Maria Island Penitentiary
Maria Island Penitentiary

Maria Island Penitentiary accommodation

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Alerts for Maria Island Penitentiary accommodation

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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


Fire ban: Seasonal campfire bans are in place
Applies from 20/12/2025

​There is currently a seasonal campfire ban on PWS managed parks and reserves in the following areas:

  • ​Maria Island and Flinders Island

  • All parks and reserves in the municipalities of Glamorgan-Spring Bay, Dorset, Break O’Day and Tasman.

  • Narrawntapu National Park, Tooms Lake and Snakey Creek Conservation Area

This ban includes campfires, pot fires and other solid fuel.

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

A map of Tasmania highlighting areas where campfire bans are in place

Look out for these signs.

Stylised campfire with a red cross through it

Round pot on three legs with a flue. Red cross through it showing that these are not allowed to be used

Please note: Parts of the reserved estate including The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, the Vale of Belvoir Conservation Area and the Three Capes Track are fuel stove only areas at all times of the year.​

Last reviewed 10/3/2026 12:06 PM


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.
Hut   
Fees:

Rooms 1-9 (6 berth): Price Per room, per night:

Booking Options​​​
Rate/Night​
​Standard rate - 2 guest
​$75
​Family rate - 2 adults, and up to 4 children
​$75

Room 10 (14 berth)
​Booking Options
​Rate/Night
​Standard rate - 2 guests​
​$1​25​
​Fami​ly rate - 2 adults and up to 8 children
​$125​


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.​​

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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.