The Maria Island Walk is often described as four days of spectacular scenery, where you can experience the contrast between rugged mountains and tranquil white, sandy beaches.
Maria Island was declared a National Park back in 1972 and has since become a sanctuary for native plants and wildlife.
This former penal colony is a popular attraction on the island state – particularly for those who love spending time in the great outdoors.
If it is your first visit to Maria Island, you’ll find the local coastal guides are keen to show you around the area, pointing out some of their favourite locations and helping you to have a truly unforgettable experience.
You may have the chance to see Forester kangaroos and Bennetts wallabies, or even the area’s wombats, brush-tailed and ring-tailed possums.
Don’t forget to pack your binoculars though, as they may come in handy when you attempt to spot a rare species of bird such as the spotted pardalote.
Of course, elements of Maria Island’s convict past are never too far away either, which means that this is the perfect holiday destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
You might choose to explore the island with a series of short day-hikes – Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs are two popular routes to consider – or you may instead prefer to explore the island with a longer guided walk.
The walk itself is relatively easy, with the longest day stretching to a comfortable 13 kilometres. This makes exploring Maria Island an activity that can easily be enjoyed by people of all ages and fitness levels.
Once night falls you can indulge your taste buds, eating a delicious meal with other walkers and then fall asleep under a canopy of stars – a uniquely Tasmanian experience that will make your long hike all the more worthwhile.
On the final day of the tour expect to be treated to a warm shower, large farewell dinner and a celebratory pat on the back, as well as the knowledge that you have made a new group of new friends.
The Maria Island Walk has won various eco tourism prizes and four awards from ‘Gourmet Traveller‘, a publication dedicated to finding the best places to eat and holiday in around the world. It also took out Australia’s Best Adventure Activity at the recently concluded 2011 National Tourism Awards; the second time it has achieved this national honour.
