Overview
Discover Maria Island from both water and land on this full-day cruise and walk from Triabunna, on Tasmania's east coast. You'll see the island's ancient geology, secluded bays and convict history from a perspective few visitors get.
Your journey begins with a cruise 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. A lunch of smoked meats, salad, cheeses, a locally baked bread roll, fruit and a sweet treat is included.
Itinerary
The tour departs from the Maria Island Cruises booking centre at 21 Vicary Street, Triabunna. Please check in by 9:30am for the pre-cruise briefing and transfer to the boat.
- 9:30am — Check in at 21 Vicary Street, Triabunna
- 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
This itinerary is indicative.
Lunch: Included. It 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
