Tasmania | Maria Island Walk
Guided Walking
There are few places on the planet that offer the total tranquillity and unspoiled natural beauty of Maria Island. A special place, just off the east coast of Tasmania where the fresh air, the crystal clear waters, the breathtaking beauty and spectacular wildlife work in harmony to invigorate, recharge and stimulate anyone who is lucky enough to venture there.
| Duration: | 4 Days |
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| Tour Code: | ITW542 |
| Trip Style: | Not rated |
| Departure Dates: | Monday, Wednesday, Friday October to April (daily in peak months) |
| Price: | From $2,150 |
| Single Supplement: | $1,613 |
| Places you'll visit: |
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Ideal for Solo Travellers
A great trip for solo travellers as you will be walking and dining with a small group of like minded people. For sleeping arrangements you will be matched with someone of the same gender. However, if you really want to be on your own you can pay the 75% supplement, although we try to avoid charging this if bookings allow.
Trip Details
GROUP SIZE: 4 to 8
Maria Island has a Mediterranean-style climate and a varied landscape that includes rugged coastline, untouched beaches, striking mountains, 15 forest communities and diverse geology. Day time walking temperatures average mid 20 degrees. The island is 11,550 hectares and is 19.3 km long and 13 km wide.
The wildlife is spectacular and abundant. You should see Tasmanian kangaroos, wallabies,
wombats and echidnas. The unique birdlife includes the endangered forty spotted pardalote, Cape Barren geese (the world's second rarest breed), eagles and numerous sea bird species. The crystal clear waters include protected marine reserves abundant with fish, dolphins, seals and migrating whales.
Though remote and peaceful today, the island has had a dramatic and turbulent recent history. The Tyreddeme Aboriginal people lived here for thousands of years prior to the arrival of 19th century European explorers. The island was subsequently used by sealers and whalers, became a significant penal settlement, probation station and then enjoyed an industrial boom in the late 19th and early 20th centuries before declining into small scale farming settlement and latterly becoming a national park in its entirety, with no permanent human population.
Day 1 - The first steps
You arrive at the historic coastal town of Triabunna. Our boat will take you through the sparkling waters of Mercury Passage en route to Shoal Bay on Maria Island's isthmus. You will set foot on a pristine, untouched beach, exactly as explorers did years earlier. Here you enjoy lunch overlooking the crystal azure waters of Shoal Bay before taking a walk to the tranquil Casuarina Beach camp. That afternoon explore the trail through the tall eucalypt forest down to the spectacular Haunted Bay. That evening, after a fine gourmet dinner, stroll along the beach at sunset with a glass of wine, delighting in the day you've had and excited by what lies ahead. (Distance 8 kms)
Day 2 - Five fabulous beaches
Wake up to the busy chattering of the wattle birds and, from the comfort of your bed, watch the morning sun sparkle through the forest. After a delicious breakfast, it's time to start your journey. Walk from Riedle Bay across the rare land formation of the isthmus to Shoal Bay to stroll five fabulous beaches. Watch dolphins play in the surf and sea eagles soaring overhead as you walk past the carpet of exotic shells lining the water's edge. Explore the convict cells at Point Lesueur and visit an ochre pit at Bloodstone Point - one of the original ochre sources for the Tasmanian Aborigines. By late afternoon you arrive at White Gums camp for a refreshing swim. After the perfect day, you can relax with your fellow walkers, before enjoying a candlelit dinner of the finest Tasmanian food and wine. Can it get any better than this? Day 3 awaits. (Distance 13 kms)
Day 3 - Into the heart, up to the heights
Today you head inland to the heart of the Island and discover the rich greens of the grand forests that are a prime habitat for the endangered 40-Spotted Pardalote. Take the gentle inland track to Hopgrounds Beach and the Painted Cliffs. You'll wander through the planet's largest stand of giant Tasmanian blue gums and can choose to climb the peaks of Mt Maria or Bishop and Clerk. It's a 700 metres climb through rare "cloud" rainforests. As you can imagine, the views are simply breathtaking. That evening you arrive at the fascinating world heritage settlement of Darlington where you'll stay in the historic colonial home once occupied by Italian entrepreneur, Diego Bernacchiat and enjoy a final night banquet with fine wine and conversation. Another day that's given you plenty to dream about. (Distance 9-17 kms)
Day 4 - The fabulous top end
The final day begins with a delicious breakfast followed by a walk around the northern tip of Maria Island. The walk takes you through a variety of spectacular woodlands and forests with rare endemic birds, wallabies and wombats on show. You continue on to the dramatic sea cliffs of Fossil Bay and then head down to the remarkable fossils at Fossil Cliffs. Arriving back at Darlington we enjoy a celebratory champagne lunch overlooking the distant Freycinet peninsula, followed by a gentle tour around the convict settlement and industrial ruins of Darlington. You then board the boat to go back to the mainland and Hobart taking with you incredible memories and stories of an amazing four days spent in a very special place. Memories, stories and new friends that will last a lifetime. (Distance 4 kms)
ACCOMMODATION
To enjoy every minute of your four days, a good night's sleep is essential. Our two wilderness camps are situated amongst beautiful bush and only a stone's throw from the beach. Casuarina Beach Camp and White Gums Camp each provide twin-share accommodation in environmentally-sensitive standing camps built on wooden platforms with canvas walls. Raised wooden framed beds with foam mattresses, pillows and sleeping bags are provided - as well as shared hand wash basin and composting toilet. With the sounds of the bush and a warm comfortable bed, a good night's sleep is assured. On the last night you will enjoy an authentic colonial experience, staying in the beautifully restored and heritage listed home of Diego Bernacchi, where hot showers are available along with fresh linen.
FOOD & WINE
The perfect end to a perfect day, sitting down to a candlelit dinner and enjoying a gourmet meal of fresh local produce, expertly prepared by our guides, complemented by some of Tasmania's finest wines.
GUIDES
The Guides are chosen for their unique knowledge of the island, which they love to share with you. They're familiar with all the birds, native plants and animals. They've studied the history of Maria Island and the stories associated with it. They are great cooks, they love their job and have great personalities. No wonder the Maria Island Walk guides are
recognised as amongst the best in the industry.
GEAR
Guests carry a light backpack (between 6-8 kg) with their own personal items. Packs, waterproof jackets, silk or cotton sleeping sheets, head torches and sleeping bags are supplied (we do not carry the sleeping bags as they are stored at each camp). Guests should have their own walking boots, well worn in with good ankle support and tread. Light day packs are also available for use on side trips from Casuarina Beach Camp and Bernacchi House.
Inclusions
- all transport to and from the island, including hotel pick-ups
- 2 guides to accompany your walking group
- 3 nights twin-share accommodation on the island
- all food and wine
- National Park passes
- loan of equipment
Terms & Conditions
Click here for our Terms & Conditions
For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
