The Island with Roads - But No Cars Allowed! (Maria Island)
Maria Island is a rugged and isolated National Park located off the east coast of Tasmania, Australia. Although it features a network of rough roads and tracks, no public motor vehicles are allowed on the island. Visitors must explore its remote terrain only on foot or by bicycle, making the island a unique and rewarding destination for adventure seekers.
Getting to Maria Island: Essential Logistics
Access to the island is exclusively via a passenger ferry from Triabunna on Tasmania's east coast (about a half-hour crossing). Visitors must be fully self-sufficient, as there are no shops or service stations on the island.
Are there any roads on Maria Island?
Yes — but they’re not what most people would call roads. The island has a series of old gravel service roads, once used for farming, industry, and ranger access. Today, these routes are closed to all public motor traffic. They function as multi-use trails, allowing walkers and cyclists to reach the island’s historic sites, cliffs, and remote bays.
Darlington: History, Facilities, and the "Take It With You" Rule
The journey begins at Darlington, the island's main settlement. This area is home to the Darlington Probation Station, a preserved convict settlement that is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While the convict period was brief (convicts frequently escaped!), the island's later history is rich and unique: it was leased by the Italian entrepreneur Diego Bernacchi, who had grand plans for a silk and wine empire, later building a cement processing factory. Bernacchi's venture was ultimately plagued by financial difficulties, succumbing to the Great Depression before the island became a national park in 1971.
Darlington is the only area with visitor facilities and ranger presence, and it operates under a strict conservation policy: Crucially, there are NO RUBBISH BINS on the island. All visitors must pack out and take all rubbish with them when they leave.
Planning an Overnight Stay & Facilities
While the island is commonly done as a day trip, an overnight stay is highly recommended to experience the island's "magic" after the sun goes down.
- Accommodation: Visitors can camp or hire out one of the rustic rooms at the Penitentiary. These rooms are reasonably cheap and can sleep up to 6 people.
- Communal Facilities: Darlington provides well-maintained toilets, a mess hall with drinking water, basic cooking facilities, and solar-powered charging stations for phones and batteries.
Frenchs Farm Coastal Route
One of the best-known routes is the Frenchs Farm Coastal Route, a long, exposed gravel track that follows the eastern shoreline. It runs from Darlington all the way to Frenchs Farm, a historic homestead and popular camping area. The route is mostly flat but very isolated. Cyclists should allow for a full-day (4–6 hour) return trip for the main section.
The Major Challenge Hikes
For the more adventurous, the island offers two major, challenging mountain hikes that provide unmatched views but require significant preparation:
- The strenuous climb up Bishop and Clerk (915m), offering spectacular panoramic views of the entire island and coastline.
- The demanding trek to Mount Maria (711m), the island's highest peak.
Haunted Bay Track
At the far southern end of the island, the Haunted Bay Track offers a much wilder experience. This is a walking-only route — no bikes allowed — leading hikers over rugged ground to one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the island. The lookout sits above Haunted Bay, a remote granite amphitheatre splashed with orange lichen and pounded by Tasman Sea swells.
Wildlife Encounter and Safety
Maria Island is known as a wildlife sanctuary, home to wallabies, kangaroos, and its famous wombats. Visitors should be aware that the wildlife is extremely numerous and often tame, but it is vital to give the wombats plenty of space and never attempt to feed them. The unique encounter with wildlife is a highlight, but safety and conservation guidelines must be strictly followed.
Exploring Maria Island by Bike or Foot
For those willing to take on the challenge, Maria Island offers a rare kind of adventure: remote coastlines, empty gravel roads, wild weather, and landscapes untouched by vehicles. It’s an ideal destination for cyclists and hikers looking for a quiet, isolated, and scenic experience in Tasmania.