1 Day Maria Island Tour
Sail away to a unique island paradise – a Noah’s Ark for Tasmanian wildlife, spectacular scenery, unique geology and world heritage history.
Step back in time, slow down and enjoy a big day out on this island National Park. Maria Island has a diverse range of highlights including convict history, spectacular coastal cliffs and deserted beaches.
- Small Group Adventure
- All Transport & Ferry costs
- Visit Maria Island
- Air-Condition Transport
- Accommodation Transfers
- Meet the Local Wildlife
- Incredible landscapes & Scenery
- Fossil Cliffs and "Painted Cliffs"
- Darlington World Heritage convict site
- Knowledgeable/Experienced Guide
- Trip length:
- 1 Day
- Group size:
- 24
- Start:
- Hobart
- End:
- Hobart
- Vehicle:
- Bus / Ferry
- Sleep:
- None Applicable
- Physical Demand:
- Comfortlevel:
Itinerary
Just one hour’s drive from Hobart to the ferry and 30 minutes across the water, brings us to Maria Island – a stunning island National Park. It is rich in local wildlife, amazing scenery and world heritage convict history. We enjoy a series of moderate walks exploring the beautiful Painted Cliffs, the dramatic Fossil Cliffs and the remarkable Darlington World Heritage convict site. With no cars on the island the area is peaceful, beautiful, the pace is slow and relaxed, and the beaches are perfect for summer swimming.
This is a tour for active travellers who are keen to walk and enjoy this unique island. Setting out on foot we have 2 main walking trails for the day, covering a total distance of almost 10 kilometers. Both of our walks are categorised as Great Short Walks of Tasmania. The Painted Cliffs Walk at Hopground Beach feature the beautifully patterned sandstone cliffs. The Fossil Cliffs walk, takes us along to amazing cliffs that drop sheer into the ocean. It offers a fascinating insight into the past environments of Maria Island along with expansive views of the Freycinet Peninsula.
You have an opportunity to swim, photograph and soak up the island life as Maria works its magic on you. Maria Island is a National Park so we are exposed to all that nature will offer on the day, so please come prepared.
The island is a haven for abundant wildlife, it is one of Tasmania’s bird watching hot spots. Wombats can also be seen around the island, as well as Pademelons, Forester Kangaroos, Bennetts wallabies and Tasmanian Devils.
Even the ferry ride is part of the highlights of the day, the waters we cross are also abundant in sea life, we keep our eyes peeled for dolphins, seals and penguins along the way.
Join us on this day of discovery rich in environmental and cultural history.
Important Note:
Maria Island is a special, beautiful and wild island National Park accessible by boat. There are no cars, shops, charging stations for devices etc. on the island. Facilities are limited. Please ensure you are able to carry everything you will need for the day. You will need a day pack to carry warm clothing as necessary. A jacket suitable for walking in light rain conditions. Equally, you will need adequate sun protection should it be a warm sunny day. Please ensure you have a large water bottle. You will have an opportunity to purchase lunch/sandwiches in the morning but we recommend you buy your snacks prior to the day if you prefer a wider choice or have special dietary requirements to consider. Please ensure you wear comfortable footwear for walking. The walking on Maria Island is graded as easy walking. However, we are on the island for around 6 hours, with around 10 km’s of walking trails to explore.
Please ensure your clothing and footwear is adequate for this type of activity in the great outdoors. There is time to swim and relax should you choose to.
Departures- Monday and Thursday (01 Dec - 30 Apr only)
What to bring
CLOTHING
- Comfortable hiking/walking shoes
- Warm jacket and long pants.
- Long Sleeve shirt for protection from the Sun and Mosquitoes
- Shorts and T Shirts for daytime hikes and walks
EQUIPMENT / OTHER
- Money for lunch
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Refillable water bottle
- Mp3 Player / iPod
- Rechargers
- Camera
What is included
TRANSPORT
- Airconditioned mini bus
- Accommodation transfers
OTHER
- Professional guide
- Park Entry Fees
Personal travel insurance is not included but visitors are advised to have it. This can be organised through your travel agent.
Trip Info
Preparing for the trip
Where can I get more information about this trip?
If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.
What should I pack?
Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.
What immunisations do I need?
For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.
Do I need to take any medical supplies?
It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour will carry an first aid box and our guides are all certified in First Aid.
How fit do I need to be?
Our tours are made to be fun, informative and active and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking/walking up to 5km each day.
Do I need travel insurance?
Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended.
Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.
Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?
You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.
Can we depart Tasmania the day our tour finishes? Can we be dropped off at the Airport?
Yes, you can depart Tasmania the same day your tour finishes; to be on the safe side we advise all flights leaving Tasmania should be booked for 8pm or later.
We can arrange an airport drop off on the final day of tour the following tours: 7 Day, 6 Day, 5 Day, 4 Day. If you wish to be dropped at the Airport on either of these please ensure you have all possessions with you on tour as you will be dropped at the airport on the way back into Hobart.
For all other tours you will be dropped into the city centre.
Can I arrive in Tasmania the day my tour departs?
No, You will need to arrive into your departure city at least the day before your tour is scheduled to depart, due to the early start to our day tours and multi-day tours you cannot arrive the same day your tour is set to depart.
How can I get from the Airport to the city centre?
HOBART AIRPORT INFORMATION
LOCATION – Hobart Airport is located 17 kilometres (roughly a 15-20 minute drive) from the city centre of Hobart. You can get to and from the airport via the SkyBus, Uber or taxis.
SKYBUS HOBART EXPRESS SHUTTLE SERVICE – Skybus operates a regular express bus service between Hobart Airport and select locations in Hobart’s city centre.
TAXIS – Taxis are located directly out the front of the building and cost approximately $40 to $60 each way to/from Hobart’s city centre. If you need a mini-van or special taxi ask one of the kerbside assistants who will radio one through for you.
UBER – Uber is available in Hobart and rides can be organised through their app. Fares can be cheaper than taxis however wait times can vary largely and are dependent on available drivers in the local area.
LAUNCESTON AIRPORT INFORMATION
LOCATION – Launceston Airport is located 15 kilometres south of Launceston on the Evandale Main Road. You can get to and from the airport via shuttle bus or taxis.
TAXIS – Taxis are located directly out the front of the building and cost approximately $30 to $40 each way to/from Launceston’s city centre. If you need a mini-van or special taxi ask one of the kerbside assistants who will radio one through for you.
Private tours and families
Is it possible to travel in a private group?
If your looking for a private tour based of one of our trips please contact us directly and we may be able to help.
Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.
Booking the trip
Do I have to book this tour online?
Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.
If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?
Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.
Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.
How do I know when a tour is available?
You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.
Does the tour price include flights?
No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself.
If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!
How far in advance do I need to book my tour?
As a rule of thumb we generally say AT LEAST 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible.
Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.
Who travels with us
Is this tour for me?
Our tours are made up of small groups with a range of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds. Generally people who travel with us are between 20 and 49, though we also get alot passengers much older onboard - everyone is welcome! On tour we get equally as many males as females and everyone shares an enthusiasm for the out doors, nature, adventure and culture.
Our tours are for those wanting to really explore and share the experience with likeminded travellers. Whether we are camping by a billabong in Kakadu National Park or sharing a cabin in Tasmania, our travellers want more than just a site seeing tour. They are chasing a hands on group experience.
The trips are packed with many highlights and the pace can be fast. There may be some long drives and passengers should expect to help out when setting up camp or cooking food - this is a group adventure. However, there’s always time to chill out, have a cold beer ( or wine! ) and soak up your surroundings.
As always, if in doubt then contact us directly with your concerns.
What type of groups go on these tours?
Onboard our tours there are usually around 5 - 24 people ( depending on the tour and destination ). Lost In Australia's travellers want to explore the country and develop a real sense for the land, nature and its people. We travel in small groups which allows us to get from destination to destination quickly and effortlessly whilst being flexible and free!
Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?
We have many travellers jumping onboard our tours by themselves. Those travelling by themselves are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that will last a life time.
Those who do travel by themselves will probably be sharing a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room, you won't be charged extra. For camping tours, generally there are enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.
For more information please contact us directly.
Is there an age limit?
We get a large range of travellers from all over the world and from a very large age range. We get people of all ages joining these trips; generally our travellers vary between 21 - 45 though we also get many happy travellers in their 60s and 70s. Some tours however have a restriction on children under the age of 16 - 18. This will depend on the destination so please email us for more info.
Cost and Fees
Will I need additional money?
Visitors are advised to bring some cash as ATMs and banks can be few and far between depending on where we are during the trip. Its handy to have some extra cash as we do stop by local shops and cafe.
Do I need to tip our guide?
If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip the guide, then that is completely up to you. However, tipping is not customary and is not at all expected.
Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?
Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.
Whilst on tour
Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?
We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.
What will the weather be like?
Between the months of April and August Central Australia is quite cold so be sure to bring warm clothing. Temperatures range from about 20c during the day right down to 2c at night.
Between October and March temperature are warm, so light clothing during the day is ok. However, night times can still be quite cool so its wise to bring light winter clothing for extra warm.
Where do I meet the tour?
For pick up times and locations, please check out the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary. Here we list everywhere we can pick up from and their respective times.
There is a lot of information here to help you plan your flights and arrival.
Please review careful as these can vary from tour to tour.
Is food included on this tour?
We believe that our guests prefer to do their own thing when it comes to meals. We allow them their own space each day to dine out and enjoy the local fare and provide recommendations, and we also assist by taking guests to the local supermarket to purchase items that can be prepared in the kitchen at each hostel, either individually or as a group. If there's something you can't do without, just bring it with you! Please advise your dietary requirements at the time of booking.
What vehicle do we use to explore Tasmania?
For our Tasmania tours we generally use one of our custom prepared 4WD Mini buses. However this depends on the size of the group and the amount of days we are out and about. Each Tasmania tour varies so please refer to your tour info panel on the top right hand side of the page.
What is the weather like in Tasmania?
Tasmania weather has four distinct seasons. The warmest months are December, January, February and March. Autumn (Fall) has many sunny days and the landscape produces a mass of colour as 200 year-old oaks, elms, birches and Tasmania’s own native beech, turn from gold to red in preparation for winter. Winter runs from May through August. Spring spans September, October and November, and brings oceans of wildflowers. The average summer temperatures sit between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius (62 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit) and in winter, between 3 and 11 degrees Celsius (37 and 51 degrees Fahrenheit). Tasmania’s location below the 40th parallel means the summer evenings display a lingering twilight