Wildlife & Wandering: Maria Island

Arrive into the Apple Isle and transfer to your waterfront hotel with the rest of the day to relax or explore the surrounds.

MACq01

Today begins your unforgettable walking exploration of spectacular Maria Island. Transfer to the historic coastal town of Triabunna, before boarding a boat and travelling through the sparkling waters of Mercury Passage to the isthmus of Maria Island. Arrive and 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.

The journey camps are located only moments from the beach, tucked away in the beautiful surrounding forest. Specially designed to have a small environmental footprint, guests will fall asleep in a comfortable bed in a private bush cabin to the sound of waves gently lapping nearby and wake to the sound of birds in the forest.

Spend the afternoon exploring the trail through the tall eucalypt forest down to the remarkable Haunted Bay.

This evening, after a fine Tasmanian gourmet dinner, stroll along the beach at sunset with a glass of wine, admiring the spectacular landscape.

(Walking distance: 8kms)

Casuarina Beach Camp | BLD

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. 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 arrive at White Gums camp for a refreshing swim.

After the perfect day, relax with your fellow explorers before enjoying a candlelit dinner of the finest Tasmanian food and wine.

(Walking distance: 13kms)

White Gums Beach Camp | BLD

Today your expert 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, a 700 metre 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 matching wines.

Bernacchi House at Darlington, a rare, beautifully restored, heritage listed house dating back to 1880. Take a stroll out to the veranda and marvel at the millions of stars and the fragrance of the lavender garden below. In the winter months, curl up in front of roaring log fire, and savour delicious meals with matching wines year-round, feasting on the best local produce and other epicurean delights.

(Walking distance; 9-17kms)

Bernacchi House | BLD

Your final day begins with a delicious breakfast followed by a walk around the northern tip of Maria Island. The walk will take you through a variety of spectacular woodlands and forests with rare endemic birds, wallabies and wombats on show. Continue on to the dramatic sea cliffs of Fossil Bay and then head down to admire the area’s remarkable namesakes at Fossil Cliffs. Arriving back at Darlington, revel in a celebratory farewell lunch before boarding the boat back to the mainland Tasmania and Hobart, taking with you incredible memories and stories of an amazing Maria Island adventure. Transfer to your luxurious harbourside retreat with the evening at leisure.

(Walking distance: 4kms)

MACq 01 Hotel | BL

As your journey comes to an end, savour breakfast before transferring to Hobart Airport for your departure flight.

B