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Maria island

day tours

Hobart day tours

Maria Island Walks

East Coast Tasmania

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Maria Island Day Tour from Hobart 

  • Small Group Private Experience

  • 8-10km  |  3-4hrs walking

  • Grade 2 - Easy Terrain + Historic Site

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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

$995

Group of 1-4 people

Contact us for larger groups

Inclusions

  • 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

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