Maria Island National Park occupies complete Maria Island which has an impressive historical background. Being one of the 11 convict settlements in Australia in the 18th century, it is a very strong candidate to be World Heritage Listed.

Today, Maria Island is a national park and features convenient walking trails among historical ruins, spectacular bays, hills, mountains and of course lookouts that offer stunning vista of all together. It is even possible to take such walking tours on Maria Island that continue for several days. If you have time, this would be the most pieceful vacation that one could think. Especially if you consider that Maria Island is pedestrian-only and there are not even any shops, the only thing that interrupts the tranquillity is the sound of nature.

Maria Island National Park is like a meeting point for birdwatchers where most Tasmanian endemics can be seen. Moreover, there are over 100 bird species that compete with each other to sing the best song.

Maria Island is located on one of the immigration paths of whales. Therefore, whale and dolphin watching is possible at certain times of the year. Furthermore, the island is home to kangaroos, wallabies, poteroos, possums, seals and also to many unique and threatened species which were introduced in order to protect their kind (like Cape Barren geese).

The most advanced accommodation option on Maria Island is the very basic overnighting place in old Penitentiary at Darlington. The only alternative is a wilderness camp. One of the most important things to keep in mind is, although BBQ facilities exist in these camps, it is wise to have own portable stoves.

Getting to Maria Island is very easy. Scheduled ferry service is available from Triabunna on certain days of the week a couple of times a day. Triabunna is just around 85km north east of Hobart. Please note that national park fees are due on arrival.