Destination Guide
Honest tips from our team, so you arrive ready and spend your trip enjoying the island, not figuring things out.
Why Maria Island
Maria Island sits just off Tasmania coast, a 30-minute ferry from Triabunna. The whole island is a national park. Wombats walk past your tent. Kangaroos graze at sunset. Painted sandstone cliffs line the coast.
No cafes, no cars, no signal most of the time. A lot of our customers come for a day trip and wish they had booked overnight.
Before you go
Getting There
Triabunna is about 1 hour 20 minutes from Hobart. The coast road is beautiful and there are good coffee stops on the way.
Park at the Triabunna car park when you arrive, it’s free, safe to leave overnight, and right next to the ferry terminal.
No car? Encounter Maria runs a shuttle from Hobart. Keep in mind our gear packs are built for ferry crates and trolleys, not for carrying on your back. Email us to info@explora.au if you need something different.
The Ferry
The trip takes 30 minutes. Indoor seats, outdoor deck, coffee and snacks on board. Always double-check prices at encountermaria.com.au.
| Ticket | Day trip | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $59.00 | $70.00 |
| Concession | $47.50 | $59.50 |
| Student | $36.50 | $47.50 |
| Child 4-16 | $36.50 | $43.00 |
| Baby 0-3 | Free | Free |
Summer (Sep-Apr): 8:30am, 10:00am, 11:30am, 3:15pm
Winter (May-Aug): 10:00am, 11:30am, 3:15pm — no Tue/Thu
Luggage and Gear
This part confuses a lot of first-time visitors. Here is exactly how it works:
Check in at the Maria Island Gateway building at Triabunna wharf.
Outside, you will see big plastic crates on the pier. Put your bags in one.
Ferry staff load the crates onto the boat for you.
At the island, staff unload the crates onto the dock.
Grab a free trolley, load your gear, and roll it to the campground. Flat path, about 7 minutes. Easy.
Where You will Camp
If you have an overnight ferry ticket, your camping spot at Darlington is included, no separate booking needed. Just pick a spot when you arrive.
🐾 The most important tip in this guide
On the Island
Getting Around
Perfect for cycling as it has flat roads, no traffic, and you cover way more ground than on foot. Encounter Maria runs hire from a shed next to the penitentiary in Darlington.
The Explora Pack
Everything fits the ferry crates and the campground trolleys. Built so you can get on and off the ferry without stress.
Ready to go?
Everything you need for the ferry and campground, packed and ready. We have been doing Maria Island trips since 2021.
Weather and gear
