Maria Island - Places to See

Ferry Service
The Maria Island Ferry service runs from Triabunna to Darlington on Maria Island 5 days a week throughout the year. Travel times vary depending on the season but usually has a morning and afternoon service. Return fares are $50 for adults, $37 for students, $25 for children under 6 years and bicycles and extra $10. For more information please contact 0419 74 6668, visit http://www.mariaislandferry.com.au

Bushwalking and Exploring
Today the island's main inhabitants are enthusiastic bushwalkers and a diversity of wildlife including the Forester kangaroo (an introduced species), Bennets and Rufous wallaby, Cape Barren geese, and a large number of migratory birds.

The impact of settlement and industry has virtually disappeared from the island. Many of the convict buildings, as well as the ill-fated Grand Hotel, have been dismantled.

In 1992 the Sydney Morning Herald travel writer Monique Farmer observed that: 'The 20th century has barely touched the island. The only vehicles belong to the rangers. There are no shops, few modern conveniences. Camping facilities are basic. There are no showers or hot water. There are a few camping sites to choose from, or people can stay in the old prisoner's barracks, The Penitentiary. Each cabin contains bunks with mattresses and a wooden stove for heating.

'Although there is a barbecue area, campers are advised to bring their own portable stoves. Campers explore the island on foot or bicycle. The main activities are bushwalking, swimming and, for the more adventurous, diving and rock climbing. Despite all this, or perhaps because of it, Maria Island generally has 120 to 200 campers a night over the summer and Easter holidays.'