APARTMENTS MARIA ISLAND

The Penitentiary is located on Maria Island National Park on the East Coast of Tasmania. It is accessed by a 35-minute passenger ferry from Triabunna. The Penitentiary building is within the World Heritage listed Darlington convict probation station on the north end of the island. It is a unique, memorable but basic accommodation experience. Accommodation consists of ten simple bunk rooms each sleeping up to six people. The basic cost is $44 per night for two persons, then $10 extra per additional person. Mattresses, a table, seats and wood fired heater are provided in each room, along with an adjacent public kitchen facility with gas cooking, hot water wash up and wood heater. The toilets are nearby. Coin ($1) operated hot showers and free gas barbecues are available in the amenities block approx 100m away at the Darlington. In winter a limited supply of firewood is available free of charge. Note there are no shops on Maria Island. Rooms must be pre-booked through the Triabunna Visitor Centre on (03) 6256 4772 or on the PWS website. All visitors require a Parks Pass, which can be purchased at the Triabunna Visitor Centre, on the island, or on the PWS website.

Maria Island National Park is six kilometres offshore from the East Coast town of Triabunna. The island is an easy 30-minute trip from Triabunna - about one hour and fifteen minutes drive from Hobart (86km) or two and a half hours from Launceston (186km). Encounter Maria Island is the official ferry operator to and from Maria Island National Park. See their website for details. A designated, sheltered campsite is located behind Darlington Bay Beach, 300m from the jetty. Adjacent is the 19th century former convict settlement of Darlington, which remains the principal hub for visitors to the island. The campsite is fully facilitated and fees apply. There are toilets with hot showers ($1 coins), a shelter with fireplaces, free gas barbecues. In winter a limited supply of firewood is available free of charge. There are two other (free) basic campsites on the island at Frenchs Farm and Encampment Cove, a three-to-four-hour walk south. Fuel stoves only at Frenchs Farm. There are composting toilets and non-treated (tank) rainwater. Bookings are not required for camping. There are no shops on Maria Island. The convict penitentiary in Darlington has bunkhouse accommodation. This must be pre-booked through the Triabunna Visitor Centre....