If you are looking for a walking holiday in Tasmania you can't go past Maria Island on the east coast of Tasmania. Mountainous in the interior and surrounded by stretches of beautiful white sandy beaches, aqua waters and limestone cliffs this island is a hidden gem unknown to many. Enjoy three days walking to soak up the spectacular scenery, admire the rich and abundant wildlife and take in the intriguing history. Owner of Life's An Adventure Mark Norek says "Maria Island holds a special place in my heart, I proposed to my wife on the top of the island's Bishop & Clerk Mountain. This magical place I know and am passionate about and our team is dedicated to providing our guests with an enriching experience and quality and interpretive tours. Our group sizes are small and intimate with a maximum of 10 people, we find this delivers a more personalised service, a great social environment and has less impact on the environment." A fantastic Walking and Camping Experience Life's An Adventure's Maria Island 3 day guided walks are for those looking for a walking and camping experience with the creature comforts! Travelling with us, you can enjoy a walking holiday where all the organisation is taken care of for you, from carrying your overnight bags every day, to setting up camp and cooking of gourmet meals served with wine. On night one you will step back in time and become a convict for the night. Our accommodation is at the convict Penitentiary built in the 1830's at the settlement of Darlington and refurbished with comfy beds and woodfire heaters. Dine under the stars enjoying delicious meals featuring tasmanian produce created by renowned Tasmanian chef and author Karen Goodwin-Roberts with a fun dress up night as a convict (costume supplied). Whilst on night two you will enjoy camping on the southern part of the island at Encampment Cove. Enjoy camping in walk-in touring tents with off the ground beds, deluxe mattresses and hot showers. During the day partake in guided hikes exploring Maria Island's hidden jewels including the ancient fossils at Fossils Cliff, the amazing Painted Cliffs sculpted by the sea and breathtaking views from Bishop & Clerk. This will be an amazing walking holiday you will never forget.  

DAY ONE: Hobart – Maria Island T he day starts in Hobart at the Hotel Grand Chancellor where we meet at 7.45am  for an 8.00am depature by mini coach. We enjoy a scenic drive north winding up the coast to Triabunna where we join our boat and cruise across to Maria Island. (Option also available to fly directly to Maria Island from Hobart – (see pricing page for details.)

The best way to get an understanding of the significance of the Island is with our knowledgeable guide, taking a quick 1 hour walk around Darlington township to reveal the complex and intriguing past of the Island. Learn about the Ghosts, the hardships, the entrepreneurial spirit and sheer tenacity of those whom came to live on the Island before us. We then start our hike to Skipping Ridge for “a picnic in paradise”. Our Lunch location is one of the best on the East Coast of Tasmania. Perched on Skipping Ridge we'll enjoy magnificent views of Fossil Bay and Bishop & Clerk. While your lunch is being prepared we give you a brief geology lesson of the famous fossil cliff of Maria Island. The Fossil outcrop at Fossil Bay is recognised as world class and the best example of lower Permian strata in Tasmania, if not the world. Over the centuries the rise and fall of the sea has left the legacy of amazing sea creatures over 290 million year old fossilised into the cliffs. On the lower rock shelf you can see a variety of fossils including sea fans, coral-like creatures, scallop shells and sea lilies. After lunch we hike one of the top 10 day walks in Australia. The walk takes you through grasslands, open forest and tall woodland, to the rocky slopes of the summit. The highlight of this walk is the views at the summit of Bishop & Clerk. These towering dolerite columns of the summit are named due to their resemblance to a bishop, wearing a mitre, being followed by a clergyman. From the summit on a clear day you’ll be able to take in exhilarating views towards the Freycinet Peninsula. Life's An Adventure owner Mark Norek says "this summit is so stunning it's worthy of a marriage proposal and was the location I chose to propose to my beautiful wife Vicki". Note this walk involves hiking through a large area of rocky slopes to the summit, with some boulder scrambling near the top. For those that don't wish to hike to the top of Bishop and Clerk - our Logisitics Manager will walk you back to Darlington where you can enjoy some free time. After your guided hike, return to our accommodation in Darlington township where hot showers are available. Tonight get into the spirit of the convict era as we dress for dinner as a convict (costumes provided) and enjoy a fun evening outdoors dining under the stars. A delicious authentic Tasmanian dinner will be prepared created by the famous Tasmanian master chef and Cook book author Karen Goodwin-Roberts featuring wonderful local produce. Included with dinner will be Tasmanian red & white wine, beer and soft drinks. Accommodation tonight will be in the historic convict Penitenionary which has been refurbished with comfy beds and wood fire heaters. (Please note when the Penitenionary is unavailable camping will replace the accommodation on this night).

Trip Notes: Day 1 walk: Approximately 12kms (6-7 hours walking including 1 hour for lunch and 1 hour on the top of Bishop and Clark). Walking Level: Medium to hard

DAY TWO Painted Cliffs, Return Point and Encampment Cove After a hearty breakfast we set off together hiking toward Encampment Cove on the southern part of Maria Island. Today’s walk will be a magnificent hike into the remote and untouched areas of Maria Island that many visitor’s never get to experience. We stop for morning tea at the famous Painted Cliffs which are stunning patterned and coloured sandstone, carved and moulded by the sea, and bordered by rock pools teeming with marine life. Shortly thereafter we stop for lunch overlooking a beautiful secluded beach for a beautiful lunch along the coast near return point. After lunch we travel further south down the Island's coastline along the way exploring the historical remnants of Frenchs Farm. The farm is the gateway to the south of Maria Island with many points of interest assessable from this point. The farm was built by the French family in 1936 however is now an abandoned farmhouse. Finally we head to Encampment Cove via Lesueur Point. The convict ruins at the point commands a wonderful 270 degree plus view of Mercury Passage and the local bays. The convicts would have loved the outlook when their cell doors were opened. There are many kangaroos on the open paddocks and the occasional wombat trundling around.

We arrive at our campsite shortly thereafter to find our walk-In touring tents erected with off the ground beds and your overnight bags waiting for you in your designated tent. A hot bush shower is available. You’ll be welcome by a bottle of chilled Tasmanian wine and a wonderful cheese and fruit platter. Sit back around the campfire as dinner is prepared for your enjoyment created by Tasmanian master chef and author Karen Goodwin Smith. The end to a remarkable day.Trip Notes: Day 2 walk: Approximately 12 kms (5 - 6 hours walking). Please note: A hike up the second island’s summit of Mt Maria can be organised to replace today’s hike – this is strenuous walk which should be only done by those with an excellent level of fitness and who are able to scramble up extensive areas of rocky slopes of loose rocks and boulders. If you wish to do this option it must be booked in advanced at an additional cost of $99 per person and is subject to minimum numbers.

DAY THREE: Encampment Cove to Haunted Bay After breakfast, we enjoy a morning walk to Haunted Bay. We pass Riedle Bay a magnificent long white empty beach on the eastern side of the isthmus. It’s a good opportunity to have a swim and the enjoy the beach. After our little stop we then head towards Haunted Bay, which is at the southern end of the Island. Haunted Bay was originally only accessible by sea and was used for whaling and sealing in the very early days of European settlement in the 1820's. It is said that it got its name from night sounds created by the local population of penguins. This bay is usually only visited by those who really want to get away. We have our last lunch at Haunted Bay. A fitting picnic spot for our last “picnic in Paradise.” After celebratory lunch we return to McRae’s Isthmus to join our boat for the cruise back to Triabunna. Once we reach Triabunna our coach will be waiting to take us on the return journey back to Hobart. Our tour finishes at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, the end of a remarkable journey. Finish time will depend on the pace of the group but will be approximately 5.30pm. If booking flights please do not book before 6.30pm.Trip Notes: Day 3 walk: approximately 14 kms (6 to 7 hours) 

Inclusions

Life's An Adventure's is the only company on Maria Island which will carry your overnight bag for the entire 3 days trip. We have two packages to choose from. For those that want more creature comforts choose our deluxe package and we'll transport your luggage to the campsite and have a walk in touring tent set up and ready for your arrival. Or for those training and wanting to get fit, you can pay less with our standard package and provide and carry your own tent and overnight pack.

MARIA ISLAND WALKING TOUR PACKAGE:

Fully supported walk with your overnight luggage transported every day to each campsite
Accommodation Night 1: Step back to the times of the convicts as we spend the night at the Penitentiary at Darlington which have been refurbished with comfy bunk beds and woodfire heaters. To really get into the spirit of the surroundings we will have a fun dress up night as a convict with costumes provided. Dinner will be served under the stars in a campsite style environment. Note at certain times of the year when the penitentiary is unavailable guests will camp at the local campground.
Accommodation Night 2: Camp under the stars on night 2 on the southern part of the island at Encampment Cove. Enjoy walk in touring tents with off the ground beds and deluxe mattress.
All meals prepared by renowned Tasmanian master chef and best selling cook book author Karen Goodwin-Roberts.
2 x delicious dinners featuring beautiful Tasmanian produce
2 x breakfasts
3 x lunches
Fresh fruit and trail mix to enjoy during your walk
Tasmanian wine and beer and non-alcoholic drinks served with dinner.
Please note: we advise drinking in moderation as walking can be strenuous.
Wine and beer is served to enjoy with your dinner only, if you would like to enjoy alcohol after
dinner you will need to provide your own.
Professionally guided - Our guides are locals who are passionate, well trained and enthusiastic with the ability to bring to life a depth of information
Return transfers from Hobart and Maria Island
National Parks Fees

Please note: the only equipment you will need to bring is a sleeping bag which can be hired from us
STANDARD BAY OF FIRES PACKAGE:

A package where you bring your own equipment eg tent and sleeping mattress and carry this equipment and your clothes for the entire walk. You'll also need to erect your tent yourself.
On night one you will need to erect your tent at the local campground a short distance from the penitentionary.
All gourmets meals created and prepared by Tasmanian master chef and top selling cook book author Karen Goodwin-Roberts including:
2 x delicious dinners including local Tasmanian produce
3 x breakfasts
3 x lunches
Fresh fruit and trail mix to enjoy during your walk
Tasmanian wine and beer and non-alcoholic drinks served with dinner.
Please note: we advise drinking in moderation as walking can be strenuous.
Wine and beer is served to enjoy with your dinner only, if you would like to enjoy alcohol after
dinner you will need to provide your own.
Professionally guided - Our guides are locals who are passionate, well trained and enthusiastic with the ability to bring to life a depth of information
Return transfers from Hobart and Maria Island
National Parks Fees
Note: In the standard package you must provide your own backpack, tent
and sleeping bag and carry all your own gear.

Exclusions

Exclusions:
Sleeping bags - can be hired from us.
Travel Insurance
Flights

Cancellation Policy

•Cancellations received 21 days or more prior to tour departure will incur a loss of deposit.
•Cancellations received between 3 & 20 days prior to tour departure will incur a cancellation fee of 50% of full tour cost.
•Cancellations received within 72 hours prior to tour departure will incur a cancellation fee of 100% of full tour cost.
•Please also note that failure to arrive will incur a fee of 100% of full tour cost.
•Final Payments not received within 5 days of due date will be subject to automatic cancellation and loss of deposit. A reminder will be sent prior to due date.
•Transfers can be made at least 5 days prior to departure to another date as long as new departure date is within 6 months of original booking date. Transfers will incur a $5.00 administration fee.




conditions of travel

Our activities will normally operate in all but exceptional weather conditions. Conditions such as fog, mist, drizzle, showers, rain,sleet and windy conditions do not affect normal operation of our activities.

The Company reserves the right to cancel any ticket or booking or to refuse to carry any passenger where payments have not been received by the Company within the times specified. It is a condition of carriage that a passenger has paid all tour monies prior to the departure of the tour.

The Company reserves the right to alter the accommodation and/or itinerary or cancel a tour without notice as may be found necessary for any reason whatsoever including, but not limited to, road, weather , bushfires or traffic conditions, track or park closures, strong winds, high seas, operational conditions and requirements. Where a tour is cancelled prior to the departure date we shall endeavour to offer the nearest possible alternative tour (subject to a refund or payment to cover any tour price difference) or, it this is not acceptable, refund your monies in full. All additional expenses incurred as a result of any delays, cancellations or alterations will be the sole responsibility of the passenger.

A minimum number participants booked are required to operate all tours, where sufficient numbers cannot be achieved, the Company reserves the right to cancel a scheduled departure. The decision to operate the tour is usually made 14 days prior to the departure date.

Any special passenger requirements must be notified to the Company at the time of booking. No passenger will be permitted to embark or continue on the tour while their mental or physical condition is, in the opinion of any representative of the Company, such as to render them incapable of caring for themselves, or whereby they become objectionable to other passengers, or they become a hazard to themselves or other passengers.

Privacy Policy
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Departs

Regular weekly departures from November to April

Unavailable Dates

Christmas Day

Pickup/Departure

The day starts in Hobart at the Hotel Grand Chancellor where we meet at 8.30am in the hotel foyer for an 8.45am start. Any problems on the day please call our emergency line on (02) 9913 8939 or 0409 390 961.

Drop-Off

Our tour finishes at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, the end of a remarkable journey. Finish time will depend on the pace of the group but will be approximately 5.30pm. If booking flights please do not book before 6.30pm.

Additional Locations