Maria Island
Best Beach · TAS
Tourism Australia's Best Beach 2020, No. 4.
This is an island, off an island, off an island.
This is an island, off an island, off an island and, as you may expect, it's pretty special. Your experience on gorgeous MI National Park will be much more pleasurable than those of hardened convicts when it was a penal settlement during Australia's earliest colonisation. The pick of the island's many beaches would be Chinaman's and Shoal Bay - on the western sheltered side of the isthmus - or opposite on Riedle Bay, where you may find some gentle rollers to refresh the weary mid-hike trekker. An hour north of Hobart, it's accessible by ferry or private charter from Triabunna to the island's Darlington docking. Explored only by bike or foot, it's simple enough to set up under the night stars at a handful of sublime shoreline camp sites. There are no shops or luxe hotels so come prepared. Respect the fragile ecosystems and abundant wildlife habitatst.
⚠️ Ocean conditions can change quickly and rips can form even on calm days. Only swim at patrolled beaches, and supervise children at all times.