Double Trouble
Maria Island National Park & World Heritage Area, Eastern Tasmania
Difficulty
Level 3: Performing Wilder
DISTANCE
→ 29.7km
ASCENT / DESCENT
↑ 1727m ↓ 1727m
ROUTE STYLE
Loop
Maria Island is a truly unique place. It provides the ideal combination of diverse trails, wide open spaces to roam freely, nature, history and that sensation of being on a remote island paradise. It rewards those who seek to explore wilder!
The route begins in the Darlington historic precinct and then climbs to the summit of Bishop & Clerk via the Fossil Cliff tops. It returns the same way before taking a detour via the lower slopes of the Fossil Cliffs where you can browse amongst the rocks for fossils. From here you can return to Darlington for a rest and to refill your supplies, before heading towards Mt Maria via the Oast House, a quiet nook of the island. From the summit of Mt Maria you will catch remarkable views to the southern isthmus of the island, as well as mainland Tasmania.
Returning from Mt Maria your final stop will be the Painted Cliffs. Hopefully you will arrive at low tide and be rewarded with the ability to hop carefully under the cliffs to catch their full beauty. The final stretch will be a short run over the hill to Darlington for a well-earned swim!
Maria Island is a truly unique place. It provides the ideal combination of diverse trails, wide open spaces to roam freely, nature, history and that sensation of being on a remote island paradise. It rewards those who seek to explore wilder!
The route begins in the Darlington historic precinct and then climbs to the summit of Bishop & Clerk via the Fossil Cliff tops. It returns the same way before taking a detour via the lower slopes of the Fossil Cliffs where you can browse amongst the rocks for fossils. From here you can return to Darlington for a rest and to refill your supplies, before heading towards Mt Maria via the Oast House, a quiet nook of the island. From the summit of Mt Maria you will catch remarkable views to the southern isthmus of the island, as well as mainland Tasmania.
Returning from Mt Maria your final stop will be the Painted Cliffs. Hopefully you will arrive at low tide and be rewarded with the ability to hop carefully under the cliffs to catch their full beauty. The final stretch will be a short run over the hill to Darlington for a well-earned swim!
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Take the ferry from Triabunna to Maria Island. There is free parking at the Triabunna wharf. You can choose to go for the day or you can camp overnight on Maria Island. Overnight accommodation is camping or staying in the very basic penitentiary, both of which must be booked via Parks Tasmania. We also recommend pre-booking you ferry departure and return journeys.
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On arrival in Darlington walk up to the main historic settlement where we recommend leaving any personal belongings that you don't require on the run at the Mess Hall. Ask a friendly Parks staff member if you need assistance. You can also get basic maps of the island and Darlington settlement from the information centre at the wharf in Triabunna.
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Embark on your day's mission, following the fire trail east towards Bishop and Clerk. Continue to its summit but stop to enjoy the views and historic ruins along the way. Note, there are some boulder fields and rocky scrambles at the top of Bishop and Clerk. Please stay safe and remain within your comfort levels. This section of the track is best avoided in wet weather.
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Return from Bishop and Clerk via the lower sections of the Fossil Cliffs. You will note a small, marked track that leads you down to their base where you can search for fossils.
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Return to Darlington via the grassy coastal pathway past the airstrip, barn, cemetry and ruins of the Grand Hotel. Ensure that when you get back to Darlington you refill your water supplies, nutrition, suncreen and supplies for part two of this route, Mt Maria.
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Depart for Mt Maria on the main fire trail heading south down the island but veer left towards the Oast House. This is a scenic, quiet route that is less travelled and will reunite you with the track to Mt Maria.
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After visiting the ruins of the Oast House continue along its pathway until it T-intersections with the track to Mt Maria. Turn left here and follow the signs to Mt Maria's summit. Note, the track gets very rocky on its upper sections. This section of the track is best avoided in wet weather.
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Return from Mt Maria via the same route. However, procede all the way out to the coastline. From here take the track a short distance further to Painted Cliffs where you can relax in their slendour of colour and patterns.
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After visiting the Painted Cliffs meander back along Hopground's Beach before taking the main fire trail back up and over the hill to Darlington. Well done, you have completed our 29.7km Double Trouble route! It is now time for a swim and a well-earned rest!
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Toilets Yes - at the barbeque shelter and within the Darlington historic precinct
Water Yes - as above. The climbs are very long and ample water should carried to support each ascent.
Parking There is free parking at the ferry wharf in Triabunna
Services The closest services are located in Triabunna. There are Parks & Wildlife staff available on the island. There are no other services on Maria Island and you should come fully prepared.
Phone coverage Yes - Telstra, Optus & Vodafone reception in most areas.Terrain - From sandy beaches, smooth grassy plains, fire trails and gentle single tracks to rocky, alpine terrain with many small & large boulders. There are some short sections with rock scrambles, especially on Bishop & Clerk. The terrain is varied but should not be underestimated on the mountain peaks.
Approx. Duration - 6-8hrs
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