3 days off + sunny forecast + last minute decision with friends at work = perfect time for an a getaway on Maria Island! This island is not only famous for its history of being a former convict probation centre in the late 1800's, but also for being wild, full of animals, its white sand beaches and its walking or biking trails. So here we go, description of my getaway.

​

Departure on the 10th of March because the 12th of March is a public holiday, so why not make the most of it! In the morning I picked up my bags, ready to go camping 2 nights 3 days, bringing a bit of food (tuna and instant noodles diet it is), the tent and the sleeping bag because it can get cool at night. My 3 travelling mates picked me up with their car. We drove 2 hours from Launceston to Triabunna, which is a maritime village from where the ferry departs to go to Maria.

​

Once in Triabunna, you have to go to the Visitor Center in order to buy the return ferry tickets as well as your National Park Pass in Tasmania (if my friend did not have it we should have bought it). See http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/?base=914 for more information on national park prices.

​

The ferry: return price per person $ 50 + $ 5 per bag. They asked us how many bags we have, we said 1 backpack each, even if we have 3 bags each! Nobody checks because they provide a container where everyone puts their luggage at the same time.

For the ferry timetable, check the website https://encountermaria.com.au/timetable-pricing-luggage-check/. There is plenty of space to park the car at the marina car park or behind the Visitor Center, free of charge. The ferry crossing is very pleasant and takes only 30 minutes. We can stay inside the boat, outside under cover or at the front, without cover though and very windy!

 

Arrival at Maria Island: first things we notice, the white sand beach and the water so clear that we can see the bottom from the jetty. The pretty house on the right hand side of the pier is actually the Visitor Center, this is where we have to book our tent sites. There is also plenty of information about Maria Island and its history. They gave us a group price, we are 3 tents and 4 people, at $ 13 a night. Total cost of accommodation $39 for 4 people for 3 nights. Cheapest campground ever!

 

Campground tour: the campground is located just behind the sand dunes, so the beach is 50 m away. We chose our own sites because there is no number or areas allocated. We set up the tents and we are ready to explore! The camp's kitchen is great: gas stoves, hot water with large sink to do the dishes, and drinking water are provided, all located in an open kitchen but with a roof and several picnic tables. The bathrooms only have 2 toilets and 2 showers (hot water shower priced at $1 for 3 minutes, have your change ready).​

 

First walk: it is already mid afternoon, we need to find a 1 or 2 hour walk, so Fossil Cliffs Walk is perfect! A short walk through the valley through the old buildings of Darlington and the ruins called Twelve Apostles, leads us to a beautiful view of the ocean and the neighboring islands from the top of the limestone cliffs. Walking a little further we arrive at an old limestone quarry (there was a cement factory back in the days). Here we spot our first wombat! Further North, when the sun starts to go down, we are surrounded by hundreds of wallabies! A little further, there is an old cemetery where you can read the inscriptions on some headstones that gives us an insight of those people's history. Then, it is all about the wombats, they are everywhere and they let us approach and pat them! Great fun!

​

​

The following day: we are ready for a day hike starting with the visit of Painted Cliffs (accessible at least 2 hours after high tide as the water covers the path). These rocks made of sandstone are orange in color and look like waves. Very pretty! We continue walking to reach the beginning of the trail that leads to Mount Maria. The trail is quite easy until you have to walk on the rocks and then almost climb the rocks! It is advised to wear good non slip shoes! Once at the top, the view of the island and beyond is amazing if the weather is not misty of course. On the way back we spend some time at the beach before sunset and have a quick swim, even though the water is very fresh (it's good to relax the muscles after a long walk I hear!). At night we tried to spot the devils of Tasmania but with no success!

​

Maria Island's map and its walking trails:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last day: we decide to hire mountain bikes at $30 a day, quite expensive but it is perfect to save time and visit the south of the island. After visiting 2 beautiful beaches, getting stuck in the sand and falling off my bike, we unfortunately don't have enough time to go to Riedle Bay which looks a lot like Wineglass Bay, all that because the path is too sandy so we had to walk from Frenchs Farm and it takes a lot more time! Our ferry is at 5pm, we must return to the campground to pack the tents, give the wombats our last cuddles, and we even come across a tiger snake on the way!

​

​

Things to know:

• There are no shops on Maria Island, so you have to carry over all your provisions.

• There are no rubbish bins on the island so you have to put all the rubbish in a bag (not supplied) and bring it back with you on the ferry.

• Metal "bins" are provided but not for rubbish, it's for belongings and food because the possums are very active and would just eat everything!

• There are another 2 campgrounds available on Maria Island but only accessible on foot (3 hours) or by bike (1 hour), located further south, French's Farm and Encampment Cove. These campsites are free and have toilets available.

• There is also accommodation available in the former Darlington Penitentiary (bunk beds), it must be booked in advance.

• Trolleys are provided to carry the luggage if you can't carry it all from the ferry.

​

​

We could have easily spent 5 nights on Maria Island as there are so many more walks to enjoy. To sum up, I loved it and I highly recommend visiting Maria Island!

​

All my photos from Maria Island are available on my Facebook page (under photos) and on Instagram.