Maria Island Walk, Tasmania

RECOGNISED AS ONE OF Australia’s truly outstanding experiences, the four-day Maria Island Walk is a delightful blend of rare wildlife, fascinating history, island tranquillity and gourmet delights.

Set on a beautiful island national park off Tasmania’s east coast, small groups of just 10 guests and two friendly guides explore the pristine beaches, tall ancient forests and world heritage sites by day before, each night, relaxing at a mouthwatering candlelit dinner.

Maria Island is a Noah’s Ark for rare animals and birds, some of which are found nowhere else. It is known as one of, if not the best, places in Australia to see wombats in the wild.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience this four day walk amongst a delightful blend of rare wildlife, fascinating history, island tranquillity and gourmet delights.
• In a small group of just ten guests accompanied by two friendly guides you will explore the pristine beaches, tall ancient forests and world heritage sites by day and then each night relax with candlelit dining and elegant accommodation.
• Immerse yourself in the beauty of Maria Island – a Noah’s Ark for rare animals and birds; some of which are found nowhere else. It is also one of Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage listings with its intact convict settlement at Darlington.
• Stay in secluded wilderness camps and heritage-listed Bernacchi House.

AT A GLANCE

Activity level

A moderate level of fitness is required. Guests walk along firm beaches and formed bush tracks and carry a backpack (around 6–8 kg) with all personal gear throughout the walk.  

Duration

4 days, 3 nights

Group size

Minimum 4, maximum 10 guests

Featuring region

Maria Island, Tasmania

ITINERARY

Day 1: Hobart to Maria Island… The first steps

Walking distance: 4–8km depending on optional walks

Starting with a 7.30am hotel pickup, gear issue and briefing we then drive to the coast for a marine adventure in our private catamaran, which will take us to the remote southern end of Maria Island. The afternoon is yours to enjoy – choose from an optional afternoon walk through beautiful forests to Haunted Bay, relax at the delightful Casuarina Beach Camp or take a swim in the sheltered bay. In the evening, enjoy Tasmanian wine and fresh food by candlelight.

Accommodation: Casuarina Beach Camp

Lunch and dinner provided.

Day 2: Maria Island Walk… Five fabulous beaches

Walking distance: 13km depending on optional walks

Walk from Riedle Bay across the rare land formation of the isthmus to Shoal Bay for a stroll across five fabulous beaches. As you walk, your knowledgeable guides will share fascinating stories of human occupation on the island. Explore the convict cells at Point Lesueur and visit an ochre pit at Bloodstone Point – one of the original ochre sources for Tasmanian Aboriginals. In the evening watch the sunset over stunning Four Mile Beach, then put your feet up at White Gums Camp, where you sip wine on the deck and anticipate dinner.

Accommodation: White Gums Camp

Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

Day 3: Maria Island Walk… Into the heart, up to the heights

Walking distance: 9–17km depending on optional walks

Take the gentle inland track to Hopground Beach and the Painted Cliffs or continue to the 711m summit of Mt Maria for breathtaking 360 degree views. Or save the climb for Bishop and Clerk, with its fantastic sea and coastline vistas (these are optional). Finish the day with a sumptuous banquet in the historic colonial home once occupied by Italian entrepreneur Diego Bernacchi. This is also your accommodation for the night.

Accommodation: Bernacchi House

Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided.

Day 4: Maria Island to Hobart Walk… the fabulous top end

Walking distance: 4km

A chance to relax and explore the convict settlement and industrial ruins of Darlington, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue onto the dramatic sea cliffs of Fossil Bay and then head down to the remarkable fossils at Fossil Cliffs. Enjoy a farewell lunch overlooking the stunning Freycinet Peninsula. Return to Hobart with an optional Hobart airport drop-off connecting with flights departing from 6pm or choose to stay another night. Contact our friendly team for suggestions.

Breakfast and lunch provided.

Tour Guides:

Our guides are considered to be the best in the industry. They are such an important part of your Maria Island experience and are not only chosen for their warm, caring and likeable personalities but also for their love of Maria Island.

There’s very little our guides don’t know about the history, flora and wildlife on Maria Island.

Maria Island Walk – Facts and Questions. Find out more information here

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

• Three nights twin-share accommodation as per itinerary
• Two local experienced guides throughout
• Transfers between Hobart and Maria Island by private charter vehicle, boat cruise
• All meals and wine during the Maria Island walk
• National park entry fees
• Backpacks, sleeping bag liners, pillowcases, head torches and waterproof jackets can be provided for use on the trip at no additional charge.

COSTS DO NOT INCLUDE:

• Domestic or international airfares
• Pre-registration, late check-out or day use at hotels other than specified above
• Guide services other than specified
• Meals/beverages other than specified, alcohol
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional tours/services.

COVID-19

Until further notice: from 1st October 2021 we will require that all participants on our tours must be fully vaccinated with a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved vaccine against Covid-19 with the final dose administered no later than two weeks prior to departure. See terms and conditions for more details.

• Accommodation and meals:  Strict hygiene conditions apply to the way accommodation is prepared for your stay and in the serving of meals.
• Vehicles, hygiene & social distancing: all activities will involve careful adherence to cleanliness. Hand sanitiser will be available in many locations and in all land-based vehicles and water-based vessels. Social distancing will always be an issue on board vehicles and vessels; it would be sensible for you to bring your own face masks and hand sanitiser. We may not fill all seats in a vehicle to allow for social distancing.
• The TAS government approved COVID-19 Safety Plan is in place and all suppliers are Covid Clean accredited.