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Critical Alert 

Closed area: All parks and reserves closed
From 26/3/2020, last reviewed 31/3/2020

​​​​​Following advice from the Tasmania Department of Health and Tasmanian Government that our community should limit non-essential travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, the PWS has closed all national parks, reserves and campgrounds until further notice.

The PWS is calling on Tasmanians to support the national effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 and stay home during this time. 

From midnight Thursday 26 March, PWS is temporarily closing all national parks, reserves, campgrounds and facilities to recreational and tourism use. This means that all short walks, day walks, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, tours and camping are now closed to the public.  Washrooms, day use facilities, showers and visitor centres are closed until further notice.​

For more information on these closures please refer to the frequently asked questions.​

Maria Island Penitentiary
Maria Island Penitentiary

Maria Island Penitentiary accommodation

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Alerts for Maria Island Penitentiary accommodation

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Closed area: All parks and reserves closed
From 26/3/2020, last reviewed 31/3/2020

​​​​​Following advice from the Tasmania Department of Health and Tasmanian Government that our community should limit non-essential travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, the PWS has closed all national parks, reserves and campgrounds until further notice.

The PWS is calling on Tasmanians to support the national effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 and stay home during this time. 

From midnight Thursday 26 March, PWS is temporarily closing all national parks, reserves, campgrounds and facilities to recreational and tourism use. This means that all short walks, day walks, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, tours and camping are now closed to the public.  Washrooms, day use facilities, showers and visitor centres are closed until further notice.​

For more information on these closures please refer to the frequently asked questions.​

Closed area: Maria Island - showers closed
From 11/3/2020, last reviewed 11/3/2020

​​Visitors to Maria Island National Park are advised that due to infrastructure repairs on the island, the public showers at Darlington will be closed until further notice.

For further information, contact the PWS Maria-Triabunna Field Centre on (03) 6257 1420.​​

FeaturesExpand/Collapse

  • Barbecues
  • Drinking water
  • Park ranger
  • Picnic facilities
  • Showers (hot)
  • 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 t​​​wo people
​$44.00
​Additional adults (18+)
​$10.00
​Family (two adults, three children)
​$50.00
​Additional children (ages 5-17; under 5 years stays free)
​$5.00
​Adult backpacker rate (share room)
​$25.00
​Child backpacker rate (share room)
​$15.00
​School groups (outside school holidays)
​30.00
Bookings:

Bookings are essential and can be made online or via the East Coast Visitor Information Network: (03) 6256 5072;

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 toilets block is separate but nearby. Hot showers are available in the amenities block near the barbecue area and require $1 coins. 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.

​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. 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.

​​A campground and basic bunkhouse-style​​​ accommodation​ is available at Darlington. Free campsites are also available at Frenchs Farm and Encampment Cove​ for overnight walkers. 

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 Ranger Station in Darlington, a short walk from the Maria Island jetty.

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.

Drinking 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.

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 plan your​​ stay overnight.

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.