Maria Island National Park is Tasmania’s only island Park, six kilometres off the state’s east coast and a short ferry ride from Triabunna, 90 minutes north-east of Hobart (88 kilometres).
Maria Island National Park has a rich history. Originally inhabited by the indigenous Tyreddeme people, it has also been whaling and sealing post, penal settlement and an Italianate pleasure resort. You can explore the Island on bushwalks including Fossil Cliffs, Painted Cliffs, and the peaks of Mt Maria and Bishop and Clerk. There are no cars here, so mountain biking is also a wonderful way to see the Park.
Basic accommodation includes bunk rooms in the Penitentiary at Darlington – a once-thriving settlement that included a vineyard, coffee palace and Grand Hotel. Camping is also available here and at free sites at French’s Farm and Encampment Cove. Abundant wildlife includes Cape Barren geese, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas and wombats. The Island’s marine reserves are rich with sea life including seahorses, sea dragons, colourful sponge gardens and jewel anemones. From the cliff tops you may also see dolphins, whales, seals and sea eagles.
A National Park Pass is required of your visit. For further information see the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife website.
Place Categories: See & Do in Freycinet & The East Coast.
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[…] could also visit the sub-Antarctic Plant House at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens. Y