Maria Island
A whole national park on a car-free island reached by ferry from Triabunna — convict ruins at Darlington, the Painted Cliffs, the Fossil Cliffs and tame wombats.
Maria Island
Maria Island is a whole national park on an island — car-free, reached by ferry from Triabunna, and one of the East Coast’s most rewarding days out. Explore on foot or by bike between the convict ruins at Darlington, the swirling sandstone of the Painted Cliffs and the shell-packed Fossil Cliffs, all while tame wombats graze the grass around you. There are no shops, so bring what you need. Here’s how to plan it.
What to See & Do
Darlington Ruins
A well-preserved convict-era precinct where the ferry lands.
The Painted Cliffs
Swirls of iron-stained sandstone along the shore, best at low tide.
The Fossil Cliffs
A cliff face packed with ancient shells and fossils.
Wombats & Wildlife
Famously tame wombats, wallabies, geese and more on the grassland.
Maria Island Tips
- Book the ferry from Triabunna ahead and check current sailing times
- No cars, no shops — bring food, water and layers, and explore on foot or bike
- See the Painted Cliffs near low tide for the best colour
- Keep your distance from wombats and wildlife — never feed them
- Prefer guided? See our Maria Island tour
Maria Island — FAQ
How do you get to Maria Island?
By passenger ferry from Triabunna — there are no cars on the island, so you explore on foot or by bike. It’s a popular day trip; book the ferry ahead and check current sailing times. See Triabunna & Orford.
What is there to see on Maria Island?
The convict ruins at Darlington, the sandstone Painted Cliffs, the shell-and-fossil-studded Fossil Cliffs, and abundant wildlife — including famously tame wombats, plus wallabies, geese and Tasmanian devils that were introduced to the island.
Can you see wombats on Maria Island?
Yes — Maria Island is one of the best places in Tasmania to see wombats, which graze the open grassland around Darlington and are remarkably relaxed around people. Keep your distance and never feed them.
Can you stay overnight on Maria Island?
There is basic camping and simple bunk-style accommodation in the historic Darlington precinct, but no shops — you bring everything you need. Check current availability and conditions before you go.
Is Maria Island worth a day trip?
Very — you can walk to the Painted Cliffs, the Fossil Cliffs and around Darlington in a day. Bring food, water and layers, as there are no services. Prefer guided? See our Maria Island tour.
East Coast, Planned Around You
The Great Eastern Drive, the Bay of Fires and Maria Island, penguins at Bicheno and oysters by the water — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
Call 0409 661 342 Plan My Trip — Free Enquiry