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 toilets block is separate but nearby. Drinking water is available in the Mess Hall.
You'll need to bring your own food, bedding, a torch or lamp, cooking equipment, crockery and cutlery. Gas stove tops are provided for cooking in the Mess Hall's camp kitchen.
Smoking is not permitted within the accommodation precincts. Please store your butts in your own carry-out container.
Changes to your departure due to COVID-19 All visitors must use the hand wash facilities provided at Triabunna and at Darlington before boarding the ferry - please allow at least 45 minutes prior to your departure time for this and to sign in.
See also COVID-19 safety information for general statewide information.
Changes to accommodation due to COVID-19
Due to COVID-19, PWS has made some small changes to the Penitentiary accommodation on Maria Island. These changes have been implemented to improve the safety of visitors and include:
- Strict check-out time of 10.30am
- Check-in time is after 2pm
- Maximum capacity signs are located at the entrances of each building
- The spare mattresses that were in each Penitentiary room have been removed
- There are cleaning kits provided in the Mess Hall
- Please use the hand sanitiser stations located at the entrance of the main buildings.
We understand that there may be delays for you due to some of these changes. Some suggestions to improve this for yourself and other users are:
- Bring your own cooking equipment to avoid congestion in the Mess Hall. NOTE: Stoves are not to be used in the Penitentiary rooms.
- Be mindful of other users and the building capacities particularly when using the Mess Hall. Please socialising away from this room (Chapel is available) so that other users can access cooking facilities.
Please be patient. The cleaning of the Penitentiary rooms is a critical component of the reopening and there may be some delays.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, we are doing our best to keep you safe.
For further information please talk directly to Maria Island Parks and Wildlife Service staff.
Make a booking for the Penitentiary here.