Maria Island Expedition
A truly remarkable place in Australia, an expedition not to be missed.
Departs Hobart
- 4 daysOct - Apr departing Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
Maria Island is a short boat ride from Triabunna, on Tasmania's east coast near Hobart. The island has a Mediterranean-style climate and a varied landscape that includes rugged coastline, untouched beaches, striking mountains, 15 forest communities and diverse geology. As a national park, it is home to wallabies, wombats, kangaroos, fairy penguins, the world's second rarest goose - the Cape Barren goose - and several other rare and unusual bird species, including 11 of the 12 endemic Tasmanian species. The surrounding waters harbour diverse marine life such as dolphins and whales on their migration path to the Antarctic. The island is 11,550 hectares, 19.3 km long and 13 km wide and is just a few hours from Hobart.
Day 1
Hobart - Mercury Passage - Shoal Bay
You arrive at the historic coastal town of Triabunna. Our boat will take you through the sparkling waters of Mercury Passage to the isthmus of Maria Island. You will set foot on a pristine, untouched beach, exactly as explorers did years earlier. Here you enjoy lunch overlooking the crystal azure waters of Shoal Bay before taking a walk to the tranquil Casuarina Beach camp. That afternoon explore the trail through the tall eucalypt forest down to the spectacular Haunted Bay. That evening, after a fine gourmet dinner, stroll along the beach at sunset with a glass of wine, delighting in the day you’ve had and excited by what lies ahead.
Day 2
Riedle Bay - Point Lesueur - Bloodstone Point
Wake up to the busy chattering of the wattle birds and, from the comfort of your bed, watch the morning sun sparkle through the forest. After a delicious breakfast, it's time to start your journey along five beautiful beaches. Watch dolphins play in the surf and sea eagles soaring overhead as you walk past the carpet of exotic shells lining the water’s edge. By late afternoon you arrive at White Gums camp for a refreshing swim. After the perfect day, you can relax with your fellow walkers, before enjoying a candlelit dinner of the finest Tasmanian food and wine. Can it get any better than this?
Day 3
Hopgrounds Beach - Mt. Maria
Today you head inland to the heart of the Island and discover the rich greens of the grand forests. You’ll wander through the planet’s largest stand of giant Tasmanian blue gums and can choose to climb the peaks of Mt Maria or Bishop and Clerk. It’s a 700metres climb through rare “cloud” rainforests. As you can imagine, the views are simply breathtaking. That evening you arrive at the fascinating world heritage settlement of Darlington where you’ll stay at the elegant colonial Bernacchi House and enjoy a final night banquet with fine wine and conversation. Another day that's given you plenty to dream about.
Day 4
Darlington - Hobart
The final day begins with a delicious breakfast followed by a walk around the northern tip of Maria Island. The walk takes you through a variety of spectacular woodlands and forests with rare endemic birds, wallabies and wombats on show. You continue on to the dramatic sea cliffs of Fossil Bay and then head down to the remarkable fossils at Fossil Cliffs. Arriving back at Darlington we enjoy a celebratory champagne lunch before boarding the boat to go back to the mainland and Hobart taking with you incredible memories and stories of an amazing four days spent in a very special place. Memories, stories and new friends that will last a lifetime.
