As you cross to the island you follow in the wake of Aboriginal people, who for thousands of years made regular canoe crossings to the island they knew as wukaluwikiwayna - Tasmanian National Parks & Wildlife Service
It is time to return to our heritage and retrace the footsteps not just of our Aboriginal fore-bearers, but also of our first Find Your Feet Tour to Maria Island back in 2014. On this inaugural   trip we hosted 14 eager runners, venturing to the top of Bishop & Clerk's towering dolerite spires before roaming playfully around the Darlington settlement, painted cliffs, beaches, fossil outcrops and wombat habitats.  

Rich in cultural and natural heritage, Maria Island’s landscape is a unique microcosm. On this tour we look forward to not just the trail running and coaching, but sharing the  island's heritage and associated stories to raise awareness about the past, celebrate what we have right now, and embrace new learnings for the future.

Through out the day  you will have access to our expert guides and coaches who always strive to facilitate an environment of education and learning for all elements of trail running. We are eager to share our knowledge on gear, equipment, nutrition, wilderness safety and conservation,  adventure or race planning, local environmental and cultural significance and  running techniques tips and tricks that will have you dancing, thriving and keeping safe on the trails.  This is a day out not to be missed!
TRAIL RUNNING ON MARIA ISLAND
Maria Island has some of Tasmania's most varied and unique trails. From convict built roads to open grassy plains, from trails tunneling through the Casurina Trees to boulderfields on the upper mountain slopes, from rock scrambles to quiet coves, and the ability to roam offtrack along untracked coastlines, this island is a trail runner's paradise and we plan to explore a large portion of it!

​Yes, Maria Island is an ideallic teaching ground for trail running, and is highly suitable to beginners as well as more advanced legs alike. We would love to welcome you to Maria Island!

Find Your Feet's Wilder Trails project also has an advanced, self-guided trail running route on Maria Island for you to enjoy. 
Our wilder places needs wilder people. Our vision with Wilder Trails is to foster an empowered community of trail enthusiasts who inspire one another to grow, play & perform wilder whilst stepping up for our wilder places. We wish to do this by highlighting toe-tingling trails for playing wilder, whilst providing an aspirational, educational & non-competitive platform for us all to grow & perform wilder.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
  • Gasp at the sheer drops and vast vistas from the summit of Bishop & Clerk.
  • Whoop with excitement as you descend through rapidly changing forests into the tunnels of Casuarina trees near Darlington. 
  • Explore the intricate layers of history around Darlington and the northern region of the island.
  • Hunt for fossils at the Fossil Cliffs.
  • Marvel at the weather and wave-created paintings at Painted Cliffs.
  • Frolic and recuperate in the icy waters of quiet coves.
  • Picnic whilst watching wildlife in their natural habitat, including wombats, Cape Barren Geese and maybe even a Tasmania Devil.
  • Enjoy the ferry ride back to Triabunna in the company of your new trail running friends. 
Our trip to Maria Island was extraordinary. From whale spotting from the top of Bishop & Clerk, to following a Tasmanian Devil as we descended... and the trail running tips and stories from our guides... Maria Island really helped to kick-start my trail running - participant, 2014

TOUR DETAILS

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION
Maria Island Ferry wharf, Triabunna
DEPARTURE TIME
Maria Island Ferry wharf, Triabunna @ 8:00am (ferry departs at 8:30am)
RETURN TIME
Maria Island Ferry wharf, Triabunna @ 5pm (ferry departs Maria Island at 4:15pm)
TRIP DURATION
1-day
MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE
13 guests
INCLUDED
  • Return ferry transport from Triabunna to Maria Island
  • Maria Island National Park entry
  • Expert coaching & guiding by experienced guides
  • Insurance
  • Hot drinks and delicious treats*
  • Premium discounts at Find Your Feet
NOT INCLUDED
  • Vehicle transport to Triabunna (we will help you to carpool with other guests)
  • Trail running nutrition
  • Lunch.
COST
$TBC AUD*
* Full payment is required at time of booking. Trip is only refundable if we can refill your place.
* This is a self-catered trip and their is no food available on the island. Prior to departure we will provide detailed advice on what to bring to keep you fuelled for a full day of ‘playing’ outdoors. Find Your Feet will also provide hot drinks and some additional delights to ensure we are topped up and raring to go.​

RUN DETAILS**
Maximum Run Duration: 14 - 16km/3.5hrs​
Technical Difficulty: Moderate - most tracks on the island provide very smooth, non-technical trail running. Close to the summit of Bishop & Clerk there are some sections of rocky escarpments. The final, more exposed section of the mountain is optional for participants.
Steepness: Flat to very steep mountain slopes
Suitability: All abilities welcome, including beginners to trail running.

** This trail running tour may be challenging for some but will deliver memories that will stick with you forever. We welcome trail runners of all abilities and will cater our itinerary on the day to suit the weather, our guests and advice provide by Parks staff.

Location

Contact Us

PH: +61 405149646

What Our Guests Are Saying

We were always so nervous about being 'those ones'... the individuals holding up the group. But right from the start we were welcomed onto the trip and given encouragement and confidence that this was so, so much more than 'just a running tour'. Throught our 5 days on the tour we both grew inches, learning not just about running but about the art of growing, playing & performing wilder. Thank you so much to the team at Find Your Feet for helping us to find our feet. We cannot wait to return again!