School Groups

Ornithology or criminology, colonisation or fossilization, alpinism or abstract expressionism, probability or sustainability, flora identification or outdoor education, …ok, ok, you get it – Maria Island has much to offer all types of learners!

Encounter Maria Island is well equipped to deal with students in groups of ten or more (and their gear) looking to use Maria Island as a source of demystification or pure inspiration. We welcome enquiries from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.

On-island facilities are also well suited to educational endeavours. Sleep in a bunk room at the Penitentiary or camp behind the sand dunes of Darlington Bay. There are cooking facilities and toilets, but no shops – so come prepared. Visit the Accommodation page of this website for more information.

Maria Island National Park is a great venue for school camps, providing students with opportunities to learn about history, geology and wildlife by visiting the UNESCO listed World Heritage Site of Darlington, geological features such as the Fossil Cliffs, and by encountering endangered species like the Tasmanian devil, along with other island residents such as wombats, Forester kangaroos and Cape Barren geese to name a few.

If your school is interested in visiting, please contact us via email at hello@encountermaria.com.au for a booking request form.

We work in partnership with the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS), who must be contacted regarding an Educational Exemption at mariaislandenquiries@parks.tas.gov.au Ferry bookings will be unconfirmed until an approved Educational Exemption is provided by PWS.

Available departure times are dependent on group size:

  • Small groups (up to 29 passengers) or those returning on the same day, should select a time from our advertised ferry schedule.

  • Larger groups (30 passengers or more) staying overnight should plan their activities and transport around the following times:
    • Departing Triabunna – 1:45pm
    • Departing Maria Island – 1:00pm
  • Groups of 80 passengers or more will require staged departures for freight transfer, accompanied by staff members.