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Maria Island Penitentiary
Maria Island Penitentiary

Maria Island Penitentiary accommodation

Find out more

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Barbecues
  • Park ranger
  • Picnic facilities
  • Toilets
  • World Heritage Area

ContactExpand/Collapse

A valid parks pass is required for entry to Tasmania's national parks.
Hut   
Fees:
Per room, per night:
Up to 2 people
 $44
Additional adults (18+)
$10
Family (2 adults, 3 children)
$50
Additional children (ages 5-17; under 5 years stays free)
$5
School groups (outside school holidays)
$30
Bookings:

Bookings can be made up to 6 months in advance. Book online or by contacting the Sheffield Visitor Information Centre at svic@kentish.tas.gov.au or (03) 6491 1179.​​

Book now

About

​​Basic bunkhouse-style accommodation is available in the old Penitentiary at Darlington – a unique opportunity to spend the evening at this World Heritage Listed convict site.

There are nine rustic sleeping rooms, each with six bunk beds and comfortable mattresses, a picnic-style table and chairs, and a wood-heater (wood supplied). A larger, tenth room sleeps 14 people. 

There is no electricity in the Penitentiary rooms and the toilet block is separate but nearby. 

​​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. Passenger numbers may be limited during busy periods and 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.

Staying at the Penitentiary

  • Check-out time is 10:30am;
  • Check-in time is after 2:00pm;
  • There are gas stove tops in the Mess Hall but visitors are advised to bring their own cooking equipment to avoid congestion;
  • Stoves are not to be used in the Penitentiary rooms;
  • Visitors need to bring:
    • ​Food;
    • Bedding;
    • Torch or lamp (no candles please)​;
    • Cooking equipment, crockery and cutlery.
​​

​​​​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.​

​

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