Tasmania has no shortage of breathtaking spots, but few places capture its magic quite like Maria Island. Recently, my wife and I spent a day exploring this wild and serene haven off Tasmania’s east coast—and it’s safe to say it left a lasting impression.

First Impressions: A Step Back in Time

Maria Island feels like stepping into a storybook. As soon as we stepped off the ferry at Darlington, we were greeted by silence, salty air, and wide open skies. There are no cars on the island—only bikes, walking trails, and wildlife. That slower pace made everything feel more intimate and alive.

Painted Cliffs at Low Tide: Nature’s Masterpiece

Timing is everything on Maria Island, especially if you want to see the Painted Cliffs. At low tide, the cliffs are fully exposed, and we walked along the shoreline to see them up close. Swirls of orange, gold, and rust-colored patterns ripple across the sandstone, shaped over centuries by wind, water, and mineral deposits. We spent a good while just marveling at them, watching the tide whisper back in.

Wombats Everywhere

Maria Island is famous for its wombats, and they did not disappoint. As we strolled inland, we spotted them grazing near the historic buildings of Darlington and again as we made our way toward the reservoir. Fat, furry, and totally unbothered by our presence, these marsupials were a highlight—especially watching one waddle right past us without a care in the world.

A Peaceful Hike to the Reservoir

The walk up to the reservoir was tranquil and filled with the sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves. The trail winds gently through eucalyptus forest, and when we arrived at the old reservoir, we had it entirely to ourselves. The still water mirrored the clouds above, and the quiet was absolute. We sat there for a while, just soaking it all in.

Fossil Cliffs and Hidden Kangaroos

Later in the day, we headed toward the Fossil Cliffs, where sweeping views stretched across the ocean and rugged coastline. The cliffs themselves are studded with ancient shell fossils, a reminder of the island’s long and layered history. It was here, tucked among the bushes, that we spotted a group of wood kangaroos. They were shy but curious, and we watched quietly as they nibbled on grass and peeked out from the scrub.

Final Thoughts

Our visit to Maria Island was more than a hike—it was a chance to reconnect with nature and each other. From wombats to cliffs, reservoirs to kangaroos, every moment felt like a gift. If you’re ever in Tasmania, carve out a day for Maria Island. Trust us—this peaceful, wildlife-rich sanctuary is worth every step. Remember to book the ferry as early as possible, it gets full fast. You have to bring everything you need for a full day at the island, food, drink, clothes, no shops on the island. We brought 2 litres of water each, packed lunch and afternoon snacks. You can also camp (you need permit) and you can stay at the old prison camp but this is fully booked months in advance. 

Maria Island is a spectacular place to visit and an ansolute must in Tasmania.