Maria Island Marine Reserve protects a representative range of the marine habitats found on Tasmania's East Coast and forms part of
Maria Island National Park. The different habitats are home to a diverse range of plant, invertebrate and fish communities.
The amazing geology and clean waters of Maria Island make it a fabulous place for coastal exploration and the variation in the geological formations is reflected in the underwater landscape and the diversity of dive sites.
The marine reserve is ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving, birdwatching, beach walking and rock pool rambling.
For snorkellers and divers, Darlington Bay and the
Painted Cliffs are popular spots as they are relatively protected and there is lots to be seen. A fantastic array of creatures live in the waters surrounding the jetty at Darlington and can be easily viewed. The rock pools at the Painted Cliffs are also a great place to explore at low tide.
Boating is allowed in the marine reserve; however, fishing is not allowed within the no-take zone of the marine reserve, which extends along the north-west coast of the island.
Please don't collect living or dead material, including shells, or remove plants or animals.
For more information on Tasmania's protected marine environments, please see our pages on Marine Reserves and
Marine Conservation Areas.
