On the trip to Tasmania with Wendy, after visiting The Walls of Jerusalem, we were keen to head to the East Coast for some activities that would be a bit more relaxing. Wendy drove the hire car to Swansea, where we checked into a backpackers, that conveniently had a tavern, bottle shop and bakery attached. The weather was fine, and this allowed us to wash all our dirty clothes and then dry them in the Sun.
Next morning, we headed south towards Triabunna. From there, we could catch a ferry to Maria Island. On the way, we visited a quirky bridge – the so called “Spiky Bridge“. Interesting.
Triabunna turned out to be a pretty town with lovely reflections on the still water of its small harbour. The ferry trip to the Island was pleasant. When we arrived we checked in at the Commissariat – which is now a PWS visitor centre. We paid the $13 fee for our campsite and then headed towards the camping area near the old convict era ruins at Darlington.
On the way, only a short distance, we passed a lot of wildlife – Wombats, Paddymelons, Cape Barren Geese, Native Hens. Most of the animals seemed completely oblivious to our presence.
After lunch, we set off for a walk to climb up to the lookout overlooking two peaks – Bishop and Clerk. But first we called in to look at some of the old buildings. One – from a later era was the “Coffee Palace” – which was complete with tables spread with (artificial) food and drink.
On the way to Bishop and Clerk we passed the interesting Fossil Cliffs. This was supposed to be the more relaxing part of our holiday, but we then had to contend with a 700 m ascent. But we didn’t have our big packs with us, and we were soon at the top.
The views of Bishop and Clerk were certainly impressive. In the far distance we could see Freycenet Peninsula. On the way back down we encountered more wildlife and spotted some fossils on the ridge above Fossil Cliff.
That evening, I went for a wander around the fields near the camping area – spotlighting for animals. There were lots of Wombats and Paddymelons, and also quite a few spiders out hunting – their eyes stood out clearly. I was keen to spot a few Tasmanian Devils – but didn’t see any. We had taken the precaution of placing all our food in a special metal bin to stop any Devils helping themselves.
Next morning, I got up early and made my way back to Fossil Cliffs for the sunrise.
Then back to camp for breakfast. We then headed off for a loop walk to the north – walking through the hills then back via the coast. This was very pleasant. On the way back we spotted a Sea Eagle perched overhead in a tree.
Another site we stopped at, was the interesting Painted Cliffs – a good example of Liesegang Rings.
Then, at 5 pm, the ferry arrived to take us back to the mainland. That evening we camped in the free campsite – in the field behind the pub at Triabunna.
More photos of Mara Island are online here on my website.