A group of people stand in a large stone circle on grass in Maria Island National Park, near an old brick building by the sea, under a blue sky—the perfect setting for a memorable day tour.
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Maria Island National Park

from A$225
1 day
Hobart
All Ages (8+)
Free Cancellation (48 hours prior)

Cross to car free Maria Island on the passenger ferry from Hobart for a guided day on foot. Wander the World Heritage convict ruins at Darlington, walk out to the Fossil Cliffs and the swirling sandstone of the Painted Cliffs, and keep an eye out for wombats grazing on the grass along the way.

  • A group of people stand in a large stone circle on grass in Maria Island National Park, near an old brick building by the sea, under a blue sky—the perfect setting for a memorable day tour.
  • Woman wearing sunglasses stands on a hiking trail overlooking a green valley and a large body of water under a clear blue sky, capturing the breathtaking scenery typical of Tasmania’s iconic landscapes between Hobart and Launceston, with views reminiscent of stunning Wineglass Bay.
  • People sit and stand on the deck of a boat, looking out at calm water and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky during their scenic Day Tour to Maria Island National Park.
  • A group of people walk along a dirt path towards the sea on a scenic Maria Island day tour, with distant mountains visible under a clear blue sky in this stunning national park.
  • A group of people walk along a sandy beach in Maria Island National Park, with dense green forest in the background and calm blue water in the foreground.
  • A seagull flies low over calm blue water near a beach with a grassy shoreline in the background, capturing the tranquil beauty of Maria Island National Park—perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape on their day tour.
  • Rocky coastline with trees, clear turquoise water, and people standing on the rocks in Maria Island National Park. Distant hills and a partly cloudy sky are visible in the background, making it a perfect scene for a memorable day tour.
  • Two people walk along a curved sandy beach with clear blue water on Maria Island, a stunning National Park, backed by trees and a rocky outcrop under a partly cloudy sky—a perfect scene for an unforgettable day tour.
  • Layered sandstone cliffs with wavy formations rise above a rocky shoreline in Maria Island National Park, with sparse vegetation on top and the sea visible to the right.
  • A group of people stand near layered sandstone cliffs by the water on a sunny day in Maria Island National Park, with cameras and hats, observing the stunning rock formations during their day tour.
  • A group of people wearing hats and rucksacks walk along a forest trail surrounded by tall trees and green foliage during a day tour of Maria Island National Park.
  • A group of hikers walks past a partially ruined brick building surrounded by trees and fallen branches in a grassy area during a Day Tour of Maria Island National Park.
  • A group of people with rucksacks listens to a tour guide inside a brick-walled historic building with large windows and sunlight streaming in, as part of a Maria Island Day Tour through this remarkable National Park.
  • A group of people listens to a guide inside an old barn with rustic farming equipment and exposed brick walls during a day tour exploring the heritage of Maria Island National Park.
  • Five people stand and pose outdoors in front of a concrete structure on Maria Island, surrounded by large bones lying on the grass. This intriguing scene captures the adventure and unique sights found during a day tour of this fascinating national park.
  • A small house and shed sit on a grassy hill near a curved tree, with blue water and distant mountains in the background under a clear sky—a tranquil scene reminiscent of Maria Island National Park, perfect for a memorable day tour.
  • A small brick building sits near circular stone ruins on a grassy, rocky slope overlooking a large body of water under a partly cloudy sky, capturing the serene beauty often found in Maria Island National Park.
  • Three people lie on grass under a structure, observing two wombats grazing nearby in Maria Island National Park. A brick building and a person are visible in the background on a grassy hill, capturing the relaxed atmosphere of a Maria Island day tour.
  • Two wombats, one larger and one smaller, are grazing on grass in a natural outdoor setting within Maria Island National Park.
  • Two Cape Barren geese stand on a grassy field in Maria Island National Park; one is grazing with its head down whilst the other looks forward.
  • A wombat is grazing on a grassy field under a blue sky, with a small white building in the distance—an idyllic scene from a Maria Island National Park day tour.
  • Four people stand on a grassy cliff overlooking the sea in Maria Island National Park, with one person pointing towards the water; hills and trees are visible in the background, making it a perfect spot for a scenic day tour.
  • Three people with rucksacks sit and take photos on a grassy cliff overlooking the sea and a distant peninsula under a clear sky, capturing memories from their Maria Island day tour in this stunning national park.
  • Five people pose on rocky terrain by the sea with a large, forested mountain and cliffs in the background under a clear blue sky, capturing the breathtaking beauty of Maria Island National Park during their day tour.
  • Four people hike along a rocky coastal path beside the blue sea in Maria Island National Park, with cliffs and a forested mountain in the background under a partly cloudy sky—a perfect setting for a memorable day tour.
  • Three people walk over rocky terrain near the edge of the sea in Maria Island National Park, with layered cliffs and waves in the background under a clear sky.
  • A group of people wearing rucksacks and hats stand and walk on a rocky, dry coastal area near blue water under daylight, exploring the stunning landscape of Maria Island National Park during a day tour.
  • A white tour boat with Encounter Maria Island branding sails near the shore of Maria Island National Park, with green hills and a blue sky in the background, inviting visitors on an unforgettable day tour.
  • A group of people stand in a large stone circle on grass in Maria Island National Park, near an old brick building by the sea, under a blue sky—the perfect setting for a memorable day tour.
  • Woman wearing sunglasses stands on a hiking trail overlooking a green valley and a large body of water under a clear blue sky, capturing the breathtaking scenery typical of Tasmania’s iconic landscapes between Hobart and Launceston, with views reminiscent of stunning Wineglass Bay.
  • People sit and stand on the deck of a boat, looking out at calm water and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky during their scenic Day Tour to Maria Island National Park.
  • A group of people walk along a dirt path towards the sea on a scenic Maria Island day tour, with distant mountains visible under a clear blue sky in this stunning national park.
  • A group of people walk along a sandy beach in Maria Island National Park, with dense green forest in the background and calm blue water in the foreground.
  • A seagull flies low over calm blue water near a beach with a grassy shoreline in the background, capturing the tranquil beauty of Maria Island National Park—perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape on their day tour.
  • Rocky coastline with trees, clear turquoise water, and people standing on the rocks in Maria Island National Park. Distant hills and a partly cloudy sky are visible in the background, making it a perfect scene for a memorable day tour.
  • Two people walk along a curved sandy beach with clear blue water on Maria Island, a stunning National Park, backed by trees and a rocky outcrop under a partly cloudy sky—a perfect scene for an unforgettable day tour.
  • Layered sandstone cliffs with wavy formations rise above a rocky shoreline in Maria Island National Park, with sparse vegetation on top and the sea visible to the right.
  • A group of people stand near layered sandstone cliffs by the water on a sunny day in Maria Island National Park, with cameras and hats, observing the stunning rock formations during their day tour.
  • A group of people wearing hats and rucksacks walk along a forest trail surrounded by tall trees and green foliage during a day tour of Maria Island National Park.
  • A group of hikers walks past a partially ruined brick building surrounded by trees and fallen branches in a grassy area during a Day Tour of Maria Island National Park.
  • A group of people with rucksacks listens to a tour guide inside a brick-walled historic building with large windows and sunlight streaming in, as part of a Maria Island Day Tour through this remarkable National Park.
  • A group of people listens to a guide inside an old barn with rustic farming equipment and exposed brick walls during a day tour exploring the heritage of Maria Island National Park.
  • Five people stand and pose outdoors in front of a concrete structure on Maria Island, surrounded by large bones lying on the grass. This intriguing scene captures the adventure and unique sights found during a day tour of this fascinating national park.
  • A small house and shed sit on a grassy hill near a curved tree, with blue water and distant mountains in the background under a clear sky—a tranquil scene reminiscent of Maria Island National Park, perfect for a memorable day tour.
  • A small brick building sits near circular stone ruins on a grassy, rocky slope overlooking a large body of water under a partly cloudy sky, capturing the serene beauty often found in Maria Island National Park.
  • Three people lie on grass under a structure, observing two wombats grazing nearby in Maria Island National Park. A brick building and a person are visible in the background on a grassy hill, capturing the relaxed atmosphere of a Maria Island day tour.
  • Two wombats, one larger and one smaller, are grazing on grass in a natural outdoor setting within Maria Island National Park.
  • Two Cape Barren geese stand on a grassy field in Maria Island National Park; one is grazing with its head down whilst the other looks forward.
  • A wombat is grazing on a grassy field under a blue sky, with a small white building in the distance—an idyllic scene from a Maria Island National Park day tour.
  • Four people stand on a grassy cliff overlooking the sea in Maria Island National Park, with one person pointing towards the water; hills and trees are visible in the background, making it a perfect spot for a scenic day tour.
  • Three people with rucksacks sit and take photos on a grassy cliff overlooking the sea and a distant peninsula under a clear sky, capturing memories from their Maria Island day tour in this stunning national park.
  • Five people pose on rocky terrain by the sea with a large, forested mountain and cliffs in the background under a clear blue sky, capturing the breathtaking beauty of Maria Island National Park during their day tour.
  • Four people hike along a rocky coastal path beside the blue sea in Maria Island National Park, with cliffs and a forested mountain in the background under a partly cloudy sky—a perfect setting for a memorable day tour.
  • Three people walk over rocky terrain near the edge of the sea in Maria Island National Park, with layered cliffs and waves in the background under a clear sky.
  • A group of people wearing rucksacks and hats stand and walk on a rocky, dry coastal area near blue water under daylight, exploring the stunning landscape of Maria Island National Park during a day tour.
  • A white tour boat with Encounter Maria Island branding sails near the shore of Maria Island National Park, with green hills and a blue sky in the background, inviting visitors on an unforgettable day tour.

Quick read before you book.

  • Wombats grazing in the open around Darlington
  • Striped sandstone and rock pools at the Painted Cliffs
  • Ancient shell fossils packed into the Fossil Cliffs
  • World Heritage convict ruins on an island with no cars
  • Possible dolphins and whales on the ferry crossing
  • Swim and relax time on the island

Included in this tour.

  • Return transport from Hobart to the Maria Island ferry
  • Return passenger ferry crossing to Maria Island
  • Maria Island National Park fees
  • Professional guide and interpreted walks
  • Guided walk to the Fossil Cliffs from Darlington
  • Guided walk to the Painted Cliffs and Hopground Beach
  • Time at the Darlington convict settlement
  • Pickup from selected central Hobart hotels

Commonly asked questions.

From October to April it leaves Hobart at 6:45am, Monday to Friday, with pickups from selected central hotels starting about 30 minutes earlier. From May to September it runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:00am, and you are back around 5:00pm.

Maria Island has no cars, so the only way across is the passenger ferry, which takes about 30 minutes each way. Your return transfer, ferry and national park fees are all included.

Your chances are very good, as wombats graze in the open around Darlington, along with kangaroos, wallabies and Cape Barren geese. Our guide to things to do in Hobart has more wildlife and day trip ideas nearby.

You walk about 10km on easy to moderate trails, including the gentle, mostly flat track to the Painted Cliffs. A reasonable level of fitness and mobility is needed, and the tour does not cater for people with access needs.

Tours run in all weather, including rain and snow, and the guide may change the itinerary on the day for safety. Refunds are not given for weather related itinerary changes, so pack a waterproof jacket and warm layers.

Cancel by email more than 48 hours before departure for a full refund. Within 48 hours, or if you miss your pickup, no refund applies.

Children aged 8 and over are welcome, with child prices for ages 8 to 15. The tour is not suitable for children under 8, and anyone under 18 must travel with an adult.

No meals are included and there are no shops on Maria Island, so buy lunch or sandwiches before the tour or bring your own, especially if you have dietary needs. A large water bottle is a must.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm layers, a beanie or gloves, a waterproof jacket, sun protection, water, snacks and a day pack, plus swimwear if you fancy a dip. Our Australia packing list covers the rest.
Yes, pickup from selected central Hobart hotels is included, or you meet at the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre if your hotel is not listed. Our guide to exploring Tasmania without a car helps you plan the rest of your trip.

More about this tour.

Maria Island has no cars, no roads and no shops, which is exactly why it is worth the early start. The only way across is the passenger ferry, so once you step off at Darlington the island moves at walking pace. Tours Tasmania keeps it simple: a guide, about 10km of easy to moderate trails and roughly six hours on the island in the warmer months, with wombats far more interested in the grass than in you.Your day starts at 6:45am in Hobart. After about an hour on the road you board the ferry for a 30 minute crossing, with a decent chance of dolphins and sometimes whales on the way over. You land at Darlington, a World Heritage listed convict probation station where the old brick and sandstone buildings still stand among open paddocks.From Darlington your guide leads you out to the Fossil Cliffs, where the rock is packed with ancient shell fossils and the views stretch north towards the Freycinet Peninsula. After that comes the gentle, mostly flat track to the Painted Cliffs at Hopground Beach, where the sandstone is striped in orange and cream and the rock pools are best explored at low tide. Along the way you have a real shot at wombats, kangaroos, wallabies and Cape Barren geese, plus some of the 125 or so bird species here, including the endangered forty spotted pardalote and swift parrot. Wondering how Maria stacks up against the other big island day out? Our Maria Island vs Bruny Island guide lays it out.There is a lunch break with time for a swim or a lie in the sun before the ferry back, and you are in Hobart by about 5pm. If wombats are the main event for you, our guide to where to see wombats in Australia explains why Maria Island sits near the top of the list.Explore the day above, then check availability for your date.

Additional info.

From October to April the tour runs Monday to Friday, leaving Hobart at 6:45am sharp. From May to September it runs Monday, Wednesday and Friday, leaving at 8:00am, with less time on the island, so the walks you complete depend on the pace of the group. You are back in Hobart around 5:00pm.Pickups run from selected central Hobart hotels shown when you book, starting about 30 minutes before departure. If your hotel is not listed, you meet at the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre in Hobart. Late arrivals at pickup are treated as a no show.Meals are not included and there are no shops on Maria Island, so buy or pack your lunch before the tour. Bring comfortable walking shoes, warm layers, a beanie or gloves, a waterproof jacket, sun protection, a large water bottle, snacks and a day pack. Swimwear and a towel are optional. There are no charging points on the island, so start with a full battery.The walking totals about 10km on easy to moderate trails and suits people with a reasonable level of fitness and mobility. The tour is not suitable for children under 8, travellers under 18 must be with an adult, and it does not cater for people with access needs. Only a day pack or hand luggage can come on board.