Travel
Hiking across this ex-penal outpost in Tasmania is no punishment, finds Woman’s Day staffer MELANIE THOMAS
Maria Island, Tassie
Ilove the outdoors, but I’m crazy about my creature comforts, so the idea of four days roaming a remote Tasmanian island with limited facilities had me a bit concerned. Then I found we’d be glamping: campsites with incredible views, luxury tents, amazing food and some of the region region’ss best wines. Sign me up!
Day 1: 8km
The 90-minute trip from Hobart to the Maria Island ferry at Triabunna is picturesque and beautiful. On the island we were fitted with our backpacks, then had lunch at beautiful Shoal Bay. Afterwards, we headed to the first campsite at Casuarina Beach. It felt like walking into a real-life postcard.
Later, we walked to Haunted Bay, which amazed us with its colourful rock formations and breathtaking views. Back at our beach camp we devoured Tassie produce and wines. Then, on our sunset walk, the wallabies and wombats blew us away!
Day 2: 13km
We kicked off with hearty eggs and bacon cooked in a fully equipped camping kitchen. Today’s walk took in five beaches, the convict cells at Point Lesueur and the amazing ochre pit at Bloodstone Point. At White Gums Camp we enjoyed the musical chatter of native birds with a pre-dinner glass of wine as the sun set.
Day 3: 17km
On our way to the next campsite, we trekked grasslands along the edge of the Painted Cliffs. Later, the peaks of Bishop and Clerk proved the most challenging walk, but had the most rewarding views. It took us through open forest and
tall woodlands and to rocky slopes and boulders to reach the summit.
That night, we were served an elegant dinner in the dining room of Bernacchi House, then listened to a piano player in the sitting room. We stayed the night in the house, enjoying a beautifully comfortable slumber.
Day 4: 4km
Today was all about Darlington, which once boasted the 30-room Grand Hotel, convicts and officers, and heavy industry. Maria Island is small but steeped in history. Our trip was nicely finished off with a relaxing ferry ride to the mainland. The Maria Island Walk has to be one of the most pleasurable mini-breaks I’ve ever been on. A must-do sooner rather than later!