Let Us Create Your Journey in Tasmania
At Australia and Beyond Holidays (AABH) Tasmania is one of our favourite destinations. For many Australians its a new destination and they are exploring this Island of diverse experiences and natural beauty for the first time. We have a great range of Journeys to suit all interests and age groups. Our range includes, driving holidays, hiking holidays, Golf Holidays, short break escapes, small group journeys and of course we can create an individual experience as a “hand made” package.
Maria Island Walk
THE MARIA ISLAND WALK
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
(October, November, December, January, February, March, April)
Embark on an enchanting journey across Maria Island. The Maria Island Walk invites you to immerse
yourself in nature as you explore this Tasmanian gem. Traverse ancient forests, wander along pristine
beaches, and encounter fascinating wildlife. As day turns to night, retire to comfortable huts nestled near
the beach, listening to the soothing sounds of the waves. Let the magic of this World Heritage-listed
sanctuary captivate your senses and create lifelong memories amidst the stunning coastal scenery.
● Daily departures from October 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025
● View https://www.mariaislandwalk.com/original-4-day-walk-maria-island/ for the full itinerary &
departure dates
● Other departure dates can be requested for private groups of eight or more
● Minimum four, maximum ten walkers
● Minimum age 12
● We collect guests from central Hobart hotels from 7:30am on Day 1 of the walk. On Day 4 of the
walk we offer a scheduled airport transfer at 4:00pm * or transfer guests to their hotel in central
Hobart by 5:00pm. *We recommend guests book flights departing after 6:00pm.
INCLUSIONS
● Return transfers from Hobart
● Three night’s accommodation; including two nights in our private wilderness camps and one night
in Bernacchi House
● Full board meals including alcoholic beverages and trail snacks
● National Parks pass
● The entire experience fully hosted and expertly guided
● Additionally, guests will be provided with a 50L pack, waterproof jacket, sleeping bag liner,
pillowcase and head torch to use during the experience.
WALKING CONDITIONS
On the Maria Island Walk, guests carry their personal gear in a 50-litre pack supplied by us. Total weight will
be around 6-8kg. Guests walk along firm beaches and formed bush tracks and a moderate level of fitness is
required. On day three, there is an optional, pack-free challenging peak which requires good fitness.
ACCOMMODATION
Experience the Maria Island Walk’s exclusive accommodation. Twin share, comfortable huts with raised
beds, mattresses, sleeping bags, and pillows await guests at our wilderness camps. These environmentally
sensitive camps have communal washrooms, warm outdoor bush showers, and composting toilets. The
final night at historic Bernacchi House offers twin share (non-ensuite) rooms, hot showers, fresh linen,
wood fires, and a delightful banquet
Four Day Classic Walk
Day 1 – The first steps…
You arrive at the historic coastal town of Triabunna. Our boat will take you to Maria Island through the sparkling waters of Mercury Passage to the isthmus of Maria Island. You will set foot on a pristine, untouched beach, exactly as explorers did years earlier. Here you enjoy lunch overlooking the crystal azure waters of Shoal Bay before taking a walk to the tranquil Casuarina Beach camp. That afternoon explore the trail through the tall eucalypt forest down to the spectacular Haunted Bay.
Distance: 8 kms
That evening, after a fine Tasmanian gourmet dinner, stroll along the beach at sunset
with a glass of wine, delighting in the day you’ve had and excited by what lies ahead.
About Our Maria Island Walk Operator
We are the only walk on Maria Island to be selected as one of the exclusive Great Walks groups.
To be selected, everything has to be outstanding: the scenic beauty of the walk, the elegant and exclusive accommodation, the candlelit dining and the experience and personality of the guides. Not surprisingly it’s the only walk on the island to be officially listed as one of the Great Walks of Tasmania and Australia.
Having completed over 1300 walks over 18 seasons and received 8 National Tourism Awards, The Maria Island Walk is recognised as one of Australia’s outstanding experiences. We look forward to sharing it with you.
Day 2 – Five fabulous beaches
Wake up to the busy chattering of the wattle birds and, from the comfort of your bed, watch the morning sun sparkle through the forest. This is one of the truly great guided walks of Australia! After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to start your journey along five beautiful beaches. Watch dolphins play in the surf and sea eagles soaring overhead as you walk past the carpet of exotic shells lining the water’s edge. By late afternoon you arrive at White Gums camp for a refreshing swim. After the perfect day, you can relax with your fellow walkers, before enjoying a candlelit dinner of the finest Tasmanian food and wine.
Distance: 13 kms
Can it get any better than this? Day 3 awaits.
Day 3 – Into the heart, up to the heights
Today our Tasmanian Walking Guides will take you inland to the heart of the Island to discover the rich greens of the grand forests. You’ll wander through the world’s largest stand of giant Tasmanian blue gums and can choose to climb the peaks of Mt Maria or Bishop and Clerk. It’s a 700 metres climb through rare “cloud” rain forests. As you can imagine, the views are simply breathtaking. That evening you arrive at Tasmanian’s fascinating World Heritage listed settlement of Darlington where you’ll stay at the elegant colonial Bernacchi House and enjoy a final night banquet with fine wine and conversation.
Distance: 9-17 kms
Another day that’s given you plenty to dream about.
Day 4 – The Fabulous Top End
The final day begins with a delicious breakfast followed by a walk around the northern tip of Maria Island. The walk takes you through a variety of spectacular woodlands and forests with rare endemic birds, wallabies and wombats on show. You continue on to the dramatic sea cliffs of Fossil Bay and then head down to the remarkable fossils at Fossil Cliffs. Arriving back at Darlington we enjoy a celebratory farewell lunch before boarding the boat to go back to the mainland Tasmania and Hobart taking with you incredible memories and stories of an amazing four days, walking in Tasmania, spent in a very special place.
Distance: 4 kms
Memories, stories and new friends that will last a lifetime.
Three Day Walk
MARIA ISLAND WINTER ESCAPE WALK
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
(May, June, July, August)
Escape to the tranquillity of Maria Island during the winter months and indulge in a magical two-night
retreat. The Maria Island Winter Escape Walk offers a unique opportunity to explore this Tasmanian gem in
a quieter, more serene setting. Discover the island’s rugged beauty as you take gentle day walks through
ancient forests, stroll along deserted beaches, and witness the breathtaking winter landscapes and night
skies. Each afternoon, return to cosy Bernacchi House, relishing the peaceful atmosphere. Embrace the
beauty of this hidden paradise during the winter escape, where nature’s wonders come alive in a whole new
light.
● Departures most Fridays from May 1 to August 31 2024
● View https://www.mariaislandwalk.com/winter-escape-3-day-walk/ for the full itinerary & departure
dates
● Other departure dates can be requested for exclusive groups
● Minimum four, maximum eight walkers
● Minimum age 12
● We collect guests from central Hobart hotels from 7:30am on Day 1 of the walk. On Day 3 of the
walk we offer a scheduled airport transfer at 4:00pm * or transfer guests to their hotel in central
Hobart by 5:00pm. *We recommend guests book flights departing after 6:00pm.
INCLUSIONS
● Return transfers from Hobart
● Two night’s accommodation at newly refurbished Bernacchi House
● Full board meals including alcoholic beverages and trail snacks
● National Parks pass
● The entire experience fully hosted and expertly guided
● Additionally, guests will be provided with a day pack, waterproof jacket and head torch to use during
the experience
Day 1
Guests are picked up from their central Hobart accommodation between 8.00am and 8.15am. The group is then driven to Triabunna, about 90 minutes away, to board one of the local ferry boats which crosses Mercury Passage en route to Darlington on the island. Landing at the historic Darlington precinct, just a short walk to the historic Bernacchi House, guests can relax around the house in front of the wood fires or take a walk to the stunning Painted Cliffs or Fossil Cliffs to watch the sunset over the water. Delicious fresh Tasmanian produce and fine wines will be served by the guides. Approx. walking distance 2 km or 12km if taking one of the afternoon walks.
Day 2
Day 3
Accommodation
After a day of walking, you will relax in comfortable, elegant accommodation. The first two nights are in beautiful wilderness camps and the last night we stay in the historic Bernacchi House in the UNESCO world heritage listed settlement of Darlington. Our accommodation is provided exclusively for our guests and allows you to feel completely immersed in the wilderness and history of Maria Island
Wilderness Glamping
This isn’t camping as you know it. Our African safari style wilderness camps are located only moments from stunning beaches, tucked away in the beautiful surrounding forest. They are specially designed to have a small environmental footprint with bush showers and clean composting toilets. You’ll fall asleep in a comfortable bed in your own bush cabin to the sound of waves gently lapping nearby and wake to the sound of birds in the forest.
A beautiful experience on its own.
NEED TO KNOW
he Maria Island Walk has three days of walking. A good level of fitness is recommended.
Typical itinerary
Day 1 (Hobart to Maria)
7.30am pick up
easy 2km + optional (easy to moderate) 9km
Day 2 (Camp 1 to Camp 2)
5 beaches
easy 13km
Day 3 (Camp 2 to Bernacchi House, Darlington)
easy 6km + optional 12km more challenging summit
Day 4 (Maria to Hobart / airport)
Morning at leisure in Darlington
4.30pm drop off in Hobart CBD or airport
The majority of Walks are non-portered. Walkers will carry a backpack with up 6 to 8kgs of their own clothing and gear
Select departure dates are Portered. Please see ‘Portered Walks’ in the rates document for more information.
Accommodation is twin share with shared amenities
There is no mobile phone reception during days 1 & 2 of the walk
Iconic Must do Cruising in Tasmania
The Pennicott wilderness cruises are a must do in Tasmania and can be incorporated into most of our Tasmanian Journeys.
Iron Pot Cruises
Iron Pot Cruises is a 2½ hour cruise exploring the renowned waterways that influence Hobart’s lifestyle. Visit Australia’s oldest lighthouse, circumnavigate Betsey Island and discover the city’s rich maritime past.
Travel aboard one of our brand new vessels in a small group of up to 12 passengers. The spacious enclosed cabin contains comfortable leather seats. Large awning windows provide a great view and allow you to immerse yourself in the surroundings.
Cruising down the Derwent River you’ll pass historic Battery Point, now one of Tasmania’s premium residential addresses. You’ll see well-known landmarks like the iconic Wrest Point Casino and the Shot Tower. Further south, you’ll truly appreciate the scale of Mount Wellington as it towers over the city.
Arrive at the Iron Pot, Australia’s oldest lighthouse, and be immersed in the fascinating history as your guide shares stories of Hobart’s early settlement.
Wineglass Bay from the water
Wineglass Bay Cruises is a 4½ hour cruise of the waterways surrounding Freycinet National Park from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay on Tasmania’s East Coast.
Cruise the spectacular coastline of Freycinet National Park from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay. Be enthralled by the stunning granite coastline, including the dramatic pink peaks of the Hazards range.
Discover a coast dotted with sparkling white sand beaches, including Cooks and Bryans beaches, only accessible by water or a full day bushwalk. Explore the inner passage of remote Schouten Island, home to little penguins and short tailed shearwaters, before heading into the Tasman Sea towards Wineglass Bay. Look out for various hidden sea caves, blowholes and waterfalls amongst the sheer granite cliffs.
Take in the sheer beauty of Wineglass Bay from the rarely seen perspective of the water, a shimmering crescent of white sand fringes spilling into glass turquoise waters.
Bruny Island Cruise
Bruny Island Cruises is an award-winning 3 Hour Wilderness Cruise exploring the rugged coastline of Bruny Island in southern Tasmania.
Cruise alongside some of Australia’s highest sea cliffs, beneath towering crags and drift up close to listen to the awesome ‘Breathing Rock’. Enter deep sea caves, pass through the narrow gap between the coast and ‘The Monument’ and feel the power of nature at the point where the Tasman Sea meets the might of the Southern Ocean.
Join in the search for the abundant coastal wildlife such as seals, dolphins, migrating whales and sea birds. The highly trained interpretive guides love what they do – they work hard to ensure that the experience is fun, enjoyable, entertaining and informative.The custom-built yellow boats are ideal for viewing the spectacular coastline and wildlife of Bruny Island. Each vessel holds a maximum of 43 guests. Covered open-air tiered seating means an excellent all-round view and connection with the environment.
