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Maria Island Day Tour

maria island day tour

$ 215.00

In this tour you will visit one of the most secluded parts of Tasmania and one of the most beautiful places in the state. We will journey up the east coast of Tasmania to the small town of Triabunna. We will then board the Maria Island ferry and cruise across the Mercury Passage to the main settlement of Darlington. This is a non functional historic town from the convict era / industrial era of Maria Island with lots of fascinating history to discover. This town only has restroom facilities, a ranger station and push bike hire services available, besides that there are no other services or shops. You must bring your own lunch and drinks in a day pack for this tour. We will provide bottled water for your convenience. After visiting Darlington we will continue on to our day walk to your chosen part of the Island. There are two options available for day walks : North of Darlington, The Fossil Cliffs & Reservoir Tracks. The Fossil Cliffs contains views of the impressive sea cliffs, the reservoir track is a lovely walk through Maria’s lush bushlands. The other option is South of Darlington, which is a walk down to the stunning Painted Cliffs and back via the inland track. Maria Island is filled with wildlife freely walking around, you may encounter a Wombat or even a Tassie Devil. This experience will not disappoint for the nature & animal loving enthusiasts and proves to be one of the best experiences we have on offer.

  • Personalised / Private Group Tour
  • Cost $244 Per Person, applies to groups of 4 or more
  • Minimum Touring Rate Starting From $683, applies to groups of 3 or less
  • Tour Duration 9 – 10 Hours
  • Fully Flexible Itinerary
  • Maria Island Ferry Fee Included
  • Maria Island National Park Fee Included
  • Complimentary Bottled Water Provided
  • Pick Up / Drop Off to your hotel or chosen location
  • Press The Book Now Button Below, To Check Group Pricing & Availability For This Tour

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Maria Island Shuttle

One Day On Maria

Our parent company East Coast Cruises offers the acclaimed cruise + walk day tour One Day On Maria. ‍

Rated #1 experience in Hobart!   Where else in Australian could you see fur seals, dolphins, albatross, sea eagles, wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, cape barren geese, World Heritage convict history, ancient fossils, giant sea caves, dolerite mountains, spring-fed waterfalls, towering limestone cliffs, lichen covered granite, painted sandstone and pure white sandy beaches ... in a single day.  Oh and of course whales during their migration. Don't forget the whales! ‍

One Day On Maria cruise + walk day tour departs from the Triabunna marina (1hr 15min from Hobart) and combines a 4hr scenic cruise of Maria Island's stunning coastline with an afternoon stay on Maria including a guided walk of the island's World Heritage listed convict settlement. Lunch is provided on the boat with a complimentary wine or beer whilst at anchor in the most beautiful of locations.

maria island day tour

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Maria Island National Park

maria island day tour

Maria Island is a special place, rewarding those that visit with World Heritage convict history, abundant wildlife, spectacular coastal cliffs and deserted beaches . Boasting a diverse range of highlights, our active day tour takes it all in! Maria Island is just a 30 minute ferry ride, but it feels like a world away. ...

Just one hour’s drive from Hobart to the ferry and  30 minutes across the water, brings us to Maria Island - a stunning island National Park.  An island, off an island, off an island!

This is a tour for the active traveller who is keen to walk and enjoy this unique island.  There are no cars on Maria Island and the only way across is on the passenger ferry. We have time to cover the main highlights the Painted Cliffs, the Fossil Cliffs, and of course the wildlife, history and amazing scenery.

Maria Island has a fascinating history, which our tour guides will share with you as walk the trails. Many cultures have once been to the island, including the Tyreddeme Aboriginals, Dutch, English, French and Italians. The island has been home to explorers, whalers, sealers, convicts, fishermen, farmers and industrialists. The World Heritage listed Darlington settlement is beautifully preserved and is one of the best examples of Probation Convict Settlements in the world. The Darlington convict settlement pre-dates the more widely known Port Arthur. The island was declared a National Park in 1972.

We enjoy a series of easy-moderate walks exploring the history and the main highlights of the island. Setting out on foot we have 2 main walking trails for the day, covering a total distance of almost 10 kilometers.  From Darlington we walk the Fossil Cliffs trail and return. Then we walk the Painted Cliffs trail and return.

The walk to the Painted Cliffs is gentle, mostly flat and leads us to Hopground Beach with the Painted Cliffs at the far end. We have plenty of time to explore the cliffs, photograph the unique features, and discover the many rock pools and beautiful nature in the area.

The Fossil Cliffs walk, takes us to amazing cliffs that drop sheer into the ocean. The views from the top are sensational. Even the non-avid geological fan, will be fascinated by the sheer abundance of the various shell fossils exposed in the cliff face. It offers a fascinating insight into the past environments of Maria Island along with expansive views of the Freycinet Peninsula.

The island is a haven for wildlife, and one of the best places in Australia for viewing wombats, Tasmanian Devils, Cape Barren geese, kangaroos and wallabies. The bird life is also an attraction with 125 species including all of Tasmania’s endemics including the endangered Forty-spotted pardalote and Swift parrot.

Even the ferry ride is part of the highlights of the day, the waters we cross are also abundant in sea life, we keep our eyes peeled for dolphins, seals and penguins along the way. While on the island, you have an opportunity to swim, photograph, observe the wildlife, and soak up the island life as Maria works its magic on you. 

Join us on this day of discovery rich in environmental and cultural history, the perfect island playground for an adventurous day out.

Important Note:  Maria Island is a special, beautiful and wild island National Park accessible by boat.  There are no cars, shops, charging stations for devices etc. on the island.  Facilities are limited.  Please ensure you are able to carry everything you will need for the day.  You will need a day pack to carry warm clothing as necessary.  A jacket suitable for walking in light rain conditions.  Equally, you will need adequate sun protection should it be a warm sunny day. Please ensure you have a large water bottle.  You will have an opportunity to purchase lunch/sandwiches in the morning but we recommend you buy your snacks prior to the day if you prefer a wider choice or have special dietary requirements to consider.  Please wear comfortable footwear for walking, runners/sandshoes/hiking shoes will all suit.  The walking on Maria Island is graded as easy walking.  However, we are on the island for around 6 hours, with around 10 km’s of walking trails to explore.  Please wear and bring clothing and footwear suitable for this type of activity in the great outdoors.  There is time to swim and relax should you choose to.

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions here http://www.tourstas.com.au/about-us/frequently-asked-questions/

Read our Terms & Conditions here http://www.tourstas.com.au/about-us/terms-conditions/

  • Explore Maria Island National Park (6hrs)
  • Watch for Dolphins & Whales on the ferry journey (30 mins each way)
  • Walk to amazing “Painted Cliffs” and wander amongst the unusual rock formation
  • Enjoy spectacular views as we walk to the “Fossil Cliffs”
  • Explore and discover the geological history amongst the exposed fossils
  • Discover the convict history at the Darlington World Heritage convict site
  • Be amazed at the abundant wildlife enjoying life on their extraordinary island
  • Return ferry to Maria Island
  • National Parks Fees
  • Professional Guide and interpreted walks
  • Limited hotel pick up options

Not included

  • Meals are not included

What to bring

  • Sensible shoes for walking
  • A variety of warm clothing, beanie/hat/gloves
  • Weatherproof jacket if possible
  • Hat/Sunscreen
  • Water Bottle, Snacks, Lunch (or buy it on the day)
  • Sense of adventure

Tour Details

  • Adult: $205
  • Child (8-15 Years): $195
  • Duration: 1 day
  • Departs: Hobart 6.45am
  • Returns: Hobart 5.00pm
  • Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday (01 October - 30 April)
  • Pick up time: Between 6.30am - 6.40am depending on location

maria island day tour

Save $100 per person on these popular tours . offer ends 30/9/2024. New bookings only. Selected departures.

Maria Island Circumnavigation Cruise and Walking Day Tour T1

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Maria Island Circumnavigation Cruise and Walking Day Tour

Hobart’s #1 tour on Tripadvisor!

If this tour is unavailable, our alternative tour will be offered (Tour 1) .   Ile Des Phoques  and  Circumnavigation tours  are offered on alternate days.   If tours are fully booked, please call our office and place your name on our wait list.  It is common to have last minute seats open up!

Join us on the most unforgettable day tour, cruising the renowned coastline of Maria Island and Tasmania’s stunning East Coast. Our shuttle bus can pick you up from your hotel in Hobart and drive you to our departure location at Triabunna. If you have your own transport, simply meet us at Triabunna and let us take you on the adventure of a lifetime.

Your tour will depart from the Triabunna marina (approximately 1-hour and 15-minutes from Hobart), and includes a 4-hour scenic cruise of Maria Island’s stunning coastline with a 2-hour stay on the island including a gentle walk of Maria’s World Heritage listed convict settlement.

Our Circumnavigation cruise around the Island is a totally immersive and educational experience.  The east coast of Maria Island showcases world class geology, mountain fed waterfalls, secluded bays, sea caves and beaches of pure white sand.  Enjoy expert commentary from our professional scientist crew as you cruise to the renowned Riedle Bay and Shoal Bay at Maria Island’s isthmus for a lunch stop on anchor. These stunning beaches are nearly identical to the world-famous Wineglass Bay and are only visited by a handful of people each year.  En route around Maria Island we stop to showcase many famous landmarks including the Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs.

Lunch is provided on the tour from our cafe as a large healthy salad bowl. A variety of salad lunch options include; chicken breast coated in pesto aioli, smoked salmon, roast beef, leg ham or vegetarian/vegan. If a salad bowl is not for your liking, please let us know and you may choose anything else from our cafe to the value of $10pp (cash refunds not given if under $10). You may use this credit to purchase salad rolls or select from our range of freshly made sandwiches for children if you wish. You are also welcome to bring your own lunch on the day. Lunch is enjoyed on the boat whilst at anchor in an idyllic remote location at Maria Island.  Additional alcoholic drinks are $5 per serve.  A large selection of cakes are provided for morning tea from our cafe as well as complimentary water, tea, coffee, orange juice, soda water and soft drinks!

In the afternoon, both tours will dock at Darlington. The perfect way to compliment your cruise is to stretch your legs and enjoy a guided tour through Darlington’s fascinating collection of preserved convict buildings, 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/snorkel in the waters of Maria Island’s marine reserve.

Tour departs Triabunna at 9:00am and returns at 4:30pm. 

Customers are encouraged to park at our cafe in the heart of Triabunna (21 Vicary Street).  Check-in will occur at the cafe from 8:00am, after which we will make our way to board our tour boat at 8:30am.

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Maria Island Tasmania

Guided Tours From Hobart

  • Maria Island Ferry
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maria island day tour

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maria island day tour

Guided Tour Options To Maria Island From Hobart

maria island day tour

Maria Island Day Tour | Tours Tasmania Duration | 9 hours (approx)

Join us on this day of discovery rich in environmental and cultural history of Maria Island, just one hour’s drive from Hobart to the ferry and 30 minutes across the water. Hike around the island with a knowledgeable guide, swim in sheltered bays, and look for animals like ombats can also be seen around the island, as well as Pademelons, Forester Kangaroos, Bennetts wallabies and Tasmanian Devils.

Maria Island Day Tour | Heart of Tasmania Duration | 12 hours (approx)

See the best of the UNESCO-listed Maria Island and its surrounding scenic isles on on a full-day tour from Hobart. Be amazed at the abundant wildlife enjoying life on their amazing island & take in all the sweeping mountain peaks, the majestic Painted Cliffs, gorgeous white sandy beaches, and breathtaking forests alive with birdlife, Kangaroos, wombats & more!

maria island day tour

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Real Aussie Adventures, Small Group Adventure Tours Australia. Maria Island Walk, Bishop and Clerk Summit, Maria Island, TAS

1 Day Maria Island National Park Tour

  • Trip Styles: Budget

Your Questions (optional)

Maria Island is a special place, rewarding those that visit with World Heritage convict history, abundant wildlife, spectacular coastal cliffs and deserted beaches.

Not certain about dates, or have a question? Ask here

Boasting a diverse range of highlights, our active Maria Island day tour takes it all in.

Enjoy our Maria Island day trip from Hobart. A short ferry ride and you are straight onto a unique island National Park. Maria Island has been described as a Noah’s Ark for Tasmanian wildlife, this tour day is the best tour for enjoying our unique wildlife in their habitat. With spectacular scenery and a fascinating history, this is a not to be missed day of adventure.

The best way to see Tasmania’s natural beauty and native wildlife on this full-day tour to Maria Island National Park.

Maria Island National Park Active Day Tour

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Our travellers often combine this trip with some of these trips:

Real Aussie Adventures, Small Group Adventure Tours Australia. Maria Island Walk, Bishop and Clerk Summit, Maria Island, TAS

1 Day Wineglass Bay and Freycinet National Park Tour

  • Total Price: $ 300 Add All To Cart Add All To Wishlist Browse Wishlist
  • This item: 1 Day Maria Island National Park Tour ( $ 170 )
  • 1 Day Wineglass Bay and Freycinet National Park Tour ( $ 130 )

maria island day tour

It’s hard to put the magic of Maria Island into words. Just an hour’s drive east from Hobart plus a 30 minute ferry ride, this otherworldly island keeps its own time, far from the demands of modern life.

As soon as you step off the boat you’ll notice the quietness, the wildness, the sense of history. There are no vehicles here but plenty of traffic; Maria Island island is home to vast numbers of wombats, wallabies, Cape Barren Geese and Tasmanian Devils that wander all over the place.

Explore the world heritage listed Darlington settlement, a beautifully preserved probational convict camp that’s considered the best in the world. Walk with us to the Painted Cliffs, an easy 4.5km round trip, seeing surreal and colourful sandstone formations up close. And we finish with the Fossil Cliffs walk, another easy 4.5km circuit, traversing the western side of the island over windswept hills and cliffs of 300 million year old fossils.

Along the way there’s plenty of space to play in the rockpools, relax on the beach, spot local wildlife and take photos of the stunning scenery, proving it wasn’t all just a dream.

  •  Explore Maria Island National Park (5 – 6hrs)
  • Walk to the amazing “Painted Cliffs” and wander amongst the unusual rock formation
  •  Enjoy spectacular views as we walk to the “Fossil Cliffs”
  • Explore and discover the geological history among the exposed fossils
  • Discover the convict history at the Darlington World Heritage convict site
  • Be amazed at the abundant wildlife enjoying life on their extraordinary island
  • Sensible shoes for walking
  • A variety of warm clothing, beanie/hat/gloves
  • Weatherproof jacket if possible
  • Hat/Sunscreen
  • Water Bottle, Snacks, Lunch (or buy it on the day)
  • Sense of adventure
  • Suitable for children over 8 years old.
  • Our tours are designed as full active days of fast-paced travel, we are also at times exposed to the outdoor conditions of the day.
  • On all tours, we offer a central city hotel or backpacker hostel pick up.
  • We do not offer a pick up from residential addresses or from Air BnB accommodation.
  • We operate small group Active Day Tours using Toyota Commuter and Toyota Coaster vehicles. These seat maximum passengers of 13 or 20 respectively.

All our tours are scheduled to depart the city at 7.30am. Our first pick up is normally at 7.00am. Your pick up time will be confirmed at the time of booking depending on your hotel or hostel location.

We do not supply lunch, snacks or beverages on our tours but we do stop along the way for you to purchase food to suit your budget and taste. This is usually a Bakery style stop in a regional town along the way to the main destination for the day. You will then be able to enjoy a lunch break during the tour day, usually somewhere scenic and suitable for a rest stop.

As we operate small group Active Day Tours, our tour vehicles are not equipped to handle excess luggage. On our Active Day Tours we expect that each traveller will have a day pack only to store your daily essentials such as drinks, jackets and sunscreen while on tour for the day. No other luggage is able to be carried on our day tours. If you are moving hotels or have onwards travels you will need to ensure this is stored for the day at your hotel/accommodation prior to boarding the tour bus. If you attend a tour with luggage without consultation with our Reservations Team prior to travel, you may be refused entry to the tour vehicle

Maria Island is a special, beautiful, and wild island National Park accessible by boat. There are no cars, shops, charging stations for devices etc. on the island. Facilities are limited. Please ensure you are able to carry everything you will need for the day. You will need a day pack to carry warm clothing as necessary. A jacket suitable for walking in light rain conditions. Equally, you will need adequate sun protection should it be a warm sunny day. Please ensure you have a large water bottle. You will have an opportunity to purchase lunch/sandwiches in the morning but we recommend you buy your snacks prior to the day if you prefer a wider choice or have special dietary requirements to consider. Please ensure you wear comfortable footwear for walking. The walking on Maria Island is graded as easy walking. However, we are on the island for around 5-6 hours, with potential to walk 10 kilometres of walking trails. Please ensure your clothing and footwear is adequate for this type of activity in the great outdoors. There is time to swim and relax should you choose to.

Travellers who bought this trip often also travelled on these trips:

Mt Field National Park on our Cradle Mountain tour in Tasmania. Tasmania tours 5 days to see the best of Tasmania.

5 Day Hobart to Hobart Tasmania Tour

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Real Aussie Adventures, Small Group Adventure Tours Australia. Maria Island Walk, Bishop and Clerk Summit, Maria Island, TAS

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  • Essential things to pack
  • Booking Info

Maria Island, Tasmania:

One of the world’s, great walks.

Wombat Illustration Maria Island Walk Tasmania

Experience our multi-award-winning four day Maria Island Walk just off the east coast of Tasmania, one of the Great Walks of Australia.

Immerse yourself in the exhilarating beauty and natural wonder that is Maria Island. Traverse the island, from its wilderness to white-sandy beaches. Sleep under the canopy of stars at the bush camps, with the last night spent in cosy comfort at heritage-listed Bernacchi House in Darlington. Capture memorable moments of the island's photogenic wombats, kangaroos and wildlife that freely roam, with the island nicknamed 'The Noah's Ark of Australia' for its diverse variety of wildlife.

One of the Great Walks of Australia.

The Maria Island Walk (four days)

Everything about Maria Island is beautiful. Especially in winter.

Winter Escape Walk (three days)

Native Blue Gum branch Illustration Maria Island Walk

Having guided over 1400 walks over 20 seasons and received eight National Tourism Awards, our Maria Island Walk is recognised as one of Australia’s outstanding experiences.

  • The Wildlife

The History

  • Sustainability
“ “ I have felt so energized ever since Maria Island and would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you for such a sublime, relaxing, uplifting experience ” Samantha English Guest
“ “ We had a great group - fun, outgoing, adventurous, laid back and great company. The trip was flawlessly organised and the walks and scenery just so beautiful. ” Jane Rothschild Guest
“ “ It was one of our best holidays ever. It was TRULY amazing. The accommodation was 10/10 (the outdoor facility was so much better than we expected). ” Vanessa Angrove-Rogers Guest
“ “ I absolutely loved my Maria Island Walk and so many friends I have told about it have it on their bucket lists. I have amazing photos and memories, and this really was four days that will last a lifetime. Thank you! ” Kellie Londregan Guest
“ “ Two of the best guides I have come across through my travels in Australia and internationally. ” Hans van Haalen Guest

Join us on Maria Island for four days that will last a lifetime.

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[email protected] Tel: +61 2 9030 6216 (International) Tel: 1300 997 191 (Australia) Maria Island TAS 7000

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The Maria Island Walk acknowledges the Aboriginal Communities and Traditional Custodians of country throughout Tasmania and we recognise their continued connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Elders past and present, as we seek to understand their history and learn from their knowledge.

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maria island day tour

Maria island

Hobart day tours, maria island walks, east coast tasmania, tasmania wildlife,, tasmania tours,, see tasmania tours,, walks maria island.

Maria Island - Fossil Cliffs

Maria Island - Fossil Cliffs

Maria Island Wombats

Maria Island Wombats

Encounter Maria Island Ferry

Encounter Maria Island Ferry

Maria Island - Wombats

99% Chance of Wombats

Maria Island - Convict History

World Heritage Convict History

Maria Island Kangaroos

Maria Island Kangaroos

Painted Cliffs Walk

Painted Cliffs Walk

Walking at Darlington Bay

Walking at Darlington Bay

Maria Island Day Tour from Hobart 

Small group private experience, 8-10km  |  3-4hrs walking, grade 2 - easy terrain + historic site.

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Includes 2 of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks:

59.  Painted Cliffs

60.  Fossil Cliffs

Known to the puthikwilayti band of aborigines, wukaluwikiwayna/Maria Island is rich in natural and cultural heritage. People from many nations have visited this island that sits just off the Tasmanian mainland. Frequented by the Aborigines, named by the Dutch, explored by the French, transformed by the English, styled by an Italian and farmed by a South African - the human history is only the surface. For those intrigued by geology, flora and fauna, Maria is a wonderland of discovery with towering mountain peaks, dreamy white beaches, bird-rich forests and ancient, fossil-rich cliffs. Maria Island is like Tasmania within Tasmania,

so if you only have one day, join us for a memorable day out!

Departure Point

Departs from Hobart Travel and Information Centre (20 Davey Street)

situated on Corner of Davey and Elizabeth street, by Hobart's waterfront.

We can drop you up back to your Hobart CBD accommodation on return. 

Maria Island Day Trip Itinerary 

Begin with a scenic drive from Hobart to the stunning East Coast. Enjoy rural farming scenery before following the beautiful Prosser River, arriving at sleepy Orford. 

Arriving at triabunna, looking over  the walking map, we introduce the layered history of maria island and learn the minimal impact bushwalking principles of leave no trace. maria island ferry takes 30 minutes to cross the mercury passage. .

Arriving on the Island we set off on our first walk, depending on the tide levels we will visit the Painted Cliffs first. Walking along Darlington beach, we head south passing via the convict-built Oast House before arriving at the naturally eroded Painted Cliffs. 

Arriving for lunch in the UNESCO listed Darlington Convict Site, we will have time to explore the incredible history before sitting down for a picnic lunch in the Mess Hall.

Our second walk for the day is another of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks, The Fossil Cliffs circuit. This gentle 1.5-hour walk is beautiful. Walking beneath bird-rich forests, we arrive at the Fossil Bay lookout with extensive out to the Tasman Sea. Gaze at the uplifted beauty of Bishop and Clerk, the Islands second highest peak. 

Walking around the Northern tip of Maria, we visit the fossil cliff quarry, get up close with ancient fossil records. Walking back to Darlington Bay, we pass more convict ruins and kangaroo grazing plains. Keep an eye out for the famous wombats!

Before returning to Hobart, soak your feet in the bay & reflect on Maria's history

Prices - AUD

Group of 1-4 people

Contact us for larger groups

Guided Maria Island walking experience

Unesco darlington convict site, maria island ferry ticket , local qualified guide / driver, transport to triabunna, comfortable mini-van, morning tea/coffee/fruit, picnic lunch - local produce, national parks pass, interpretation of natural and cultural sites, things to bring.

We wear warm, comfortable clothing, 

a base layer and jacket for the wind/rain.

Worn in jogging shoes or hiking boots.

Rain jackets can be borrowed.

Hiking poles available if needed.

The Painted Cliffs are a favourite of visitors to Maria Island. Stained red, orange and yellow, the cliff face is simply stunning, especially in afternoon light. The walk to the cliffs is enjoyable along the island only dirt road and returning via a bush track to view a convict built hop kiln. Surrounding the cliffs lays a marine reserve and if the tides are favourable, many rock pool creatures can be found. This is a beautiful afternoon stroll, and with the many wombats that call this area home, photo opportunities are abundant on what is one of Tasmania's 60 great short walks.

Maria island  national park, guided day tour from hobart.

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Ile Des Phoques + Maria Island

Cruise & walk.

If tours are fully booked, please call our office and place your name on our wait list.  It is common to have last minute seats open up!

October to May

Departs triabunna - 9:00am, returns triabunna - 4:30pm.

* Wednesday unavailable:  October, November, April

Adults :  $285

Senior:  $275, student:  $275, children (3-12):  $145, family (2a+2ch):  $715, infant (0-2):  $0, hobart shuttle transfer, brooke st pier - 6:45am, adults :  free, children (3-12):  free, hobart hotel pickup, adults :  + $25, children (3-12):  + $15.

Note:  Both tours offer the same celebrated cruise & walk tour format.  The difference between each tour is the destination of the morning cruise.

Book below for our award winning Maria Island & Ile Des Phoques Cruise & Walk Day Tour.  If the tour date is not available, our Circumnavigation day tour will be offered.  Click HERE for our Circumnavigation Tour.

The stunning Ile Des Phoques has been our favourite place to cruise, swim, dive and explore ever since we began in 2006. The Ile Des Phoques (French for Island of Seals) is an absolute haven for marine life and has been declared one of the best cold water dives in the world. 

Your cruise to the Ile Des Phoques will capture the stunning views of Maria Island, including famous landmarks such as the Painted Cliffs and Fossil Cliffs, spring-fed waterfalls, limestone sea caves, cliff-top stalactites, Bishop & Clerk mountain range and the stunning granite cliffs of Maria Island's east coast. 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. On the way to this remarkable granite island you can see albatross, dolphins, fur seals and whales (depending on the time of year) as well as majestic panoramic views of Maria Island and the Freycinet Peninsula.

Lunch is provided on the tour from our cafe as a large healthy salad bowl. A variety of salad lunch options include; chicken breast coated in pesto aioli, smoked salmon, roast beef, leg ham or vegetarian/vegan.   If you have selected a salad bowl lunch, we now have a new option to offer you!  You can add a home made bacon & cheese quiche or pumpkin and feta quiche to you lunch and switch to a half salad.  Please let us know before you tour if you would like a half salad option with a quiche.

If a salad bowl is not for you, please choose anything else from our cafe to the value of $10pp (cash refunds not given if under $10). You may use this credit to purchase salad rolls or select from our range of freshly made sandwiches for children if you wish. You are also welcome to bring your own lunch on the day. Lunch is enjoyed on the boat whilst at anchor in an idyllic remote location at Maria Island.  A selection of cakes are provided for morning tea from our cafe as well as complimentary water, tea, coffee, orange juice, soda water, soft drinks, wine and beer!

In the afternoon, both tours will dock at Darlington. The perfect way to compliment your cruise is to stretch your legs and enjoy a guided tour through Darlington’s fascinating collection of preserved convict buildings, 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/snorkel in the waters of Maria Island’s marine reserve.

*Note, if poor weather prevents the cruising to the Ile Des Phoques, the cruise will be changed to circumnavigate Maria Island.

If you are visiting multiple Tasmanian National Parks on your holiday in Tasmania, it can be more affordable to purchase a multi-day (Holiday) National Park Pass, saving you the need to pay for entry at the gate on each day you visit.  Please visit the link below to read about the different park pass options and you will find the online portal to purchasing your muli-day pass.  When you have purchased your multi-day pass, please indicate to us the pass number and we will refund you $10pp from the cost of your tour.

If the tour date is not available above, our Circumnavigation day tour will be offered below. 

Book below or click HERE for our Circumnavigation Tour.

maria island day tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Please follow the link below to our general cruise and tour information.  This page will provide information about the weather, cancellations, payments, suitability for children, onboard toilet and more!

General Booking Terms

Maria Island Cruises reserves the right to cancel departures at anytime and will refund the full amount of any monies paid by the customer. Bookings must be confirmed by Maria Island Cruises before the commencement of the cruise. Cancellations by the customer must be made 24 hours prior to the cruise departure to avoid cancellation fees. Cancellations by the customer within 24 hours of the tour departure will attract a cancellation fee of fifty percent of the total tour cost. Customers who cancel on the day of their cruise or tour booking or who fail to attend will be charged the full amount and not be entitled to a refund . A voucher will be issued instead for 50% of the tour value. Prices may be subject to change at anytime.

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(03) 62 57 1300

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The Road Is Life

Maria Island Day Trip Itinerary – How to Spend One Day on Maria Island

A short ferry ride from Tasmania’s east coast will bring you to the wild and rugged Maria Island. Discover some of Tasmania’s most pristine untouched landscapes, immerse yourself in the rich convict history and meet some of the island’s adorable wildlife.

Taking a day trip to Maria Island was a huge highlight of our 10-day Tasmania road trip and based on our experience, I can highly recommend adding this place to your Tassie bucket list! Whether you plan to visit on a day trip from Hobart or include this as a stop on your travels around Tasmania, Maria Island National Park is a gem you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

With endless possibilities of wildlife encounters, unique natural scenery and beautiful beaches, spending the day on Maria Island is an experience that you’ll never forget! The best part about visiting Maria Island is that it’s never very busy. We spent most of our day feeling like we had the island to ourselves.

This detailed guide has everything you need to plan the perfect Maria Island day trip. Read on to discover how to get there, the best day tour from Hobart and all the main highlights that you can’t miss on the island.

Wombat on Maria Island, Tasmania

The best part of Maria Island, wombats!

Table of Contents

Maria Island Day Trip Guide

How to get to maria island.

Travelling to Maria Island from the mainland requires catching a 30 minute ferry ride from Triabunna. Ferries depart from the Triabunna Ferry Terminal at several time slots throughout the day. The ferry schedule changes depending on the season so be sure to check the updated departure times when planning your day trip.

As no cars are allowed on the island, the ferry takes foot passengers only. You can leave your car in the free parking lot at the ferry terminal for the full day. If you are taking a day trip to Maria Island from Hobart, allow 1.5 hours to drive to the ferry terminal.

Booking your return tickets to Maria Island can be done online in advance from the Encounter Maria Island ferry website . If you don’t already have a National Parks Pass for Tasmania, you’ll need to purchase one in order to visit the island. This can be included as a one-off with the purchase of your ferry ticket or you can visit the National Parks website here .

Getting Around Maria Island

The best way to see the highlights of Maria Island on a day trip is by renting a bike. You can either bring your own bike across on the ferry for an extra $10 or you can rent one when you get to the island for $33.

You can reserve a bike when booking your ferry ticket and collect it from the bike rental shop when you arrive on the island. This is what we did when visiting Maria Island and found it to be the perfect way to explore the island and see the main highlights listed below.

Painted Cliffs - Maria Island Day Trip

Exploring the Painted Cliffs

Day Trip to Maria Island from Hobart – Full Day Tour

Discover the beauty and native wildlife of Maria Island on this highly rated full day trip from Hobart. The tour includes a 4 hour scenic boat cruise, a guided walk around the Darlington convict settlement, a chance to see the island’s wildlife such as wombats, kangaroos, fur seals, dolphins, whales and more!

You’ll also get snacks, lunch and the chance to spend some free time exploring the island. Option to include pickup from your Hobart accommodation if needed.  Find more info about tour prices and availability here.

Where to Stay for Your Maria Island Day Trip

The best place to base yourself to reach Maria Island is in the small town of Triabunna. If you’re planning a full day trip to Maria Island, you’ll want to catch the early morning ferry. This is much easier to do if you wake up near the ferry terminal.

Triabunna Caravan Park – Ideal for those camping or on caravan trips, this holiday park offers a choice of cabins or campsites. It’s an easy walk to the ferry terminal making it convenient for your day trip.

Triabunna Barracks – This beautiful accommodation is set in a historic building and includes a delicious breakfast. With comfortable rooms and a great location, you can’t go wrong with this choice.

Tips for Visiting Maria Island

  • If you don’t plan to see the island on an organised tour, you will need to pack a lunch and snacks for the day. The island is pretty remote and there are no restaurants, cafes or shops. Make sure to bring everything required for the full day on the island, this includes a water bottle (drinking water can be found at Darlington campground).
  • Don’t forget to pack warm/waterproof clothing as the weather can be unpredictable. When we visited Maria Island in March we saw all four seasons in a single day. If you visit during summer, you should also bring a swim suit, towel, sunscreen and snorkelling gear. The beaches are gorgeous on the island offering the perfect chance to cool off while cycling.
  • You won’t be able to charge your phone or any electronics while on the island so it’s worth bringing a portable battery pack just in case. If you’re like us and end up filling up your camera roll with wombats all day, this will come in handy!

Maria Island Day Trip

Beautiful scenery of Maria Island

Can You Stay On Maria Island For More Than One Day?

There are many great things to do on Maria Island, staying longer than a day will make it easier to explore more of the island. There are a few great camping spots and one basic accommodation for those who wish to stay overnight. Find more info about planning your stay on Maria Island here .

Maria Island Accommodation

  • Darlington Campground – Located near the ferry terminal at the Darlington settlement, see info about prices and bookings here .
  • French’s Farm – Free camping a 3 hour walk from the ferry terminal. Ideal for those who want a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
  • Encampment Cove – Another awesome free camping spot located near old convict ruins. Nice views and lots of potential wildlife sightings.
  • Maria Island Penitentiary – A basic bunk-bed style accommodation in the Darlington settlement offering a unique opportunity to spend the night in a historic convict site. Find info about booking your stay here .

More Things to do on Maria Island

In addition to the day trip itinerary below, here are a few more Maria Island attractions that can be seen on longer stays.

  • Hike Mount Maria  – A challenging 6-8 hour hike that requires rock scrambling to reach the summit of the tallest peak on Maria Island. This hike is best for clear weather as the view from the top is pretty spectacular.
  • Bishop and Clerk Hike – The more popular and scenic hike on Maria Island, reaching the top of the Bishop and Clerk pinnacles can be done in under 5 hours. Following a path along the clifftops, the hike becomes increasingly more difficult as you approach the summit. The panoramic view from the top makes it all worthwhile.
  • Explore McRaes Isthmus – The skinny section of land that connects the upper and lower halves of the island is a great place to explore. There are some beautiful beaches to swim at that you will likely have all to yourself seeing as it’s harder to reach this part of the island. You can ride your bike just passed French’s Farm until the track turns to sand. Park your bike there and walk for a few kms to reach the isthmus.
  • Take a scenic flight – Departing from Cambridge on the mainland, this 3-hr scenic flight is the best way to experience the beauty of Tasmania’s east coast. Not only do you get to fly over Maria Island, but this flight also includes a trip to the spectacular Wineglass Bay. The plane also lands on Maria Island for a guided walking tour and picnic lunch. See prices and availability here .

See wombats on your Maria Island Day Trip

Spot wombats grazing all over the island

Maria Island Day Trip Itinerary – How to Spend the Perfect Day on Maria Island

Discover maria island’s convict history.

Maria Island’s history dates back over 40,000 years when Aboriginal people first called the island home. Once European explorers first discovered it in the 1600s, things slowly began to change.

In 1825, the first convicts arrived on the island and were held in the Darlington penal settlement. Maria Island originally held prisoners who reoffended whilst already in the colony and were sentenced to hard labour. By 1832 the settlement had to shut down due to frequent escape attempts and all convicts were moved to other locations including Port Arthur on the mainland.

Nowadays you can explore the fascinating World Heritage Convict Sites on Maria Island by visiting the Darlington Probation Station. You’ll find this complex of buildings right after arriving on the island.

The first building you will come across is the “Commissariat Store” which is actually the oldest building on Maria Island. It is now home to the island’s visitor centre where you’ll find informative displays for visitors to learn about the history. This is a great place to gain some insight into Maria Island before beginning your day of adventures.

There are a few other spots on the island to see convict ruins such as Encampment Cove, located on the island’s southwest corner. This is easy to reach if you’re planning to cycle around the island on your day trip.

Maria Island Day Trip - Tasmania

The historic Darlington settlement on Maria Island

See the Painted Cliffs

The most popular thing to see on Maria Island is the incredibly unique and impressive Painted Cliffs. Over the years, a combination of wind and wave erosion has resulted in the most beautiful and vibrant patterns on these limestone cliffs.

Getting to the Painted Cliffs is easy to do by following the signs from the Darlington Settlement. If you’re cycling around the island, this should be your first stop and it’s only a 10 minute ride away. If you plan to explore some of the island by foot, it will be a 30 minute walk to get there.

The best time of day to see the Painted Cliffs is when the tide is low, otherwise it can be tricky to walk here as the tide comes right up to the base of the cliffs. As you can see in the photo below, we actually visited during high tide. If you feel comfortable walking on the lower ledge of the cliffs then you can still explore them and take photos.

If you arrive first thing in the morning and the tide is quite high, just return to the Painted Cliffs on your way back to the settlement at the end of the day. This is such an impressive natural landmark that makes for the most unique photo opportunities!

Painted Cliffs, Maria Island - Tasmania

Painted Cliffs, Maria Island

Hit The Beach

Depending on the season that you visit, you’ll want to hop in for a refreshing swim at one of the island’s beaches. Maria Island is home to some exceptionally beautiful beaches with white sand and brilliant blue water.

Once you finish up at the Painted Cliffs, hop back on the bike and continue your explorations further. An easy cycle along the path will bring you to the next stop on your Maria Island day trip itinerary, Four Mile Beach. We came across many beaches on our travels around the island and this one stood out as one of the prettiest!

The inviting water of Four Mile Beach provides the perfect chance to cool off during your island adventures. Make sure to bring your snorkelling gear if you plan to go swimming.

Maria Island is part of a protected marine reserve meaning this is a great place to spot a diverse range of sea life. Other popular snorkelling locations are near the Painted Cliffs and around the Darlington Bay.

Even if it isn’t summer when you visit, Four Mile Beach is worthy of a stop to admire the pristine scenery. Park your bike and enjoy a stroll along the squeaky white sand.

Four Mile Beach, Maria Island - Tasmania

Four Mile Beach, Maria Island

Wildlife Sightings

As you cycle around Maria Island, it’s only a matter of time until you come across the island’s cutest residents. The best part of anyone’s day trip to Maria Island is getting close to these adorable wombats who don’t seem to be phased by humans.

As you venture around the island, you’re likely to come across wombats, wallabies, kangaroos, pademelons, possums, many species of birds and if you’re really lucky a Tasmanian devil!

In the 1960’s, a number of endangered Tasmanian animals were introduced to the island for conservation purposes. Free of predators and cars, these animal populations have thrived making Maria Island one of the best places in Tasmania for guaranteed wildlife sightings. The island soon became known as the “Noah’s Ark of Tasmania.”

Maria Island Day Trip

If you’re lucky you might spot a Tasmanian devil!

In more recent years, a healthy group of Tasmanian devils were released onto the island in the hopes that they would continue to breed. Over the years, this has been a successful program resulting in a disease-free population of devils.

Tasmanian devils on the mainland are affected by a form of contagious facial cancer which sadly makes them an endangered species. The healthy devils on Maria Island ensures the future survival of the species.

The best chance to spot a Tasmanian devil would be at night. Keep your eyes peeled for devils if you’re planning to camp on the island overnight.

As you continue on your Maria Island day trip, the next place you’ll want to stop is the Wombat’s Paradise . This is where you’ll have a good chance of seeing groups of wombats grazing in the field.

Another great spot for wombat sightings is at French’s Farm . We spent quite a lot of time there taking infinite photos and videos while watching the wombats run around the grass. You can get close to them but it’s important not to touch or feed them!

See wombats on your Maria Island day trip, Tasmania

Come face to face with the sweetest wombats on Maria Island

Encampment Cove

A short cycle south of French’s Farm will bring you to yet another historic convict site that once made up the Long Point Probation Station. This is where you’ll find the island’s original convict cells which are now in a state of disrepair. You can still explore the ruins and read various signposts to learn about the history.

Encampment Cove is also an excellent place to camp surrounded by pristine nature. There is a free wilderness campground located on the waterfront. This is the perfect spot to pitch a tent if you are planning to stay for a night on Maria Island. There are composting toilets here as well as a limited supply of drinking water on hand.

Find more information about spending the night at Encampment Cove here .

A mom and baby wombat on Maria Island, Tasmania

A mom and baby wombat grazing on Maria Island

Fossil Cliffs

If you still have time left on your busy day trip schedule, the Fossil Cliffs are definitely worth checking out. Begin the 45 minute cycle back to Darlington Settlement from Encampment Cove.

The Fossil Cliffs are located on Maria Island’s northern coast. From the Darlington Settlement, follow the 4.5km loop which brings you to the the Fossil Cliffs and then back to Darlington. This shouldn’t take longer than 10 minutes (one way) if you’re cycling however there are some steep sections which may require walking your bike.

The scenery along the path is pretty spectacular featuring stunning coastal views and dramatic cliff drops. Once you arrive at the Fossil Cliffs, park your bike and make your way down the hill.

Marvel at the 300 year old fossils embedded in the limestone rocks, they are some of the best preserved fossils in Tasmania. You’ll find all kinds of fossils here such as shells, scallops, corals, and clams. Read the informative displays to learn more about this fascinating ancient history.

Fossil Cliffs, Maria Island Day Trip - Tasmania

Discover the amazingly well preserved fossils at the Fossil Cliffs

We hope that you have found our guide useful when planning your own Maria Island day trip. For an off-the-beaten path adventure that will leave a lasting impression, we can’t recommend this place enough! We think it deserves a spot on everyone’s Tasmania itinerary.

If you’ve followed our itinerary, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts on this incredible island in the comments below. Planning a trip to Tasmania? Be sure to check more of our detailed travel guides to help you plan the perfect trip!

Discover More Tasmania Travel Guides

  • The Perfect 10-Day Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary
  • 10 Best Things to do in Stanley Tasmania
  • 11 Epic Day Trips from Hobart 
  • 9 Best Things to do in Strahan, Tasmania
  • Hiking Cradle Mountain – The Ultimate Guide
  • 9 Great Things to do in Richmond, Tasmania
  • 15 Must-See Natural Landmarks of Tasmania

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Day Trip to Maria Island - Tasmania

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A day trip to Maria Island, Tasmania

The Best Things to see and do on a day trip to Maria Island, Tasmania

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Take a day trip to Maria Island Tasmania

After several visits to the island of Tasmania , I am still charmed by the place. With its wilderness , history, wildlife and stunning beaches, Tasmania tours have a lot to offer. On our last road trip there, we took a day trip to Maria Island, Tasmania and enjoyed this unique place on a beautiful sunny day.

Table of Contents

Maria Island is a sizeable island off East Coast Tasmania , made of two land masses joined by an isthmus. The island is a natural gem, where tourism and human dwelling only exist in their most basic form in order to preserve the wildlife and natural environment. If you are looking for things to do in Tasmania, Maria Island is worth a day trip or even a few days’ exploring if you are keen on camping.

Darlington Jetty is the point of entry to Maria Island

Islands in Australia often offer a mix of scenic nature and history and Maria Island is easily in the top 10 things to do in Tasmania. For another beautiful place, there are plenty of things to do on Bruny Island .

Maria Island History

One of the main attractions to Maria Island is its place in history. It was initially home to local Aboriginal tribes. In 1642, Dutch explorer Abel Tasman named it after Mrs Van Diemen, wife of the Governor General of the Dutch West Indies. Tasmania was initially named Van Diemen’s land. Later on, convicts and whalers gave Maria Island a place in history. In 1802, French explorer Nicolas Baudin encountered the first whalers there. 

Maria Island is a place of history

Activities in Tasmania often relate to Australia’s colonial past and there are two convict periods in Maria Island’s history. The first one went from 1825 to 1832 and from 1842 to 1851, Maria Island became a Convict Probation Station, where secondary offenders and runaways were put to work in the clothing, shoemaking and carpentry workshops. At the time, Irish Nationalist leader William Smith O’Brien was held there for his part in the Young Irelander Rebellion of 1848. He was later sent to Port Arthur , where his cottage still exists.

Maria Island is an important historic landmark in Tasmania

Maria Island has some fine examples of convict-era architecture and there are three remaining buildings: the Commissariat Store built in 1825, which is now the reception and visitor’s centre, the Convict Penitentiary, completed in 1828. The dam at Bernacchis Creek was also built by convict labour.

Both Maria Island and Port Arthur are places of interest in Tasmania for convict sites .

Maria Island has some interesting natural landmarks too

Seal hunting started as early as 1805 and whaling became a local industry in the 1830s and 1840s. In the 1880s, an Italian entrepreneur set several enterprises on the island, such as silk, wine making and even a cement factory. In 1920, cement works were built at Darlington, which became a sizeable township with a few hundreds of residents and several hotels.

All those business ventures failed around 1930, partly due to the Great Depression, and until the late 1960s, Maria Island reverted to farming.

How to visit Maria Island

The Maria Island ferry leaves from Triabunna. Ferries run several times a day and it’s a pleasant 30 minutes crossing. There are also some Maria Island tours leaving from Hobart if you are not motorised.

A great way to explore Maria Island is to cycle around

The island is fairly sizeable, 20km from north to south and 13km from west to east, and the only way to get around is on foot or on bicycle. I wanted to add some Tasmania walks to my journey but the island is pretty big so cycling was a better option.

Accommodation Maria Island

Maria Island accommodation is quite basic. Visitors can book to stay at the Penitentiary , where convicts used to be housed. There is no electricity or running water in the rooms but there are hot showers, toilets and cooking facilities available. 

The easiest accommodation in Maria Island is camping

As there are no shops on Maria Island, visitors need to bring all their food, water, cooking gear and bedding. There are several camping areas on the island at Darlington, Frenchs Farm, Encampment Cove and Robeys Farm.

Bookings for the Penitentiary must be made through the Parks & Wildlife Service and park fees apply for camping.

You can stay in Darlington Penitentiary on Maria Island

As we were doing a day trip, we stayed in Orford, Tasmania. For previous Tasmania getaways, we’ve also stayed in Swansea, Tasmania but that’s a little further north.

The Best Time to visit Maria Island

December and January are the busiest months due to school holidays in Australia and the Tasmania weather is likely to be the warmest and sunniest. We visited in December and the ferry was busy, but we didn’t find the island overcrowded once you get away from Darlington. March and April are probably the nicest months of the year to visit Maria Island as there are less visitors and it’s a little cooler.

There are many sandy trails on Maria Island

You can also explore Maria Island in winter, however the ferries run less frequently.

In my experience, Tasmania destinations are great all year round but the winter does get cold and the sky gets pretty cloudy, the island being so close to the Southern Ocean.

What to do in Maria Island National Park

Maria Island is home to very diverse wildlife: kangaroos, wallabies, Cape Barren geese, wombats and Tasmanian devils. Tasmanian devils are not easy to spot as they are quite shy but wombats are everywhere and fairly tame. It is important not to feed them and not try to handle them too closely: they are still a wild animal and Maria Island is their sanctuary.

Wombats are delightful wild creatures

The main activities on Maria Island are walking, cycling, swimming, snorkelling, camping, bird watching and generally relaxing. Don’t forget to pick up a Maria Island map when you get there!

If you intend to cover the whole island on foot, it will take you several days. Cycling will take  you places quicker but you need to be comfortable on fairly rocky terrain. Bicycles and helmets can be rented at Darlington.

The scenery is really beautiful on Maria Island

We had mixed Maria Island weather that day, a bit of sunshine and a bit of cloud. There are some beautiful beaches in Tasmania but we wanted to experience an island walk that day so we didn’t worry about swimming.

Many Tasmania attractions are connected to the colonial past and here, the main convict settlement and only township is Darlington. The ferry docks at Darlington Jetty, just near the old cement works and the Commissariat Store. Darlington is one of these places in Tasmania that mixes the old with the more recent and it’s a little mismatched… 

The Commissariat Store was built by convict labour

Built in 1825, the Commissariat Store is a fine example of convict architecture and is now the Maria Island visitor centre. The ranger on duty can give you information on Maria Island activities and there are displays about the island’s history. The cement works are less attractive…

The cement works at Maria Island is not the most attractive building

When you get to the Darlington settlement, there are several buildings to look at, including the Penitentiary and an old hotel. We found some very friendly wombats there, obviously loving the attention…

Wombats roam freely around Darlington

As we only a day to spend on Maria Island, we hopped on our bikes and headed south towards the isthmus.

Painted Cliffs, Maria Island

The Frenchs Farm Coastal Route will take you to the Painted Cliffs, which are definitely worth a visit. The sandstone cliffs are adorned with beautiful patterns formed through staining by iron oxide.

It is best to see the Painted Cliffs at low tide

You can access the cliffs for about two hours before and after low tide, and the best light is in the afternoon. The sky was a bit cloudy when we stopped there and the water was fairly high. Therefore, I recommend checking the tide in advance if you want some good photos.

Painted Cliffs are a highlight of Maria Island

If this is of interest to you and Tasmania islands are too far, you can actually see it in Bouddi National Park north of Sydney, NSW.

Frenchs Farm

We cycled through the forest and came across very few people. We stopped at Frenchs Farm and encountered a few campers. Frenchs Farm was established as a homestead for sheep farmers in the 1930s. There is an unoccupied cottage built in the 1950s with a most useful water tank and campers can pitch their tends around.

Farming was important on Maria Island in the past

The old shearing shed is still standing and is definitely worth adding to your Tasmania photos. The mix of wood and rusted corrugated iron almost feels haunted but this would have been a busy workplace back in the day!

The Frenchs Farm Woolshed is still standing

Encampment Cove

After Frenchs Farm, we continued to cycle to Encampment Cove and had a picnic there, with a view of the isthmus. Whilst the two parts of Maria Island are quite mountainous, the isthmus is very low and feels less interesting. We tried to get across the isthmus but Tasmania walking tracks are quite sandy and progress was slow. On the southern part of the island, Robeys Farm and Haunted Bay are worth visiting but are beyond a day trip. 

Encampment Cove is a great location for a picnic and a swim

In order to include them in your Maria Island tour, you would need to camp at Frenchs Farm.

We cycled back to Darlington as we had to catch the last ferry back to Triabunna. This day was definitely one of our Tasmania highlights!

More Time in Maria Island

There are more things to do in Maria Island of course and a day trip isn’t enough to cover it all. On the north island (Ile du Nord), don’t miss Fossil Cliffs. There are also two day hikes not to miss. Mount Maria is the highest point of the island at 711m and the return trip takes six to seven hours. Bishop and Clerk is another high point of the island and is a four-hour return trip. Those day walks probably count as some of the best hikes in Tasmania.

There is an isthmus linking the two parts of Maria Island

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Have you been to Maria Island? Tell me about it in the comments below? Do you recommend other places to visit in Tasmania?

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Maria Island in Tasmania is a great day trip

24 thoughts on “The Best Things to see and do on a day trip to Maria Island, Tasmania”

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A comprehensive guide to Maria Island, its history and attractions, thank you. I hope to get back to Tasmania one day and visit Maria Island.

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Thanks Emma, I’m sure there is more to see on Maria Island, hopefully I’ll get back there some time!

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It would be cool to stay at the Penitentiary and live the history of the island. I also love to bike ride, so a place where I can do that sounds perfect.

The accommodation at Maria Island is fairly basic but camping would be great. Imagine waking in this pristine nature with the wombats sniffing around… And then setting off on a bike ride!

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So much history here! I never really relate Australia to the whaling industry, but it makes sense that there would have been stations there too. I like the idea of camping here, it seems to be the sort of island that compliments that kind of holiday.

Australia had quite a bit to do with whaling but most stations have been completely dismantled… The only one that was left intact is in Albany, Western Australia. I have a post coming up very soon!

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Maria Island comes across as beautiful and at the same time intriguing island. It’s colonial history and legacy lends it a fascinating aura. The painted cliffs look so awesome and are in fact one of its best visual landmarks. Its large open spaces lend themselves so well for a great cycling experience.

Hi Sandy, I loved the painted cliffs, I wish I had timed our visit with the tide though, we didn’t have much time to move around. Still, our visit to Maria Island was a highlight of our time in Tasmania.

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Maria Island sounds like a great place if you’re looking to get away and learn about some history! I wouldn’t want to stay overnight, a little too sparse for my tastes haha. But I would love to visit – it sounds fascinating!

Hi Maggie, I thought the basic accommodation wasn’t for me either, I like my comforts… Camping for a night would be OK though, just to have a bit more time to enjoy the place!

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I had never heard of this island before. Thanks for the detailed guide. My brother lives in OZ so will be sending this to him!

Thanks Caroline, Maria Island is a great day trip!

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Maria Island looks absolutely stunning. I’m pinning & saving this article for later, because there’s no way I couldn’t add Tasmania to my bucket list now that I have seen this amazing blog post!

Thanks Shelley, Maria Island is gorgeous. I hope you get a chance to visit Tasmania when you come to Australia.

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Tasmania just seems so mysterious to me, but it sounds like it’s fairly easy to get to from the mainland. We just always linger too long in the Perths and the Sydneys and etc. Next time!

I always find that the best places in Australia are away from the major cities. I adore Tasmania and will go back any chance I get. Many visitors leave it out when they come to Australia but it’s one of the most interesting places.

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I am making a bucket list of places to visit in Australia this year and most of them are in Tasmania! I’ve had my eye on Maria island for some time and now it’s on my list!

Maria Island is ideal for you, there is so much wildlife and a lot of it is quite approachable.

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I would love to visit this place solely for wildlife! I’ve never seen any of the animals you mentioned: ” kangaroos, wallabies, Cape Barren geese, wombats and Tasmanian devils”, it would be an amazing memorable experience to see them all in natural habitat. Thanks for sharing!

It’s really nice that there are so many wild animals on Maria Island. Some of them are more visible than others, I wish I’d had the chance to see a Tasmanian devil but they are very shy…

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One of my favourite holidays was a road trip through Tasmania and heading out to Bruny Island. I did so much research for that trip and I can’t believe I’ve never heard of Maria Island! I’ll have to put it on my list for the return trip with the hubby!

Oh, I loved Bruny Island in Tasmania! It’s a lot bigger than Maria Island and a fantastic road trip. Maria Island is best explored on foot or on bicycle.

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Tasmania looks so darn pretty! Ive been wanting to go to Australia for so long now, and something always comes up! I am pinning this for sure, thank you for sharing!

Hi Galatia, Tasmania is so beautiful, I keep going back, hopefully again later this year!

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  3. Maria Island Day Tour from Hobart

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COMMENTS

  1. Maria Island Tours

    FROM $275.00. 87. Maria Island Day Tour from Hobart. This is an active tour for hikers, covering a distance of almost 10 kilometers with opportunities to swim in sheltered bays. Maria Island National Park is a Noah's Ark for Tasmanian wildlife. Home to Wombats, Pademelons, Tasmanian Devils.

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    Maria Island Day Tour Maria Island is a special place, rewarding those that visit with a World Heritage convict history, abundant wildlife, spectacular coastal cliffs and deserted beaches. Boasting a diverse range of highlights, our active Maria Island Day Tour takes it all in!

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    Day tour to Maria Island, Tasmania's best kept secret. Heart of Tasmania Tours runs private / personalised tours to Maria Island on demand. Book online now!

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    One Day On Maria cruise + walk day tour departs from the Triabunna marina (1hr 15min from Hobart) and combines a 4hr scenic cruise of Maria Island's stunning coastline with an afternoon stay on Maria including a guided walk of the island's World Heritage listed convict settlement.

  5. Maria Island National Park

    Maria Island National Park. A short ferry ride delivers us onto a unique island National Park. Maria Island has been described as a Noah's Ark for Tasmanian wildlife, this tour day is the best tour for enjoying our unique wildlife in their habitat. With spectacular scenery and a fascinating history this is a not to be missed day of adventure.

  6. Maria Island Day Tour

    Maria Island Day Tour Discover the beauty of Maria Island, a Tasmanian gem that offers an immersive experience in nature's splendor. Our Maria Island Day Tour takes you to explore this secluded paradise, known for its stunning landscapes, from majestic mountain peaks and the iconic Painted Cliffs to pristine sandy beaches and lush forests teeming with wildlife. Journey with us to the historic ...

  7. Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk Day Tour with Lunch and Drinks

    See the best of the UNESCO-listed Maria Island and its surrounding scenic isles on comprehensive tour complete with a sightseeing cruise, a tour of the Darlington Convict Settlement, and more. This tour also includes live commentary to make the most of your sightseeing experience. You will have the opportunity to bring your own or purchase your lunch or alcoholic drinks onboard.

  8. Maria Island Circumnavigation Cruise and Walking Day Tour

    Your tour will depart from the Triabunna marina (approximately 1-hour and 15-minutes from Hobart), and includes a 4-hour scenic cruise of Maria Island's stunning coastline with a 2-hour stay on the island including a gentle walk of Maria's World Heritage listed convict settlement.

  9. Maria Island Cruise & Walk

    Enjoy the breathtaking Maria Island with our Maria Island Cruise & Walk Day Tour. Departing from Triabunna, this full-day adventure, running from October to May, promises an immersive and educational experience that showcases the best of Tasmania's natural beauty. From the stunning coastline adorned with world-class geology, secluded bays, and pristine beaches, to the rich history of the ...

  10. Maria Island Cruise + Walk Day Tour

    Join the Maria Island Shuttle Bus and connect to Tasmania's stunning East Coast and Maria Island National Park, saving you the need to hire a car just for the journey. The complete 5-star Hobart day tour! Morning Departure: Departs 7.10 am - The Pickled Frog (281 Liverpool Street, Hobart). Departs 7.20 am - Tasmanian Travel and Information ...

  11. Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk Day Tour with Lunch and Drinks

    Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk Day Tour with Lunch and Drinks By East Coast Cruises 471 reviews Recommended by 99% of travellers See all photos About from AU$275.00 per adult Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay later Free cancellation Ages 0-90, max of 26 per group Duration: 8h Start time: Check availability Mobile ticket

  12. Maria Island Day Tour from Hobart

    Maria Island Day Tour from Hobart. 72. Duration | 12 hours. Mobile Ticket OK. A Noah's Ark for Tasmanian wildlife, spectacular scenery, unique geology and world heritage history. Maria Island is just one hour's drive from Hobart to the ferry and 30 minutes across the water. Welcome to the great outdoors!!

  13. Guided Tours From Hobart

    FROM $275.00. 87. Maria Island Day Tour from Hobart. This is an active tour for hikers, covering a distance of almost 10 kilometers with opportunities to swim in sheltered bays. Maria Island National Park is a Noah's Ark for Tasmanian wildlife. Home to Wombats, Pademelons, Tasmanian Devils. 4.3.

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    The entire island is a national park enjoy our Maria Island day trip from Hobart. Jump on this full-day tour to Maria Island National Park.

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    Discover one Australia's great walks, the Maria Island Walk, Tasmania. Rich in wildlife, guided by experts and luxury lodgings.

  16. Maria Island Cruise & Walk

    The only tours to combine viewing fur seals, dolphins, wombats, kangaroos, Cape Barren geese, eagles, wallabies, albatross and whales (during migration) with World famous landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage history in one day.

  17. Maria Island

    Maria Island Day Trip Itinerary. Begin with a scenic drive from Hobart to the stunning East Coast. Enjoy rural farming scenery before following the beautiful Prosser River, arriving at sleepy Orford. Arriving at Triabunna, looking over the walking map, we introduce the layered history of Maria Island and learn the minimal impact bushwalking ...

  18. How To Plan A Maria Island Day Trip

    This guide tells you how to plan a day trip to Maria Island. With stunning coastal scenery, abundant wildlife, including lots of adorable wombats, and pristine beaches, Maria Island is an unforgettable day trip from Hobart.

  19. Maria Island Cruise & Walk

    Children (3-12): + $15. Note: Both tours offer the same celebrated cruise & walk tour format. The difference between each tour is the destination of the morning cruise. Book below for our award winning Maria Island & Ile Des Phoques Cruise & Walk Day Tour.

  20. Maria Island Day Trip Itinerary

    Taking a day trip to Maria Island was a huge highlight of our 10-day Tasmania road trip and based on our experience, I can highly recommend adding this place to your Tassie bucket list! Whether you plan to visit on a day trip from Hobart or include this as a stop on your travels around Tasmania, Maria Island National Park is a gem you absolutely shouldn't miss.

  21. Maria Island Active Day Tour from Hobart 2024

    Experience Tasmania's natural beauty and native wildlife on a full-day tour to Maria Island National Park from Hobart. Hike around the island with a knowledgeable guide, swim in sheltered bays, and look for animals like Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, dolphins and little penguins. Includes round-trip transportation, and hotel pickup and drop-off in Hobart.

  22. The Best Things to see and do on a day trip to Maria Island, Tasmania

    Fancy visiting an island off an island off an island in Australia? This is my guide to taking a day trip to Maria Island, Tasmania.

  23. Maria Island National Park

    Maria Island National Park is a special place with something for everyone - historic ruins, sweeping bays, rugged cliffs and mountains, and remarkable wildlife.

  24. The Maria Island 'Winter Escape Walk'

    There's much to love about a winter experience on The Maria Island Walk's newly-introduced 'Winter Escape Walk', a shorter experience than its traditional offering held over two nights and three days. In small groups of up to 8 guests only, start the day with a glorious sunrise summit walk, watching the sun's rays touch the island.