Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 4 Day Walk Tasmania's Maria Island. Discover the fascinating convict history of Maria Island on a four-day walking adventure which gives you time to appreciate the many different aspects of this beautiful and historically significant destination. On this trip, you’ll spot wombats as you explore convict ruins, spend the night in World Heritage-listed accommodation that once served as a prison cell for convicts, challenge yourself with full day walks, or take it easy on scenic strolls around the island....read more This tour delivers a breath of fresh air, wildlife spotting opportunities galore, and walks for every age and ability.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins in Hobart (nipaluna in the language of the muwinina and palawa peoples, who are the traditional owners of the land on which Hobart is now located). Meet your group at 8am before you hit the road for Triabunna where you’ll board the ferry to Maria Island. Today, there are several options, depending on the group’s fitness levels and interests. Challenge yourself with the 12km Bishop and Clerk hike and be rewarded with stunning clifftop and ocean views from the towering dolerite peak. Look up at the summit and you’ll see the peaks’ resemblance to a bishop, wearing a mitre, being followed by a clergyman. Or go on a leisurely guided walk around the northern end of Maria Island, taking in the fascinating history which includes seven years as a penal station, and the island’s time as a probation station, sheep farm and a cement factory during the Depression. Tonight, you’ll sleep in the old Penitentiary at Darlington, a World Heritage-listed convict site with comfortable beds. Unlike the convicts who frequently tried to escape Maria Island, you won’t be in a hurry to leave this beautiful spot. (L/D)
Starting from the settlement of Darlington, walk south along Maria Islands’ western coastline, to the Painted Cliffs which are famous for their patterned sandstone rocks smoothed and shaped by thousands of years of weathering. Further south stop for lunch and a perhaps swim at Four Mile Beach, the half way point on your journey to French’s Farm. Following lunch, pass over a headland to the beautiful pristine white sands, and aqua clear waters of Soldiers and Bloodstone Beaches where you can beachcomb and study shells with sand between your toes. At the end of Bloodstone Beach is Point Lesueur and ruins from the second convict era when Maria Island served as a probation station. After a moment of reflection, it is a short walk to tonight’s camp at historic French’s Farm where you’ll spend the night in Safari Style tents which have stretcher beds and comfortable bedding, solar lighting, folding stools, a bedside table and room to stand up inside. (B/L/D)
After a hearty breakfast, lace up your walking shoes and hit the trail to Haunted Bay or Robey’s Farm if the weather isn’t favourable for a long walk. The hike to Haunted Bay travels along kilometres of stunning beaches so beautiful and remote, it gives you a feeling of total relaxation and escape. Keep an eye out for Oyster Catchers and Hooded Plovers which dance along the beach in front of you, and Pacific Gulls and Black Swans floating in the bay. After passing First Nations Middens and walking through a tall Eucalypt forest, you’ll arrive at Haunted Bay for a picnic lunch. Following lunch, retrace your steps back to camp at French’s Farm and enjoy a pre-dinner swim or a sunset stroll among the wombats and kangaroos that call Maria Island home. (B/L/D)
After breakfast, it’s time to walk back to Darlington via the inland track, through a forest of Stringy Barks and White Peppermints and along an undulating track through the foothills of Mount Maria and over the upper reaches of Four Mile Creek. On your way to Darlington, visit the Oast House which was built by convicts in 1844 and used for everything from drying hops to wine making and even an abattoir in farming times. At the World Heritage-listed Darlington, you’ll have time to explore the convict buildings and learn about criminal reform, industrial foresight and Maria Island’s farming era. After a leisurely lunch, board the ferry for the trip back to Triabunna and the coach trip back to Hobart, arriving at approximately 5pm when your adventure concludes. If you would like to stay on in Hobart, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). (B/L)
Trip Inclusions
Learn about the history of Maria island which operated as a penal station from 1825 and 1832 and housed convicts working in industries including timber-cutting, tanning, shoe-making and cloth production.
Enjoy a selection of walks from the stunning Mount Bishop and Clerk Summit hike to the Soldiers and Bloodstone Beaches hike – all tailored to the abilities and willingness of your group.
Experience an unforgettable night in the Penitentiary Dorm, comfortable shared accommodation that was once used as a prison cell for convicts
Each group is guided by 2 experienced and professional guides who also whip up hearty meals, starting from each day’s breakfast, through to picnic style lunches and a big dinner every evening.
Enjoy walks along remote and beautiful beaches, where Oyster Catchers and Hooded Plovers dance along the beach and Pacific Gulls and Black Swans float restfully in the bay.
Penitentiary Dorm (1 night)
Safari Style Camping (2 nights)
3 Breakfasts included
4 Lunches included
3 Dinners included
Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Wanting to go on a walking adventure in between Christmas and New Year, I found an Intrepid/Global Journeys four day walk on Maria Island off the East Coast of Tasmania. What a beautiful part of the world. We were very well looked after with good meals and camping accommodation. The mix of 8 guests was great with everyone chatting as we walked along the tracks and beaches to reach camp. Nothing was too much trouble for the guides who told interesting stories of the history of the Island and points of interest each day. I loved it all.
Definite Departure. Minimum numbers reached for this departure to operate.
Available Departure. Minimum numbers not yet reached, so while this departure is expected to operate, it’s not yet a Definite Departure.
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Limited Time Sale. Limited availability at this price. Please enquire for sale pricing on room or cabin upgrades.
Exclusive Global Journeys Sale. Deal Expires 28th February 2023
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Note Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Intrepid.