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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Safety alert: Maria Island - Critically low water levels
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 9/2/2026 11:13 AM


Planned event: Maria Island National Park - construction works
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 28/11/2025 04:21 PM


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 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.