Maria Island Walk

Highlights
Stunning coastal scenery and varied hiking terrain afford a memorable experience on historic Maria Island. Peaceful, ecologicallysensitive wilderness camps and heritagelisted Bernacchi House provide perfect accommodation at days' end. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Darlington and enjoy the island's fascinating history and abundant wildlife.

Day 1 - Arrive Hobart
Arrive in Hobart and transfer by chauffeur-driven car to the Henry Jones Art Hotel, right on the waterfront at Sullivans Cove.
The Henry Jones Art Hotel, Deluxe Spa Harbour View Room

Day 2 - Hobart - Maria Island walk
After equipment issue and a briefing, transfer to the coast and sail by private launch to the remote southern end of Maria Island, arriving in ample time to enjoy the stunning views and a walk through the eucalypt forest. Relax at the delightful Casuarina Beach Camp or take a swim in the sheltered bay, and enjoy Tasmanian wine and a gourmet dinner (Approximately 8kms) (B,L,D).
Casuarina Beach Camp, Permanent Tent

Day 3 - Maria Island walk
Walk from Riedle Bay to Shoal Bay along five fabulous beaches. Explore the convict cells at Point Lesueur and visit an ochre pit at Bloodstone Point. Put your feet up at White Gums Camp, enjoying the chorus of native birds and a glass of wine on the deck in anticipation of dinner. (Approximately 13kms) (B,L,D).
White Gums Camp, Permanent Tent

Day 4 - Maria Island walk
Head inland through stately green forest and take the gentle inland track to Hopgrounds Beach and the Painted Cliffs, or continue to the 711m summit of Mt Maria for breathtaking views. Finish the day with a sumptuous banquet and accommodation in the historic colonial home once occupied by Italian entrepreneur, Diego Bernacchi (Approximately 9 -17kms) (B,L,D).
Bernacchi House

Day 5 - Maria Island walk
Relax and enjoy the serenity of Darlington and walk through the tall Blue Gum forest to the convict brickworks, heritage reservoir and the remarkable fossil cliffs. Enjoy a champagne lunch overlooking the stunning Freycinet Peninsula followed by a tour of the convict settlement before returning to Hobart and your
accommodation. (Approximately 4kms) (B,L).
The Henry Jones Art Hotel, Deluxe Spa Harbour View Room

Day 6 - Depart Hobart
After breakfast this morning, transfer by private chauffeur-driven car for departure (B).

The Henry Jones Art Hotel
The Henry Jones Art Hotel is Australia's first dedicated art hotel. Located on Hobart's picturesque waterfront where Europeans first stepped ashore 200 years ago, a row of historic warehouses dating from the 1820s and a former jam factory have been transformed into an enthralling first class hotel showcasing over 300 original contemporary artworks by emerging and established Tasmanian artists. Rooms and suites are sumptuously equipped. The hotel is ideally situated to allow guests to explore Hobart and sample the island's fine cuisine and world-class wines.

UNESCO World Heritage Listed Darlington Probation Station
The 14 buildings and structures extant at Maria Island's Darlington Probation Station offer an insight into Tasmania's convict past and the probation system which characterised the last phase of convict management in eastern Australia. The philosophy of the system was to use classification, segregation, education, religious instruction and stages of punishment to reform and manage convicts. The natural setting and isolation of the Maria Island site made it an ideal location. Darlington is the most representative and intact example of a probation station in the country, and its cultural significance has been recently recognised with World Heritage listing. The majority of the buildings are colonial Georgian in style and are simple and functional with plain, whitewashed brick walls. At its peak, the convict population reached 492; however, Darlington was closed in 1850 following the cessation of the probation system in Van Diemen's Land, and the island was opened up for public leasehold.

Pricing
At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. As a guide, this 6 day suggested journey in Tasmania will cost from $2,835 per person based on two adults sharing and is subject to availability.