Maria Island National Park
A car-free island paradise in Tasmania, teeming with wildlife, stunning geology, and convict history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for wildlife spotting
Maria Island National Park
Best Time
Best for wildlife spotting
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A car-free island paradise in Tasmania, teeming with wildlife, stunning geology, and convict history.
"Maria Island feels like Tasmania distilled, offering wildlife, scenery, and history in one easy trip."
🚗 No Cars Allowed!
Enjoy the peace! Explore on foot or rent a bike to cover more ground.
🍎 Pack All Your Food & Water
There are no shops on the island. Bring everything you need for your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wombat Wonderland
Throughout the island
Get up close with abundant wombats grazing freely. They're the stars of the show!
Painted Cliffs
South of Darlington
Marvel at swirling sandstone formations in vibrant orange and cream hues at low tide.
Fossil Cliffs
North of Darlington
Discover ancient marine life preserved in rock, offering a glimpse into prehistoric times.
Convict Precinct
Darlington
Step back in time exploring the historic convict buildings and learning about the island's past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wildlife Encounters
Pack Smart for Island Life
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 No Cars Allowed!
Enjoy the peace! Explore on foot or rent a bike to cover more ground.
🍎 Pack All Your Food & Water
There are no shops on the island. Bring everything you need for your visit.
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the diverse landscapes and trails.
📱 Embrace the Disconnect
Mobile reception is limited, perfect for a digital detox.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 No Cars Allowed!
Enjoy the peace! Explore on foot or rent a bike to cover more ground.
🍎 Pack All Your Food & Water
There are no shops on the island. Bring everything you need for your visit.
🥾 Comfortable Walking Shoes
Essential for exploring the diverse landscapes and trails.
📱 Embrace the Disconnect
Mobile reception is limited, perfect for a digital detox.
🚲 Bike Hire Available
Rent a bike at the jetty to easily explore the island's attractions.
📸 Wildlife Photography
Bring your camera! Wombats and other animals are very photogenic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Maria Island for its abundant and approachable wildlife, particularly the wombats, and its stunning natural beauty, including unique geological formations and scenic walks. The car-free, tranquil atmosphere and rich history also contribute to its appeal, making it a highly recommended destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
"Maria Island feels like Tasmania distilled. The ferry from Triabunna is only thirty minutes yet the moment you step onto the jetty at Darlington the modern world drops away. Wombats graze on open grass like lawnmowers with fur, Cape Barren geese stroll past without a glance and the air smells of eucalyptus carried off the escarpment.
Wildlife is the headline act and it delivers all day long. Friendly wombats and wallabies pop up on every path, Tasmanian devils scavenge after dark and pods of dolphins sometimes shadow the ferry. Because there are no cars you hear nothing but birds and the crunch of gravel under bike tyres.
Scenery competes hard for attention. The Painted Cliffs show off swirls of orange and cream sandstone at low tide, the Fossil Cliffs reveal ancient shells frozen in rock and the climb to Bishop and Clerk rewards leg work with a sweeping panorama of the Freycinet Peninsula floating on the horizon. Even a stroll between the tall blue gums behind Darlington feels like walking through a natural cathedral.
History lingers in the convict precinct where weathered brick buildings line dusty avenues and interpretation signs fill quiet rooms with voices from the 1830s. At night you can sleep in the old penitentiary or pitch a tent under she-oaks; either way the Milky Way looks close enough to touch.
Practicalities are simple. Bring food and water, hire a bike at the jetty if you want to cover ground quickly and keep your park pass handy. Mobile reception flickers in and out which is a gift, not a flaw. For an island that serves wildlife encounters, coastal geology, heritage ruins and starry skies in a single easy trip, Maria Island National Park earns a wholehearted five stars."
Le Hoang Giap
"Such a nice park. Full of wildlife and nature. Bikes are mot necessary to fully enjoy the island. I actually think it’s better on foot if you want to spot wildlife."
Paula Ceccon Ribeiro
"Essential wombat viewing. The walks aren't as long as they suggest if you are a decent walker so you can fit in a longer lunch or a few more spots. We saw echidna, pademelons, kangaroos, Wedge tailed eagle and plenty of Wombats. Some of the scenery is spectacular, especially fossil cliffs."
Joshua Boulton (JBCricketball)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Maria Island National Park is via a 30-minute ferry ride from Triabunna on Tasmania's east coast. Bookings are recommended, especially during peak season.
Some sources mention a 7kg per person limit for the ferry, but this is primarily for hand luggage. Larger items like camping gear and food can be accommodated, though it's best to confirm with the ferry operator when booking.
No, Maria Island National Park is a car-free zone. This enhances the peaceful atmosphere and allows for closer wildlife encounters.
Ferry services typically run daily, but schedules can vary. It's essential to check the latest timetable with the ferry operator and book your tickets in advance.
Besides essentials like food and water, consider bringing a jacket as it can be breezy on the water. Binoculars can also enhance wildlife viewing.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service pass is required for entry into Maria Island National Park. These can be purchased online or at various outlets.
Maria Island National Park is accessible year-round. The ferry operates on a schedule, and the park itself is open 24/7, though overnight stays require booking accommodation.
Costs include the ferry ticket and a parks pass. Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official websites for the most up-to-date information on ferry fares and park pass fees.
Yes, you can stay overnight in the historic penitentiary buildings or camp in designated areas. Booking accommodation in advance is highly recommended.
While not always readily available, some operators offer guided walks or cycling tours. It's worth checking local tour providers for options.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Maria Island is famous for its abundant wildlife, including wombats, wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas, Tasmanian devils (at night), and various bird species like Cape Barren geese.
Popular walks include the Painted Cliffs, Fossil Cliffs, and the climb to Bishop and Clerk for panoramic views. Shorter strolls through the blue gums are also rewarding.
Absolutely! Staying overnight allows you to experience the island's tranquility, see nocturnal wildlife like Tasmanian devils, and enjoy incredible stargazing.
Yes, bike hire is available at the Darlington jetty. Cycling is a popular way to cover more ground and explore the island's attractions.
Maria Island has a rich history, including a convict settlement in the 1830s and a later Italian settlement. You can explore the convict precinct and learn about these past lives.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no commercial food outlets on Maria Island. Visitors must bring all their own food and drinks.
Pack non-perishable items, snacks, and plenty of water. Consider meals that are easy to prepare if you're camping or staying overnight.
Yes, there are several scenic spots perfect for a picnic. Enjoy your meal surrounded by nature and wildlife.
Limited potable water may be available at the Darlington campground, but it's always best to bring your own supply to be safe.
If you stay overnight, you'll need to be self-sufficient with your food. Plan your meals accordingly, as there are no dining facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
The Painted Cliffs, Fossil Cliffs, and the general wildlife areas are fantastic for photos. The panoramic views from Bishop and Clerk are also spectacular.
Wombats are the main stars, so capturing them grazing or interacting is a must. Baby wombats (joeys) are particularly popular subjects.
Wildlife on Maria Island is generally habituated to humans and can be quite approachable, but always maintain a respectful distance.
Early morning and late afternoon offer softer light, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography. The colours of the Painted Cliffs are best at low tide.
A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing wildlife from a distance, but a standard zoom lens is often sufficient for general shots, especially with the approachable animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Walking and cycling are great ways for families to explore. The car-free environment means children can roam more freely (with supervision, of course). Pack plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities on the island. Consider a picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery for a memorable family meal. The historical convict precinct also offers an educational element that can spark curiosity about the past.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
The car-free environment means you can truly appreciate the sounds of nature and the scent of eucalyptus. The opportunity to encounter abundant wildlife like wombats and wallabies along the trails adds an extra layer of magic to any hike. Remember to pack adequate water and wear sturdy footwear for your explorations.
📸 Photographers
+1 Don't miss the Painted Cliffs for their unique textures and colours, especially at low tide, and the Fossil Cliffs for macro shots of ancient marine life. For sweeping vistas, the climb to Bishop and Clerk offers incredible panoramic views. The historic convict precinct provides atmospheric shots with a touch of history. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for landscape and wildlife photography. Remember to bring a good zoom lens for wildlife and a wide-angle lens for those expansive island views.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Encounters: The Heart of Maria Island
+1Beyond the iconic wombats, keep an eye out for wallabies, kangaroos, and echidnas. Birdlife is also abundant, with the distinctive calls of Cape Barren geese often heard. For a truly special experience, staying overnight increases your chances of spotting Tasmanian devils as they forage after dark. The island also serves as a safe haven for endangered species, making it a crucial conservation area.
Remember that while the wildlife is approachable, it's essential to maintain a respectful distance and never feed the animals. This ensures their continued well-being and allows future visitors to have similar incredible encounters.
Exploring Maria Island: Walks, Bikes, and History
For more challenging hikes, the Fossil Cliffs reveal ancient marine life embedded in the rock, while the ascent to Bishop and Clerk rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the Freycinet Peninsula. If you prefer to cover more ground, bike hire is available at the Darlington jetty. Cycling allows you to easily reach further points of interest and enjoy the island's diverse landscapes at your own pace.
Even simple strolls through the tall blue gum forests behind Darlington feel like walking through a natural cathedral. The absence of cars means the only sounds are those of nature – birdsong, the crunch of gravel underfoot, and the gentle rustle of leaves. This immersive experience is a key part of Maria Island's charm.
+1Planning Your Overnight Stay
An overnight stay allows you to witness the island under the stars, with the Milky Way often appearing incredibly vivid due to the lack of light pollution. It also significantly increases your chances of spotting nocturnal wildlife, such as the elusive Tasmanian devil. Waking up to the sounds of nature and the sight of wombats grazing in the morning mist is an unforgettable experience.
Remember that when staying overnight, you must be entirely self-sufficient. This means bringing all your food, water, and any necessary camping gear. There are no shops or restaurants on the island, so meticulous planning is key to a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit