Maria Island Maria Island (pronounced “Ma-rye-ah”), a small island located off the east coast of Tasmania, 13 km at its widest and 20 km long, is probably one of my favourite places in all of Australia, never mind Tasmania. But if you were thinking of skipping this little slice of paradise, don’t! The island is best known for its convict history and scores of animals, Cape Barren Geese, Tasmanian devils and wombats that live there, making it known as Tasmania’s ‘Noah’s Ark’. The minute we stepped off the ferry, we stopped wombats and Cape Barren Geese. Wildlife is just everywhere here! The water is some the clearest and cleaner I’ve ever seen, beaches so inviting to run onto and dive into the water. There are no cars on the island so everyone gets around on foot or two wheels and it is a slower pace of life with little reception so it ensures you are really off the grid. We unfortunately didn’t have the time to stay overnight and most people come for a day trip but if you have the time it is definitely worth spending 2-3 days here…