Tasman Island Cruise & Port Arthur Historic Site

Overview

Step back into Tasmania's colonial past and come face-to-face with the island's most iconic wildlife on this popular half-day tour combining historic Richmond village with the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Travel across the Tasman Bridge into the picturesque Coal River Valley to Richmond, a beautifully preserved colonial town of mellow stone cottages, Georgian mansions, and the oldest convict-built road bridge in Australia. After exploring the village's shops, galleries, cafes, and the historic Richmond Bridge, continue on to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in the Brighton Valley, where you'll get up close with Tasmania's native animals — including the endangered Tasmanian Devil (known as purinina in the Palawa Kani language). With hand-feeding, guided encounters, and plenty of photo opportunities, this tour is a perfect blend of heritage and hands-on wildlife experience.

Itinerary

1. Departure & Tasman Bridge Crossing – Set off and travel across the Tasman Bridge into the Coal River Valley, heading towards historic Richmond.
2. Richmond Orientation Tour – On arrival, enjoy a short orientation tour of the village with your driver, learning about its colonial history and heritage.
3. Explore Richmond Village – Stroll along the picturesque Coal River and through the main street, lined with restored stone cottages and Georgian buildings. Visit the historic Richmond Bridge, the oldest convict-built road bridge in Australia, and see the oldest operating Catholic Church in the country.
4. Free Time in Richmond – Browse local shops and galleries for unique gifts and souvenirs, and take the chance to taste some local produce at one of the village's cafes or restaurants.
5. Travel to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary – Continue on to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in the Brighton Valley.
6. Wildlife Encounter – Take part in an up-close encounter with the Tasmanian Devil and other native Tasmanian animals, guided by the sanctuary's passionate team, who also run a successful Tasmanian Devil breeding program.
7. Stroll the Sanctuary Grounds – Wander the grounds and hand-feed animals that roam free, with plenty of opportunities for photos.
8. Return – Head back at the end of your wildlife and heritage-filled afternoon.

Things to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes for strolling through Richmond village and the sanctuary grounds
• A camera or phone for photo opportunities with Richmond's colonial architecture and the sanctuary's wildlife
• Cash or card for shopping at Richmond's galleries and gift shops, or for local produce at cafes and restaurants
• Weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour includes outdoor walking in both the village and sanctuary

Overview

Experience 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!

Itinerary

Early 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 Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes for the guided settlement walk
• Warm, layered clothing suitable for changing marine weather conditions
• Windproof and waterproof jacket (essential for boat travel)
• Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
• Sunglasses (polarized lenses recommended for water glare)
• Swimwear and towel (if planning to swim or snorkel)
• Camera or smartphone with adequate battery and storage
• Binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing (highly recommended)
• Motion sickness medication if prone to seasickness
• Reusable water bottle (complimentary refills available)
• Personal medications as needed
• Light snacks if desired (in addition to provided morning tea and lunch)

Overview

Discover Tasmania's most spectacular coastal wonders on this exciting half-day scenic cruise from Triabunna. Designed to showcase the very best of Tasmania's remote wilderness and marine life in just 3.5 hours, this cruise combines expert commentary with breathtaking natural attractions that have earned our full-day tour multiple awards.

Your adventure takes you along the pristine, remote coastline of Maria Island, where you'll explore geological marvels including the famous Fossil Cliffs and the stunning Painted Cliffs. Depending on your cruise day, you'll experience different highlights: Thursday and Friday cruises focus on an extended coastal exploration of Maria Island to Riedle Bay, while Saturday departures feature a special visit to Ile Des Phoques (Seal Island), the jewel in Tasmania's wilderness crown.

On Saturday cruises, prepare for an unforgettable encounter as you spend over an hour at Ile Des Phoques observing playful Australian Fur Seals in their natural habitat and exploring the magnificent giant Rainbow Sea Caves. After this remarkable wildlife experience, your cruise returns to Maria Island to view the iconic Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs before heading back to Triabunna.

Relax in comfort aboard our vessel with complimentary tea, coffee, juice, and water throughout your journey. Additional refreshments including soft drinks, beer, wine, and ice cream are available for purchase onboard. With expert commentary bringing the region's natural and cultural history to life, this cruise offers the perfect combination of adventure, wildlife, and stunning scenery – ideal for those seeking an unforgettable Tasmanian coastal experience without committing to a full day.

Cruise departs Triabunna at 10:30 am and returns at 2:00 pm, making it easy to fit into your Tasmanian itinerary.

Itinerary

Thursday & Friday Cruises (10:30 am - 2:00 pm) Board your vessel at Triabunna Marina at 10:30 am for departure. Cruise along the remote and pristine coastline of Maria Island toward Riedle Bay, taking in the rugged beauty of this protected wilderness area. Explore the famous Fossil Cliffs, where ancient marine fossils are embedded in the coastal rock formations, and view the stunning Painted Cliffs with their naturally pigmented iron oxide stains creating vivid patterns in the sandstone. Throughout your 3.5-hour journey, enjoy expert commentary about the region's natural history, geology, and cultural heritage, with complimentary tea, coffee, juice, and water available. Return to Triabunna Marina at 2:00 pm.

Saturday Cruises (10:30 am - 2:00 pm) Depart Triabunna Marina at 10:30 am and set course for Ile Des Phoques (Seal Island), the jewel in Tasmania's wilderness crown. Spend over an hour at this remarkable island observing playful Australian Fur Seals in their natural habitat and exploring the breathtaking giant Rainbow Sea Caves with their spectacular natural colors and formations. After your extended visit to Seal Island, cruise to Maria Island to view the famous Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs before returning to Triabunna Marina at 2:00 pm. Complimentary beverages and expert commentary provided throughout.

Both cruise options offer the same award-winning commentary and expert guidance, with the itinerary varying based on your chosen day.

Things to Bring

• Warm, layered clothing (ocean temperatures can be cool even in summer)
• Windproof jacket or outer layer
• Sunscreen and hat for sun protection
• Sunglasses and polarized lenses recommended for water glare
• Camera or smartphone with adequate battery for photos
• Cash or card for optional onboard purchases (soft drinks, beer, wine, ice cream)
• Motion sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness
• Binoculars for enhanced wildlife and coastal viewing (optional)