Maria Island National Park, Nature reserve in Glamorgan-Spring Bay, Australia.
Maria Island National Park is a nature reserve off Tasmania's coast featuring sandy beaches, mountain terrain, and dramatic coastal cliffs. The landscape includes the Painted Cliffs with their distinctive striped patterns created by natural erosion, plus ruins from a former convict settlement.
The Darlington Probation Station was established in 1824 as a British penal settlement on the island. These structures represent one of the most complete surviving examples from that era of colonial history in Australia.
The Puthikwilayti Aboriginal people shaped this place over tens of thousands of years, leaving traces visible across the land. Walking through the island, you can sense the deep human history woven into its landscape.
The island is accessible only by ferry from the town of Triabunna; private vehicles are not permitted. Since no shops or services operate on the island, bring all food, water, and supplies you'll need for your visit.
The Fossil Cliffs contain marine remains from over 300 million years ago, revealing that this island was once submerged beneath ancient seas. These stone records tell a remarkable story of the land's transformation over immense stretches of time.
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