Darlington to Frenchs Farm

Frenchs Farm, one of two campgrounds near the middle of Maria Island, is reached either by taking the Coast Road (via Painted Cliffs) or Inland Track. The Coast Road is the easier (and more scenic) option which follows the coastline, past a number of bays and beaches. The campground is huge with many shaded and private campsite. Water is normally availabe from a water tank.

Swimming

Heritage Sites

Picnic Facilities

Toilets

Coastal

Eucalypt Forest

50m

Maximum Elevation

100m

Total Climb

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Getting there

One of the many walks on Maria Island, which is reached by a regular ferry from the town of Triabunna (multiple daily services in summer; less frequent in winter). The Coast Road and Inland Track both start from Darlington on Maria Island.

Maps

TASMAP Maria Island National Park 1:50K
5828 Darlingon 1:25,000 (covers top of Maria Island)
5827 Riedle 1:25,000 (covers bottom of Maria Island)

Route/Trail notes

The most direct route is via the Coast Road, which (not surprisingly!) follows the coastline, and is fairly flat (12km). The alternate route is via the Inland Track, which is more undulating (14km). Both routes are suitable for mountain bikes, but the Inland Track is much harder.

Permits/Costs

There is a cost for the ferry to reach Maria Island.
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife - Parks Pass required

Other References

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service - Maria Island
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service - Frenchs Farm Walk
https://hikingtheworld.blog/2019/01/11/maria-island-hiking/#Frenchs-Farm

GPS Tracks

No GPS available for this walk yet.

Comments

This was our return walk after three days. We took the Inland track on the return. Definitely a lot harder than the coastal track as there are quite a few large ridges to traverse over. The walk is very pleasant and the vegetation here is almost rain forest like compared to the drier coastal walk. We also took the Oast house branch back to Darlington.
Brian on 21 Jul, 2019

Took the early ferry (10.30) and after signing the walkers registration, we set off on the coastal track. We did a short detour via the painted cliffs but the tide was in so could not go very far or get any decent photo's. We arrived at French's Farm at round 3.30 and set up camp. Lovely walk and very trying as we were not used to carrying heavy packs. Clean toilet and fresh water available here.

Brian on 19 Jul, 2019

A great start to our Maria Island hike, climbing Bishop & Clerk before taking the Coast Road to Frenchs Farm campground.
https://hikingtheworld.blog/2019/01/11/maria-island-hiking/
Oliver Descoeudres on 8 Jan, 2019