Lesueur.

    Access to Encampment Cove is via a 3 hour and 45 minute walk from Darlington, where the ferry service operates. Encampment Cove can also be accessed by private boat, which can be moored in the bay.​

    Portable stoves are preferred for cooking; however, campfires are permitted within existing metal fireplaces (unless fire restrictions are in place). ​

    A limited supply of non-treated tank water is available. For drinking water it is recommended that campers use purification tablets or boil the water for at least one minute before use. Frequent dry weather and high seasonal demand make water a precious resource. Please use it with care.

    ​​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.

    ​​​Campfires are only permitted at designated campgrounds within designated fireplaces. Campfires are prohibited during seasonal fire bans. Never leave your campfire unattended - it is prohibited. For campfire safety and how to check whether any restrictions are in place see Campfires and fire bans.​

    Always check local signage for campfire bans​ before lighting a campfire. Bring your own water and firewood.  It is best to have a fuel stove with you for cooking, as restrictions can change. 

    For the safety of everyone - completely extinguish your campfire before you depart and ensure no hot coals remain.  Remember - Soak it. Stir it. Soak it again.​

    Please take all rubbish away with you.


    ​​​​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.​

    ​Due to wastewater infrastructure works, the Darlington campground showers are not available.​​

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