In short
- The public ferry is faster and drops you directly at Darlington.
- Scenic cruises take 4 hours to explore sea caves before landing.
- Cruises often include lunch, a guide, and Hobart bus transfers.
In this article
Deciding how to cross the Mercury Passage determines how much of the coastline you see. The ferry suits independent hikers bringing their own gear. A scenic cruise is better if you want a guided experience, lunch, and a chance to view seals at Ile Des Phoques.
What is the main difference between the ferry and cruise?
The ferry is a direct 30-minute passenger transport, while the scenic cruise is a 4-hour guided tour along the coast before landing.
If you take the ferry, you handle your own itinerary. You must pack your own lunch and plan your walking routes around Darlington. Scenic cruises wrap the boat trip, sea cave exploration, a guided island walk, and lunch into one package.
How much does a scenic cruise tour cost?
Full-day cruise packages start around $203 AUD from Triabunna and $261 AUD with Hobart transfers.
Tour prices change depending on the platform and season. These packages include your national park entry fees, lunch, and a guided 2-hour walk on the island.
What do you see on the scenic cruise route?
The cruise explores deep granite sea caves and passes towering 620-meter high dolerite columns.
Boats travel north to Ile Des Phoques, a rocky outcrop with a large colony of Australian Fur Seals. You also enter Rainbow Cave, Tasmania's largest granite sea cave. From the water, you get a clear view of the Bishop and Clerk peaks plunging into the sea.
Can I take a guided walking tour if I use the ferry?
Yes, some tour operators use the public ferry to reach the island and guide you on land.
The Nature & Wildlife active tour costs around $161 AUD and includes the return ferry crossing and a professional guide. You walk at least 10 kilometers to the Painted Cliffs and Fossil Cliffs. You must bring your own lunch and water.
How long do I spend walking on the island?
Scenic cruise passengers spend about 2 hours walking on the island, while ferry-based active tours involve a full day of hiking.
Ferry-only visitors can stay as long as the boat schedule allows. The hike to the Painted Cliffs takes 1 hour return. The walk to the Fossil Cliffs takes 1.5 hours return. No cars are allowed on the island, so all exploration is on foot.
Which option is best from Hobart?
Booking a full cruise package from Hobart is the simplest transport option.
The drive from central Hobart to Triabunna takes 1.5 hours. Full cruise packages include a shuttle bus departing early morning from spots like Brooke Street Pier. If you just buy a ferry ticket, you must arrange your own transport to the marina.
Questions travellers ask
Can I buy food on the ferry or Maria Island?
No. There are no shops or cafes on Maria Island. You must pack your own lunch, extra snacks, and water unless your specific tour includes catering.
Do ferries or cruises take cars?
No. Maria Island is strictly car-free. Neither the public ferry nor the scenic tour boats transport motorized vehicles.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Tours and ferry crossings can be canceled due to rough seas. Most operators provide a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure.
