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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Track closure: Fossil Cliffs Track
Applies from 4/11/2022

​​Due to the recent heavy rainfall, access to the Fossil Quarry floor is closed. 

Repair works are planned and the track is expected to reopen in June 2023.

For further enquiries please call: (03) 6257 1420

Last reviewed 3/4/2023 01:28 PM


Safety alert: Helicopter Operations and Intermittant Track Closures -Bishop and Clerk and Fossil Cliffs Track
Applies from 4/4/2023

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Sections of the Bishop and Clerk Track on Skipping Ridge and the Fossil Cliffs Track near the Fossil Quarry will be closed for short periods between 04/04/23 and 7/4/23​ due to helicopter movements.

Parks and Wildlife staff will provide traffic control on either side of the closure and will advise when it is safe to continue.  Please follow directions of staff at traffic control points.



Last reviewed 3/4/2023 01:27 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 Field Centre
c/- Corner Charles St and Esplanade West
Triabunna TAS 7190
Phone: 03 6257 1420
Email: Maria.Island@parks.tas.gov.au