Darlington Bay, on the western shore of Maria Island, is the gateway to the Maria Island Marine Reserve and offers exceptionally clear, sheltered waters ideal for snorkeling right off Darlington Beach and the historic jetty. Set against the backdrop of the World Heritage-listed Darlington Probation Station, this car-free island sanctuary combines rich convict history with pristine marine habitat. The bay's calm, turquoise shallows are part of a protected reserve where you can swim among reef fish, starfish, and occasional seals in water that often boasts remarkable visibility, just a step from the ferry landing.
Darlington Bay
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Wave Height 0.4 mSwell Period 4.3 sWind Speed 0.9 knPrecipitation 0.6 mmTidal Phase slack
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
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Moderate risk: Ferry traffic
The jetty is a working ferry landing, so snorkelers must be aware of ferry movements and avoid the immediate docking area during arrivals and departures.
Low risk: Cold Water Temperature
Tasmanian east coast waters are cool year-round; even in summer, sea temperatures rarely exceed 18°C. A wetsuit is strongly recommended.
Low risk: No Potable Water On-Site
All water on Maria Island is non-potable and must be boiled or treated before drinking. Bring your own fresh water.
Low risk: Limited Facilities
There are no shops on the island and only basic composting toilets at Darlington. Bring all food, water, and supplies.
Low risk: Variable Weather & Sea Conditions
Wind can pick up quickly, reducing visibility and creating choppy conditions. Check forecasts before crossing from Triabunna.
Low risk: No potable water
Water on Maria Island is not potable; bring your own drinking water as there are no shops on the island.
Low risk: Cold Water Temperatures
Tasmanian coastal waters are cold year-round (10–18°C). A wetsuit (3-5mm) is strongly recommended for comfort and safety.
Low risk: Changing Tides
Tidal currents can shift around the jetty and bay entrances, especially on an outgoing tide. Check local tide charts before entering.
Low risk: Ferry schedule dependency
Access to Maria Island is by ferry only. Missing the return ferry could strand you overnight. Plan ahead.
Low risk: Variable weather and swell
Weather in the Tasman Sea can change rapidly, bringing sudden wind shifts and chop to the bay.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
Gallery
1 photo from the community
Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
Maria Island is a 30-minute ferry ride from Triabunna (75-min drive / 86 km north-east of Hobart). The ferry (Encounter Maria Island) departs from the Triabunna jetty. Once on the island, Darlington Bay is a short walk from the ferry landing on the western shore.
Parking & facilities
Park at the Triabunna ferry terminal (paid parking available). No cars permitted on Maria Island — access is on foot or by bicycle.
toiletsdrinking_water
Parks Pass required for entry to Maria Island National Park (purchase online or at Parks Tasmania). Ferry ticket additional.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports