Tasmania East Coast Wildlife Tour: Maria Island & Wineglass Bay
Indulge in the best of Tasmania's east coast from up above in the air, and visit magnificent locations such as Freycinet and Wineglass Bay, Interact with cute wombats and kangaroos and savour a hearty seafood picnic on Maria Island!
- Visit Tasmania's most iconic white sand beach – Wineglass Bay
- Delight in the company of various forms of wildlife
- Stroll along Maria Island's pristine coast and revel in its natural beauty
- Feast on a mouth-watering, fresh seafood picnic with locally-sourced ingredients!
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Eco-tourism, Sightseeing flight, Islands tour |
| Transport | Walking |
Product Info
— What You Can Expect —
Start your adventure from Cambridge and fly over the top of the Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania's East Coast.
As one of Tasmania's very first national parks (est. 1916), the Freycinet National Park is home to picturesque pink granite mountains, secluded bays, crystal clear waters, and pristine white beaches. It also houses Tasmania's (and arguably Australia's) most iconic white sand beach — Wineglass Bay!
From there you'll fly over the seal colony of Ile Des Phoques and continue with a scenic flight towards Maria Island. Explore the island's national park and its combination of tranquillity, natural beauty, rare wildlife, and fascinating history. Let the pristine beaches, the crystal clear waters of the surrounding marine reserve, and incomparable scenery such as Mt. Maria and Bishop and Clerk peaks take your breath away.
Wander through forests of magnificent blue and white gums, some of which are well over 400 years old and unique to Maria Island. Travel back in time and walk where convicts and explorers have walked before you and visit Fossils Cliffs to see shellfish fossil beds unlike any other in the world.
Maria Island is also famous for its abundance of wildlife, being home to rare and endangered species such as the swift parrot and cape barren goose, wombats, kangaroos, and of course, the Tasmanian devil. Interact with Maria Island's local wildlife and take in the spectacular scenery as a bountiful Tasmanian picnic is prepared for you. Look over the Northern end of the majestic national park while enjoying a delectable feast filled with Tasmania's finest offerings: fresh oysters, mussels, salmon, mackerel, scallops, and octopus, all locally sourced! This seafood smorgasbord is paired with Tasmanian premium white wine.
Please note that if seafood isn't to your liking, that's not a problem at all! Indicate your preference at the time of booking to enjoy a beautiful mix of different Tasmanian produce.
After the picnic, board the aircraft once again to return to Hobart with memories to last a lifetime!
Tour the Tasmanian islands with views from the best seat in the house
Get up close and personal with popular Tasmanian wildlife
Delight in fresh and delicious seafood on Maria Island
Purchase Notice
- All experiences have a specified minimum number of passengers. The operator reserves the right to cancel a flight or experience or re-schedule a booked flight/experience when the minimum number of passengers isn't met
- All flights and flight paths are subject to weather, tidal conditions, and availability; therefore itineraries and the aircraft used are subject to change without notice
- One infant (0–2 years old) may travel free of charge on a parent's lap in the rear of the aircraft. There are limits on how many infants can be carried per aircraft
- Up to 4kg of carry-on items can be carried on board per passenger on experiences and scenic flights (excess baggage may incur extra fees, but availability is not guaranteed)
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 8 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–7 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 the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Maria Island is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, rich history, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore fascinating geological formations like the Painted Cliffs and Fossil Cliffs, discover remnants of a convict settlement, and enjoy secluded white-sand beaches. It's an open-range sanctuary where you can observe native animals like wombats, kangaroos, and even Tasmanian devils in their natural habitat.
The ferry journey to Maria Island typically takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes from Triabunna, Tasmania. It's a picturesque ride across Mercury Passage, offering scenic views before arriving at Darlington Bay on Maria Island.
Maria Island is a national park and wildlife sanctuary, meaning there are no permanent human residents. The island is managed by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, with a few rangers stationed there to maintain facilities and oversee conservation efforts. Accommodation is limited to camping or bunkhouse options for visitors.
No, Maria Island is a car-free island to preserve its natural environment and ensure the safety of its abundant wildlife. Visitors are not permitted to bring private vehicles onto the ferry or the island. The primary modes of transportation on Maria Island are walking and cycling.
Once on Maria Island, the best ways to explore are by walking or cycling. The island features numerous well-maintained walking trails suitable for various fitness levels, leading to scenic viewpoints, historical sites, and wildlife observation spots. You can bring your own bicycle on the ferry or hire one on the mainland before departure.
Maria Island is a haven for diverse Tasmanian wildlife. Visitors frequently encounter iconic species such as free-roaming wombats, Forester kangaroos, and Cape Barren geese. It's also one of the best places to see the endangered Tasmanian devil in the wild. Various bird species and other native animals also thrive across the island's varied landscapes.
To fully appreciate Maria Island's natural beauty, wildlife, and historical sites, a full day visit is highly recommended. This allows ample time for exploring the Darlington settlement, walking to the Painted Cliffs or Fossil Cliffs, enjoying the beaches, and observing wildlife. For more extensive hikes or cycling tours, consider an overnight stay.
No, there are no ride-sharing services like Uber or public shuttle buses available on Maria Island. As a car-free national park, motorized transport for visitors is prohibited. Your exploration of the island will rely on walking or cycling, which contributes to the island's tranquil and unspoiled atmosphere.
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