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10 REASONS why YOU should visit MARIA ISLAND!
Maria Island could easily be one of the highlights of my trip around Tasmania. I was astonished to learn that many people skip going to this gorgeous place. I liked visiting this island so much that I decided to write about why you should visit Maria Island. It’s just that I don’t want anyone travelling through Tasmania to miss out on this adventure. I often get asked, is Maria Island worth visiting? I think Maria Island is worth visiting, and I will show you why! 🙂 Below, I will also share the after-movie and a complete travel guide to Maria Island to provide additional information. Make sure to check these posts out before you head out to ensure you are fully prepared!
1. There are no cars on the island.
Maria Island is one of those few places, probably globally, without car access. It’s clear from traffic jams, parking fees or the struggle to find a parking spot. The few vehicles permitted to drive on the island belong to the Parks and Wildlife Service. With so many places to go, the chances are low that you will encounter a vehicle on your trip. Park your car for free at the marina in Triabunna, hop on the ferry and enjoy your vehicle and noise-free holiday.
2. The electricity is limited.
Limited electricity might sound scary these times, but this is only point number two, and we are already on a car and device-free holiday. The only power sockets and lights are in the kitchen areas. While walking past the accommodation in the evening, you can see everybody eating or playing card games through the window, with, yes, candlelights! It feels like you have stepped back in time! People must live by candlelight as soon as the sun goes down and enjoy the simple things in life first-hand.
3. Maria Island doesn’t have any permanent residents.
Maria Island has many inhabitants, but none of them is human. The only people you can find on the island are tourists or rangers. Everybody is there for the same reason: to be happy, be in a good mood, and enjoy the island’s serenity. There aren’t many places where you can enjoy rest and silence more than on Maria Island.
4. The wildlife is just fantastic.
Being called Tasmania’s Noah’s Ark, this place is paradise if you want to see some of Tasmania’s most incredible wildlife. The island has healthy populations of wombats, pademelons and wallabies, which are very tolerant of getting up close and personal with you. Over the last few years, Maria Island has also become home to some of the most threatened populations of native animals. In the 1960s, they introduced the forester kangaroo to Maria Island and the Cape Barren Geese. In the early 2000s, the Tasmanian devils were the following species to get introduced. Their population grew from 28 to 90 wild Tasmanian devils. A natural wildlife sanctuary!
5. You can sleep in a Penitentiary.
The old penitentiary in Darlington functions as a bunkhouse. These rooms were where they housed the convicts in the 1800s. The dorms are large, have a wood heater, a table and chairs and accommodate up to six people in every room. There is no bedding, only mattresses, so you must bring your linens or sleeping bag. The cooking only happens in the big shared kitchen, which means you have the perfect place to meet other travellers. If camping is more your style, there are three campsites on the island. Darlington, Frenchs Farms and Encampment Cove are all amazing!
6. You have to take the ferry.
If your adventure starts with a ferry, I would say you are in for a good time. It means that you are going somewhere remote that is limited by access, and that is where all the best adventures happen. This is the case for Maria Island. Your trip starts and ends with a 45-min relaxed ferry to the island. You get to enjoy the views from the ferry and feel your worries left behind on the steady 17km stretch across the open water. The ferry is not cheap, but it is worth it. Make sure you spend a few nights on the island to make it even more worth it!
7. It is small enough to hike and bike around.
Being only 20km in length and 13km in width, Maria Island is a dream destination for many hikers and bikers. You can see the whole island in a relatively short amount of time. I mentioned before that there is no car access, but in return, they made all tracks hike and bike-friendly. Bike hire is available on the island, but you can also take your bike on the ferry.
8. There are outdoor adventures for everyone.
Besides hiking and biking, there are many other things to do on Maria Island. The marine reserve is ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving, birdwatching and rock pool rambling. There are also many spots where you can go fishing. For a little extra cost, you can even take your kayak across on the ferry. This way, you can get to explore more of the water. I enjoyed my rest day in Darlington a lot; I swam most of the day, and I’m not kidding when I say it felt like a dream.
9. Views over the whole east coast of Tasmania
The walks on Maria Island are excellent. If you have the time and energy to climb the 711m high Mt. Maria or the 599m tall Bishop and Clerk, you will be treated to breathtaking views. Make sure you have your cameras ready, as you will want to capture these views to show off when you get home again! The sights on Maria Island are incredible, but from up here, you can see Freycinet to the north, Port Arthur to the south, and mainland Tasmania to the west. In the East, the next stop is New Zealand (you can’t see it, though), another island to dream of while staring into the distance.
10. There is no reason why you shouldn’t visit Maria Island.
You are travelling around Tasmania and seeing one of its most underrated attractions. It’s not a super busy place, and you can make a day trip or stay up to seven days on the island. Get that ferry and fully experience life and serenity on Maria Island; I’m sure you will not regret it. If there are any questions, feel free to ask them in the comment section or send me a message on the contact page.
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