History

Any interesting history for the region?

Features

What are the standout bushwalking features?

Access

How do you get there? Include all access points if there are many?

Maps

Which maps cover the region?

Accommodation

Where can I stay there? or near there?

Camping

Other

Contact details

https://parks.tas.gov.au/explore-our-parks/maria-island-national-park

Walks in Maria Island National Park

Medium

8 km return

4 hrs

Bishop & Clerk

Bishop and Clerk is a popular day walk on Maria Island, and is one of Tasmania’s “Top 60 Great Short Walks”. Please see the official guidebook for route description
Great views from the rocky summit.

Easy

12 km one-way

4 hrs

Darlington to Frenchs Farm

Frenchs Farm, one of two campgrounds near the middle of Maria Island, is reached either by taking the Coast Road (via Painted Cliffs) or Inland Track. The Coast Road is the easier (and more scenic) option which follows the coastline, past a number of bays and beaches. The campground is huge with many shaded and private campsite. Water is normally availabe from a water tank.

Easy

4.5 km return

2.5 hrs

Fossil Cliffs Circuit

The Fossil Cliffs are considered one of the best examples of life 250 million years ago, with a vast number of shellfish fossils embedded in the limestone cliffs. Best at low tide when you can clamber down to the shoreline. The circuit also passes some historic buildings in Darlington and offers some nice views of Bishop and Clerk and the high sea cliffs on the east coast.

Medium

22 km return

4 hrs

Haunted Bay

A very long day walk (or bike ride) from Darlington, or easily accessible from Frenchs Farm / Encampment Cove campgrounds. A fairly easy walk to a beautiful bay, which was a whaling site in the 1800s and is home to fairy penguins.

Medium

18 km return

5 hrs

Mt Maria

Mount Maria (711 m) is the highest point on the island, and offers sweeping views up and down the Tasmanian coast. The last part of the track goes up a scree slope with some clambering up (or down!) large boulders just before the summit.

Easy

4.3 km return

2 hrs

Painted Cliffs/Oast House Circuit

​This relaxing coastal walk on Maria Island becomes a stunning one once you reach its destination: the Painted Cliffs.

What these cliffs lack in height they more than make up for with their amazing colours and swirling patterns. The patterns are caused by ground water percolating down through the sandstone and staining the rock. Wave action and sea spray have continued the erosion, resulting in magical honeycomb patterns, pothol​es and notches.

The cliffs are best approached at lower tide levels, to allow safe access to the rock platform beneath the cliffs. They are especially brilliant towards sunset. Bring your camera!

Relax on Hopground Beach. Swim, snorkel and explore the rockpools of the Maria Island Marine Reserve.

Bicycles may be ridden on the formed road sections but not on beaches or walking tracks.

Medium

44 km return

2 days

Robeys Farm

A very long day walk (or bike ride) from Darlington, or easily accessible in a day from Frenchs Farm / Encampment Cove campgrounds. The walk along a sandy track end at the Robeys Farm farmhouse, which is in pretty good condition and has a number of original artefacts inside the house.

Easy

4 km return

90 mins

The Reservoir Circuit

This easy walk is sheltered from the coastal winds and provides a glimpse of Maria Island's wildlife and history. This walk is one of the best places to see the endangered forty-spotted pardalote. The walk takes you through open woodlands into t​all eucalypt forest, and returns via ruins from the old cement works. The area near the reservoir is a good place for a picnic in the bush. Cycling is only permitted on Southern track due to safety.