Location: Maria Island
Length: 2 kilometres
Grade: 2 (suitable for most along a flat gravel road and beach)
Distance from: Hobart - 85 km, Launceston - 268 km, Devonport - 187 km
Salvador Dali could not have painted a more surreal scene. The painted cliffs are like a roaring fire frozen in time. Groundwater rich in iron has filtered through the sandstone at the end of Hopground Beach to stain streaks of orange, red and purple into the cliff. And the Tasman Sea has carved out a concave ledge to give it a mesmerising look. One of the most popular attractions on Maria Island, the painted cliffs are a must-see. But you'll have to time your visit right.
The cliff is only exposed for two hours before and after low tide. You'll also need low tide to coincide with the afternoon sun when the cliffs dazzle at their most brilliant. Plus, the weather has to cooperate. You might have 10 good days a month for a visit and a picture. You can check the coming and going of the tides online.
The painted cliffs are on Maria Island, a National Park in the Tasman Sea. Many who visit the east coast summer town of Orford pop out to the island for a visit. You can catch a morning ferry from the east coast town of Triabunna just north of Orford. The ferry docks at Darlington on Maria Island. Luckily, you'll find the well-signposted trailhead right near the docking area.
The drive from Hobart to Triabunna takes about an hour and 10 minutes over 85 kilometres. Launceston is a 187-kilometre drive that takes about 2 hours and 22 minutes. Devonport is 268 kilometres to the northwest, and the drive takes over 3 hours.
Find the signs to Hopground Beach and the Painted Cliffs at the docking area in Darlington on Maria Island. The trail begins by heading south on a gravel road that inclines along the coast. After a few kilometres, you'll come to Hopground Beach. The Painted Cliffs are at the end of the beach. If you time your visit right, you'll be there with a crowd.
Always keep an eye on the ocean from the cliffs. A surge, swell or significant wave could potentially be dangerous.
There are a few amenities on Maria Island. Packaging food and water to bring with you from the mainland is a good idea.
