Four days exploring one of the Great Walks of Australia, with memories to last a lifetime.
Experience our multi-award winning guided walk on Maria Island, a national park off the east coast of Tasmania. Experience four days spotting rare wildlife, the breathtaking scenery and world heritage listed history. All with a comfortable place to rest at the end of the day.
The Itinerary
We collect our guests from their Hobart CBD accommodation, transferring you to our city base where you’ll meet your guides and fellow guests, collect your packs and take part in a briefing of the four days of incredible adventure to come.
From there, you will be transferred to Maria Island, with three nights spent in both our exclusive wilderness camps and at heritage-listed Bernacchi House. Four days, filled with memories to last a lifetime.
Pack-Free Walks
On our typical walk, guests carry their own packs which weigh approximately six to eight kilograms.
Our portered, pack-free walks take care of the logistics for you, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Maria Island unburdened by the weight of your gear. On these select departures, you’ll carry just a small day pack with you, and your main packs will be transported between each night’s accommodation for your convenience.
Catering to all levels of experience, our pack-free walks are ideal for those who cannot carry a pack due to injury or age, or for those who simply wish to enjoy the comfort of a pack-free experience.
The pack-free service is only available on select, dedicated departures and be requested on private walks, subject to availability. The additional fee of $300 per person is included in the Pack Free walk booking (Please note: Our Pack-Free Walks will increase to an additional $400 per person for departures from October 2024).
Day 1
Distance: 8km
Our team will transfer you to Triabunna, with a boat crossing via the sparkling waters of Mercury Passage to the isthmus of Maria Island. Here, enjoy lunch overlooking the crystal clear waters of Shoal Bay before walking to Casuarina Beach camp. In the afternoon explore the trail through the tall eucalypt forest, down to Haunted Bay.
In the evening, after a gourmet dinner, stroll along the beach at sunset with a glass of wine. Simple pleasures, surrounded by island beauty.
Day 2
Distance: 13km
Wake up to the chattering of wattle birds, watching first light stream in through the forest. After breakfast, start your journey along five incredible 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, arrive at White Gums camp for a refreshing swim. After the perfect day, relax with your fellow walkers, before enjoying a candlelit dinner surrounded by nature.
Day 3
Distance: 9 – 17km
Today we head inland to the heart of Maria Island to discover the grand forests, wandering through the world’s largest stand of giant Tasmanian Blue Gums.
You can choose to climb the peaks of Mt Maria (711 metres) or Bishop and Clerk (a 599 metre climb through rare “cloud” rain forests) with views that are simply breathtaking.
By the afternoon, head into the historic settlement of Darlington where you’ll stay at heritage-listed Bernacchi House for a final feast amongst friends.
Day 4
Distance: 4km
The final morning starts with a walk around the northern tip of Maria Island, via a variety of spectacular woodlands and forests with rare endemic birds, wallabies and wombats. Later we continue on to the dramatic Fossil Cliffs.
Heading back to Darlington, there is a last celebratory lunch before boarding the boat back to mainland Tasmania, with time to reflect on the past days getting to know Maria. Hopefully, amongst new friends and incredible memories that will last a lifetime.
Pricing
All rates are in Australian dollars and inclusive of GST. Accommodation is based on twin share.
We accommodate for single travellers, who may may be required to share accommodation with another single walker of the same gender.
For guests who prefer not to share a room, we can accommodate and offer a single occupancy rate.
The Maria Island Walk:
four days / three nights
four days / three nights
1 October 2023 - 25 December 2023
$2,890
Per person (twin share)
$5,030
Per person (single occupancy, own accommodation)
26th December 2023 - 30th April 2024
$3,050
Per person (twin share)
$5,295
Per person (single occupancy, own accommodation)
1 October 2024 - 25 December 2024
$2,950
Per person (twin share)
$5,195
Per person (single occupancy, own accommodation)
26th December 2024 - 30th April 2025
$3,250
Per person (twin share)
$5,595
Per person (single occupancy, own accommodation)
Includes:
- Return transfers from Hobart
- Three nights accommodation: two nights in our private wilderness camps and one night at Bernacchi House in Darlington
- Fully-inclusive of meals, trail snacks, drinks and alcoholic beverages
- National Parks Pass
- Fully hosted experience, with expert private guides
- Additionally, guests will be provided with the loan of a 50L pack, waterproof jacket, sleeping bag liner, pillowcase and head torch.
Family friendly and pack-free options are available.
Accommodation
After a day of walking, you will relax in comfortable accommodation. The first two nights are in exclusive bush camps, and the last night we stay in the historic, heritage-listed Bernacchi House in the settlement of Darlington. Our accommodation is exclusive to our guests, to thoroughly immerse you in the wilderness and history of Maria Island
Exclusive Bush Camps
This isn’t camping as you know it. Our wilderness camps are located only moments from stunning beaches, tucked away in the beautiful surrounding forest.
They have been designed to leave only a small environmental footprint with bush showers and clean composting toilets.
You’ll fall asleep in a comfortable bed in your own bush cabin to the sound of waves gently lapping nearby and wake to the sound of birds in the forest.
Bernacchi House
The last night on Maria Island is spent at Bernacchi House, a rare, heritage listed house dating back to 1880. Enjoy hot showers and relax in front of the fire on the cooler nights.
In 2022, the home was refurbished with key elements undertaken by Laura Stucken, local designer and co-owner of award-winning Van Bone Restaurant. Despite the refresh, the historic property remains true to its original fabric and story.
Local artisans incorporated in the project include Scott Van Tuil, who designed the sandstone side tables and coffee tables in the home as a nod to the famous Painted Cliffs of Maria Island, and Simon Ancher Studio, who supplied floating beds using Tasmanian timber. Soft furnishings were sourced from Hobart-based Featherston Interiors and vases from local potters across the Mercury passage at Dunalley, Tim and Tammy Holmes (Potters Croft), are dotted through the house.
A comfortable and cosy stay, and a short walking distance from the ferry terminal to/from Darlington to the mainland.
Food & Wine
Our guests often say the food is a highlight of their trip. After a day of walking you can relax with a three-course gourmet meal prepared by our team and enjoyed by candlelight under the stars with your new group of friends.
We toast another wonderful day on Maria Island with award winning Tasmanian wines from local family owned vineyards like Cape Bernier, Bream Creek, Milton and Gala, or choose one of our thirst-quenching local beers.
Your skilled guides will prepare all your meals made with the freshest of local Tasmanian produce. Take your time and enjoy leisurely cooked breakfasts, then feast on lunch in stunning locations.
Tasmania’s produce, wines and local beers are world famous – with this bounty of options incorporated into the menu planning, as we collaborate with local suppliers, to ensure bellies are sated when joining us on The Maria Island Walk.
What They’re Saying
The Maria Island Walk acknowledges the Aboriginal Communities and Traditional Custodians of country throughout Tasmania and we recognise their continued connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Elders past and present, as we seek to understand their history and learn from their knowledge.
