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Maria Island Marine Reserve
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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Fire ban: Campfire restrictions are in place
From 21/10/2019, last reviewed 1/1/2020

​Campfire restrictions are now in place for this site.  This means you will not be able to use campfires, pot fires and other solid fuel stoves. Gas stoves and gas barbecues are still permitted.

Parts of Tasmania are experiencing the driest conditions for the past three years with traditionally wet or damp gullies now dry. An above average fire season has been forecast for the east and south eastern parts of Tasmania due to warmer and drier conditions.

These conditions have increased the risk of unattended or poorly constructed campfires escaping and becoming bushfires. We have a duty of care to our community and want to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable camping experience.

Closed area: Notice of works: Maria Island jetty and campground
From 20/11/2019, last reviewed 20/11/2019

Works to improve Maria Island’s wastewater system and jetty are currently underway.

There will be some noise disturbance to Darlington campground campers and day visitors during the critical infrastructure work which will be carried out during daylight hours to keep the disturbance to a minimum. The amenities will remain open during works. The work will be complete by the end of the year.​

Work on the Maria Island jetty will improve safety and provide a better experience for visitors accessing the island is due to begin this week. There will be some noise, large machinery and safety barriers during the work. Installation of the six new marine piles will take about four weeks, weather depending. Please note, swimming and diving near the jetty while the large machinery is in place will not be permitted.

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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.

​​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. 

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 Ranger Station in Darlington, a short walk from the Maria Island jetty.

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.

Drinking 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.

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 plan your​​ stay overnight.

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.

Contact

Maria Island National Park
Maria Island National Park
via
Triabunna TAS 7190
Phone: 03 6257 1420
Email: maria.island@parks.tas.gov.au