Maria Island National Park Adventure

Maria Island is a remarkable destination, offering visitors a unique mix of World Heritage convict history, abundant wildlife, dramatic coastal cliffs, and peaceful, untouched beaches. With so many highlights to discover, our active day tour lets you experience the very best of the island. Just a one-hour drive from Hobart brings you to the ferry at Triabunna, followed by a scenic 30-minute ride across the water to Maria Island – a beautiful island national park that feels like a world away. Truly an island, off an island, off an island.

This tour is ideal for active travellers who enjoy walking and exploring unique destinations. Maria Island has no cars, and access is only by passenger ferry, making it a peaceful and unspoiled place to discover. Key highlights include the stunning Painted Cliffs, the Fossil Cliffs, as well as the island’s rich wildlife, history, and breathtaking scenery. Maria Island also has a fascinating past that our guides will share as you walk along the island’s trails. The beautifully preserved Darlington settlement is part of the World Heritage–listed site and predates the more widely known Port Arthur convict settlement. The island was later declared a National Park in 1972.

During the tour, we enjoy a series of easy to moderate walks that explore the island’s history and key highlights. Setting out on foot, we follow two main walking trails for the day, covering a total distance of around 10 kilometres. From Darlington, we walk to the Fossil Cliffs and then return along the same trail. The Fossil Cliffs walk leads to dramatic cliffs that drop sharply into the ocean, offering spectacular views from the top. Even those without a strong interest in geology will be amazed by the large number of shell fossils visible in the cliff face. The site provides a fascinating glimpse into Maria Island’s ancient environments, along with sweeping views across to the Freycinet Peninsula.

Next, we follow the trail to the Painted Cliffs and return along the same path. This walk is gentle and mostly flat, leading us to Hopground Beach, with the Painted Cliffs located at the far end. There will be plenty of time to explore the cliffs, capture photos of their unique patterns, and discover the rock pools and beautiful natural surroundings in the area.

The island is a true wildlife sanctuary and one of the best places in Australia to spot wombats, Tasmanian devils, Cape Barren geese, kangaroos, and wallabies. Birdwatchers will also enjoy the rich birdlife, with around 125 species recorded, including all of Tasmania’s endemic birds such as the endangered Forty-spotted Pardalote and the Swift Parrot. The ferry journey itself is another highlight of the day. The surrounding waters are rich in marine life, and we keep a lookout for dolphins, seals, and even penguins during the crossing. While on the island, you’ll have time to swim, take photographs, observe wildlife, and simply relax while soaking in the peaceful island atmosphere. Join us for a day of exploration filled with environmental beauty and cultural history—an ideal island adventure for active travellers. Maria Island is a unique and wild destination accessible only by boat. There are no cars, shops, or device charging facilities on the island, and amenities are limited.