Tasmania’s Maria Island is a motherlode of fascinating geology, including the swirling, Triassic-era limestone of the Painted Cliffs. Salvador Dali could not have painted a more surreal scene. The painted cliffs are like roaring fire frozen in time. Groundwater rich in iron has filtered through the sandstone at the end of Hopground Beach to stain streaks of orange, red and purple into the cliff. And the Tasman Sea has carved out a concave ledge to give it a mesmerizing look. One of the most popular attractions on Maria Island, the painted cliffs are a must-see. But you’ll have to time your visit right.
The cliff is only exposed for two hours before and after low tide. You’ll also need low tide to coincide with the afternoon sun when the cliffs dazzle at their most brilliant. Plus, the weather has to cooperate. All told, you might have 10 good days a month for a visit and picture. You can check the coming and going of the tides online.
