Maria Island Walk – Facts and Questions
Pick up and drop off times:
We collect guests from central Hobart hotels from 7:30am on Day 1 of the walk. On Day 4 of the walk we offer a scheduled airport transfer at 4:00pm* or transfer guests to their hotel in central Hobart by 5:00pm. *We recommend guests book flights from 6:00pm.
Walking Conditions:
Guests walk along firm beaches and formed bush tracks and a moderate level of fitness is required. A backpack with all personal gear is carried by each guest throughout the walk. On side trips such as climbing the mountain peaks or walking to Haunted Bay we provide a lighter day pack for you to use.
Weather:
Maria Island has a mild, temperate climate during walking months and has an average daytime temperature in the 20s and night time 10–15 degrees. As the weather can change and we recommend guests bring everything on our recommended gear list. We can review the 4-day weather forecast on the morning of the departure and leave behind any items considered surplus for storage in the office.
Accommodation:
Two nights will be at our beautiful camps where guests enjoy twin share*, comfortable cabins with raised beds, complete with mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows. The camps are environmentally sensitive; with water tanks collecting rain from some of the world’s cleanest air, wash rooms, warm outdoor bush showers and composting toilets.
The final night is in historic Bernacchi House; guests enjoy hot showers, fresh linen, recline by wood fires and a piano whilst waiting for the final night’s banquet.
*Single walkers may share with other same gender guests, subject to availability. Alternatively single sleeping arrangements can be organised through paying an addition single supplement at the time of booking.
Dietary & Health Information:
For us to plan and cater for your walk we ask guests advise of any specific dietary and health needs. Maria Island is a remote location and your comfort and care is important to us.
Travel Insurance:
We recommend that you have appropriate travel insurance when you join our walk.
Comfort Suggestions:
Wearing multiple layers of clothes is recommended for warmth and comfort when walking. Denim is generally not recommended as can become heavy and cold when wet and it does not breathe.
Boots with ankle support and good sole tread are recommended, particularly if guests are keen to climb the mountain summits. Boots should be comfortable and worn in. Solid walking shoes with good soles are OK however trainers/runners are generally not recommended.
Suggested Gear List:
We provide the following for your use when you arrive at our office the morning of your walk:
- 50-litre backpack
- Waterproof jacket
- Sleeping bag liner pillow case
- Head torch.
While we can provide all of the above you are welcome to use your own gear.
Note: Sleeping bags are provided at each camp as are day packs for optional walks.
What you should bring:
- Walking boots with good ankle support or sturdy walking shoes with good tread (Sandshoes and trainers are not recommended for walking).
- Lightweight shoes/sandals for around the camps and at the house
- Long pants x 1 (ideally from a quick dry material – not heavy denim)
- Shorts x 1
- Long sleeve shirt x 1
- Thermal top and bottoms x 1 set
- Fleece jacket or warm jumper x 1
- T shirts x 3
- Socks and underwear x 3
- Beanie or woolly hat, and gloves (recommended even in the summer months)
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Travel towel
- Large water bottle
- Toiletries in small containers. Soap and body lotion are provided at camps. Body wash, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion are provided at Bernacchi House.
- Swimwear and sarong
- Camera/Binoculars
- Sunscreen and insect repellent – this is also available at the camps
- Walking poles (please bring along if you ordinarily walk with poles).
Power and Phones:
Mobile service coverage is very patchy and depending on your carrier may not be available. Guides have phones that can be used if necessary. There is no power at the bush camps so please make sure cameras are fully charged and spare batteries packed if necessary.
Luggage Storage:
You can store excess luggage and this will be loaded on to the bus which meets you as you return from the island at the end of your walk. For maximum comfort, we recommend your pack should weigh approximately 6–8kg.