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Fossil Cliffs, Maria Island - Spectacular Cliffs & Interesting Fossils
- Oct 29, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 28
Fossil Cliffs, Maria Island - Spectacular Cliffs & Interesting Fossils
The Fossil Cliffs are one of Maria Island’s most fascinating natural attractions, offering a rare glimpse into Tasmania’s ancient past. Located along the northern coastline of Maria Island, these dramatic limestone cliffs plunge straight into the Tasman Sea and reveal an extraordinary collection of marine fossils embedded in the rock face.
Maria Island itself is a truly special place, known for its abundant wildlife, long sandy beaches, Painted Cliffs, convict heritage sites, and breathtaking scenery. The entire island is protected as Maria Island National Park and is managed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, ensuring its natural and cultural values are preserved for future generations.
Situated just off Tasmania’s east coast, Maria Island stretches approximately 20 kilometres from north to south and up to 13 kilometres wide. At its closest point, Point Lesueur, the island lies only four kilometres from the mainland, yet it feels wonderfully remote and untouched.
One of the great joys of visiting Maria Island is seeing wildlife in its natural habitat. Wombats graze freely near walking tracks, kangaroos rest in open grasslands, and birdlife is abundant across the island, adding to the sense of stepping back in time.
Fossil Cliffs Walk
The Walk – 4.5 kilometres return – Approx. 2 hours – Grade 3 Moderate
The Fossil Cliffs walk is one of the 60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania, and it begins at Darlington and follows a scenic route towards the island’s northern coastline. Along the way, the landscape opens up to sweeping coastal views before reaching the impressive fossil-rich limestone cliffs.
The Fossil Cliffs themselves extend along the shoreline, where sheer white limestone walls drop dramatically into the sea. At the old limestone quarry, you can get an up-close look at a remarkable variety of fossils, including ancient sea fans, coral-like organisms, scallop shells, and sea lilies. These fossils date back millions of years and offer an incredible insight into the marine life that once thrived here when the area was submerged beneath the ocean.
To reach the cliffs, leave Darlington by following the road behind the penitentiary. Walk past the foundations of the historic Twelve Apostles, cross the creek bed, and continue up the gully — this section becomes a little steep. At the top, you’ll reach the cliff edge, where care is required as the area is unfenced and can be unstable due to loose rock.
From here, the views over the Tasman Sea are spectacular. After taking in the scenery, turn left and head uphill before climbing over a stile and following the path to a concrete drain. Walk down the drain to access the base of the Fossil Cliffs, where the fossil beds are clearly visible.
When you’re ready to return, follow the road past the airstrip, which leads back to the ferry terminal at Darlington, completing the loop.
Important Things to Know
Please take all rubbish with you when leaving the island — there are no rubbish bins or collection services on Maria Island.
A valid Tasmania National Parks Pass is required to enter Maria Island National Park.
No pets are allowed.
Bicycles can be taken on the ferry or hired on the island; all roads and tracks are gravel.
Getting to Maria Island
Maria Island is accessed by a 30-minute ferry ride from Triabunna, which is around 1.5 hours from Hobart and 2.5 hours from Launceston. There is ample parking at the Triabunna ferry terminal, including space for buses and motorhomes. There are no cars or public transport on Maria Island, which adds to its peaceful, untouched atmosphere.
Facilities on Maria Island
Public toilets are available at the Triabunna ferry terminal, on the ferry, at the Maria Island ferry terminal, and in Darlington
Picnic tables and BBQs are available across the island
There are no cafés or shops, so bring all food and supplies with you
Mobile phone coverage is limited
Camping is permitted within the national park but must be booked through the Visitor Centre
A Walk Through Ancient Time
Visiting the Fossil Cliffs on Maria Island is like stepping back millions of years into Tasmania’s prehistoric past. This fascinating coastal walk combines dramatic sea cliffs, remarkable fossil discoveries, and sweeping ocean views, all set within the peaceful, wildlife-rich landscape of Maria Island National Park.
Whether you’re drawn by geology, history, or simply the chance to explore one of Tasmania’s most unique natural features, the Fossil Cliffs walk is a truly memorable experience. Paired with the island’s convict heritage, abundant wildlife, and unspoilt scenery, it’s an essential stop on any visit to Maria Island and a powerful reminder of the incredible stories written into Tasmania’s landscape.
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