Plan your visit

Plan your Visit

Prepare for a full day of coastal cruising and walking. The trip takes 8 to 10 hours from Hobart, involving buses, boats, and foot trails.

Maria Island Cruise and Walk Day Tour

Maria Island National Park, Tasmania (Departures from Hobart & Triabunna)

GPS -42.5833, 148.0667

Open directions

Getting there

Getting to the Triabunna departure point.

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Bus: Shuttle bus transfer from Hobart to Triabunna marina	1.5 hours	Included in full tour package	Departs early morning from central Hobart locations like Brooke Street Pier or Franklin Wharf.
Boat: Wilderness cruise or ferry from Triabunna to Maria Island	30 minutes to 4 hours	Included in tour	Premium tours include a 4-hour scenic cruise to the Ile Des Phoques sea caves before dropping passengers on Maria Island.
Walk: Walking trails around Darlington, Painted Cliffs, and Fossil Cliffs	2 hours+	Free	No cars are allowed on Maria Island; all exploration is on foot or by rented bicycle.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

Visit between October and April for the best conditions. Spring through autumn brings calmer seas for the cruise and more active wildlife on the walking trails.

What to bring

Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
Waterproof windbreaker or warm jacket (weather changes rapidly in Tasmania)
Day pack for carrying your personal items and rubbish
Reusable water bottle (drinking water is limited on the island)
Sun hat, sunglasses, and high SPF sunscreen
Camera with a good zoom lens for wildlife photography
Swimwear and a quick-dry towel for swimming in sheltered bays
Motion sickness medication if you are prone to seasickness on the cruise
Extra snacks (there are no shops or cafes on the island)

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There are no shops, cafes, or rubbish bins on Maria Island.

Pack carefully

How the day runs

Typical tour schedules.

A fully guided 9.5-hour day trip including transfers, a 4-hour cruise, and island walks.

07:30
Shuttle departure
Board the bus at Brooke Street Pier or Franklin Wharf in central Hobart.
09:00
Arrive in Triabunna
Transfer to the tour vessel at the marina.
09:30
Wilderness Cruise
Sail to Ile Des Phoques and explore the sea caves.
13:30
Island landing & lunch
Disembark at Darlington for lunch among the historic buildings.
14:30
Guided Walk
Hike to the Painted Cliffs or Fossil Cliffs.
17:00
Return journey
Take the ferry back to Triabunna and catch the shuttle to Hobart.

Packing for the Island

Weather on the Tasmanian coast changes rapidly. You need sturdy walking shoes for the 10 kilometers of dirt trails. Bring a waterproof windbreaker, a sun hat, and high SPF sunscreen.

You must pack in everything you need for the day. Bring a reusable water bottle and extra snacks. Read our full guide on Packing Guide for more details.

Easiest way to do it

Tour boat exploring a large sea cave on a rugged rocky coastline

Maria Island Cruise & Walk Day Tour with Lunch (from Hobart)

9 h 30 min 5.0 (637)

Hobart bus transfer
Guided walk of Darlington convict settlement
Lunch
Snacks

From$261per person

Viator$261 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

Can you take your car to Maria Island?

No. Cars and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the island. All exploration is done on foot or by rented bicycle.

Are there toilets on Maria Island?

Yes, basic toilet facilities are available near the Darlington probation station. There are no facilities on the walking trails.

Is there drinking water available?

Drinking water is limited on the island. Visitors should fill reusable water bottles before departing Triabunna.