Off the east coast of Tasmania in Australia, the car-free island invites you to explore the unfazed, abundant wildlife, scenic riches and colonial history.
The asphalt of Hobart Airfield slips beneath the wheels; the roar of the Cessna’s engine contrasts the quiet morning as you lift into the cerulean Tasmanian sky.
Below, the patchwork quilt of the Derwent Valley gives way to the breathtaking tapestry of the east coast.
From the window, the coastline unravels in detail over a 40-minute private air journey: the dramatic sweep of the Tasman Peninsula; the sapphire-blue depths of the Mercury Passage; and the sculpted granite peaks of the Freycinet Peninsula, which is a mosaic of white sand and ochre rock.
The landing on Maria Island is a soft one, but the welcome is anything but subdued. Stepping out onto the airstrip, you are greeted by the island’s most charming residents: forester kangaroos that observe your arrival with calm curiosity, and barrel-chested wombats that graze the manicured lawns of the old settlement, unfazed.
Maria Island, often dubbed ‘Tasmania’s Noah’s Ark,’ is a car-free sanctuary that feels less like a destination and more like stepping into a peaceful world of Australian wilderness.
Imagine vast, emerald-green pastures sloping toward the sea, backed by pale orange-and-pink-swirled sandstone of the Painted Cliffs. This is a place where history meets wild nature, with the convict-era buildings of Darlington providing an evocative backdrop to the main attraction: the abundant, relaxed animal life.
The formations of Painted Cliffs during low tides are a sight to behold on Maria Island.
Here, the barrier between human and wildlife is non-existent. The island is perhaps most famous for its wombats. These stout, muscular marsupials graze the lawns of the old settlement with an indifference to visitors, allowing for an ethical observation. You might find one an arm’s length away — a furry sentinel of the landscape.
Kangaroos and wallabies dot the open grasslands. Their movements fluid and unhurried, unafraid of hikers or cyclists passing by. You’ll also encounter the striking geese. They are regal birds that wander the fields like feathered landlords.
Also read: Australia’s most remote island resort, a paradise on Great Barrier Reef.
Your crew leads you on a gentle walk through this haven with wildlife so plentiful that it borders on the surreal. The journey ends by the water’s edge. Here, a scenic picnic awaits, with the serene backdrop of the national park. The feast is a celebration of Tasmanian bounty: freshly shucked oysters, a curated selection of local cheeses and crackers, and a crisp, chilled wine to toast the wilderness.
This is the definition of prime luxury: to glide to the world’s untamed edges and be one with its striking flora and fauna. Maria Island is a rare place where you stroll, the wildlife carries on with its day. It invites you into their world rather than retreating from yours.
Unwind on this slow journey that connects you to the riches of Tasmanian wildlife.
Panache World excels in weaving such singular, luxurious experiences into your travel programs around the world.
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