Maria Island & Ile Des Phoques Day Tour from Hobart
OverviewExperience Hobart's #1 tour on Tripadvisor with this unforgettable full-day adventure to Ile Des Phoques (Island of Seals) and Maria Island's spectacular coastline. This immersive tour has been a signature experience since 2006, combining a 4-hour scenic cruise to Tasmania's premier marine wildlife destination with a 2-hour guided exploration of Maria Island's World Heritage-listed convict settlement.Your journey begins with convenient shuttle bus pickup from Hobart's Brooke Street Pier at 6:45 am (or meet directly at Triabunna if you have your own transport) for the approximately 1-hour and 15-minute scenic drive to Triabunna Marina. Once aboard, embark on an extraordinary voyage to Ile Des Phoques, an absolute haven for marine life declared one of the best cold-water dive sites in the world.Cruise past Maria Island's stunning coastal landmarks including the vibrant Painted Cliffs, ancient Fossil Cliffs, spring-fed waterfalls, limestone sea caves, cliff-top stalactites, and the majestic Bishop & Clerk mountain range with its dramatic granite cliffs. At Maria Island's northern tip, venture 30 minutes further north to the remarkable granite island of Ile Des Phoques. Along the way, watch for albatross, dolphins, Australian fur seals, and whales (seasonal), while enjoying majestic panoramic views of Maria Island and the Freycinet Peninsula.Enjoy a delicious lunch provided from our café, featuring large healthy salad bowls with your choice of chicken breast coated in pesto aioli, smoked salmon, roast beef, leg ham, or vegetarian/vegan options. Alternatively, use your $15pp credit toward any café item including salad rolls or sandwiches. Lunch is enjoyed while anchored at an idyllic remote location at Maria Island. Morning tea features a selection of cakes, with complimentary water, tea, coffee, orange juice, soda water, and soft drinks available throughout the day.In the afternoon, dock at Darlington for a fascinating guided walk through the preserved convict settlement's remarkable collection of buildings, and come face-to-face with Maria Island's famously friendly resident wombats. Alternatively, relax on Darlington's white sandy beach or swim and snorkel in the pristine waters of Maria Island's marine reserve.Tour departs Hobart at 6:45 am and returns at 6:15 pm. Check-in begins at 8:15 am at our café in Triabunna, with boarding at 8:40 am and 9:00 am departure from the marina.Note: If poor weather prevents cruising to Ile Des Phoques, the tour will operate as a Maria Island coastal circumnavigation. This tour operates on alternate days with our Circumnavigation tour. If fully booked, contact our office to join the waitlist – last-minute seats frequently become available!ItineraryEarly Morning (6:45 am - 9:00 am) Board the shuttle bus at Hobart's Brooke Street Pier at 6:45 am for the scenic 1-hour 15-minute drive to Triabunna (or arrive independently and meet at the café). Check in at our café from 8:15 am at 21 Vicary Street, Triabunna. Board the tour boat at 8:40 am for a 9:00 am departure from Triabunna Marina.Morning (9:00 am - 12:30 pm) Begin your 4-hour scenic cruise along Maria Island's stunning east coast, viewing famous landmarks including the vibrant Painted Cliffs with their naturally pigmented sandstone patterns, ancient Fossil Cliffs, spring-fed waterfalls cascading down cliff faces, limestone sea caves, dramatic cliff-top stalactites, and the majestic Bishop & Clerk mountain range with its striking granite formations. Reach Maria Island's northern tip and continue 30 minutes north to Ile Des Phoques, an absolute haven for marine life and one of the world's best cold-water dive sites. Watch for Australian fur seals, albatross, dolphins, and seasonal whales while enjoying panoramic views of Maria Island and the Freycinet Peninsula. Morning tea features a selection of cakes with complimentary beverages including water, tea, coffee, orange juice, soda water, and soft drinks.Midday (12:30 pm - 2:00 pm) Anchor at an idyllic remote location at Maria Island for lunch. Enjoy your included meal featuring large healthy salad bowls (choice of chicken with pesto aioli, smoked salmon, roast beef, leg ham, or vegetarian/vegan) or use your $15pp credit toward any café item including salad rolls or sandwiches. Children's options available. You're welcome to bring your own lunch if preferred.Afternoon (2:00 pm - 6:15 pm) Dock at Darlington for a 2-hour island stay. Join a guided walk through the World Heritage-listed convict settlement, exploring the remarkable collection of preserved buildings and learning about the site's fascinating history. Encounter Maria Island's famous friendly wombats who freely roam the settlement. Alternatively, relax on Darlington's beautiful white sandy beach or swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Maria Island's protected marine reserve. Depart Maria Island and return to Triabunna Marina. Board the shuttle bus back to Hobart, arriving at Brooke Street Pier at 6:15 pm (or depart in your own vehicle from Triabunna).Weather Note: If conditions prevent cruising to Ile Des Phoques, the tour will operate as a complete Maria Island coastal circumnavigation.Things to BringComfortable walking shoes for the guided settlement walkWarm, layered clothing suitable for changing marine weather conditionsWindproof and waterproof jacket (essential for boat travel)Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat for sun protectionSunglasses (polarized lenses recommended for water glare)Swimwear and towel (if planning to swim or snorkel)Camera or smartphone with adequate battery and storageBinoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing (highly recommended)Motion sickness medication if prone to seasicknessReusable water bottle (complimentary refills available)Personal medications as neededLight snacks if desired (in addition to provided morning tea and lunch)
