Escape to Tasmania This Winter - on a Guided Walk

In convict times, Maria Island's “guests” were trying their best to escape the Darlington penal colony. Now travellers are happy to pay to escape to this beautiful destination renowned for amazing landscapes, well-preserved history and a vast array of wildlife.

Perfect for a winter weekend getaway complete with fresh air, cosy accommodation and plenty of good Tasmanian red wine at the end of the day here are five reasons to consider The Maria Island Walk for your winter escape:

1. Easy getaway – 

No need to burn up excessive annual leave days and frequent flyer miles, this short getaway will leave you feeling like you've been a million miles from nowhere The Maria Island Walk Winter Escape is an easily achieved three-day/two-night experience offering guests spectacular walks during the day, followed by delicious meals and matching wines in the evening and concluding with a warm, comfortable bed to sleep in at night. Guests are picked up in Hobart in the early morning and after a scenic 90 minute drive to Triabunna followed by a short ferry ride across Mercury Passage, are strapping on their walking boots within a couple of hours.

2. Instagram worthy - 

The guided, pack-free winter walks leave and return to Bernacchi House daily and vary in length and difficulty (guests can walk as much or as little as they like). Strolls along the gentler tracks reward walkers with close ups of the local wildlife including lumbering wombats, elegant Cape Barren Geese and a growing insurance population of Tasmanian Devils. They can also take in some of the spectacular landscape visiting the Painted Cliffs and Fossil Bay. For the more adventurous, who choose to climb to the top of Mount Bishop and Clerk, the highest point on the island, the result is extremely worthwhile offering up panoramic views over the eucalypt forests and out across the Pacific Ocean.

3. Historic lodgings - 

During winter, guests are accommodated for both nights at heritage listed Bernacchi House in the world heritage convict settlement of Darlington. The house, dating back to 1880 when it was home to Italian settler and pioneer Diego Bernacchi, has been beautifully restored providing comfort and warmth as guests are greeted on arrival with a roaring open fire.

4. Tasmania's oldest penal colony – 

With a history that pre-dates Port Arthur, Darlington is one of the country's best-preserved World Heritage sites providing visitors with amazing stories of early Australia. Its 14 convict buildings and ruins are considered the most representative and intact example of a probation station in Australia. Its early industrial period championed by entrepreneur, Diego Bernacchi, saw the creation of a cement industry and even its own wellness resort in the early 1900's.

5. Guides by day and chefs by night – 

guests are treated to a delicious array of local produce throughout their stay. From relaxed breakfasts to a glass of Tasmanian wine served with a fabulous cheese board on the verandah of Bernacchi House, followed by a candlelit dinner recounting stories from the day – our guests never go hungry.

The Winter Escapes walk has varying departure dates until 31 August and costs $1,490 per person reflecting a special seasonal price.

Contact The Maria Island Walk team on 03 6234 2999 or email bookings@mariaislandwalk.com.au for bookings and further details.

The cost includes return transfers from Hobart to Triabunna, the scenic cruise across the pristine waters of the Mercury Passage to Maria Island, gourmet Tasmanian food and wine, two experienced guides, National Park entry fees, accommodation and use of waterproof jackets and day packs.

Website: www.greatwalksofaustralia.com.au