Now a National Park, Maria Island has seen its fair share of action. It saw whalers set up their whaling stations, free settlers trying to make a go of it, and in between served as a holding place for convicts, not once but twice.
It was opened as a convict station in 1925 to take some of the pressure off other penal settlements whose numbers were increasing. It was abandoned in 1832, but brought back into service from 1842, to the cessation of the probation system in 1850. Within the probation system were three classes with various privileges attached to the higher two. They were criminal class, second class and first class. The island's convict population peaked at 492 in 1846.
There are no motor vehicles and no shops today, just as then. How much the prisoners got to enjoy the rugged cliffs, mountains, stunning views and wildlife probably depended on their class in the probation system. Work was extracted out of many of them, with the buildings and ruins testament to that.
From the first convict phase remains the Commissariat Store and penitentiary, with evidence of the cemetery and dam. From the second convict phase there is the miller's cottage, mill foundations, officer's quarters, chapel, convict barn and mess hall. Hops were also grown with evidence of the oast house and hop kilns.
The Coffee Palace Museum depicts life on Maria during the late 1800's.
Access to Maria Island is from Triabunna, with the ferry arriving at Darlington on the island.
My Guide Tasmania, an informative and user-friendly online guide, was created for all those interested in the Tasmania region.
Used daily by travellers, tourists, residents and locals, powered by Local Experts, our site reaches the people who are your potential customers.
Climb aboard the official sightseeing bus for a tour of Hobart's best attractions in 90 minutes. Use your 24-hour ticket to hop on and off at any of the 20 stops at your own pace.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site brings Australia’s convict history to life. Admission includes self-guided audio, site talks, and harbor cruise. Tours available as options.
Join your driver and wine tour guide to experience some of the finest Tamar Valley wines. Enjoy lunch with a glass of wine and commentary from an expert wine guide.
Cruise along the Ile Des Phoques island and stop to explore Maria Island on this day trip from Tribunna. See an array of wildlife along the way and be served a delicious lunch with drinks onboard.
You can do as much or as little as you like on a holiday to Tasmania. If you have been going flat out you might like to relax with a game of golf or a day out fishing....
See the best of Tasmania’s West and East Coasts in 5 action-packed days on this journey around the island, including visits to all the major attractions.
Discover the world-class beaches, national parks, rugged coastline, and native wildlife of Bruny Island on a day trip from Hobart. Taste the finest local produce from the ocean and the land.
Visit Port Arthur, a compelling and dramatic reminder of Australia’s convict past and the early settlement known as the Colony of Van Dieman's Land. See the main sights of Tasman National Park.
Walk to the Wineglass Bay lookout to see one of the world's Top 10 Beaches. Join us for an action-packed, big day out, exploring Wineglass Bay and the highlights of Freycinet National Park.
My Guide Tasmania is part of the global My Guide Network of Online & Mobile travel guides.
We are now in 180+ Destinations and Growing. If you are interested in becoming a local travel partner and would like to find out more then click for more info about our Website Business Opportunity.
Filter Events by Sub-Category
Please select a Date first.
