Tasmanian Government

Set on Maria Island, a World Heritage listed national park, this gentle four-day guided walk combines Tasmanian wildlife, spectacular scenery and fascinating history. One of the Great Walks of Tasmania and Australia, the Tasmanian family owned and operated tourism product offers an authentic Tasmanian experience to complement the outstanding beauty of the island.

Guests are greeted in Hobart before being driven to Triabunna and then ferried to the island for an engaging four days of wildlife sightings, scenic beauty and dramatic history. Guests enjoy two

accommodation experiences; the exclusive wilderness camps allowing guests to enjoy candlelit gourmet dining; and a stay at the heritage-listed Bernacchi House in the world heritage former convict settlement of Darlington. The gourmet meals, specially prepared by the expert guides, are complemented by some of Tasmania’s finest wines.

The business has achieved high-level eco-tourism certification and its operations have a very light environmental footprint. The two wilderness camps are tucked discreetly away behind remote beaches so other park users are unaware they exist. The Walk works closely with Parks and Wildlife Service, the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, and community bird

watching groups. It’s involved in a variety of conservation projects such as heritage conservation, supporting the introduction of disease-free devils, tree planting to rehabilitate degraded areas and for swift parrots and pardalotes, and other shorebirds.

The Walk has operated for 11 seasons completing nearly 1,000 walks and attracting guests from Australia and around the world. It is also recognised as one of Australia’s leading tourism experiences and been awarded seven National and 12 State Tourism Awards.

For more on this product: www.mariaislandwalk.com.au

Open for ideas

…like The Maria Island WalkWalking on Reidle Beach

About Maria Island National Park.

Maria Island is located off the east coast of Tasmania. It is 20 kilometres from north to south and, at its widest, is about three kilometres west to east. The entire island is a National Park and parts are recognised as Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property.

The island’s long and layered history of human occupation can be experienced in the many historic buildings and ruins. Aboriginal people of the Tyreddeme band of the Oyster Bay tribe journeyed regularly to the island and much evidence of their presence remains. In 1802 the French expedition led by Nicolas Baudin encountered the Aboriginal people of Maria Island, as did whalers of the early 19th century. The Island also hosted convict settlements; the first convict era between 1825 and 1832 and its second – the probation station era – between 1842 and 1851. The structures from the first convict era remain in the Darlington area and are now used to accommodate visitors. From the 1880s the island saw silk and wine production and a cement factory followed by a 40-year period of farming.

Maria Island is a haven for wildlife, including a number of threatened species successfully introduced to the island in a bid to increase their numbers. Sighting of sea eagles, dolphins, whales and seals is also common from the island. The marine section of the park protects spectacular underwater seascapes and a diverse range of plants, invertebrate and fish communities, offering excellent snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities.

Our investment in Maria Island National Park.

“We offer an authentic Tasmanian experience, bringing to life local history and culture. Working closely with Parks and Wildlife Tasmania, the Walk has received widespread acclaim for its environmentally friendly practices in protecting this beautiful Island as well as leadership in the local tourism industry.”

Ian Johnstone, Founder, The Maria Island Walk

Tourism investment opportunities in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, national parks and reserves.

Tasmania is open for ideas; for new tourism enterprises, for fresh thinking, and for innovative and compelling investment propositions for sensitive and appropriate development which allow visitors to enjoy the State’s unique environment and support our economy and communities.

For more information on tourism investment in Tasmania’s national parks and reserves, and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, visit www.investtasmania.com.au or email toursimopportunities@dpipwe.tas.gov.au

All photos by Ian Johnstone

Guests arrive on the southern end of the island by boat

The dining setting in the elegant wilderness camps

Spring Bay scallops with soba noodles

A great place to view wombats

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