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An underwater photo of the amazing fish life that calls the Maria Island Marine Reserve home.
Maria Island Marine Reserve (photograph: Emma Flukes)

Maria Island Marine Reserve

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Alerts for Maria Island Marine Reserve

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Incident: Maria Island - Track Closures
Applies from 10/5/2022

Due to recent weather events and storm activity, the following areas on Maria Island are closed until further notice. 

  • Fossil Cliffs – Access down to the Fossil Quarry floor is closed due to a landslip, however, the Fossil Cliff Circuit along Skipping Ridge and back to Darlington remains open.​
  • Darlington Beach Access- via the campground is closed.
The weather conditions have also resulted in rapidly changing surface conditions from Darlington to Encampment Cove. Please ride and walk to the conditions.

For more information please contact Maria Island Gateway on 6123 4040 between 9am and 3:30pm​


​Parks and Wildlife apologises for any inconvenience caused.


Last reviewed 11/5/2022 08:20 AM

Planned event: Maria Island ferry service change
Applies from 18/3/2022

​​The Maria Island ​ferry service is currently running with an alternative vessel whilst the regular vessel is undergoing repair.

The timetable has not changed, but carrying capacity has been reduced. Bookings remain open and the online ticketing system continues to operate as normal. 

Last reviewed 29/4/2022 08:47 AM

COVID-19 safety information

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

About

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 Cons​ervation Areas​​.

Graphic showing the area of the Maria Island Marine Reserve on Tasmania's East Coast​​
​

​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. 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.​

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.​

Overnight stays

​​​​A campground and basic bunkhouse-style​​​ accommodation​ is available at Darlington. Free campsites are also available at Frenchs Farm and Encampment Cove​ for overnight walkers. 

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

Contact

Maria Island Field Centre
c/- Corner Charles St and Esplanade West
Triabunna TAS 7190
Phone: 03 6257 1420
Email: maria.island@parks.tas.gov.au