Overview
Leave the city behind on this full-day tour from Hobart and discover Maria Island from both water and land. You'll travel by bus to Triabunna on Tasmania's east coast, then set out by boat to explore the island's ancient geology, secluded bays and convict history from a perspective few visitors get.
The cruise heads first to Ile des Phoques, an island you can only reach by boat. Here you'll venture deep into Tasmania's largest granite sea caves, including the spectacular Rainbow Cave. A massive natural skylight floods this cavern with light, revealing shifting colours across the water and granite walls.
On Maria Island's eastern side, take in sweeping views of Bishop and Clerk, whose 620-metre dolerite peaks rise above the Tasman Sea. At the Fossil Cliffs, see limestone packed with marine fossils around 300 million years old, and explore limestone sea caves at the water's edge. Keep an eye out for the spring-fed Green Waterfall and its hanging garden, tucked beneath towering cliffs and visible only from the sea.
Along the western shoreline, admire the Painted Cliffs, where patterned, coloured sandstone has been sculpted by wind and waves above the clear blue waters of Mercury Passage.
Then step ashore for around two hours on Maria Island. Join a guided walk through Darlington's World Heritage-listed convict settlement, then explore at your own pace.
Wildlife is part of the experience throughout the day. Watch for Australian fur seals at Ile des Phoques, common and bottlenose dolphins, and seabirds, plus whales during migration season. Morning tea and lunch are included, so all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the day.
Itinerary
The tour departs from the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys booking centre in the Dock Head Building, Franklin Wharf, on Hobart's waterfront next to the Constitution Dock Lifting Bridge. Please check in by 7:45am for the 8:00am bus departure.
- 7:45am — Check in at the Pennicott Wilderness Journeys booking centre, Hobart
- 8:00am — Bus departs Hobart
- 9:30am — Arrive in Triabunna for morning tea
- 10:00am — Cruise departs: Ile des Phoques, Rainbow Cave, Bishop and Clerk, Fossil Cliffs, Green Waterfall and Painted Cliffs
- 1:15pm — Walk on Maria Island (guided tour of Darlington, then free time to explore)
- 3:15pm — Boat departs Maria Island
- 3:45pm — Arrive back at Triabunna
- 5:30pm — Arrive back in Hobart (approximately)
This itinerary is indicative.
Morning Tea & Lunch: Both are included. Lunch features smoked meats, salad and cheeses with a locally baked bread roll, fruit and a sweet treat. Please let the team know about any dietary requirements when booking.
Things to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes for around two hours exploring Darlington
- Warm, windproof layers for time on the water
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- A water bottle
- A camera for the sea caves, cliffs and wildlife
- Binoculars for spotting seals, dolphins, seabirds and whales
