A camping trip to Maria Island in Tasmania is one of the most memorable outdoor adventures you can have. Located off the east coast, Maria Island is a stunning blend of natural beauty, rich wildlife, and historic significance. My trip combined cycling, hiking, and camping in a way that made the most of the island’s incredible scenery and peaceful atmosphere. Here’s a breakdown of the journey, from getting there to exploring the island. Enjoy!
Getting There: The Ferry Ride
The adventure began with the ferry ride from Triabunna, a small coastal town about 1 hour drive from Hobart. The ferry can be booked in advance on Encounter Maria Island, offering a quick and easy way to reach the island. The ride is just 30 minutes long, but it feels like an escape into another world as you cross the clear waters of the Mercury Passage. On the way, you pass rocky outcrops, seabirds, and sometimes even dolphins, which set the tone for the rest of the trip. The ferry crew is always efficient and friendly, and the boat is comfortable- I recommend sitting on the front deck for the best views and the wind in your hair.
Hiring Bikes and Cycling
Together with our ferry tickets, we booked hire bikes as well (you can easily do this online) and made sure to carry our National Park Passes. Maria Island is pristine, with no roads and cars allowed nor shops or water- please bring all your food and water with you and make sure to take all the rubbish back to the ‘mainland’ with you as well!
Our goal for the first day was to cycle to French Farm, a beautiful area on the island with historical significance. Our bikes were ready to go at the only bike shop in Darlington. The route to French Farm is around 10 kilometres one way, making for a 20-kilometer round trip. The ride was incredibly scenic, passing through rolling hills, eucalyptus forests, and expansive grassy fields where we spotted wild kangaroos and wallabies. The cycling path was mostly flat, with only a few gentle inclines, making it suitable for all levels of cyclists.
As we stopped along the route to admire the views and take photos- one of the highlights was cycling along the edge of the coastline, where the blue waters met the golden sands of the island’s beaches. French Farm itself is a peaceful spot, with calm waters perfect for a short rest and a swim if the weather permits. We spent some time relaxing and soaking in the tranquillity of it all before cycling back to the camping area.
Bishop and Clerk
The second day of our trip was dedicated to hiking Bishop and Clerk. The hike is a bit more challenging but offers one of the best views of the island and the surrounding coastline. The trail to the summit of Bishop and Clerk is approximately 8 kilometres in total (4 kilometres one way), and it typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete the return hike, depending on your pace and the number of stops you take along the way.
We started the hike early in the morning to make the most of the cooler temperatures, and the weather was perfect—sunny, but not too hot. The trailhead begins near the Darlington campground, not far from where we had set up camp the previous night. The first part of the hike is relatively easy, with a well-defined path winding through eucalyptus forests. The scenery was breathtaking, with glimpses of the rugged cliffs and coastal waters as we ascended. As we made our way higher though, the trail became steeper, and the terrain more rugged. There were a few sections that required scrambling over rocks, do not venture all the way if you feel like that is enough for you.
The final stretch to the summit of Bishop and Clerk was the most challenging, with a steep incline and rocky outcrops that required careful footing. However, the reward at the top was well worth the effort. From the summit, the panoramic views were absolutely spectacular, with the entire island spread out below us, including the beaches, cliffs, and surrounding islands. We could also see the distant mountains of the Tasmanian mainland, making the hike even more worthwhile. The downhill walk was easier on the legs but still required attention, as the rocky path could be slippery in places. Make sure you carry plenty of water!
Camping on Maria Island
After the hike, we returned to our campsite near the Darlington campground. Camping on Maria Island is a serene experience, with no cars or distractions, the beach is just a few metres away for a post-hike swim. The campgrounds are well-maintained, a kitchen area is available with kettles and pots to boil water, bbq areas for your food and lockers to store your leftovers! The island comes alive at night with wombats everywhere, wallabies, Cape Barren geese and -if you are lucky- Tasmanian devils too! The sunsets are spectacular and on a clear night, the starry sky is unrivalled! Do not miss out on this epic spot!
Sara Guerrini - Travel Advisor
Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre
