ROUTES AROUND
MARIA ISLAND
Route 1: Darlington to Painted Cliffs Return
View of Darlington Bay from the Coastal Road to the Painted Cliffs - Photo by Tim Harmsen
Difficulty: Easy. Basic level of fitness recommended
Phone Reception: Yes (Telstra)
Distance: 4.0km return
Elevation gain: 75 metres
Path Type: Smooth gravel road
Route type: Out and Back*
Click to Zoom In.
This scenic route takes in some of the best and most easily accessible scenery on the island. The concave shaped sandstone cliffs have eroded over thousands of years by wind and waves to develop the iconic swirling textures and patterns. The painted cliffs are best observed at low tide, when greater access to the cliffs is enabled.
A wooden bike rack is conveniently placed just to the side of the coastal road. Please rack bikes here and walk the short path down to the beach.
A small hill lays between Darlington and the Painted Cliffs. The top of this hill provides breathtaking views over Darlington Bay and the Freycinet Peninsula on a clear day. The open grassy hill is a great place to spot a Common Wombat or a Bennetts Wallaby. It is important to remember that wildlife on Maria Island must be treated as wild, and a 2 metre distance should be held from wildlife at all times. A left turn can be taken near the top of this hill that will take you to the painted cliffs via the Oast House. This route is slightly more technical and is only recommended for those with mountain biking experience.
*This route can be made into a circuit by taking the Oast House route.
The Painted cliffs are best viewed at low tide - Photo by Tim Harmsen
Route 2: Fossil Cliffs Circuit
Looking at Bishop and Clerk from Skipping Ridge - Photo by Tim Harmsen
Difficulty: Easy, with 2 steep descents. Basic level of fitness recommended. Some mountain biking experience recommended.
Phone Reception: Yes (Telstra)
Distance: 4.3km
Elevation Gain: 85 metres
Path Type: Smooth gravel road and grass 4WD tracks.
Route Type: Circuit. Recommended the circuit is completed in an anticlockwise direction.
This short and scenic loop takes in breathtaking views from Skipping Ridge looking towards Maria Island’s second highest mountain, Bishop & Clerk. On a clear day the Freycinet Peninsula can be seen to the north.
The Fossil Cliffs are found on the North-Eastern tip of the circuit on the waterline. The towering cliffs reaching nearly 100 metres high are home to some of the best-preserved fossils in Tasmania, despite thousands of years of weathering from wind and rain.
The route includes a short uphill section that requires a moderate level of fitness. Caution should be taken at the top of this section as there is a significant vertical drop off the edge of the cliff to the ocean below. A steep descent down a bumpy grassy hill follows this scenic point. The turnoff to a short walking track leading to the Fossil Cliffs can be found at the bottom of this hill.
Returning to Darlington, the 4WD track winds its way past the Darlington Airstrip, where Bennett’s Wallabies, Forester Kangaroos and Common Wombats frequently gather.
Forester Kangaroo and Joey at the Darlington Airstrip - Photo by Tim Harmsen
Route 3: Reservoir Circuit
Maria Island is home to the very rare and endangered Forty-Spotted Pardelote
Difficulty: Easy. No mountain biking experience needed.
Phone Reception: Yes (Telstra)
Distance: 4.3km
Elevation Gain: 60 metres
Path Type: Smooth gravel road*
Route Type: Out and back*
Click to Zoom In.
The Reservoir Circuit is a very easy, mostly flat route than takes riders past the old Limestone Kilns to the tranquil Darlington Reservoir.
The Eucalypt forest surrounding this reservoir is home to the very rare and endangered Forty-Spotted Pardalope that can only be found on 3 Tasmanian islands. Maria Island is home to approximately 75% of the global Forty-Spotted Pardalope population, with the majority of them nesting nearby to the Reservoir.
The Reservoir Circuit can easily be ridden to for most. The out and back route is all on hard packed gravel and presents no major challenges.
*For those with some mountain biking experience, the reservoir route can be completed as a circuit by dismounting your bike and crossing the bridge over the creek. From here, a slightly more challenging track back to the main gravel road can be taken. For those without mountain biking experience, the track you took to the reservoir can be followed back down to the main gravel road, enjoying a gentle descent along the way. The Reserviour Circuit can easily be added to the Fossil Cliffs Circuit for those looking to take in some extra history and distance.
The Reservoir Circuit - Photo by Tim Harmsen
Route 4: French’s Farm Via Coastal Road
The Coastal Road from Darlington to French’s Farm takes in breathtaking scenery - Photo by Tim Harmsen.
Difficulty: Easy-moderate. Good fitness level recommended. No mountain biking experience necessary.
Phone Reception: 90% coverage (Telstra). French’s Farm has limited reception, but better reception can be found at the turn off to French’s Farm from the coastal road.
Distance: 21km
Elevation Gain: 200 metres
Path Type: Smooth gravel road.
Route Type: Out and Back
Click to Zoom In.
A great ride for those looking to explore more of the island but don’t have the mountain biking skills recommended for the Inland track. The first hill out of Darlington is the largest hill on this route. The coastal road from the Painted Cliffs to French’s Farm is mostly flat with a few undulating hills.
The coastal road takes in breathtaking scenery of stunning beaches and Eucalypt Forests. In the warmer months, these beaches provide a great opportunity for a refreshing swim.
There is fresh water and toilets available at French’s Farm. The water here is not treated, and no guarantees can be made about its suitability for drinking. It is best to bring your own water if possible.
There is an optional side trip to Encampment Cove and Point Lesueur starting at the junction to French’s Farm. This road is mostly flat, and is slightly more challenging than the coastal road. Encampment cove and Point Lesueur are home to the Maria Island Convict Cells and carries with it a rich history.
There are toilets and fresh water available at Encampment Cove. The water here is not treated, and no guarantees can be made about its suitability for drinking. It is best to bring your own water if possible.
A Common Wombat at French’s Farm - Photo by Tim Harmsen