Maria Grist

Maria was born in the Netherlands, and when her family arrived in Tasmania her father was given a position as assistant lighthouse-keeper at Eddystone Point. Her earliest memories are of the beautiful native East Coast flora which was abundant at the lighthouse, and from here she developed a passion for Tasmanian flowers and plants.

She arrived in Hobart in 1966 to complete high school and subsequently a Bachelor of Arts degree. She never forgot her love of nature, and when she heard about the Tasmanian Field Naturalists’ Club she joined and was thrilled to find so many like-minded people in that organisation. The Hobart Walking Club followed, and at this time she met people whose
relatives had been associated with the wonderful ornate rustic huts of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, a mountain which forms a craggy and impressive backdrop to the city of Hobart. Maria and her husband spent many happy hours walking the old forgotten trails of Kunanyi to visit the remains of these romantic structures. She felt a connection with the early hut builders, who were ordinary everyday people who loved and valued the natural environment, and worked to bring awareness of the mountain’s beauty to many visitors, whether local, interstate, or international.
Maria has written several books, the most well-known of which is The Huts of kunanyi/Mount Wellington in which she lists these Arts & Crafts-era huts, along with photographs from her extensive collection of historic images. Many postcards were printed at the time depicting these huts, which contributed to their fame. Maria is retired, and a great-grandmother. She is a keen amateur photographer. She is very happy that her great-grandchildren are growing up in a family which values the outdoors and
the natural life of plants and animals which the earth provides. She still loves to venture out into the bush whenever possible.