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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Fire ban: Seasonal campfire bans are in place
Applies from 5/11/2024
​​​​Campfires, pot fires and other solid fuel stoves are banned in all parks and reserves in the following local government areas: Tasman, King Island, Flinders, Dorset, Break O’Day, Glamorgan-Spring Bay and Sorell.  

They are also banned in Narawntapu National Park.  ​

This is a seasonal ban to reduce the risk of fire over summer.

​The map​ below shows all affected areas.  You can still use gas stoves and gas barbecues. 

Decorative Map

 Look out for these signs.



Please note: The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and the Vale of Belvoir Conservation Area are fuel stove only areas at all times of the year.

Last reviewed 4/2/2025 10:29 AM


Planned event: Maria Island - ferry bookings essential
Applies from 10/12/2024

​​Demand to travel to Maria Island National Park is currently very high. 

Ferry bookings are essential to avoid disappointment and delays at check if you do not have a booking. It also ensures that you will be notified by the ferry company if there are any changes to the schedule. 

​Visit the Encounter Maria Island website for ferry timetables, fares and to make a booking.​

Last reviewed 8/1/2025 09:05 AM


Closed area: Painted Cliffs - Partial closure
Applies from 8/5/2024

​​​A section of the Painted Cliffs will be closed to public access, pending ​​geotechnical surveys to determine safety risks of loose overhanging rocks.

For further information, please contact the Maria Island Gateway on (03) 6123 4040.​

Last reviewed 5/8/2024 11:57 AM


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

Contact

Maria Island Field Centre
c/- Corner Charles St and Esplanade West
Triabunna TAS 7190
Phone: 03 6123 4040
Email: Maria.Island@parks.tas.gov.au

​Visitor centre opening hours
Open 7 days
7.45am to 3.30pm 1 September to 30 April 
9am to 3.30pm from 1 May to 31 August