Maria Island 3 Day Walk

3 days - Guided Walk Package
Day 1 - Hobart to Maria Island

The adventure begins as you depart Hobart for Triabunna at 7:45am. Enjoy the picturesque drive up the coast to where you board the ferry that takes you to the mysterious, Maria Island.

The Ferry ride is 30 minutes long and then you are able to step out onto the historically significant and remarkable Island. A walk around Darlington Township will teach you about the complex past, about the people who lived and worked there and the ghosts that may still roam the land.

Our Lunch location is only a hike away, at Skipping Ridge. Skipping Ridge has some of the best views on the East Coast of Tasmania. You will have full view of Fossil Bay and the Bishop & Clerk walk, named because of the dolerite columns resemblance of a bishop being followed by a clergyman. During lunch, a brief geology lesson is offered, on the fossil cliffs of Maria Island.

After lunch, a hike will take you through grasslands and open forest to the rocky slops of the summit of Bishop & Clerk. On a clear day you will be able to admire the views towards the Freycinet Peninsula. An alternative to climbing up the rocky summit is to walk back to Darlington where you can enjoy some leisure time.

After the hike, return to your accommodation in the world heritage township of Darlington, where you will enjoy a delicious dinner, showcasing local produce and Tasmania’s cool climate wines.

To put yourself in the shoes of those who lived here before, the accommodation for the evening is at the historic convict Penitentiary, which has been refurbished with comfy bunk beds and wood fire heaters.

Walk: 12km, 6-7 hours with breaks

Day 2 - Painted Cliffs, Return Point and Encampment Cove

After breakfast, set off towards Encampment Cove on the southern side of Maria Island. During today’s walk you will have the rare opportunity to visit untouched areas of the Island that not all visitor’s get to experience. Morning tea is held at the stunning Painted Cliffs, splattered with patterns and colourful sandstone, carved and moulded by the sea. Shortly after, you’ll stop for lunch overlooking a beautiful secluded beach.

After lunch, travel further down the Island’s coastline, exploring the historical remains of Frenchs Farm. The farm was built by the French family in 1936, however it is now abandoned. The next stop is Encampment Cove via Lesueur Point, where convict ruins lie in wait, and you can experience the wonderful view of Mercury passage and other local bays.

Arriving at the campsite you will find your tent set up with off the ground beds and your bag waiting for you. A hot bush shower is available and then dinner prepared for you around a campfire.

Walk: 12km, 5-6 hours with breaks

Day 3 - Encampment Cove to Haunted Bay

Breakfast is served then enjoy a walk to Haunted Bay. Walk past Riedle Bay, a magnificent, long, white, empty beach on the eastern side of the isthmus. Take a swim in the warmer months!

Haunted Bay was originally only accessible by sea and was used for whaling and sealing in the early days of European settlement. It is said that it is named Haunted Bay from nigh sounds created by the local penguin population. Your last lunch will be had here before returning to McRae’s Isthmus and taking the Ferry back to Triabunna. Please note that depending on the weather and the pace of the group, we may be able to visit Robey Farm instead of Haunted Bay.

Once you are back in Triabunna the mini bus will be waiting to take you back to Hobart where the adventure finishes at the Hotel Grand Chancellor.