Painted Cliffs, Maria Island - Nature's Living Artwork

Oct 29, 2021
3 min read

Updated: Jan 28

Painted Cliffs, Maria Island - Nature's Living Artwork

The Painted Cliffs are one of Maria Island’s most captivating natural features, showcasing extraordinary sandstone formations sculpted by the sea over thousands of years. Located on Maria Island National Park, this remarkable destination combines striking coastal scenery with abundant wildlife, convict heritage, fossil-rich bays, and long, peaceful beaches.

Maria Island lies in the Tasman Sea, just off Tasmania’s east coast, and the entire island is protected as a national park managed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service. Stretching around 20 kilometres from north to south and up to 13 kilometres wide, the island sits only 4 kilometres offshore at its closest point, making it feel wonderfully remote yet easily accessible

One of the great joys of visiting Maria Island is experiencing wildlife in its natural environment — wombats grazing beside walking tracks, kangaroos resting in open paddocks, and seabirds soaring along the coast.

Painted Cliffs Walk

Distance: 4.3 kilometres return from Darlington - Time: Around 2 hours - Grade: 3

This Painted Cliffs walk is one of the 60 Great Short Walks of Tasmania, and it begins near Darlington, the island’s historic settlement, and leads you along a scenic coastal route rich in wildlife and island character.

A Masterpiece Carved by Sea and Stone

The Painted Cliffs are not exceptionally tall, but what they lack in height they more than make up for in detail and beauty. The sandstone cliffs are decorated with swirling patterns, rich colours, honeycomb textures, holes, and notches, creating a natural artwork unlike anywhere else in Tasmania.

These remarkable patterns were formed as groundwater slowly percolated through the sandstone, staining the rock over time. Ongoing wave action and sea spray then sculpted the cliff face further, carving out the intricate shapes that make the Painted Cliffs so mesmerising.

✨ Important tip: The Painted Cliffs are best visited within two hours of low tide, when you can safely access the rocky ledge at the base of the cliffs and walk along the sandstone shelf in front of them.

How to Reach the Painted Cliffs

From the Maria Island ferry terminal: Walk along the road toward Darlington, then cross the bridge and continue beside the paddocks — keep an eye out for wombats grazing. Continue to Hopground Beach and from here, either walk along the beach or follow the path until you reach a sandstone outcrop.

This outcrop marks the beginning of the Painted Cliffs. At low tide, you can carefully climb onto the rock shelf and wander along the front of the cliffs, admiring the incredible patterns up close. You can return the same way, or take a short detour to the Oast House, the atmospheric ruins of a former hop kiln slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Important Visitor Information

A valid Tasmania National Parks Pass is required
No pets are permitted on Maria Island
There are no cars or public transport on the island — walking and cycling only

Getting to Maria Island

Maria Island is accessed by a 30-minute ferry ride from Triabunna, which is:

Around 1.5 hours from Hobart
Around 2.5 hours from Launceston

There is ample parking near the ferry terminal at Triabunna, including space for buses and motorhomes.

More Things to Know About Maria Island

The Visitor Centre at the ferry terminal provides maps and walking information
Public toilets are available at:
- Triabunna ferry terminal
- On the ferry
- Maria Island ferry terminal
- Darlington
Picnic tables and BBQs are available on the island
There are no cafés or shops, so bring all food and supplies with you
Limited mobile phone coverage
Camping is permitted, but bookings must be made through the Visitor Centre

Final Thoughts

The Painted Cliffs are one of Maria Island’s true highlights — a stunning example of nature’s artistry set within one of Tasmania’s most special places. Combined with wildlife encounters, historic ruins, and peaceful island landscapes, this walk offers an unforgettable experience for anyone visiting Tasmania’s east coast.