Maria Island National Park
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History
Whalers first settled Maria Island in the early 1800’s, since then it has been home to many operations including a convict Settlement and a cement Company.
Accommodation & facilities
Basic accommodation is available. There is extensive camping area as well as the converted penitentiary that features nine rooms sleeping up to six in each. The cost for a unit is $22. There is no electricity, shops or vehicular access on the island. Some rain water a public phone as well as toilets and gas barbeques and showers are provided.
Sights
Maria Island is popular not only with walker but also bike riders and offers some excellent bike tracks. It is also of historic significance with many ruins and restored historic buildings. Bird watching too is popular as the island has a diverse range of wildlife, including the endangered 40 spotted pardalotte and the Cape Barren geese.
- Painted cliffs (1.5-2hrs rtn - EASY)
The painted cliffs are one of Maria islands most famous attractions the weathered sandstone cliffs are laced with beautiful mineral patterns.
- Fossil Cliffs (1.5hr rtn - EASY)
The Spectacular cliffs are rich in fossilized shellfish.
- Bishop and Clark (5 hrs rtn - MODERATE)
Affording some of the best views of Maria island this walk gets steep and rocky toward the end the view over the island as well as of the east cost of Tasmania is well worth the effort however.
- There are many other walks including to Mt Maria and the south island.
Access
Maria Island is a national park in Tasmania (Australia), 85 km north-east of Hobart. There are two ferries operating to Maria Island one departs at Triabunna the other at the Eastcoaster resort just north of Orford. This is about an hour and a half east of Hobart.
more information
contact [Maria Island National Park (http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/natparks/maria/)]
Fact sheet
- Area: 115 km² (land area: 103 km²)
- Coordinates: Template:Coor dms
- Date of establishment: ?
- Managing authorities: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service
- IUCN category: II
See also: Protected areas of Tasmania (Australia)nl:Nationaal park Maria Island