10 Best hikes and trails in Maria Island National Park

Best trails in Maria Island National Park

4.5(1,241 reviews)

Australia
:
#84 of 638 national parks

Maria Island National Park is located on Maria Island in Tasmania. The park covers the whole island and can be reached via ferry. The island has a convict site, industrial site, and old farming site surrounded by its beautiful nature. The island has a rich and diverse abundance of animal life, including pademelons, forester kangaroos, Bennett's wallabies, flinders island wombats, Tasmanian native hens, and Cape Barren geese. Tasmanian devils have also been introduced to the island for breeding. The island is a great spot for bird watching, with a variety of seabirds and 11 of Tasmania's endemic species.

Top trails

#1 - Bishop and Clerk Track

4.8(359)

•Hard

•7.4 mi

This is a rewarding and challenging return walk to the summit of Bishop and Clerk. The summit provides magnificent views of the surrounding area. The walk involves steep up and downhill sections, rock scrambling, and exposed blocks of dolerite. It is best suited to experienced walkers and should be avoided in strong, windy conditions. Bicycles are permitted along the track up to a certain point, but walkers must continue on foot from there. Maria Island's Darlington Settlement is the...

#2 - Fossil Cliffs Walk

This short and steep track gives access to a rock shelf from which you can see the cliff's rock strata up close. They contain a vast number of fossils, including clams, sea fans, corals, scallop shells and sea lilies, that were deposited in the sea around 300 million years ago. This extraordinary fossil richness is one of the finest examples of its kind anywhere in the world. The cliffs were briefly exploited for cement production due to the high lime content in the sedimentary rocks. Along...

#3 - Painted Cliffs Loop

To reach the Painted Cliffs, visitors must follow a serene seaside walk that leads to an even more breathtaking experience. The Painted Cliffs may not be tall, but their stunning hues and mesmerizing patterns more than compensate for their lack of height. These patterns are a result of the sandstone being stained by groundwater seeping through it. The continuous erosion caused by the waves and the sea spray has formed enchanting honeycomb patterns, potholes, and notches. It's recommended to...

#4 - Painted Cliffs Walk

This walk is just one part of the amazing experience of visiting Maria Island National Park, which is reached by a passenger ferry from Triabunna. The island is famous for its abundant and relaxed wombats and forester kangaroos. The Darlington settlement, where the walk starts, is also a UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict probation station, one of the best-preserved in Australia. The beautiful swirling patterns in the sandstone are caused by groundwater leaving traces of iron oxides in the...

#5 - Frenchs Farm Walk

To get to Frenchs Farm, you can take the coastal track (mapped here) or the inland track, which passes through a forest with shrubs. When you reach your destination, explore the old farmhouse and shearing shed at Frenchs Farm. The Frenchs Farm campground is located right on the border of the grassland paddocks. Bookings are not required. Maria Island is a remote island with no shops or cafes. Visitors must bring enough food and water for their visit. Basic supplies can be stocked up in...

#6 - Mount Maria Track

4.4(62)

•Hard

•9.9 mi

The highest point on the island, Mount Maria, stands at 711m. This dolerite outcrop offers panoramic views towards the Tasman Peninsula in the south. To start the hike, you need to head south of Darlington. After the turn-off to Mount Maria, it is a gradual climb from flat earth to rockier terrain as you climb. The boulders are pretty big and can be a little bit of a challenge. Signage can be missing in parts. The view south over the isthmus is fantastic and makes all the effort worth it! ...

#7 - The Reservoir Circuit

Sheltered from the coastal winds, this simple walk offers a glimpse of the wildlife and history of Maria Island. It is an ideal spot to observe the endangered forty-spotted pardalote. The walk will take you through open woodlands and tall eucalypt forests, and then back to the ruins of the old cement works. The area near the reservoir is perfect for a bush picnic. Cycling is only permitted on the Southern track. Maria Island is a remote island with no shops or cafes. Visitors must bring...

#8 - Encampment Cove Walk

Explore the western coastline of Maria Island with this terrific hike or ride to Encampment Cove at the southern end of the island. Camping is available at each end of this trail - Darlington Cove and Encampment Cove. Bookings are not required but Encampment Cove can be full during rock lobster season so you might need to venture to one of the island's other campgrounds to find a spot. Maria Island is a remote island with no shops or cafes. Visitors must bring enough food and water for...

#9 - Maria Island Circuit

This is a huge walk encompassing most of the trails and roads the island has; these are predominantly found on the island's western side and are best experienced via bike or multiple-day trips if walking. This route has you passing multiple picturesque beaches with incredible white sand and turquoise waters, perfect for a dip as you make your way around the island.

#10 - Point Lesueur Walk

You can find the remnants of the Long Point Probation Station at Point Lesueur by looking over the walls of the convict cells and ruins. You can relish the stunning views of mainland Tasmania over the wetlands. The most enjoyable way to experience Point Lesueur is to embark on an overnight walk and choose to stay at either Frenchs Farm or Encampment Cove. Maria Island is a remote island with no shops or cafes. Visitors must bring enough food and water for their visit. Basic supplies can be...

Showing results 1–10 of 17

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Trail reviews for Maria Island National Park

2,173 trailgoers Busiest in January

D Robinson

May 14, 2025

Not crowdedGreat conditionsGreat views

We had an amazing bike ride out to encampment cove! We stopped at french's farm and painted cliffs and saw plenty of wombats, wallabies, birds, and geese along the way! Maria Island is truly a place like no other.

Encampment Cove Walk

Brandon Wang

Apr 9, 2025•Hiking

So good! I like Maria Island!

Difficulty: Easy

Fossil Cliffs Walk

Joris Potignon

Feb 19, 2025•Mountain biking

Easy to parkGreat conditionsGreat views

One day by bike on Maria island was amazing ! Plenty of wombats at point lesueur

Point Lesueur Walk

Lucy C.

Jan 8, 2025

Great conditionsGreat views

A stunning day on Maria Island topped off the great views on the walk. Easy formed path.

Painted Cliffs Loop

Ben Salmond

Dec 21, 2024•Hiking

After 2 weeks of hiking in Tasmania, this one ended up as our favourite! We were unsure whether the $40 ferry to Maria island would be worth it but I couldn't recommend this day trip more. We caught the first ferry and so there's hardly anyone else around. You progress through views of rolling hills and coastal scenery (stopping at fossil cliffs along the way if you wish), through the forest and then climbing up the rock face to the top where you get incredible panoramic views of Maria Island. Last few minutes are a bit challenging, and helpful to have a second person with you (especially if you're a bit shorter). Would recommend booking the 4:30 ferry home as unfortunately we didn't end up with time to also do the painted cliffs return walk.

Parking: Permit required

Difficulty: Hard

Bishop and Clerk Track

Steph Kitchin

Nov 14, 2024•Mountain biking

Great views

Awesome views and awesome wildlife! Hiring bikes on Maria Island lets you see more. But remember to ask for the seat padding. There's a lot of low but long hills on this track, plus a few rocky bits. Not a big deal but can shake you about when you pick up speed downhill.

Frenchs Farm Walk

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Maria Island National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Maria Island National Park is Bishop and Clerk Track, which has a 4.8 star rating from 359 reviews. This trail is 7.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 2,181 ft.

What is the longest trail in Maria Island National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Maria Island National Park is Maria Island Guided Walk. This trail is estimated to be 34.9 mi long.

How many trails are in Maria Island National Park?

There are 17 trails in Maria Island National Park. These trails have an average 4.5-star rating from 1,241 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Maria Island National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Maria Island National Park has you covered. Maria Island Guided Walk boasts the most elevation gain with 6,391 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mount Maria Track, which will get you 2,457 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Maria Island National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 9 camping trails in Maria Island National Park and the most popular is Frenchs Farm Walk with an average 4.7 star rating from 66 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Maria Island National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 running trail in Maria Island National Park which is Painted Cliffs Loop with an average 4.7 star rating from 196 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Maria Island National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 biking trails in Maria Island National Park and the most popular is Painted Cliffs Loop with an average 4.7 star rating from 196 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Maria Island National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Maria Island National Park, including Bishop and Clerk Track, Mount Maria Track, and Maria Island Guided Walk.