maria island half day tour

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.

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Maria Island Day Tour MI

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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! 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. The main highlights are the Painted Cliffs, the Fossil Cliffs, and of course the wildlife, history and amazing scenery.

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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 $215 Per Person, applies to groups of 4 or more
• Minimum Touring Rate, 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 National Park

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

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 Wombats

Encounter Maria Island Ferry

99% Chance of Wombats

World Heritage Convict History

Maria Island Kangaroos

Painted Cliffs Walk

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.

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.

Maria Island

Maria Island is a natural wildlife sanctuary and off-shore retreat with historic ruins, sweeping bays, dramatic cliffs and plenty of stories to tell. Wombats can be seen around the island, as well as pademelons, Forester Kangaroos, Bennetts wallabies and Tasmanian Devils. Located off Tasmania’s east coast and accessible only by ferry, Maria Island contains the most intact example of a convict probation station in Australia.

Maria Island: 5 tours found

Maria Island Circumnavigation Tour + Hobart Shuttle Bus

Explore Maria Island by boat cruising the renowned coastline of Maria Island and Tasmania's stunning East Coast with a transfer from Hobart included.

Maria Island Cruise from Hobart

Maria Island Cruise from Hobart See landmarks including the Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs. Our Maria Island cruise is immersive and educational experience.

Maria Island Day Tour

Maria Island Day Trip is a special place, World Heritage convict history, abundant wildlife, spectacular coastal cliffs, and deserted beaches.

Maria Island Circumnavigation Cruise and Walk Day Tour

The east coast of Maria Island showcases world-class geology, mountain-fed waterfalls, secluded bays, sea caves, and beaches of pure white sand.

Maria Island is filled with wildlife freely walking around, you may encounter a Wombat or even a Tassie Devil. One of the best tours offered.

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.

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.

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!

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 .

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.

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

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

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.”

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!

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 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.

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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Hello and welcome to my blog!

I’m Ann, a free-spirited Canadian adventurer who quit my 9-5 to hike mountains, chase waterfalls and live life to the fullest!

A lover of road trips, good wine and off the beaten path destinations – you will find these topics covered in depth on my blog.

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Maria Island

Circumnavigation, 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 Circumnavigation Cruise & Walk Day Tour.  If the tour date is not available, our alternate Ile Des Phoques tour will be offered.  Click HERE for our Ile Des Phoques Tour.

Our Circumnavigation cruise around Maria Island is like theatre on the water, 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 scientific crew as you cruise to the renowned Riedle Bay and Shoal Bay at Maria Island's isthmus for a lunch stop on anchor.  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 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 large selection of cakes are provided for morning tea from our cafe as well as complimentary water, tea, coffee, orange juice, soda water, soft drinks, local 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.

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 Ile Des Phoques / Maria Island day tour will be offered below. 

Book below or click HERE for our Ile Des Phoques / Maria Island 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.

(03) 62 57 1300

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• Maria Island Ferry
• Tours from Hobart
• Shuttle from Hobart
• Getting Around
• Walks & Hikes
• Plan Your Visit

Access Maria Island by passenger ferry from Triabunna, located off the Tasman Highway (A3), about one and a half hours from Hobart and 2.5 hours from Launceston. The ferry runs from Triabuna to Darlington on Maria Island daily with five ferries per day and takes around 30 minutes.

Advance bookings are recommended. The return journey costs $54 per adult & $33 per child. There are discounts for students, and seniors. Your ferry ticket includes one carry-on bag.

Check-in All passengers (with or without tickets, with or without luggage) must check-in at the Maria Island Gateway building, adjacent to the wharf in Triabunna (03 6123 4040), at least 45 minutes prior to the departure time. You will be issued with luggage tags for each applicable item and informed as to any schedule changes, relevant safety information and boarding procedures.

National Parks pass In order to check-in for the ferry, you will need a valid National Parks pass which you can purchase online at the same time as you make your ferry reservation.

Once you get off the ferry on Maria island you will need to walk 500m from the ferry dock to Darlington town. There are a small number of wheeled carts you can use to carry your luggage.

Parking There is plenty of free parking near the ferry dock. If you don’t want to worry about driving, book a day tour from Hobart that includes ferry reservations.

Ferry Times | Triabunna to Maria Island

Ferry Times | Maria Island to Triabunna

Return Ferry Prices

• Adult: $54.00
• Concession: $43.00 (Australian Pension Card or Health Care Card)
• Student: $33.00 (Australian Secondary Student)
• Child: $33.00 (4 to 16 years)
• Infant: Free (0 to 3 years)

Luggage Your ticket price includes one small ‘carry-on’ bag up to 7kg and no larger than 600 x 400 x 300mm (approx)

• One ‘carry-on’ bag up to 7kg = free
• One piece of luggage 7 – 15kg = $10 (1st piece) 1 bag tag; $5 (each additional piece) 1 bag tag
• One piece of luggage 15 – 30kg = 2 bag tags, 2 person lift
• One piece of luggage 30+kg = not safe to lift, please reduce weight

Bicycle | $15 Bicycles must weigh no more than 15kg. Panniers and the like must be removed and checked in as luggage.

Bookings Book your ferry at www.encountermaria.com.au

Maria Island Tours

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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:

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 )

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:

5 Day Hobart to Hobart Tasmania Tour

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Experience Anna Maria Island on Private and All Inclusive Boat Tours

Anna Maria Tours is one of the best Anna Maria Island boat tours operators. We are your premier Anna Maria Island boat tour company, offering 5 types of private boat tours around the pristine waters of Anna Maria Island, its sandbars and the historical Egmont Key.

We specialize in offering Half and Full Day Boat Tours , Sunset Tours , Dolphin Tours and more. Our boat tours can be tailored to suit every preference, from custom leisurely cruises to exploring the serene Passage Key and Beer Can beaches, Jewfish Key  and crystal-clear waters of Anna Maria Island , to adventurous expeditions to the secluded Egmont Key , where history and nature merge.

Embark on an unforgettable Anna Maria Island boat tour with Anna Maria Tours aboard our distinguished 2011 World Cat 290 DC boat, where your comfort and convenience are our top priorities. One of the standout features of our boat is its spacious bathroom , a rarity in the world of boat tours. It boasts standing room, a sink and a flushable toilet, ensuring that your time on the water is not just exhilarating but also exceptionally comfortable. Another feature exclusive to our tours is a spacious bimini covering over the bow , designed to provide you with the utmost protection and relief from the sun's intensity.

Whether you're seeking a peaceful sunset cruise, dolphin watching, a fun-filled family adventure, or a chance to explore underwater wonders through snorkeling or SCUBA diving, Anna Maria Tours has something for everyone. We are committed to providing personalized service, ensuring that each tour is a perfect fit for our guests' interests and expectations.

Discover the beauty of Anna Maria Island and Egmont Key with us. Book your tour today and experience the magic of the Gulf Coast's waters with Anna Maria Tours, where every tour is an adventure waiting to happen.

Copyright © 2024 Anna Maria Tours - All Rights Reserved.

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Election latest: Nigel Farage criticised for 'disgraceful' comments on Ukraine war - as analysis shows high earners benefit most from Reform plans

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is under fire after reiterating he blames the West and NATO for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, analysis for Sky News shows his party's tax plans disproportionately benefit those on higher incomes.

Saturday 22 June 2024 09:31, UK

• General Election 2024

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• Farage under fire for 'disgraceful' comments on Ukraine war
• Tory candidate says Farage 'should be ashamed of himself'
• Jon Craig:  Has the Reform UK leader made his first mistake of the election campaign?
• Reform UK's tax plans disproportionately benefit high earners, analysis shows
• Electoral Dysfunction: What are odds betting scandal sinks Tories?
• Live reporting by Ben Bloch

Election essentials

• Manifesto pledges: Alliance Party | Conservatives | Greens | Labour | Lib Dems | Plaid Cymru | Reform | SNP | Sinn Fein | Workers Party
• Trackers:  Who's leading polls? | Is PM keeping promises?
• Campaign Heritage: Memorable moments from elections gone by
• Follow Sky's politics podcasts: Electoral Dysfunction | Politics At Jack And Sam's
• Read more:  Who is standing down? | Key seats to watch | What counts as voter ID? | Check if your constituency is changing | Guide to election lingo | Sky's election night plans

JK Rowling has said she will "struggle to support" Labour if Sir Keir Starmer keeps his current stance on gender recognition, saying that he has effectively abandoned women concerned about the effect of transgender rights on women ( more here ).

Labour's Steve Reed said in response that the party has "the proudest track record of any political party when it comes to defending the rights of women".

He pointed to the Equal Pay Act, for example, and said Labour wants to go further in closing the gender pay gap, if elected to government.

The Harry Potter author was formerly a party member and donor, but has not continued due to her dissatisfaction with his stance.

But Mr Reed said she's "wrong", telling Sky News: "The Labour Party has always stood up for the rights of women. We will stand up for the rights of women into the future as well."

He said it was "very wrong that trans people were being used at one point as a political football", and that they "experience huge difficulties and challenges in their lives".

"I think we should offer them whatever support we can. That has no bearing whatsoever on our intention and the necessity to support women in their fight, continuing fight for equality."

A Labour spokesperson said in a statement that the Equality Act 2010, passed by the last Labour government, makes clear that "sex and gender are different".

"That’s why we have consistently said that we will not introduce self ID and that we will protect single sex spaces for biological women."

They added: "Keir was right to say that the discussion around these issues can become too polarised.

"After years of division under the Conservatives, Labour will bring the country together and ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect."

We spoke a short while ago with Labour's shadow environment secretary, and we started by asking for his reaction to Nigel Farage's comments that the West "provoked" Russia's invasion of Ukraine ( more here ).

Steve Reed replied that it was "absolutely shocking to hear those kind of comments coming from a high profile British politician".

He said the West needs to "stand up" to Russia, but "instead of that, we see Nigel Farage get down on his knees and kiss Vladimir Putin's boots".

A Labour government, he said, would "continue very, very strong support for Ukraine".

Mr Reed went on to say that he is "absolutely" confident that no such sentiment exists in the Labour Party, noting that when pro-Russian material was shared by a candidate recently, there was "very swift action" taken.

"I'm very, very sorry indeed to see Nigel Farage backing a brutal, murderous dictator like Vladimir Putin rather than standing up to that kind of bullying," he added.

The senior Labour frontbencher also said it is "absolute nonsense" that the expansion of the EU in any way contributed to the war starting.

Slashing red tape for Britain's pubs, restaurants and music venues would be the focus of a review launched within the first 100 days of a Tory government, the party has said.

Ministers would look into ways to "crack down" on councils imposing "disproportionate conditions" and restrictions on licences as part of a bid to boost the UK nighttime economy, the Conservatives say.

It comes as Rishi Sunak seeks to shift the focus of the campaign away from the betting scandal that has thrown his party into fresh turmoil in recent days.

The Tories used the announcement to attack Labour's record on nightlife in London and Wales, as polls continue to put the opposition party on course for a historic victory on 4 July.

Business minister Kevin Hollinrake said: "The nighttime economy is a vibrant sector that's vital to our economy and our society as a whole.

"We've always supported our nighttime economy, with business rates reliefs, economic support during the pandemic - but wherever Labour have been responsible for the sector, it's suffered.

"We'll continue to back our nighttime economy - Labour would cripple it further with higher taxes and more burdensome regulation."

A betting scandal has engulfed the Tory party in recent days, and Rishi Sunak has been under fire for refusing to suspend candidates under investigation over alleged wagers placed on the date of the 4 July contest.

We asked Tory candidate David Simmonds if he is comfortable with the decision not to suspend these candidates, and he replied that "we need to see the outcome of those investigations".

"If it turns out that they've broken the law, that's a different matter. But at the moment it's speculation."

He said the party needs to know "the facts about any individual before making a decision".

Asked how he felt when he heard about the bets, Mr Simmonds pivoted to attacking Labour, saying: "The key message from this is if you're going to win quite a lot at the bookies as a result of this, you're going to need it if there's a Labour government, because you're going to have to pay for their tax rises."

When pushed by Sky's Anna Jones, he admitted the allegations are "uncomfortable".

Reform UK has surged in the polls over the course of the election campaign, denting the Tories' chances of reducing Labour's poll lead.

We asked Tory candidate David Simmons how worried he is, and he replied: "Reform is the Farage show, and clearly if you've got somebody who's making points like this, who's standing up for Vladimir Putin in our politics, then that's going to have a big impact.

"But the Conservative Party's focus on our positive agenda."

He said the choice on 4 July will be between the "clear plan that's been set out by the Conservatives, and a Labour Party who, to date, have not really been very clear about where they stand on tax and on so many other issues".

Pushed on whether Reform UK and the Tory party should merge - something many supporters of both parties want, according to polls - Mr Simmonds replied: "Nigel Farage is not a Conservative.

"You would not find a Conservative going out and saying that Putin was in any way justified for taking his action with an illegal war in Ukraine, the appalling atrocities that have been committed - that's a deeply unpatriotic thing."

He said the Tory party is proposing increasing defence spending because "we need to protect ourselves for the future from the consequences of the kind of things which Nigel Farage is justifying".

We've just been speaking with Conservative candidate David Simmonds, and we started by asking for his reaction to Nigel Farage's comments that the West "provoked" Russia's invasion of Ukraine ( more here ).

Mr Simmonds told Sky news that his grandfather was "conscripted and went to the Normandy landings because of the apologists for Hitler".

"We don't want a Putin apologist in Downing Street or in government today," he declared.

The Tory candidate went on to say that it is "absolutely clear that we need to resist the ambitions of people like Putin", and that it is "absolutely right that NATO, that Europe, our allies in the United States and across the world, support them in the interests of freedom and liberty across the world".

Mr Farage would note that he did say the war in Ukraine was Putin's fault and that he was wrong to invade a sovereign nation, but that the EU was wrong to expand eastwards.

But Mr Simmonds rejected that, saying: "The expansion of the European Union and the inclusion of some of those states into the single market was one of the key Margaret Thatcher policies that was about bringing about the end of the Cold War."

He said there is "absolutely no justifying the act that Putin has taken", which he has also done elsewhere.

"I think Nigel Farage should be ashamed of himself.

"As somebody who claims to be patriotic, to be apologising for Putin and saying that the West's actions justify that - that's simply unacceptable."

By Tim Baker , political reporter

JK Rowling has said she will "struggle to support" Labour if Sir Keir Starmer keeps his current stance on gender recognition.

The Harry Potter author has authored a  2,000-word essay in The Times  in which she outlines her dissatisfaction with the Labour Party's current position.

In the piece, she criticises Sir Keir, as well as shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper, shadow equalities secretary Anneliese Dodds, shadow foreign secretary David Lammy and shadow attorney general Emily Thornberry.

Rowling has been outspoken in her belief that biological women should be able to have separate spaces, and trans women - who were born male - should not be allowed access.

She has been criticised for her position, being widely condemned in recent years for her views on transgender rights, for example claiming that she would rather go to jail than refer to a trans person by their preferred pronouns.

Read more here:

By Gurpreet Narwan , political correspondent

Reform UK bills itself as the party "for the left behind" but its flagship tax policy disproportionately benefits those on higher incomes, analysis for Sky News shows.

Nigel Farage hailed the plan to raise the threshold at which workers start paying tax to from £12,571 to £20,000, saying it would lift millions of low-paid workers out of paying tax altogether.

However, Reform's plan to raise the higher rate threshold from £50,271 to £70,000 would amount to a tax cut worth almost £6,000 for the top 10% of earners, vastly overshadowing the benefit to the lowest earners.

The top 10% of households, by disposable income, have £3,000 a month to spend after housing costs, council tax and direct taxes. A couple in this category would have £5,290 to spend.

These people would gain almost £5,983 in disposable income each year as a result of the changes.

The bottom 10% of households have less than £693 to spend on things such as heating and food each month. The figure rises to £1,195 for a couple. These households would gain an extra £221 per year.

Despite the vast discrepancy, Reform UK has repeatedly framed this as a policy for the lowest paid.

At the party's manifesto launch in South Wales, Mr Farage said: "I think the most innovative policy that we've put out in here is to raise the level at which people start paying tax to £20,000 a year.

"Why? Well, number one, it would take seven million people out of the tax system altogether, a devilishly complicated tax system. That would be a good thing, of course, for those on low pay."

Read the full analysis here:

Has Nigel Farage made his first blunder of the election campaign?

His incendiary claim that the West provoked the war in Ukraine will be offensive to many people.

It may make some of those Conservative supporters considering switching to Reform UK on 4 July think again.

And a clarification in a late-night tweet appearing to row back from his earlier claims in a TV interview suggests he may have realised he went too far.

"I am one of the few figures that have been consistent and honest about the war with Russia," he posted on X.

"Putin was wrong to invade a sovereign nation and the EU was wrong to expand eastward.

"The sooner we realise this, the closer we will be to ending the war and delivering peace."

His earlier comments were straight out of the playbook of his friend Donald Trump.

But if it was his intention to provoke a row and gain him publicity, it may have backfired this time.

Read Jon's full analysis here:

Nigel Farage has reiterated that he blames the West and NATO for the Russian invasion of Ukraine - as he confirmed that he previously said he "admired" Vladimir Putin as a statesman.

Speaking to the BBC, the Reform UK leader was asked about his previous comments on Russia and Ukraine.

Asked about Russia's 2022 invasion, Mr Farage told Nick Robinson that he had been saying since the fall of the Berlin Wall that there would be a war in Ukraine due to the "ever-eastward expansion of NATO and the European Union".

He said this was giving Mr Putin a reason to tell the Russian people "they're coming for us again" and go to war.

The Reform leader confirmed his belief the West "provoked" the conflict - but said it was "of course" the Russian president's "fault".

Home Secretary James Cleverly said Mr Farage was "echoing Putin's vile justification for the brutal invasion of Ukraine".

Deputy Conservative Party chair Jonathan Gullis added that Putin is "certainly not someone who should be admired" - adding that he "unleashed chemical warfare on the streets of our country to commit murder, which endangered further innocent British lives".

Labour's shadow defence secretary, John Healey, said: "These are disgraceful comments, which reveal the true face of Nigel Farage: a Putin apologist who should never be trusted with our nation's security."

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