Maria Island Walk, TASMANIA
Airing Date: Jan 26th, 2004
Maria Island is often described as paradise. The island has a Mediterranean-style climate and contrasting landscape that includes rugged coastline, untouched beaches and pristine forests.
The best way to experience its stunning beauty and unique scenery is by foot, because no vehicle is actually allowed in the national park.
The Maria Island Walk goes for 30 kilometres and takes four days to complete. Your camping gear and food are carried by the guides so all you need is a decent pair of boots and a keen sense of adventure.
On day one you'll explore the beautiful landscape of Mercury Passage before heading to Chinaman's Bay. Here you'll take in stunning views and visit a turquoise lagoon where you'll see lots of wildlife, from wombats to kangaroos and rare species of birds. Twilight is spent at the Casuarina Beach Camp, where dinner is a feast of fresh Tasmanian food and wine.
After a peaceful night's sleep the group walks across to Shoal Bay to see its five fabulous beaches. Here you'll see convict cells at Point Lesueur and an ochre pit at Bloodstone Point - one of three original ochre sources for the Tasmanian Aborigines. Then as the day draws to an end, you can put your feet up at White Gums Camp.
On day three the tour heads inland to green forests and up to the summit of Mount Maria to see the view all the way around the island. The convict era played a large part in the settlement of Maria Island's main town, and on this part of the tour you can explore the restored convict settlement of Darlington. You'll learn about its doomed silk-making, wine-making and cement manufacturing industries.
Once the sun goes down, it's time to relax with a banquet and accommodation in a historic home once occupied by Italian entrepreneur, Diego Bernacchi.
On day four everyone takes an early morning boat trip to the Australian Fur Seal colony on Il des Phoques (Island of Seals) to watch these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. Combine that with a spectacular sunrise and you've got yourself an amazing end to an amazing adventure.
The facts
Qantas and QantasLink fly to Hobart daily. Prices start from $181 from Melbourne and $591 from Perth.
Qantas
Tel: 13 13 13
The four day Maria Island walk costs $1499 per person, which includes two guides, transfers, all meals, accommodation in permanent tents and at Bernacci house. The walk is half price for children under 16.
Maria Island Walk
Tel: 03 6227 8800
