With its short tail and legs, characteristic waddle and ‘cuddly’ appearance the wombat is one of Australia’s most endearing native animals.

Maria’s Island by Victoria Hislop - Whispering Stories

The collection of buildings are open to the public, some left as they would have appeared back in the day, some empty and some being turned into museums.These buildings sit beside the evocative reminders of an attempt to industrialise the island at the end of the 19th century. The water here is warm and crystal clear and the offshore coral reef was declared a marine reserve in 1986 to protect the many marine species that inhabit it. We dive into all the things to do in Maria Island, how to get here, where to stay as well as some other tips that made our visit that much more comfortable and enjoyable.

Anna Maria Island 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor Anna Maria Island 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor

The absorbing story of the Cretan village of Plaka and the tiny, deserted island of Spinalonga – Greece’s former leprosy colony – is told to us by Maria Petrakis, one of the children in the original version of The Island. This is theisland’soldest building, built in 1825, and is now used as a visitors centrewith information boards, galleries and displays about the island. We acknowledge all Aboriginal people; the traditional owners of the Land upon which we work, and pay our respect to Elders past and present.The Darlington Convict Probation Station was a convict penal settlement from 1825 – 1832, and is the most famous attraction on Maria Island (except for the wombats). If it’s not already clear, we absolutely loved our time there and highly recommend everyone to visit! Home to the World Heritage-listed convict probation site of Darlington , the island has seen convicts, an ill-fated industrial enterprise, and is today home to some of the most visible and plentiful wildlife in Australia. Bernacchi renamed Darlington "San Diego", and the little town soon had in excess of 250 residents of a variety of different nationalities. It has been such a success that devils are now being removed for reintroduction to disease free areas in Tasmania.

Maria Island National Park - Wikipedia Maria Island National Park - Wikipedia

Among those held during the second era was the Irish nationalist leader William Smith O'Brien, exiled for his part in the Young Irelander Rebellion of 1848. If you found this guide useful, or have any of your own tips for places to visit or what to do on Maria Island, leave a comment below and let us know! They are multiplying in numbers and wander around through the camps, into the old buildings and along the sandy beaches.These devils form part of the " insurance population" of devils unaffected by the devil facial tumour disease that is sweeping through mainland Tasmania's devil population. The Painted Cliffs are some of the most impressive sandstone rock formations you’ll find in Tasmania, filled with amazing colours and swirling patterns. The island's first convict era was between 1825 and 1832 and its second - the probation station era - between 1842 and 1851. A number of these families' names are cemented into the island's history by having buildings, farms or sites that still have their name.