~ services ~Maria Island National Park~ introduction
~ how to get there ~ what
it costs ~ facilities ~ |
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Introduction - some things to keep in mind» The island is only accessible by boat or plane. On the island you will have to walk or cycle. There is limited accommodation, limited water supply, no electricity and no shops or emergency services. You need to bring all your own food, sets of clothes for all weather conditions, any other equipment including bicycles that you may need or want, and bedding if staying overnight. » Accommodation on the island is very basic and limited. There is greater availability and scope of luxury in commercial accommodation in the Triabunna-Orford region of the east coast. Search locally, visit Discover Tasmania, or contact the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre, Triabunna (03) 6257 4772 or Hobart (03) 6230 8233 » Water is scarce: the island has low rainfall, limited catchment and storage, and visitor demand is high. So please use supplied water wisely. Dam (creek) water is on tap at Darlington for washing. Tank (roof-collected rain) water is very limited, and is for drinking and cooking. Bring your own plastic bottles to carry water on walks. » Safety first: Always check with the Bureau of Meteorology before going boating or bushwalking: phone 1196 or click weather bureau. If boating, have the necessary safety equipment, stay sober, and take no risks. » Maria Island is a National Park. Pets and firearms are forbidden. Do not remove any natural material or historical artifacts. Please take rubbish home for disposal. Please do not feed the animals: foreign foods can cause ill health, and feeding induces aberrant behaviour towards people. As a result of feeding in the past, some animals have become aggressive: so please keep all your food, utensils and scraps secure from being ransacked. » Parks & Wildlife closes visitor access to the Island for about 2 weeks in July for wildlife management operations and site maintenance; this year it is closed for 12 days, 16-28 July 2007. The island may be closed at times of high fire danger. Note that the ferry service is also suspended for maintenance for about 4 weeks each year around July; this year it is closed 16 July - 12 August 2007. |
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How to get to Maria Island» The ferry service is in flux with no permanent operator - for the
current service, phone
Seawings,
0419 746 668. The ferry leaves from the wharf about 150
metres south of the Triabunna Visitor Centre in Charles Street. The trip take
around ½ hour each way. Note that each winter the ferry is
usually taken out of service for maintenance for 4 weeks in July. Please check the schedule with operator;
extra trips are arranged during peak demand.
Return fares are currently $50/adult
and $25/child (3-16 years), free/infant (under 3), and $10/bicycle. » Alternatively, make your own private arrangements to travel to the island by boat, kayak or plane » You might get a fare with Maria Island Company charter operating out of Triabunna. » You may be able to charter a boat to Darlington from Louisville Eastcoaster Resort, (between Orford and Triabunna) by the previous ferry operator. Phone (03) 6257 1589 or 0427 100 104. » Locally based shorter custom ecotours
around the island, or simply charter the boat for up to 10 people, » Flights by light aircraft may be arranged with any of: Tasair, ph: (03) 6248 5088, Par Avion, ph: (03) 6248 5390, or Freycinet Air, ph (03) 6375 1694 » There are fully catered 4-day ecotours of Maria Island, ph: (03) 6227 8800 |
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What it costs to visit Maria Island» You will need to purchase a National Parks Pass to visit the island (and any Tasmanian National Park) - fees range from $11/adult/day or $22/family or group up to 8 people. Holiday, Annual and 2-Yearly passes may be purchased at Maria Island, costs depending on the number in your group, duration of visit and which other Tasmanian parks you plan to visit; generally more economical for frequent Park visitors. » Ferry (return) fares are currently $50/adult and $25/child (3-16 years), free/infant (under 3), and $10/bicycle. » Bicycle hire is available on the island. » Bunkhouse style accommodation is available at
the refurbished Convict Penitentiary Cells at Darlington: Family rooms: $40/room
for 2 adults, additional $5/adult $2.50/child or $45/family(2+3) (up to 6-8 people)
Backpacker rooms: $15/adult, $7.50/child in
a backpackers shared room. Special rates apply for schools. As
accommodation is very limited and demand can be high, booking is strongly advised, ph
(03)
6257 1420, email maria.island@parks.tas.gov.au. » Camping at Darlington, with basic facilities, is available for minimum nightly fee of $12 for 2 persons, with additional $5/adult, $2.50/child (6-17 years), or $15/family (2+3) to a maximum of 6 per site. » Camping is free at French's Farm and Encampment Cove; by Chinamans Bay, a 3-4 hour walk south from Darlington. |
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Visitor facilities provided on Maria Island» Darlington - day use: tank water; toilets; public pay-phone; visitor reception, display and information; open shelter, free gas bbq, picnic tables; ranger station; ranger-guided activities during peak summer visitor periods. » Darlington - overnight visitors: tank water for drinking; dam (creek) water on tap for washing; toilets; laundry; wood heating & cooking; gas heated pay-showers. » French's Farm and Encampment Cove - toilets; tank water; use your own portable stoves please. |
