One of Australia’s most beautiful uninhabited islands
Things to do in Maria Island, Tasmania.
A 30 minute ferry ride from Triabunna, Maria Island National Park is one of Australia’s most beautiful uninhabited islands. Keep a look out on the ferry across, you may see a whale or a dolphin swim by. The only buildings are the remains of the Darlington convict settlement dating back to 1825. Just a short walk from the ferry wharf to the left are the spectacular Painted Cliffs, famous for their beautiful natural patterning and warmth of colour.
The extraordinary Fossil Cliffs preserve hundreds of millions of years of Maria Island history and are recognised as the best example of lower Permian strata in Tasmania, if not the world. Cape Barren Geese, possums, wallabies, wombats, Forrester Kangaroos and native birds are especially prolific. Maria Island has recently become a sanctuary for a group of healthy Tasmanian Devils as a measure to protect these feisty little characters from a species-threatening disease.
