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Painted Cliffs on Maria Island, Tasmania
The Painted Cliffs are located on Maria Island, a special place with abundant wildlife, long sandy beaches, fossil bays, 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.
The Painted Cliffs walk one of the 60 Great Short Walks.
The Walk - 4.3 kilometres - 2 hours return from Darlington - Grade 3
The Painted Cliffs are beautifully coloured and patterned sandstone, carved and moulded by the sea. Although they are not exceptionally high cliffs, they have unique colours and swirling patterns.
The patterns are caused by groundwater percolating down through the sandstone and staining the rock. Wave action and sea spray have continued the erosion, resulting in magical honeycomb patterns, holes and notches.
Note: The Painted Cliffs are best visited within 2 hours of low tide so you can access the rocky ledge at the front of the cliffs.
From the Ferry Terminal, walk along the road towards Darlington, cross over the bridge and continue following the road along the paddock. You will probably see wombats grazing here. Continue along until you reach Hopground Beach, where you can walk along the beach or continue along the path until you see a sandstone outcrop.
This is the beginning of the Painted Cliffs; at low tide, you can climb the outcrop and walk along the rock shelf at the front.
You can walk back the way you came or take a slight detour to Oast House. Oast House is the ruins of an old hop kiln that nature is slowly taking back.
A valid Tasmania National Parks Pass is required to enter Maria Island National Park, and no pets are allowed.
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 Details 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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