Guided Walking Experience for the Travel Trade

Maria Island Walk

A 4-day guided walk across Maria Island, Tasmania – traversing ancient forests, pristine beaches, and World Heritage-listed convict ruins. One of Australia’s officially recognised Great Walks, with wilderness glamping, gourmet Tasmanian dining, and encounters with wombats, wallabies, and rare birdlife. Built for travel agents packaging premium Tasmanian experiences, Fully Independent Traveller (FIT) itineraries, and small group programmes that need something genuinely memorable.

About This Walk

Maria Island, Tasmania

Maria Island sits off Tasmania’s east coast in the sparkling Mercury Passage – a place with no cars, no shops, and no permanent residents. It’s a national park and World Heritage site where wombats wander the old airstrip, Cape Barren geese graze the convict-era ruins, and the beaches are yours alone. The kind of place that makes people go quiet for a moment when they first arrive.

The Maria Island Walk is a 4-day, 3-night guided experience that crosses the island from south to north. Guests walk along firm beaches and formed bush tracks, sleep in exclusive wilderness glamping camps and the historic Bernacchi House, and eat gourmet Tasmanian food with local wine by candlelight. Over 18 seasons and more than 1,300 completed walks, the operator has earned 8 National Tourism Awards. It’s the only walk on Maria Island selected as one of Australia’s Great Walks. For travel agents building premium Tasmanian itineraries – whether FIT, small group, or honeymoon – this is one of those products that sells itself once your clients understand what it actually is.

  • 4 days / 3 nights – maximum 10 walkers per departure
  • Season runs October to April (winter escape walk May to August)
  • Two nights wilderness glamping, one night in historic Bernacchi House
  • All-inclusive – gourmet meals, Tasmanian wine, National Parks pass, expert guides
  • Return transfers from Hobart included
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COMPLETE ITINERARY

The Maria Island Walk – Day by Day

Hobart to Maria Island & Casuarina Beach Camp

Guests are collected from central Hobart hotels at 7:30am and driven to the historic coastal town of Triabunna, roughly 90 minutes away. From there, a boat crosses the sparkling Mercury Passage to the isthmus of Maria Island. You step onto a pristine, untouched beach – exactly as explorers did years before.

Lunch is served overlooking the crystal waters of Shoal Bay before the group walks to the Casuarina Beach camp. That afternoon, there’s time to explore the trail through tall eucalypt forest down to the spectacular Haunted Bay – a wild, wind-sculpted stretch of coast that feels genuinely remote.

After a fine Tasmanian gourmet dinner, guests stroll along the beach at sunset with a glass of wine. The wilderness glamping camp is African safari-style – comfortable beds in private bush cabins, moments from the beach. You fall asleep to the sound of waves.

Distance: 8 km

Trade tip: The transition from Hobart to the island happens quickly. Within a few hours, your clients go from a city hotel to a place with no cars, no shops, no phone reception. That abruptness is part of the experience. Let them know to expect it – it’s what makes the first evening so powerful.

A panoramic aerial view of Hobart, Tasmania, showing the downtown skyline, residential neighborhoods, and the iconic Tasman Bridge spanning the blue Derwent River. Forested hills and mountains surround the city under a clear sky with scattered clouds.

Camp 1 to White Gums Camp via Five Beaches

This is the day that tends to appear in every guest’s highlight reel. After a delicious breakfast at camp, the walk follows five beautiful beaches along the island’s east coast. Dolphins play in the surf. Sea eagles soar overhead. The water’s edge is lined with exotic shells, and the sand is the kind of white you only see in places that barely get visited.

By late afternoon, the group arrives at White Gums camp for a refreshing swim. The evening is unhurried – relaxing with fellow walkers before a candlelit dinner of the finest Tasmanian food and wine, prepared by the guides.

Distance: 13 km

Trade tip: Day 2 is easy walking on firm beach sand. It’s the most accessible day physically and the most photogenic. International clients who have never experienced an empty Australian beach like this will find it almost surreal. This is the day that generates the social media content your clients’ friends will ask about.

A stunning coastal landscape featuring distinctive orange and golden granite boulders scattered along the shoreline of the Bay of Fires Conservation Area in Tasmania, Australia. Crystal-clear blue waters and a pristine sandy beach complement the dramatic rocky formations under a clear sky.

Into the Forest & Optional Summit Climb

The walk heads inland today, into the heart of Maria Island. Guests wander through the world’s largest stand of giant Tasmanian blue gums – the scale of these trees is something else entirely. The air smells different here. Dense, rich, ancient.

For those with the energy, there’s an optional pack-free climb of Mt Maria or Bishop and Clerk. It’s a 700-metre ascent through rare cloud rainforest to summit views that are, frankly, breathtaking. The main group can take a gentler route through the forest.

That evening, guests arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed convict settlement of Darlington and stay at the elegant colonial Bernacchi House. The final night banquet with fine wine and conversation is a real occasion.

Distance: 9-17 km (depending on optional summit)

Trade tip: The optional summit climb requires good fitness – it’s a proper hike. But guests who skip it don’t miss out on the experience. They still walk through extraordinary forest and arrive at Bernacchi House in time to explore Darlington before dinner. Having the choice makes this day work for mixed-fitness groups, which is important when you’re building itineraries for couples.

A stocky, fluffy wombat trudges through snowy terrain in winter, with moss-covered rocks visible in the background. The image captures the animal's characteristic compact body and rounded features as it navigates the cold Australian landscape.

Northern Maria Island, Fossil Cliffs & Return to Hobart

The final morning begins with breakfast at Bernacchi House, followed by a walk around the northern tip of Maria Island. The route passes through spectacular woodlands with rare endemic birds, wallabies wandering freely, and wombats that barely glance up as you walk past. The trail continues to the dramatic sea cliffs of Fossil Bay and the remarkable Fossil Cliffs, where ancient limestone formations tell a geological story stretching back hundreds of millions of years.

Back at Darlington, a celebratory farewell lunch is served before the group boards the boat to Triabunna and the mainland. Guests are transferred to their Hobart hotel by 5:00pm or to the airport at approximately 4:00pm.

Distance: 4 km

Trade tip: We recommend guests book flights departing after 6:00pm on Day 4 to allow comfortable time for the transfer. Better still, book an extra night in Hobart. After four days in the wilderness, clients tend to want a good restaurant and time to process the experience before flying out. We can arrange Hobart accommodation, city touring, and onward connections anywhere in Australia.

A serene waterfront scene at dawn featuring several moored fishing and commercial vessels reflected in calm harbor waters, with historic waterfront buildings and tree-lined hills in the background under a clear blue sky.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Inclusions & Accommodation

All-Inclusive Experience

  • Return transfers from central Hobart
  • Three nights accommodation – two in wilderness glamping camps, one in Bernacchi House
  • Full board gourmet meals including alcoholic beverages and trail snacks
  • National Parks pass
  • Expert guides throughout the entire experience
  • 50L pack, waterproof jacket, sleeping bag liner, pillowcase, and head torch provided
  • Boat crossing to and from Maria Island

About the Accommodation

This isn’t camping as you know it. The first two nights are spent in exclusive African safari-style wilderness camps tucked into the forest, moments from stunning beaches. Think comfortable beds with proper mattresses and sleeping bags in private bush cabins, warm outdoor bush showers, and communal washrooms with clean composting toilets. You’re immersed in the wilderness but sleeping well.

The final night at Bernacchi House is something different again – an elegant colonial building in the World Heritage-listed Darlington settlement. Twin-share rooms with hot showers, fresh linen, wood fires, and a banquet dinner to close the experience.

  • Twin-share accommodation throughout (all exclusive to guests)
  • Wilderness camps with raised beds, mattresses, and sleeping bags
  • Historic Bernacchi House with fresh linen and wood fires
  • Candlelit gourmet dinners with premium Tasmanian wine

Ready to Book the Maria Island Walk?

Get in touch with our team for trade rates, departure availability, and help packaging the Maria Island Walk into your clients’ Tasmanian itineraries. We handle pre- and post-walk accommodation in Hobart, domestic flights, connections to Bruny Island cruises, the Overland Track, Freycinet, and our full range of Australian touring product.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 4-day classic walk runs daily from October through April. This is Tasmania’s warmer season with long daylight hours and the island at its most vibrant. A separate 3-day Winter Escape Walk operates most Fridays from May to August, based entirely at Bernacchi House in Darlington – a different experience with a quieter, more contemplative mood. Winter departures are limited to a maximum of 8 walkers. For the classic walk, demand is strong during the Tasmanian summer months (December to February), so we recommend booking well ahead for peak-season departures.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended for the 4-day walk. Guests carry a 50-litre pack (provided) weighing around 6 to 8 kg with their personal gear. The walking is on firm beaches and formed bush tracks – nothing technical. Days 1, 2 and 4 are easy to moderate. Day 3 includes an optional pack-free summit climb of Mt Maria or Bishop and Clerk, which requires good fitness – it’s a 700-metre ascent through cloud rainforest. Guests who prefer not to climb can take a gentler forest route instead. No previous multi-day walking experience is necessary, but your clients should be comfortable walking 8 to 13 km on varied terrain. There is no mobile phone reception during Days 1 and 2 of the walk.
The classic 4-day walk takes a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10 walkers per departure. The winter escape walk takes a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8. The small group size is deliberate – it keeps the experience intimate and the environmental impact low. Private group departures can be arranged for groups of 8 or more on dates outside the published schedule. The minimum age for all walks is 12 years.
Yes. Private departures can be organised for groups of 8 or more on custom dates. This works well for incentive groups, corporate retreats, or special-interest parties. The walk’s small scale and remote setting create a powerful shared experience – the kind that generates real bonding among participants. For larger incentive programmes, AABH can coordinate the Maria Island Walk as one component of a broader Tasmanian or Australian itinerary, paired with Hobart dining experiences, Bruny Island cruises, or Freycinet touring. Contact us at enquiries@aabh.com.au to discuss private departures and packaging options.
The Maria Island Walk pairs naturally with Hobart (a night or two either side is well worth it), Bruny Island day cruises, Freycinet and Wineglass Bay, Cradle Mountain, and the west coast wilderness. For clients wanting an extended walking holiday, it combines well with the Overland Track for a comprehensive Tasmanian walking experience. We build complete Tasmanian and Australian itineraries for the travel trade – accommodation, touring, domestic flights, self-drive options, and transfers. Tasmania itself works as a standalone destination or as part of a wider Australian journey that might include Melbourne, Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, or the Red Centre.
A picturesque waterfront scene of Hobart Harbour at sunset, featuring moored sailing boats and historic buildings reflected in calm golden waters. The image captures the vibrant golden and orange hues of the setting sun illuminating the colonial architecture and modern skyline along Tasmania's waterfront.
A stunning twilight cityscape of Hobart's Victoria Dock waterfront, featuring illuminated sailboats and tour vessels reflected in calm waters, with the heritage Tasmanian Museum and Gallery glowing warmly on the left and modern buildings silhouetted against a moody blue sky.
A stunning aerial drone view of Cloudy Bay Beach on South Bruny Island, Tasmania, showcasing pristine white sand, turquoise waters with rolling surf waves, and forested mountains backing the coastline under clear blue skies.
A stunning aerial drone photograph of The Neck, a narrow isthmus connecting North and South Bruny Island in southern Tasmania, Australia. The image showcases the dramatic contrast between the turquoise ocean waters on the left, the sandy beach, pristine green lagoon on the right, and forested hills beyond, with mountains visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
A stunning coastal landscape featuring pristine white sand beach, turquoise waters, and distinctive granite boulders covered in vibrant orange lichen at the Bay of Fires Conservation Area in Tasmania. The rocky foreground contrasts beautifully with the calm, clear waters and blue sky beyond.
An aerial view of Bruny Island Lighthouse perched on a grassy headland overlooking the Southern Ocean. The white cylindrical lighthouse stands prominently on the rugged coastline with dramatic cliffs, rocky outcrops, and dense coastal vegetation, with sparkling blue waters and distant landmasses visible under a partly cloudy sky.
A dramatic aerial view of The Neck, a narrow isthmus on Bruny Island, featuring a wooden boardwalk descending toward pristine white sand beaches flanked by turquoise ocean waters on one side and calm bay waters on the other, with lush green vegetation covering the peninsula and mountains visible across the water under a partly cloudy sky.
A scenic wooden boardwalk winds through alpine grassland toward the distinctive peaks of Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. The image captures the mountain's dramatic twin summits framed by native vegetation, a pristine alpine lake, and diverse flora in golden and green tones under clear skies.
A scenic landscape view of dramatic rocky mountain peaks rising above rolling bushland, with delicate white wildflowers and native vegetation in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky. The rugged granite formations and diverse flora showcase Tasmania's natural beauty and wilderness character.
An aerial view of the Gordon Dam, a distinctive double-curvature concrete arch dam spanning the Gordon River in southwestern Tasmania, Australia, surrounded by dense temperate rainforest and rocky outcrops with a second lake visible in the distance.
A pristine river flows through a lush temperate rainforest valley under a brilliant blue sky with white clouds, surrounded by ancient eucalyptus trees and rocky outcrops in Tasmania's Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.
A serene forest pathway winds through a lush, moss-covered woodland in Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, Tasmania. Towering trees with moss-draped trunks create a verdant canopy overhead, with dappled sunlight filtering through the dense foliage onto the gravel track below.
A scenic wooden boardwalk with metal railings winds through a lush temperate rainforest, featuring moss-covered trees, ferns, and dense green canopy. An interpretive sign is visible along the pathway, providing information about the natural environment.
A serene forest stream winds through a lush, moss-covered temperate rainforest in Tasmania's Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Towering trees, ferns, and moss-laden rocks create an ancient, primordial atmosphere with the clear water flowing gently over a rocky bed.
A striking suspension bridge spans a crystal-clear river in a lush rainforest setting, with visible river stones beneath the transparent water and dense green vegetation framing both sides. The bridge features a mesh safety net design, connecting hikers through the pristine wilderness of Tasmania's Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park under a clear blue sky.
A picturesque waterfront scene showing colorful fishing boats moored at Victoria Dock along Franklin Wharf in Hobart, with the city skyline and snow-capped Mount Wellington visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
A picturesque street view of The Mall in central Launceston, Tasmania, featuring elegant Victorian and heritage architecture with distinctive cream and terracotta facades, ornate details, and ground-floor retail establishments beneath a clear blue sky.
An aerial view of the iconic Alexandra Suspension Bridge spanning across the turquoise waters of Cataract Gorge in Launceston, Tasmania, surrounded by dramatic rocky cliffs and autumn vegetation. The historic footbridge connects the gorge's steep sides and offers stunning views of the natural landscape below.
A picturesque row of heritage sandstone buildings lines a pedestrian plaza at Salamanca Place in Hobart, Tasmania. The formerly utilitarian port warehouses now house restaurants, galleries, craft shops, and offices, with visitors strolling the cobblestone street beneath mountains in the background.
A scenic harbor view of Victoria Dock in Hobart, Tasmania, featuring moored fishing vessels and leisure boats reflected in calm blue waters at sunrise, with the distinctive Mount Wellington rising in the background and historic waterfront buildings lining the dock.
A stunning twilight view of Brisbane's modern city skyline reflecting in the Brisbane River, featuring the iconic Story Bridge, contemporary high-rise buildings illuminated against a vibrant purple and blue sky, with historic riverside landmarks in the foreground including a lighthouse and heritage structures.

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