MARIA ISLAND NATIONAL PARK

The park is home to wallabies, wombats, kangaroos, fairy penguins, the world’s second most rare goose – the Cape Barren goose - and several rare and unusual bird species. It also provides access to diverse marine life such as dolphins that chase baitfish through Mercury Passage and whales on their migration path to the Antarctic, and seals at the Ile des Phoques colony.

The islands history spans not only the convict era – it pre-dates Port Arthur as a convict settlement – but also shortlived silk-making, wine-making and cement manufacturing ventures that were part of a bold but ultimately tragic vision of an ambitious Italian entrepreneur, Diego Bernacchi.

Significant historical sites range from Aboriginal camps to landmarks of early explorers, convict ruins and post-convict era farm homesteads and remains.  Most heritage is concentrated at the northern tip of the island in the area of the Darlington convict settlement, which has the restored Coffee Palace, former penitentiary and Commissariat building, as well as convict brickworks. The Darlington precinct is one of Tasmania’s most significant historic sites and is under consideration by the Australian Government for World Heritage listing for its heritage and cultural values.  Also at Darlington, the restored Bernacchi House is National Trust-listed and is the location for a banquet and overnight stay for guests on the final night of The Maria Island Guided Walk.

The Maria Island National Park is 11,550 hectares, including 1,878 hectares of marine reserve and the 7.4 hectare Ile des Phoques. Maria is 19.3 km long and 13 km wide.  The island is about 30 minutes by passenger ferry from the east coast of Tasmania (Mercury passage is 5km wide at its narrowest point). The only vehicles on the island are used by park rangers in the course of their duties.
 

THE MARIA ISLAND GUIDED WALK

Background: The four-day Maria Island Walk is Tasmania’s latest guided walk. It was developed in 2002 and is to meet the growing demand for high quality tourism products that provide a genuine, intimate experience of the kind of nature that is rapidly disappearing elsewhere in the world.  The Walk is the first commercial tourism operation to be based on this island National Park. It provides the only guided experience of the island and the only accommodation, other than public camping facilities at Darlington and basic dormitory-style accommodation in the former Penitentiary building.

Where: Maria Island is a short boat ride from Triabunna, on Tasmania’s east coast.

When: The four-day trips leave Hobart on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from October - May.

Weather: Maria Island National Park has a temperate, mild climate.

Group size: Limited to a maximum of eight persons, accompanied by two guides.   Nominally the minimum client number is 4 per trip, however this may be relaxed at the discretion of walk operator.

Children and Senior Citizens: Walk participants must be 12 years or older unless by prior approval.  Persons aged 70 or over require a medical certificate.  Vegetarians are catered by prior arrangement.

Vegetarians: are catered by prior arrangement.

Eco-friendly commitment: The walk has a commitment to working in harmony with the island's superb natural environment. Minimal impact walking practices are observed and wilderness camps are environmentally-sensitive.

The low-down: This four-day trip includes two nights at comfortable beach front wilderness camps and the final night at historic Bernacchi House at the Darlington settlement. Group sizes are small and intimate with maximum eight guests and accompanied by two experienced guides. The guides ensure you travel light with backpacks weighing 7-10 kg.

Cost: Includes all transfers between Hobart and Maria Island; 3 night's twin share accommodation; all meals and wine; two experienced and friendly guides per group; use of gear and park entry fees.

Season: Trips depart on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from October to April.

The Guides: are well-trained, enthusiastic Tasmanians with skills in bringing to life a depth of information on Maria Island's flora, fauna and history. They prepare delicious fresh meals from the best Tasmanian produce.

Walking Gear: You will be supplied with backpacks, silk sleeping sheets, head torches and raincoats. You will need to provide walking shoes, clothes and personal effects - we forward a gear list on confirmation of your booking. Guests do not need to carry sleeping bags as they are stored at each camp.

Safety: Your safety and comfort is of paramount importance. The walk staff operate under our established safety management systems, have first aid qualifications and carry first aid resources on all walks. There is a ratio of two guides per walk experienced, licensed local operators are engaged for the charter boat and ferry transport to and from Maria Island.

Other information: Due to weather conditions, the walk reserves the right to amend the itinerary and related arrangements. In the rare event that sea conditions make the crossing to Maria Island uncomfortable there may be delays or alternative arrangements will be made.

Key features: The Walk features the island’s rugged coastline, untouched beaches, striking mountains, 15 forest communities and diverse geology such as the world-class Fossil Cliffs. It is an eco-friendly tourism experience, observing minimal impact walking practices. Tent camps are environmentally sensitive, guests drink rainwater from unpolluted skies and at Darlington, solar power is used.
 

WALKING CONDITIONS

Walking is graded as easy to moderate and takes place on formed tracks or beaches with firm sand (as an example, sand is sufficiently firm for riding a bicycle).  The walking ranges from 4-13 km  a day (17 km for the optional Mt Maria route). It is suited to those who are medically fit and healthy.

Most walking is on flat ground, except for a gentle climb on Day 3 when you head inland to the interior track, which reaches a maximum elevation of 150 metres above sea level. The track follows an old road that winds through the worlds largest tall blue gum forests.

More energetic members of the party can take a well-worn foot track a further 550 metres to the top of Mt Maria. This option would result in a total of 17 km or 8 hours walking for the day.

Those who choose to continue along the interior track to the Painted cliffs and Darlington will travel 9 km in about 4 hours.

Walk participants must be 12 years or older unless by prior approval.  Persons aged 70 or over require a medical certificate.  Vegetarians are catered by prior arrangement.
 

ACCOMMODATION

GEAR LIST

The following information will assist with your planning and ensure that you have an enjoyable trip.  Guests carry a light backpack (about 6 kg) with personal items. Packs, waterproof jackets, sleeping sheets and sleeping bags are supplied (we do not carry the sleeping bags as they are stored at the camps). Guests must have their own walking boots with ankle support.

You are provided with:
* lightweight backpack(40 or 60 Litres)
* waterproof jacket
* sleeping bag and inner sheet (sleeping bags await us each night at the camps)
* first aid kit (carried by guides and provided at camps)
(You are welcome to use your own pack, raincoat and sleeping sheet if you wish)

You need to bring:
* walking boots – these must have ankle support and a sole with tread. New boots need to be worn in well before the trip
* long pants (not jeans) x 1
* long-sleeve shirt x 1
* thermal long-sleeve top x 1
* fleece jacket or warm jumper x 1
* T-shirts x 2 (only 1 if you take the long-sleeve shirt for sun protection)
* shorts x 1
* socks x 3
* underwear
* swimwear
* sunglasses
* sun hat
* water bottle, at least 1.5litre
* plastic mug
* pillowcase
* sunscreen and insect repellent
* hand towel or body chamois
* toiletries – often the heaviest items so transfer to small plastic containers. Shampoo and soap are provided.
* shoes/sandals for evening (optional)
 

DIFFERENTIATION FROM OTHER WALKS

The Maria Island Guided Walk is distinctive, in terms of other existing guided walks, due to:

Heritage: Maria Island and Darlington Convict Settlement have many layers of history which are waiting to be unravelled for our guests. From Baudin’s encounters with aboriginal tribes to the whalers; convict life to the Bernacchi era; and the pastoralists and fishermen to the conservation era. There are many fascinating tales to be told and the restored Coffee Palace and evocative ruins to be explored. We then live that history by staying in a heritage listed house on the final night.

Wildlife:  The island’s wildlife really is exceptionally abundant and guests are guaranteed of seeing kangaroos and wallabies, wombats and the rare Cape Barren Geese at very close quarters.

Marine Animals:  Weather permitting, you will visit a seal colony at Ile des Phoques (named “Island of the Seals” by Baudin) where guests will see large packs of playful Australian Fur Seals at close hand. Whales, dolphins and seabirds are often seen in the waters around Maria Island. Much of the offshore area of Darlington is a Marine Park

Island Tranquility:  A feature of the trip is the tranquillity, romance and mystique of a beautiful yet uninhabited island (other than park rangers) and the peacefulness of getting away from it all with the short ferry ride from mainland Tasmania. The entire island is a national park and any modern signs of human intervention are unobtrusive. The only vehicles on the island are those used by rangers in the course of their duties.
 

OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Snakes:  Each of the three species of Tasmanian snakes are found on Maria Island.  However as you walk on formed tracks and beaches with watchful guides, it is unlikely that any of the walk party shall have a close encounter with a snake during the trip.

Mercury Passage crossing:  Brian Hawkins, a licensed tour boat operator, has been chartered to take the small walk groups across to Maria Island. Mercury Passage is a relatively sheltered section of water 5 km wide at its narrowest. Brian is an experienced mariner with 25 years in the fishing industry.

Washing/Bathing:  Beachfront camps have a choice of a warm water 'camp shower' or hand basins for washing. Environmentally sensitive composting toilets are at each camp. At Bernacchi House in Darlington, clients have access to two showers and a bath before their final night banquet.

Luggage Storage: Your extra luggage can be safely stored whilst you visit the island and it will be waiting for you as you meet the coach on y our return to Triabunna on Day 4.

Fishing: Whilst there is potential for clients to catch fish for dinner at the end of their boat trip across Mercury Passage, at this stage this activity is not included in the standard trip itinerary.

The Walk

Come home to yourself on an island walk like no other. Tread softly through a refuge for rare wildlife and plants. Trace history from the era of convicts back to the ancient super-continent of Gondwana. Follow a coastline carved by sea and storm.

The entire island is a national park - one island, one thousand delights. Friendly, expert guides show you how to unlock Maria's mystery.

Connect with the soothing rhythm of the sea. Soak up the peace of beaches and secluded coves. Explore the secrets of fifteen different forest communities. Watch stars appear in a big night sky. Feel your energy levels rise. Absorb mountain and coastal landscapes that deliver stunning views and fresh inner perspectives.

Feel the pulse of an island teeming with life. Walk in the midst of a wildlife haven. Mammals, birds and marine creatures are only a heartbeat away. Wake to a greeting from the world's second most rare goose. Stop for lunch and marvel at the antics of endangered 40-spotted Pardalotes in the white gums.

Slow to the pace of an echidna foraging for ants. Share dusk with a grazing wombat. And if you're lucky, enjoy a glass of wine at dusk watching the dolphins surf off-shore.

Delve into the island's past and find out why it's on the Tasmanian heritage register. See campsites left by Oyster Bay Aborigines who gathered shellfish along the shore. Hear tales of European explorers and whalers. Meet characters of yesteryear in the restored Coffee Palace at the historic settlement of Darlington - a candidate for World Heritage Listing. Explore the brickworks and lime kilns where convicts toiled.

Follow the triumphs and tragedies of Italian entrepreneur, Diego Bernacchi and his grand plan for silk, wine and cement industries. Then sleep in his house, now faithfully restored/

Have it all. The simplicity of rainwater dropped by the Roaring Forties and the complexity of a Tasmanian pinot noir. Solitude in spellbinding nature followed by shared stories over dinner with new friends.

Enjoy a Mediterranean climate with unspoiled, open spaces replacing the urban sprawl. After refreshing days relax at night with the indulgence of fine food and comfortable wilderness camps… and on the final night a banquet and accommodation in the National Trust-listed Bernacchi House.