Darlington Precinct is located on Maria Island, off the east coast of Tasmania. It offers a unique glimpse into the convict past and the probation system that was specific to Tasmania. The site is part of the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage listing, recognized on 31 July 2010.

Getting There

Visitors can reach Maria Island by ferry, making it accessible for those interested in exploring its historical significance.

Historical Sites in Darlington

Commissariat Store (1825)

This is the oldest building on the island. It served as an office, provision store, and spirit room downstairs, with additional storage upstairs. Three soldiers were stationed here to protect valuable items.

Senior Assistant Superintendent’s Quarters (1847)

This building housed the Senior Assistant responsible for solitary confinement of prisoners and managing the Probation Station in the superintendent's absence.

Assistant Superintendent’s Quarters (1849)

These quarters were for assistant superintendents who managed around 250 convicts. Initially, three buildings were planned, but one was never completed.

School Master’s House (1922)

Originally the residence for the island's teacher, it is now used as the Ranger Station.

Bernacchi’s Terraces (1888)

These terraced cottages were built using recycled bricks from demolished structures. They were constructed during the Victorian Georgian era and served as accommodation for industrial workers.

Oast House (1844)

This is one of the oldest oast houses in the country, producing three tonnes of hops annually by 1847. The ruins still show the large brick drying towers.

Officers’ Quarters (1842)

These single-storey buildings reflect Victorian/Georgian design and were originally for assistant superintendents. Notably, Smith O’Brien’s cottage housed the Irish political prisoner William Smith O’Brien.

Penitentiary (1830)

One of the few remaining buildings from the first convict period, it was constructed with 200,000 bricks. It housed prisoners in a triple-tiered hammock system.

Mess Hall

This building accommodated up to 400 convicts for meals and also served as a school room and chapel. Dining arrangements varied by convict class.

Brickfields

This area includes the Workers Cottage, Engineers Residence, and Engine House, with structures dating from the 1890s to the 1920s.

The Coffee Palace (1888)

Built by the Maria Island Company, it featured dining rooms, a lounge, and living quarters, typical of a restaurant of the time.

Visiting Magistrate’s Office (1842)

This building served as the administrative center for the Probation Station and later functioned as a shop and Post Office.