Hike Maria Island Guided Walk

 Known as the Island of Inspiration, Tasmania is renowned for its magnificent bushwalking tracks. With more than 20 percent of the island set aside as protected land, there are abundant opportunities for scenic hikes through the countryside. 

These excursions range from short, easy strolls to challenging wilderness treks that cover an array of different environments, including white sandy beaches, ancient rainforests and rugged mountainous terrain. Highly rated bushwalking tracks include the Overland Track, the Walls of Jerusalem, which is situated in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, as well as the South Coast Tracks. 

Another impressive excursion is the gentle four-day guided bushwalking tour of Maria Island with Tasmanian Hikes

The natural beauty of Maria Island is the perfect backdrop for an up-close glimpse of the island’s fascinating wildlife and plant species. The trek also introduces bushwalkers to Maria Island’s aboriginal and European history. The Tyreddeme Aboriginal people settled the island thousands of years before the 19th century arrival of European explorers. 

Home to a penal colony older than Port Arthur, Maria Island has hosted whalers, sealers and farmers. Today, it is a national park with no permanent human population. Taking the shape of a figure eight, the larger northern portion of the island is connected to the southern part by the 3-kilometer-long McRaes Isthmus. Each portion of the island has its own unique geological features. In addition to 14 distinct terrestrial plant communities, the animal inhabitants include Bennetts wallabies, Flinders Island wombats and Eastern Grey kangaroos as well as rare and engendered bird species, such as the Cape Barren geese. 

The clear waters offshore afford the opportunity to spot dolphins, seals and migrating whales.
After arriving by ferry, your friendly guides will immerse you in the island’s cultural and natural history. The leisurely four-day guided walk includes accommodation in large tents for two nights and in converted penitentiary cells for one night. Dine on gourmet meals under the stars featuring fresh local produce.

Starting in Darlington, this guided outdoor adventure includes the amazing Painted Cliffs, convict cells of Point Leseur and historic French’s Farm. Stroll along the unspoiled sand of Haunted Bay, enjoy the vista from atop Mount Bishop & Clerk and visit Oast House, one of the oldest buildings in Australia. Tour other historic buildings, such as the former penitentiary. Built in the 1830s, the penal colony is now a World Heritage property. 

A Tasmania walkabout with a knowledgeable guide is a wonderful way to experience the island. Hikers, walkers and other outdoor adventurers will discover why the four-day guided trek through Maria Island National Park is regarded as one of Australia’s best walking tours.

South Coast Track Guided Walk with Tasmanian Hikes

Anyone who enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and bushwalking should consider taking a guided walk with Tasmanian Hikes to the South Coast Track in Tasmania. This is a large region within Southwest National Park that contains more than 600,000 hectares of wilderness. This is a journey for adventurous people who want a challenging hike in truly wild area.

When it comes to getting to Tasmania, you don’t have to fly. Many people find that the most enjoyable way to travel is via ferry. The Spirit of Tasmania offers comfortable passage between Melbourne and Devonport. This option allows you to take your own car and pack as much luggage as you want. The boat also provides many other benefits not found on planes, such as gourmet food and entertainment.

Preparing For the Track

The South Coast Track is not a place to go on a casual hike. It’s one of the most remote and wild places on the planet. It includes a variety of terrain, including mountains, rain forests, river crossings, swampland and beaches alongside the Southern Ocean. Completing the track, which is a journey of 85 km, usually takes us nine days. You must be in good physical condition and bring all of the recommended gear with you. The South Coast Track begins in Melaleuca, which does not have roads. You must therefore walk, sail or fly to the starting point. 

    Gear

Tasmanian Hikes will need a quality tent, you will need to supply a sleeping bag, sleeping mat, waterproof clothing, hiking boots, a water bottle and a solid backpack and warm undergarments. A comprehensive gear list is sent to guests once they have booked. 

Although the South Coast Track is a wild and remote region, it also provides walkers with the tranquility seldom found in civilization. You also have the ability to walk at your own pace, which can make the trek more or less challenging. 

You can walk for days without encountering another person, so be prepared for some solitude or to only have the company of the person or people you’re walking with. Taking a walk in the South Coast Track can be used as an opportunity to take a break from your everyday life and appreciate the beauty of nature.

The Tasmanian Devil - Give the devil it's due

In 2012, fifteen Tasmania Devils were released on Maria Island, part of a captive breeding program, free from the facial tumor disease [FTD] which is threatening the survival of the species.

These fifteen Tasmanian Devils set off for Maria Island in an effort to save their species from extinction and against the odds, we are pleased to say to date, that they are thriving and breeding well.

Numbers today are estimated to be around 60 - 70 Devils. 

The initial release area was in the middle of the island at French's Farm and only after a couple of months motion cameras and radio collars recorded the Devils as being widespread throughout the island.

Maria Island has a total area of 115km2 and lies 4km off Tasmania's East Coast. The Tasmanian Devil can run up to 13km/h and covers an average distance of 8.6km every night.

Due to the widespread distribution of the Tasmanian Devil on Maria Island you may see a Devil on Tasmanian Hikes - Hike Maria Island Guided Walks. This 4 day walk covers the length and breadth of Maria Island and you will commonly see the Tasmanian Devil and other wildlife in it's natural habitat.

Tasmanian Devils are listed as vulnerable, but with a captive breeding program such as this one on Maria Island, it will help to protect the species.

 The 2024 season of Masterchef finished on TV yesterday and it had me licking my lips all night. There were some awesome dishes that wowed the judges, and some that didn't.

Are YOU a good cook? When you are out in the outdoors, what do you cook? I'm not talking BBQ's, anyone can flip a steak, I'm talking about meals on the trail, somewhere remote!

It's probably easier for you to purchase off the shelf products, namely dehydrated or freeze dry meals, just add water and your done, or do you make an effort and cook something from scratch?

When taking food on the trail, the time and the amount of fuel it takes to cook it, and the weight of the food all comes into consideration. 

At Tasmanian Hikes we mostly cook our meals from scratch. We can add or omit ingredients to suit our guests dietary requirements.

If you are not cooking for guests, the choice is yours.

We have researched some dehydrated meals that are available on the market and found that Strive Food is the brand of choice for taste and fulfillment.

You are going to need a stove and have to do the research on which one to buy to suit your style of cooking.

The Trangia stove is a trusted favourite, it comes as a kit with pots and the burner and requires no maintenance, however fuel consumption is not efficient. 

MSR make a variety of cooking systems that are probably the most fuel efficient.

The MSR dragonfly is our stove of choice [although a bit noisy] but it will cook your meal quickly and efficiently.  

Day 30 - Arcadia Valley to Carnarvon Gorge 7320km

Day 30 Arcadia Valley Escape to Carnarvon Gorge 7320kms

Turned left out of the Sunnyholt driveway and headed up to a lookout on a bluff overlooking Arcadia Valley.  An amazing view which can’t be reproduced by camera - the escarpment fell away to the tree topped Valley below and reached out to gorges and mysterious tabletop mountains of all sizes in the distance.

The drive to Carnarvon Gorge took us past fields of Brahman cattle grazing by the roadside and ended up at the Gorge information Centre.  There are lots of different palms in the gorge and we were lucky enough to see the coral flowered batwing tree and some indigenous paintings of hand shadows in a large overhang cave.

Takaraka campsite gave us a platypus in the stream behind the tents.  It’s a busy campsite with small plots.  We caught up on laundry and took it easy.