Maria Island fulfilled all my fantasies about islands, from adorable wombats and numerous birds to white sandy beaches, a stunning coastline, and unique cliff formations. There are no restaurants or cafes on the island, so it’s essential to bring some simple snacks and water before boarding!
Our journey getting there
To reach Maria Island from Hobart, take a ferry – you can book a round-trip ticket directly on the official website (Encounter Maria Island). Drive 1.5 hours from Hobart to Triabunna Harbor and then take a 30-minute ferry to Maria Island!
We booked the round-trip ferry for the 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM slot, providing a leisurely day to explore the island.
You can also rent a mountain bike on the island!
Things to do on Maria Island
Upon arrival, there are several routes, but Fossil Cliffs Track and Painted Cliffs Track are the most famous. Both have about a 2-hour round-trip hiking time. If you don’t want to walk both routes, we recommend the Painted Cliffs Track, as it offers views of the stunning cliffs in pictures 5-9. The sea along the way is crystal clear, displaying shades of emerald and deep blue.
Wombat Watching
Maria Island is an excellent place to encounter wombats in Australia. However, on the day we visited, the sun was too bright, and the wombats preferred to stay out of sight to avoid the sun. Nevertheless, we eventually spotted some! The area on the island where wombats are commonly seen is Darlington.
Painted Cliffs
Natural swirling patterns are formed on sandstone cliffs by underground water seepage and erosion from wind and sea.
We took a hidden route down to the Painted Cliffs, almost like climbing down the cliffs. The usual route involves wading through water to get there. This place offers the perfect setting for capturing trendy and fragmented photos. It’s recommended to bring along friends who love taking beautiful pictures.
Note: Check the tide table in advance and visit during low tide to see the full view.
Fossil Cliffs
Deposits of fossils dating back 300 million years, including clams, corals, shells, and more. You can capture spectacular cliff landscapes from high vantage points.
On the way to Fossil Cliff, there are numerous fragments of fossilised seashells scattered on the ground. Fossil Cliff features large rock formations stacked with fossils. Personally, it provides a unique experience, evoking a sense of connection with the ancient Earth.
Important information about Maria Island
The entire island is a national park. To visit Maria Island, you not only need to purchase a ferry ticket but also require a national park pass.
Transportation on the island is limited to hiking or renting bicycles, making it less suitable for those with limited physical stamina.
If you plan to rent a bike on the island, it’s advisable to make reservations in advance. This can be done simultaneously when booking ferry tickets online.
There are no businesses on the island, so please ensure to bring your own food and water.
Ferry tickets and national park passes can be purchased on the official website.