Maria Island National Park Active Full-Day Tour from Hobart | Tasmania
- Explore Maria Island National Park, a short ferry ride from the east coast
- Walk to the amazing "Painted Cliffs" and explore the unusual rock formations
- Enjoy spectacular views walking to the "Fossil Cliffs" and discover the exposed fossils and geological history
- Walk through convict history at the Darlington World Heritage Site
- Be amazed at the abundant wildlife enjoying life on their extraordinary island
- Watch for dolphins and whales on the ferry journey (30 minutes each way)
Package Options
Product Info
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.
This tour returns to Hobart around 5pm.
Painted Cliffs of Maria Island
Return Ferry to Maria Island
Local wombats on Maria Island
Hiking on Maria Island
Beautiful Maria Island
Cape Barren Geese
Beautiful Maria Island
Beautiful Painted Cliffs
Purchase Notice
- This tour is active and involves hiking on Maria Island - the whole island is a National Park. We follow a series of trails that is usually around 10-12 kms of walking during the day.
- Minimum age to participate in the tour is 8 years
- All participants should have a sense of adventure, reasonable fitness, and good mobility.
- Our general meet point is Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre, 20 Davey Street, Hobart. Please be ready 10 minutes prior to your pickup time.There are no shops on this special island, and limited drinking water, so make sure you bring enough food and water with you. There will be a brief stop on the way at a bakery for some last-minute food purchases - sandwiches/rolls etc.
- 01 October – 30 April Tours: "Summer Experience" Operates: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Departing at 6.45 AM. To make the most of Tasmania’s long summer days and to beat the crowds, we depart Hobart early. This allows for our full, active walking program, typically covering the Painted Cliffs & Fossil Cliffs circuits, time to explore Darlington, and a relaxed lunch break. Departs: 6:45 AM (Prompt). Experience: Full day on the island with our complete walking program.
- 01 May – 30 September Tours: "Winter Experience" Operates: Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Departing at 8.00 AM. To accommodate Tasmania’s shorter days and cooler temperatures, we run an amended winter itinerary. Time on the island is slightly shorter, and the specific walks completed will depend on the speed and comfort of the group. Departs: 8:00 AM (Prompt). Experience: A flexible, guide-led day. Your expert Tour Guide will tailor the day’s options and opportunities to best suit the group and the conditions on the day.
Reminders
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 3 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–2 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQ
1. Is Maria Island National Park in Tasmania worth visiting for a day tour?
Maria Island National Park is highly recommended for its unique blend of natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and rich history. It's often described as a 'Noah's Ark' for Tasmanian wildlife, offering opportunities to see animals in their natural habitat. Visitors can explore spectacular coastal cliffs, deserted beaches, and the World Heritage-listed convict history at Darlington. This active day tour typically covers around 10 km of walking trails, making it ideal for those seeking an immersive outdoor experience.
2. Do I need a national park pass to visit Maria Island National Park?
Yes, all visitors to Maria Island National Park require a valid Tasmanian National Parks Pass. This pass grants entry to all national parks in Tasmania, including Maria Island. You can purchase these passes online through the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service website or at various visitor centres across Tasmania before your visit. It's important to secure your pass in advance to ensure smooth entry.
3. Can visitors stay overnight on Maria Island National Park?
While the product is designed as an active full-day tour, it is possible for independent visitors to stay overnight on Maria Island National Park. Accommodation options are limited to camping or booking bunk beds in the historic penitentiary building at Darlington. These must be arranged well in advance through the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service. The full-day tour itself does not include overnight stays, focusing on a comprehensive day experience.
4. How long is the ferry ride to Maria Island National Park?
The ferry journey to Maria Island National Park is relatively short, lasting approximately 30 minutes each way. This allows for a quick and scenic transfer from the east coast. During the crossing, passengers often have the opportunity to spot marine wildlife such as dolphins and even whales, particularly during migration seasons, adding an extra dimension to the travel experience.
5. What is the typical walking distance covered during a Maria Island National Park day tour?
The Maria Island National Park active full-day tour is designed as a hiking experience, typically covering approximately 10 kilometers of walking trails over the course of the day. This includes exploring key highlights such as the Painted Cliffs, Fossil Cliffs, and the Darlington World Heritage Site. The walking pace is comfortable, allowing ample time to appreciate the island's natural beauty and historical significance.
6. What are the main walks and highlights to explore on Maria Island National Park?
During a Maria Island National Park day tour, key walking highlights include the Painted Cliffs, renowned for their unique striped sandstone formations, and the Fossil Cliffs, where you can discover ancient marine fossils and learn about the island's geological past. Visitors also walk through the Darlington World Heritage Site, exploring its significant convict history. These walks offer spectacular coastal views and abundant wildlife encounters.
7. What are the primary ways to explore Maria Island National Park during a day visit?
Exploring Maria Island National Park is primarily done on foot, as it is an active island focused on walking and hiking. The day tour emphasizes this with approximately 10 km of trails covered, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature and history. While no public vehicles are permitted, some independent visitors opt to bring bicycles on the ferry for faster travel between certain points, though walking remains the main method to appreciate its natural and historical sites.
8. What unique wildlife can I expect to see on Maria Island National Park?
Maria Island National Park is renowned for its abundant and unique Tasmanian wildlife, earning it the nickname "Noah's Ark." Visitors can expect to see numerous native animals in their natural habitats, including wombats, Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, and wallabies. The island is also a significant bird sanctuary, home to many species. During the ferry ride to the island, there's also a chance to spot dolphins and whales in the surrounding waters.
