Itineraries

Guide updated 13 Sept 2026 · verify Parks Tasmania and the ferry the morning you go

These plans are built for real Hobart ferry days and island overnights — drive time, last-ferry clock, tide windows, weather and energy included — not fantasy “do every named cliff” checklists. Pick the plan that matches your group, then open it for a full timeline, packing notes and what to skip. Print from any plan page, or grab the free day-trip checklist anytime.

Every itinerary defers to Parks Tasmania and Encounter Maria Island for track status, seats and alerts. Hard walks only appear where the plan names them — and only when official status is open.

Still deciding day-return vs overnight? Start with Plan your visit for the fee split, last-ferry clock, tide note and last-town fuel/food/medical, then come back here for timed skeletons. Print any plan page, or grab the free practical planner PDF (no email wall).

Full calendar day from Hobart (drive + ferry + island + last-ferry buffer)

Same-day ferry: Darlington + one icon

First visit: World Heritage + wildlife + either Painted Cliffs (if tide) or Fossil Cliffs

The honest day-return: Gateway check-in, ferry to Darlington, township loop, one coastal icon, last-ferry buffer. Not Bishop and Clerk unless you left Hobart early and the wind is down.

Open plan →

Island half-day inside a day-return ferry

Tide window: Painted Cliffs first

When low tide falls in your island hours

Build the day around the platform, not around a summit. If the tide is wrong, this plan becomes Fossil Cliffs + Darlington — not a scramble.

Open plan →

Full island day + early Hobart leave

Bishop and Clerk day (early ferry)

Fit walkers, low wind, booked early sailing, last-ferry buffer

Grade 4, 11 km return, 4–5 hours walking plus scramble caution. Not a first-timer default. Not stacked with Mount Maria.

Open plan →

2 days / 1 night

Overnight at Darlington

Wildlife at dawn/dusk, two walks, no last-ferry panic on day one

Overnight ferry ticket (different fare and luggage rules). Camp at Darlington (paid at Gateway) or book the Penitentiary. Next day: Bishop and Clerk or a tide window without sprinting.

Open plan →

2–3 days, self-sufficient

Two-day south: Frenchs Farm / isthmus

Cyclists and walkers who want McRaes Isthmus and free southern camps

Frenchs Farm and Encampment Cove: free with a valid parks pass, no bookings, basic toilets, treat rainwater. Not Three Capes. Not a day-return.

Open plan →