Winter walking on a World Heritage Island

There are so many reasons to consider the Maria Island Walk this Winter, but here a just a few…

In convict times, Maria Island’s “guests” were trying their best to escape the Darlington penal colony. Now travellers are happy to pay to escape to this beautiful destination renowned for amazing landscapes, well-preserved history and a vast array of wildlife. Join the team on their special winter departures for a 3 day/2 night walk experience on this UNESCO world heritage listed island.

Looking for a reason to join The Maria Island Winter Escape? Here’s why…

Easy getaway – No need to burn up excessive annual leave days and frequent flyer miles, this short getaway will leave you feeling like you’ve been a million miles from nowhere. It’s as easy as walking during the day, followed by delicious meals and matching wines in the evening, concluding with a warm, comfortable bed in a restored homestead. Guests transfer wth their guides from Hobart in the morning by road to Triabunna, followed by a short ferry ride across Mercury Passage to the island to start your walk. Day packs are all we use as luggage is transferred for you.

Instagram worthy – The guided, pack-free winter walks leave and return to Bernacchi House daily. They vary in length and difficulty (guests can walk as much or as little as they like). Walkers are rewarded with close-ups of local wildlife including lumbering wombats, elegant Cape Barren Geese and a growing insurance population of Tasmanian Devils. The spectacular landscapes of the Painted Cliffs and Fossil Bay are part of the trip too. For the more adventurous who choose to climb to the top of Bishop and Clerk (highest point on the island), the result is extremely worthwhile, offering up panoramic views over eucalypt forests and the Pacific Ocean.

Historic lodgings – During winter, guests stay both nights at heritage-listed Bernacchi House in the world heritage convict settlement of Darlington (see below). The house, dating back to 1880 when it was home to Italian settler and pioneer Diego Bernacchi, has been beautifully restored providing comfort and warmth, including a beautiful open fire.

Tasmania’s oldest penal colony – With a history that pre-dates Port Arthur, Darlington is one of the country’s best-preserved World Heritage sites providing visitors with amazing stories of early Australia. Its 14 convict buildings and ruins are considered to be Australia’s most representative and intact example of a probation station. Bernacchi championed its early industrial period which saw the creation of the cement industry and even a wellness resort in the early 1900s.

Guides by day and chefs by night – guests are treated to a delicious array of local produce throughout their stay. From relaxed breakfasts and hearty on trail lunches, to Tasmanian wine and cheese served on the verandah of Bernacchi House, followed by a candlelit dinner recounting stories from the day – our guests never go hungry.

And the last, but definitely not least reason is…

A special winter price – The Winter Escapes walk have varying departure dates from 1 June until 31 August and cost $1,490 per person reflecting a special seasonal price.

Contact The Maria Island Walk team on 03 6234 2999 or email bookings@mariaislandwalk.com.au for bookings and further details.

The cost includes return transfers from Hobart to Triabunna, the scenic cruise across the pristine waters of the Mercury Passage to Maria Island, gourmet Tasmanian food and wine, two experienced guides, National Park entry fees, accommodation and use of waterproof jackets and day packs.

Looking for more winter walk options?

In Tasmania the Cradle Mountain Huts Walk by Tasmanian Walking Company operates in winter for an adventure in the mountains. Trips depart in July and August. This is a challenging walk. They also offer departures on Three Capes Lodge Walk on a year round basis.

Mainland walks operating in the winter months of July and August are: The Arkaba Walk and Murray River Walk in South Australia, Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort in the Northern Territory; and Spicers Scenic Rim Trail in Queensland.