Tasmania's Maria Island Walk

Welcome to Tasmania! Your adventure begins in Hobart.

Make your own way to your centrally located accommodation. 

Your hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Hobart’s CBD, just a short stroll from many of the city’s highlights, including boutique shops, galleries and vibrant cafés, is only a 10-minute walk away. The picturesque Hobart Waterfront and Constitution Dock are also nearby, offering a great selection of restaurants, seafood eateries and harbour views.

You’ll be collected from your Hobart accommodation between 7:30am and 7:55am and transferred to the welcome meeting, where you’ll meet your guides, collect your packs and receive a briefing on the days ahead. From here, travel to the coastal town of Triabunna and board a private boat for the scenic crossing of Mercury Passage to Maria Island (Wukaluwikiwayna). After landing on the beach, enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking Shoal Bay before setting off on a gentle walk to the exclusive Casuarina Beach Camp. Later, explore the island’s beautiful eucalypt forest and follow the trail to the secluded Haunted Bay before returning to camp for a gourmet dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep in eco cabins nestled just behind the beach.

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours, including the ferry ride to Maria Island. Your walking distance today will be approximately 12 km, however this can be shortened to 2 km should you wish.

Accomodation: Casuarina Beach Camp

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Wake to the peaceful sounds of Maria Island’s abundant birdlife and enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off for another rewarding day on the trail. Today’s walk follows the island’s spectacular coastline, with sweeping ocean views and the chance to spot dolphins playing offshore. Pause for a relaxed picnic lunch along the way before continuing to White Gums Camp, where your guides will share fascinating insights into the island’s unique wildlife, history and natural environment. Arriving in the late afternoon, there’s time to cool off with a swim in the crystal-clear waters or simply unwind at your eco cabin. As evening falls, gather with your fellow walkers for a delicious candlelit dinner in this tranquil wilderness setting.

Your walking distance today will be approximately 16 km. Today’s walking distance can’t be shortened, however the pace of the walk is relaxed.

Accomodation: White Gums Camp

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Wake to another peaceful morning surrounded by the natural beauty of Maria Island and enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off on today’s adventure. There are several walking options to suit different interests and energy levels. Choose the inland trail through the magnificent Tasmanian Blue Gum forests to the summit of Mount Maria (771 m), tackle the rewarding climb to Bishop and Clerk (599 m) through enchanting cloud forest with spectacular coastal views, or enjoy a more leisurely coastal walk to Darlington. This afternoon, arrive at the beautifully restored, heritage-listed Bernacchi House, located within the World Heritage-listed Darlington settlement. After a refreshing hot shower, relax over a delicious dinner while keeping an eye out for the resident wombats that often wander across the surrounding lawns at dusk.

Your walking distance today will be approximately 9 to 17 km, depending on the chosen trail.

Accomodation: Bernacchi House

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Enjoy your final morning on Maria Island with breakfast before setting out on an optional walk to the island’s northern end. Wander through tranquil woodlands, keeping an eye out for some of Tasmania’s unique wildlife, including the endangered swift parrot and, if you’re lucky, a Tasmanian devil. The trail then leads to the impressive Fossil Cliffs, where dramatic coastal views are matched by remarkable rock formations containing marine fossils dating back more than 300 million years. After taking in this fascinating natural landmark, return to Darlington for a farewell picnic lunch before boarding the boat back across Mercury Passage to Triabunna. From there, you’ll be transferred to Hobart, arriving at approximately 5.00 pm. Please keep this timing in mind when planning any onward travel.

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours, including the ferry to the mainland. Your walking distance today will be approximately 4km.

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• Accommodation – 2 nights exclusive & private bush camps
• 1 night Bernacchi House in Darlington
• 35 litre stuff sack for your gear, waterproof jacket and head torch provided
• Sleeping bag & liner, pillow and pillow case provided at each camp
• We provide the following for your use when you arrive at our office the morning of your walk
• Waterproof jacket
• Head torch

Whilst we can provide all of the above you are welcome to use your own gear.

• Flights to and from Hobart
• Travel insurance, which is required for all travellers
• Additional meals, snacks or drinks not listed in the itinerary
• Optional activities or sightseeing outside the included walking program
• Hiking gear and personal equipment required for the walks outside of what is provided

On this trip you will walk between approximately 12km and 20km a day, albeit there are opportunities for you to shorten some of the walks. Please read the daily itinerary for more information. This walk is portered, which means we take care of the logistics for you, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Maria Island unburdened by the weight of your gear. On these select departures, you’ll carry just a small day pack with you, and your main packs will be transported between each night’s accommodation for your convenience. Catering to all levels of experience, our portered walks are ideal for those who cannot carry a pack due to injury or age, or for those who simply wish to enjoy the comfort of a pack-free experience. This service is only available on select, dedicated departures.

• A small day pack to carry your drink bottle, camera, lunch and jacket
• Walking boots with good ankle support or sturdy walking shoes with good tread (Sandshoes and trainers are not recommended for walking)
• Lightweight shoes/sandals for around the camps and at the house
• Long pants x 1 (ideally a quick dry material – not heavy denim)
• Shorts x 1
• Long sleeve shirt x 1
• Thermal top and bottoms x 1 set
• Fleece jacket or warm jumper x 1
• T shirts x 3
• Socks and underwear x 3
• Beanie or woolly hat, and gloves (recommended even in the summer months)
• Swimwear and sarong
• Sun hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen and insect repellent – this is also available at the camps
• Toiletries in small containers. Soap and body lotion are provided at camps. Body wash, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion are provided at Bernacchi House.
• Camera/Binoculars
• Walking Poles (please bring along if you ordinarily walk with poles)
• Travel towel
• Water bottle(s) or bladder, 2 litre total capacity required
• Personal medications

Please note that your gear must fit in a 35L stuff sack weighing no more than 10kg due to operational requirements on Maria Island.

The group size is capped at 10 people. This trip requires a minimum of four people before it is guaranteed to depart.

Travel insurance is required to book this trip.  

Mobile service coverage is very patchy and depending on your carrier may not be available. Guides have phones that can be used if necessary. There is no power at the bush camps so please make sure cameras are fully charged and spare batteries packed if necessary.

You can store excess luggage at our office and this will be loaded on to the bus which meets you as you return from the island at the end of your walk.

2 nights exclusive & private bush camps, 1 night Bernacchi House in Darlington