Orford

The holiday village of Orford sits at the mouth of the beautiful Prosser River with views across the ocean to Maria Island.

This low-key hub of classic Tasmanian shacks comes alive in the summer months as locals eschew the “big smoke” and unwind beachside with family and friends, swimming, bushwalking and fishing. 

Orford is a great base for exploring Maria Island National Park and its surrounding marine reserve. The Maria Island ferry departs several times daily from Triabunna, a 10-minute drive to the north. 

Orford's popular swimming beaches are linked by a 2km coastal walk that passes through an old sandstone quarry. Take time to explore Stapleton, Spring and Shelly beaches. 

There is excellent fishing at Prosser Bay, Mercury Passage and the eastern side of Maria Island. 

Stop for tastings at the cellar door of Darlington Vineyard, or book a tour and tasting at Spring Bay Distillery – its single malt whisky is matured in barrels in the salty sea air.

Where

Orford is a 1hr drive (80km) north-east of Hobart.

Insider tips

• North of the river, Raspins Beach Conservation Area is both a lovely swimming beach and a hotspot for birdwatching. Pack a picnic and be on the lookout for fairy terns at the Orford Bird Sanctuary.
• Take an easy 2km clifftop walk from East Shelly Beach to Spring Beach for ocean views and a stroll through the 19th-century sandstone quarry that provided stone for Melbourne's Law Courts. 
• Walk the convict road along the northern bank of the Prosser River to the ruins of the Paradise Probation Station.