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Fossil Cliffs on Maria Island, Tasmania.
Fossil Cliffs is located on Maria Island, a special place with abundant wildlife, long sandy beaches, painted cliffs, convict heritage and fantastic scenery.
This mountainous island is located in the Tasman Sea, off the east coast of Tasmania. The entire island is a national park managed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service.
Maria Island is about 20 kilometres long from north to south and, at its widest, is about 13 kilometres from west to east. At its closest point, Point Lesueur, the island lies approximately 4 kilometres off the east coast of Tasmania.
One of the great joys of visiting Maria Island is the opportunity to see wildlife in its natural habitat.
Please take all your rubbish with you when you leave. There is no rubbish tip or collection service on the island.
A valid Tasmania National Parks Pass is required to enter Maria Island National Park, and no pets are allowed.
You can also take your bike over on the ferry or hire one on the island; roads and tracks are all gravel.
The Fossil Cliffs walk one of the 60 Great Short Walks.
The Walk - 4.5 kilometres (2 hours Return) from Darlington - Grade 3
The Fossil Cliffs extend along the northern shores of Maria Island, where you will see these spectacular cliffs plunge sheer into the sea. The walk brings you to an old limestone quarry where you can get a close-up look at various fossils, including sea fans, coral-like creatures, scallop shells and sea lilies.
Leave Darlington on the road behind the penitentiary, walk past the foundations of the 12 Apostles, continue over the creek bed, and walk up the gully (it gets a bit steep here).
At the top of the gully, you will come to the edge of the cliffs (take care here as they are not fenced and are a little unstable due to loose rocks). The views from here are amazing!
After admiring the views, turn left and head up the hill (it's also a bit steep here). Walk to the base, climb over a stile, and follow the path to a concrete drain. Walk down this drain to reach the bottom of the Fossil Cliffs.
When you have had a good look around, follow the road past the airstrip back to the ferry terminal.
Maria Island is a 30-minute ferry ride from Triabunna, about 1.5 hours from Hobart and 2.5 hours from Launceston. Click Here for Ferry Information and Timetable.
There is plenty of parking near the Ferry Terminal. It is also suitable for parking buses and motorhomes. There are no cars or public transport on Maria Island.
There is an excellent selection of short walks around Maria Island; the Visitor Centre at the Ferry Terminal will give you handouts of any of interest.
Public toilets are available at the ferry terminal in Triabunna, on the Ferry, at the Ferry Terminal on Maria Island and in Darlington.
Picnic Tables and BBQs are available on Maria Island. There are No Cafes or shops, so bring everything you need from the Mainland.
Limited Phone Coverage on the island.
Camping is allowed on Maria Island National Park; you must book with the Visitors Centre.
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