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Maria Island

Maria Island: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Triabunna: Maria Island Cruise & Guided Walk with Lunch

1. From Triabunna: Maria Island Cruise & Guided Walk with Lunch

Embark on an immersive and educational guided tour of Maria Island National Park and the Ile Des Phoques Nature Reserve. Enjoy a scenic cruise with lunch in a remote bay, a guided walk among historic buildings, and a visit to Maria Island to spot wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, and Cape Barren geese. After departing Triabunna, see fascinating geological sites, mountain-fed waterfalls, secluded bays, sea caves, and white beaches on your way to the Fossil and Painted Cliffs. Enjoy expert commentary from the crew as you cruise to Maria Island's isthmus for a lunch stop on the anchored boat.  Take in the views of Maria Island, the cliffs, waterfalls, limestone sea caves, cliff-top stalactites, and mountains. On the way to the remarkable granite island, Island of Seals, see if you can spot albatrosses, dolphins, fur seals, and whales. Swim and dive alongside the island’s marine life. Dock at Darlington in the afternoon. Stretch your legs and enjoy a guided tour through Darlington’s collection of preserved buildings that once belonged to the convict population. Learn about the town’s remarkable history and come face-to-face with Maria Island’s resident wombats.  If history is not for you, then simply soak up the sun on Darlington’s white sandy beach or swim and snorkel in the waters of Maria Island’s marine reserve.

From Hobart: Day Trip to Maria Island with Hotel Pickup

2. From Hobart: Day Trip to Maria Island with Hotel Pickup

Set off on a day trip from Hobart and visit stunning Maria Island. Head to Triabunna from Hobart before you board a boat and cruise along the east coast of Tasmania and Maria Island. Listen to commentary on board, enjoy lunch, and explore the island and its history. Begin with morning pickup from your hotel in Hobart and drive to Triabunna. Check in for the cruise before you set sail. Admire the landscapes of Tasmania's east coast and the diverse geography of Maria Island which includes waterfalls, secluded bays, sea caves, and beaches of pure white sand.  Listen to commentary on your way to Riedle and Shoal Bay at Maria Island's isthmus where you will drop anchor for lunch. In the afternoon, dock at Darlington and take a guided tour of the historic convict buildings, learn about the town's past, and meet the resident wombats.

Triabunna: Maria Island and Ile Des Phoques Day Trip by Boat

3. Triabunna: Maria Island and Ile Des Phoques Day Trip by Boat

Discover the beauty of Maria Island and cruise along the shoreline of the Ile Des Phoques island. Search for a variety of marine life like dolphins and fur seals as you sail. Visit Darlington on Maria Island where you can take a guided history tour or have some free time to hit the beach.  Meet your guide at a café in Triabunna and board a comfortable speedboat. Embark on an adventure with stunning views of Maria Island's Painted Cliffs, Fossil Cliffs, spring-fed waterfalls, limestone sea caves, and cliff-top stalactites. Let views of the Bishop and Clerk Mountains take your breath away and take in views of the granite cliffs of Maria Island's east coast from the water. At the northern tip of Maria Island the cruise will head north to the Ile Des Phoques, a 30 minute boat ride from Maria Island. Tuck into cakes which are provided for morning tea as well as complimentary water, tea, coffee, orange juice, soda water, soft drinks, wine and beer. Keep an eye out for albatross, dolphins, fur seals, and whales (depending on the time of year). Savor a healthy salad bowl lunch with your choice of chicken breast, smoked salmon, roast beef, leg ham, or vegetarian/vegan options. Lunch is enjoyed on the boat while anchored in an idyllic location at Maria Island.   Dock at Darlington where you can stretch your legs and go on a guided historic tour Choose to learn about the town’s history, and see convict buildings and resident wombats, or have free time to visit a sandy beach or swim in the waters of Maria Island’s marine reserve. Soak up the views on the speedboat trip back to your meeting point in Triabunna.

Wineglass Bay and Maria Island Scenic Flight Experience

4. Wineglass Bay and Maria Island Scenic Flight Experience

Departing daily from Cambridge, fly towards and over the top of the Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania’s East Coast. Freycinet National Park is one of Tasmania’s very first National Parks (est. 1916) and is home to dramatic pink granite mountains, secluded bays, crystal clear waters and pristine white beaches. Freycinet is home to Tasmania’s and arguably Australia’s most iconic white sands beach – Wineglass Bay, the aerial view of this sight is something truly spectacular and unforgettable. From the Freycinet Peninsula, fly over the seal colony of Ile Des Phoques, then continue your scenic flight towards your destination, Maria Island. Here land and set off on an exploration of the island national park. It’s tranquility combined with its natural beauty, rare wildlife and fascinating history makes it a unique and special place. Maria Island’s pristine untouched beaches, the crystal clear waters of the surrounding marine reserve and scenery like the magnificent Mt Maria and Bishop and Clerk peaks will take your breath away. Have a chance while on the Island to wander through forests of magnificent blue and white gums, some of them over 400 years old and unique to Maria Island. Step back in time and walk where convicts and explorers have walked before you. At the Fossils Cliffs see shellfish fossil beds unlike any other in the world. Maria Island is also famous for its abundance of wildlife being home to rare and endangered species like the Swift Parrot and Cape Barron Goose, Wombats, Kangaroos and of course, the Tasmanian Devil. It’s difficult to describe the beauty of Maria Island, you really have to see it to believe it. As you interact with the Maria Island’s local wildlife and take in the spectacular scenery your guide will prepare a bountiful Tasmanian picnic looking over the Northern end of the majestic national park. This feast is full of some of Tasmania’s finest offerings, consisting of fresh Oysters, Mussels, Salmon, Mackerel, Scallops, Octopus, all locally sourced from Tasmanian’s beautiful and clean waterways, this seafood smorgasbord is accompanied with paired Tasmanian premium white wine. Please note, if seafood isn’t to your liking that’s not a problem at all, just let the tour operator know at the time of booking and they can happily source a beautiful mix of different Tasmanian produce. After your time on Maria board your aircraft once again return to Hobart. Tour highlights • Aerial eye view of • Freycinet National Park • Wineglass Bay • Maria Island • Chance to interact (without fences) with wildlife such as • Tasmanian devils • Wombats • Forester (Eastern grey) Kangaroos • Wallabies • Gourmet Seafood Platter and Tasmanian Premium Wine Tour runs for approximately 3 hours and departs daily from Cambridge Aerodrome (20-minute drive from the Hobart CBD), Hotel Pick up and Drop off available.

From Hobart: Iconic East Coast Day Trip to Wineglass Bay

5. From Hobart: Iconic East Coast Day Trip to Wineglass Bay

Take a guided day trip from Hobart to explore one of Tasmania's most iconic destinations, Wineglass Bay, located on the Freycinet Peninsula. Wander along rugged coastal tracks, slurp an oyster plucked straight from the sea, eat berries, chat with winemakers, and enjoy the sound of the ocean waves. Travel on the Great Eastern Drive, winding through the countryside along Tasmania’s east coast. Stop at several towns on the way, including Orford and Triabunna, for views of the mountainous Maria Island across the water. At Swansea, pause to take in the panoramas of the granite peaks of the Hazards of the Freycinet Peninsula. Next, on the road between Swansea and Little Swanport, see the historical landmark of Spiky Bridge made out of field stones – without any mortar or cement – by local convicts in 1843. Learn how its jagged flagstones were used to prevent cattle from falling over the edge. Then, follow a trail leading up to a lookout for panoramic views over Wineglass Bay. If time permits, dip your toes into the turquoise waters and wander the sparkling white sand of Wineglass Bay Beach. After working up an appetite, head to Devil’s Corner Winery for lunch at (cost not included). Sip on a pinot noir or sparkling wine as you eat a delicious meal with scenic views of Freycinet National Park. Finally, choose to sample salty oysters plucked straight from the waters of the Great Oyster Bay at Freycinet Marine Farm, or take a trip to Kate’s Berry Farm to indulge in berry favorites such as ice cream, pie, and chocolates (at your expense).

From Hobart: Maria Island National Park Active Full-Day Tour

6. From Hobart: Maria Island National Park Active Full-Day Tour

Experience a location rich in local wildlife, amazing scenery and world heritage convict history.  Departing from Hobart, journey for 1.5 hours to reach the breathtaking Maria Island. Once here, enjoy a series of moderate walks covering a total of 10 kilometers. Explore the Painted Cliffs as you walk past Hopground Beach to see these beautifully patterned sandstone cliffs. Get the opportunity to swim, photograph and soak up the island life as Maria works its magic on you. Witness an abundance of island wildlife, including wombats, various bird species, dolphins, seals, and penguins. You may even get to spot the famous Tazmanian Devil. On the Fossil Cliffs walk, admire the amazing cliffs that drop sheer into the ocean. Get a fascinating insight into the past environments of Maria Island at the  Darlington World Heritage convict site and enjoy breathtaking views of the Freycinet Peninsula. With no cars on the island the area is peaceful, beautiful, the pace is slow and relaxed, and the beaches are perfect for summer swimming.

Other Sightseeing Options in Maria Island

Want to discover all there is to do in Maria Island? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Maria Island

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 56 reviews

Stunning views of the cliffs, we saw seals, dolphins- you get so much from a cruise that you won’t see from the land. Our captain and guide were extremely informative, friendly and attentive. The food was excellent. Please note this is the circumferential tour and does not include Ile de phoque. There is a small window to swim at Darlington in the afternoon but most people choose the walk instead. If you want to snorkel byo gear. I’d recommend doing the tour of Darlington and the walk rather than swimming- convict history is interesting and you might spot some wildlife too!

Captain Steve, along with Zoe and Hannah were informative, helpful and made the trip fun and very well organised. We were so blessed with perfect weather conditions to circumnavigate Maria Island. My elderly parents commented that it was a trip of a lifetime and I wholeheartedly agreed and would highly recommend Maria Island cruises to everyone.

Great tour, Mike was an excellent tour guide/boat driver explaining about Maria island. Steve was great guide on the boat both excellent helping & explaining they both made you feel welcoming. Food was great and they do help if you have diary requirements. We had a fantastic day. Well worth the experience.

The staff were so friendly and knowledgable and just couldn't do enough for us to ensure we had a fabulous day. Highly recommend.

Amazing experience with knowledgeable and friendly guides.