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Map of Hike Tasmania's Maria Island including Australia

Spot wombats and surround yourself with history on Maria Island

Discover the fascinating convict history of Maria Island on a four-day walking adventure which gives you time to appreciate the many different aspects of this beautiful and historically significant destination. On this trip, you’ll spot wombats as you explore convict ruins, spend the night in World Heritage-listed accommodation that once served as a prison cell for convicts, challenge yourself with full day walks, or take it easy on scenic strolls around the island. This tour delivers a breath of fresh air, wildlife spotting opportunities galore, and walks for every age and ability.

Start
Hobart, Australia
Finish
Hobart, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Basix
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
PTXM
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 10

Why you'll love this trip

  • Learn about the history of Maria island which operated as a penal station from 1825 and 1832 and housed convicts working in industries including timber-cutting, tanning, shoe-making and cloth production.

  • Enjoy a selection of walks from the stunning Mount Bishop and Clerk Summit hike to the Soldiers and Bloodstone Beaches hike – all tailored to the abilities and willingness of your group.

  • Experience an unforgettable night in the Penitentiary Dorm, comfortable shared accommodation that was once used as a prison cell for convicts

  • Each group is guided by 2 experienced and professional guides who also whip up hearty meals, starting from each day’s breakfast, through to picnic style lunches and a big dinner every evening.

  • Enjoy walks along remote and beautiful beaches, where Oyster Catchers and Hooded Plovers dance along the beach and Pacific Gulls and Black Swans float restfully in the bay.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is a walking trip so a good fitness level will help you enjoy all the included walks and activities.

  • It is very important to bring right gear and clothing. Please read Packing List supplied on Essential Trip Information document carefully.

  • This trip starts early in the morning on Day 1 and finishes late in the afternoon of Day 4. Please check the exact joining and finishing details and re-book extra accommodation if you need to.

  • On Days 2 & 4 you will have to carry your own luggage. Please pack lightly – we advise you bring backpack no bigger than 50 litres and pack only necessary items. Excess luggage can be stored in Hobart at the beginning of the trip.

  • Accommodation of Day 1 is in the Penitentiary Dorm – a great experience but you will be sharing this dorm with other members of your group. The other 2 nights of this trip are camping in Safari Style tents which you won’t need to put up or down.

  • This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

Painted Cliffs, Maria Island, Tasmania
Summit view from Mt Bishop & Clerk, Maria Island, Tasmania
Shoal Bay, Maria Island, Tasmania
View of Haunted Bay, Maria Island, Tasmania
Convict buildings, Maria Island, Tasmania

Itinerary
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This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 Jul 2023 to 30 Jun 2024.
 View the 2022 itinerary

Your adventure begins in Hobart (nipaluna in the language of the muwinina and palawa peoples, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Hobart is now located). Meet your group at 8am before you hit the road for Triabunna where you’ll board the ferry to Maria Island. Today, there are several options, depending on the group’s fitness levels and interests. Challenge yourself with the 12km Bishop and Clerk hike and be rewarded with stunning clifftop and ocean views from the towering dolerite peak. Look up at the summit and you’ll see the peaks’ resemblance to a bishop, wearing a mitre, being followed by a clergyman. Or go on a leisurely guided walk around the northern end of Maria Island, taking in the fascinating history which includes seven years as a penal station, and the island’s time as a probation station, sheep farm and a cement factory during the Depression. Tonight, you’ll sleep in the old Penitentiary at Darlington, a World Heritage-listed convict site with comfortable beds. Unlike the convicts who frequently tried to escape Maria Island, you won’t be in a hurry to leave this beautiful spot.
Accommodation
  • Penitentiary Dorm (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hobart - Maria Island Ferry
  • Maria Island - Penitentiary Dorm Accommodation
  • Maria Island - Mount Bishop & Clerk Summit Hike
Meals Included
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total walking distance is 4km for the Circuit Walk or 8km for the Bishop and Clerk walk.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting at 8am as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time and then departing on the tour. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Starting from the settlement of Darlington, walk south along Maria Islands’ western coastline, to the Painted Cliffs which are famous for their patterned sandstone rocks smoothed and shaped by thousands of years of weathering. Further south stop for lunch and a perhaps swim at Four Mile Beach, the half way point on your journey to French’s Farm. Following lunch, pass over a headland to the beautiful pristine white sands, and aqua clear waters of Soldiers and Bloodstone Beaches where you can beachcomb and study shells with sand between your toes. At the end of Bloodstone Beach is Point Lesueur and ruins from the second convict era when Maria Island served as a probation station. After a moment of reflection, it is a short walk to tonight’s camp at historic French’s Farm where you’ll spend the night in Safari Style tents which have stretcher beds and comfortable bedding, solar lighting, folding stools, a bedside table and room to stand up inside.
Accommodation
  • Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Maria Island - Painted Cliffs Hike
  • Maria Island - Four Mile Beach visit
  • Maria Island - Soldiers and Bloodstone Beaches hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total walking distance is 14km over a leisurely 5 to 6 hours.

After a hearty breakfast, lace up your walking shoes and hit the trail to Haunted Bay or Robey’s Farm if the weather isn’t favourable for a long walk. The hike to Haunted Bay travels along kilometres of stunning beaches so beautiful and remote, it gives you a feeling of total relaxation and escape. Keep an eye out for Oyster Catchers and Hooded Plovers which dance along the beach in front of you, and Pacific Gulls and Black Swans floating in the bay. After passing First Nations Middens and walking through a tall Eucalypt forest, you’ll arrive at Haunted Bay for a picnic lunch. Following lunch, retrace your steps back to camp at French’s Farm and enjoy a pre-dinner swim or a sunset stroll among the wombats and kangaroos that call Maria Island home.
Accommodation
  • Camping (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Maria Island - Haunted Bay Hike
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is 19km to Haunted Bay or 16km for the Robey’s Farm option. Both walks take between 6 and 8 hours.

After breakfast, it’s time to walk back to Darlington via the inland track, through a forest of Stringy Barks and White Peppermints and along an undulating track through the foothills of Mount Maria and over the upper reaches of Four Mile Creek. On your way to Darlington, visit the Oast House which was built by convicts in 1844 and used for everything from drying hops to wine making and even an abattoir in farming times. At the World Heritage-listed Darlington, you’ll have time to explore the convict buildings and learn about criminal reform, industrial foresight and Maria Island’s farming era. After a leisurely lunch, board the ferry for the trip back to Triabunna and the coach trip back to Hobart, arriving at approximately 5pm when your adventure concludes. If you would like to stay on in Hobart, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Included Activities
  • Maria Island - Oast House visit
  • Maria Island - Hike to Darlington
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is 12km and takes approximately 4 hours.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

walking, Ferry, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Penitentiary Dorm (1 night), Safari Style Camping (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Hobart - Maria Island Ferry
  • Maria Island - Penitentiary Dorm Accommodation
  • Maria Island - Mount Bishop & Clerk Summit Hike
  • Maria Island - Painted Cliffs Hike
  • Maria Island - Four Mile Beach visit
  • Maria Island - Soldiers and Bloodstone Beaches hike
  • Maria Island - Haunted Bay Hike
  • Maria Island - Oast House visit
  • Maria Island - Hike to Darlington

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Hike Tasmania's Maria Island trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. FIRST DAY: Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 8am on Day 1 in Hobart. Please see Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.

2. FINAL DAY: You are expected to arrive back into Hobart around 5pm and dropped off at the same location as the joining point.
There is no accommodation included on the last day in Hobart, however we can request any additional nights should you need them.

3. Please pack lightly as you will have to carry your luggage on Days 2 & 4. 50 litres backpacks will be available for you to rent free of charge at the beginning of the trip. You will be able to leave excess luggage in hotel in Hobart.

4. This is a camping trip with all essential gear provided; tall safari tents, which include off the ground stretcher beds, pillows and comfortable bedding.

5. A single supplement is not available for this trip.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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