Maria Island

Maria Island is a protected national park island off the east coast of Tasmania, known for its natural scenery, convict-era heritage and large populations of free-roaming wildlife. The island contains significant 19th-century convict remains and coastal geological features.

The Darlington Probation Station, a well-preserved convict-era settlement that forms part of the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage listing, dramatic coastal features such as the Painted Cliffs and Fossil Cliffs, and abundant wildlife including wombats, kangaroos and seabirds. Walking and cycling are the primary ways to explore; there are marked tracks and designated campsites.

The island was used for sealing, whaling and convict probation in the early to mid-19th century, with the Darlington settlement established in that period and later abandoned as a permanent community. Heritage buildings and archaeological remains document that history and are conserved within the park.

Maria Island lies off Tasmania’s east coast; the usual mainland access point is the town of Triabunna, from which a short ferry service runs. The island’s terrain includes coastal cliffs, bays, farmland and low hills.

• Access: Regular passenger ferries connect the island with Triabunna on Tasmania’s east coast, and day trips plus multi-day camping are the common ways to visit.
• Wildlife: Free-roaming wildlife such as wombats and kangaroos are abundant and easy to approach; visitors should not feed animals and should follow park guidelines.

What to See#

• Darlington Probation Station: Darlington Probation Station contains 19th-century convict-era buildings, ruins and archaeological remains that are part of the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage listing.
• Painted Cliffs: The Painted Cliffs are coastal sandstone formations with coloured banding and sculpted surfaces located along the island’s eastern shore, accessible by walking track.
• Fossil Cliffs: The Fossil Cliffs are marine limestone exposures that show ancient shell beds and other fossil-bearing strata along the southern coastline.

Maria Island is reached by passenger ferry from the township of Triabunna on Tasmania’s east coast. Drive east from Hobart along the Tasman Highway (A3) to Triabunna (about 60-80 km depending on route), park at the Triabunna jetty and board the regular Maria Island ferry services to the island.

• Take the earliest ferry from Triabunna to Maria Island-early arrivals have the best chance to see wildlife (wombats, kangaroos) and avoid the bulk of day‑trip crowds that arrive on later sailings.
• Plan your time around the scheduled ferry departures and book return seats in advance; Ferries operate on set timetables and missing the last sailing can severely limit your day on the island.
• Don't rush past Darlington: the World Heritage convict precinct there is the island's main historic site and is often overlooked by visitors who stick to the beach and short coastal walks. Allow time to explore the ruins and nearby interpretive signs.