Australia immediately conjures images of the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, big-wave surfing, miles of Outback and a rather strange, and endearing, assortment of animals. While the country’s main cities offer charm, glamour, unique festivals, a well-preserved historical heritage, fabulous beaches and fun events, it’s also a land of immense contrast and captivating nature. The nation offers something for just about everyone – from water lovers, desert wanderers and canyon climbers, to arts and culture buffs, historians, and foodies. The country’s vast size makes it almost impossible to take it all in during a single visit, but you can pick and choose a perfect holiday according to your personal preferences.
Located off the east coast of Tasmania, Maria Island offers visitors a truly unique travel experience, complete with some incredible natural beauty and an interesting local penal history. Accessed via ferry (from Triabunna to Darlington), the island is remote and free of shops and cars, and visitors who wish to stay overnight on the island will do so at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Darlington Probation Station, commonly referred to as simply ‘The Penitentiary’. Using this unique lodging as a base, explore Maria Island on foot, checking out the Painted Cliffs (where iron oxide has stained the sandstone in wondrous swirls of colour) and the sheer-sided Fossil Cliffs. The island is also home to a number of excellent cycling routes, prime bird-watching opportunities, and a variety of fantastic snorkelling and diving spots.
As previously described
