Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
Depart Hobart early in the morning and travel in a climate-controlled vehicle to the ferry for Maria Island. Keep a lookout for whales and dolphins during the 30-minute crossing. Upon arrival, begin your walking tour with your guide and take in the island’s stunning scenery. Spot wildlife such as Tasmanian devils, wallabies, kangaroos, Cape Barren geese, wombats, and little penguins. Explore the Painted Cliffs, pristine white-sand beaches, and sheltered bays, and keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, penguins, and seasonal migrating whales.
Throughout the day, your guide will share engaging stories about the island’s history and wildlife. Walk at a relaxed pace along trails suitable for those with a moderate fitness level. Be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a day pack with all-weather clothing and swimwear.
As Maria Island has no cars or shops, bring your own snacks and lunch, with a morning stop along the way to pick up supplies.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The pickup location is at the Lower Dock Car Park (Macquarie Wharf Car Park) on Hunter Street, Hobart. It is located directly opposite the Grand Chancellor Hobart, on the waterfront side of the road. The pickup point is within the open-air car park area along Macquarie Wharf. Our tour coordinators always share the driver/guide’s contact details with guests after the booking process to ensure smooth and easy communication prior to the tour.
Itinerary
-
1
Maria Island is a remarkable destination, offering visitors a unique mix of World Heritage convict history, abundant wildlife, dramatic coastal cliffs, and peaceful, untouched beaches. With so many highlights to discover, our active day tour lets you experience the very best of the island. Just a one-hour drive from Hobart brings you to the ferry at Triabunna, followed by a scenic 30-minute ride across the water to Maria Island – a beautiful island national park that feels like a world away. Truly an island, off an island, off an island.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2Maria Island National Park
This tour is ideal for active travellers who enjoy walking and exploring unique destinations. Maria Island has no cars, and access is only by passenger ferry, making it a peaceful and unspoiled place to discover. Key highlights include the stunning Painted Cliffs, the Fossil Cliffs, as well as the island’s rich wildlife, history, and breathtaking scenery. Maria Island also has a fascinating past that our guides will share as you walk along the island’s trails. The beautifully preserved Darlington settlement is part of the World Heritage–listed site and predates the more widely known Port Arthur convict settlement. The island was later declared a National Park in 1972.
4 hours • Admission ticket included -
3
During the tour, we enjoy a series of easy to moderate walks that explore the island’s history and key highlights. Setting out on foot, we follow two main walking trails for the day, covering a total distance of around 10 kilometres. From Darlington, we walk to the Fossil Cliffs and then return along the same trail. The Fossil Cliffs walk leads to dramatic cliffs that drop sharply into the ocean, offering spectacular views from the top. Even those without a strong interest in geology will be amazed by the large number of shell fossils visible in the cliff face. The site provides a fascinating glimpse into Maria Island’s ancient environments, along with sweeping views across to the Freycinet Peninsula.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
4
Next, we follow the trail to the Painted Cliffs and return along the same path. This walk is gentle and mostly flat, leading us to Hopground Beach, with the Painted Cliffs located at the far end. There will be plenty of time to explore the cliffs, capture photos of their unique patterns, and discover the rock pools and beautiful natural surroundings in the area.
2 hours • Admission ticket included -
5
The island is a true wildlife sanctuary and one of the best places in Australia to spot wombats, Tasmanian devils, Cape Barren geese, kangaroos, and wallabies. Birdwatchers will also enjoy the rich birdlife, with around 125 species recorded, including all of Tasmania’s endemic birds such as the endangered Forty-spotted Pardalote and the Swift Parrot. The ferry journey itself is another highlight of the day. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, and we keep a lookout for dolphins, seals, and even penguins during the crossing. While on the island, you’ll have time to swim, take photographs, observe wildlife, and simply relax while soaking in the peaceful island atmosphere. Join us for a day of exploration filled with environmental beauty and cultural history—an ideal island adventure for active travellers. Maria Island is a unique and wild destination accessible only by boat. There are no cars, shops, or device charging facilities on the island, and amenities are limited.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Company
Get our app
