I get a lot of questions from travellers asking about my #1 ‘thing to do’ or ‘place to see’ in Tasmania.
Cradle Mountain? Nope. Freycinet? Try again. Gordon River? Not even close.
It might come as a bit of a surprise, but Maria Island is my absolute favourite place in all of Tasmania!
And the best way to experience this natural wonder?
A tour with Maria Island Cruises!
There aren’t many places left in the world that are anything like Maria Island.
Less than 10km off Tasmania’s sunny east coast, this island is a paradise for anyone in search of nature, relaxation, and some absolutely fascinating aboriginal and colonial history.
Oh… and how could I forget the wombats?!!
You wouldn’t believe how many of these cute little Tassie critters slowly graze their way across the island – and while you don’t want to disturb them by getting too close, they are very comfortable with you keeping a respectful distance and taking a heap of awesome photos.
Sheltered little beaches are dotted along its coastline, and the network of walking trails will take you to some beautiful locations with a minimum of effort.
For many travellers, this land-based adventure is enough. But to to take your Maria Island experience to the next level you have got to take a look at a cruise with Maria Island Cruises!
Special Offer for Lappers!
Use the LAPOFTAS code when booking your exciting day on the water with Maria Island Cruises and receive 10% OFF your ticket price!
Maria Island Cruises has four sensational tours to choose from.
Their two flagship full-day tours provide a cruise in the morning, followed by an afternoon dedicated to exploring Maria Island by foot. These tours run Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, alternating between tours each day.
Their two half-day cruise options are fantastic if you are tight for time, and can’t afford a full day out. Running for 3.5hrs, these cruises are provided on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
- Maria Island + Circumnavigation Day Tour – Departs 9am and returns 4:30pm
- Enjoy a full loop around Maria Island by boat
- See waterfalls, secluded bays, golden beaches and atmospheric sea caves
- Anchor off the sandy ‘neck’ for a lunch with one of the best views in Tasmania
- Spend the afternoon seeing the Painted Cliffs, local wildlife, Probation Station, and other natural attractions by yourself on foot, or enjoy a guided tour of Darlington and soak up its rich history
- Maria Island + Ile Des Phoques Day Tour – Departs 9am and returns 4:30pm
- Cruise beyond the northern tip of Maria Island to the legendary ‘Ile des Phoques’ or ‘Island of the Seals’
- Sea an abundance of sea life on its rugged coastline – Australian fur seals, dolphins, and even whales at the right time of year!
- Cruise inside one of the biggest granite sea caves in Tasmania
- Lunch will be at anchor in the sheltered waters of Booming Bay
- Either stretch your legs at your own pace in the afternoon, or take a tour of the old convict ruins
- Maria Island Half-Day Cruise #1 – Thursdays and Fridays – Departs 10:30am and returns at 2pm
- This cruise takes you to the sweeping curves of Riedle Bay, on the east coast of Maria Island
- Explore the famous Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs
- BYO lunch and snacks – soft drinks, beer, wine and ice creams are available for purchase onboard
- Maria Island Half-Day Cruise #2 – Saturdays – Departs 10:30am and returns at 2pm
- Visit the jewel in Tasmania’s maritime wilderness crown, Ile Des Phoques
- Float alongside playful young Australian Fur Seals and explore the giant Rainbow Sea Caves, spending over 1hr at the island
- See the famous Fossil Cliffs and Painted Cliffs from the water
- BYO lunch and snacks – soft drinks, beer, wine and ice creams are available for purchase on board
All cruises depart from the wharf at Triabunna.
If you are travelling from Hobart I recommend allowing 1.5 hours by car.
Don’t have a car, or prefer not to worry about driving? Not a problem! Maria Island Cruises also have a shuttle bus option that you can book with your tour tickets.
The shuttle bus departs Hobart in the morning at around 7am, getting you to Triabunna right on time and with the reassurance that the cruise won’t leave without you. Your return trip is also included, dropping you back in Hobart just after 6pm.
This was the highlight of our Tassie trip.
The close-up scenery as we circumnavigated Maria Island was breathtaking. The knowledgeable and entertaining commentary showed the passion that Mike has for his environment. Nothing was too much trouble for the team!
– Michael (TripAdvisor)
Mike and the team have been helping visitors to Tasmania to experience Maria Island and its gorgeous surrounds since 2006, and it won’t take long for you to see just how passionate they are to share this pristine corner of Tasmania with you.
They always put their guests first, and have been consistently rated as Hobart’s #1 tour on TripAdvisor for 5 straight years!
Seriously, this is one of the most memorable, life-changing tours you will experience anywhere in the world and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Click on the link below to check their prices, learn more about each of the tours, and to see exactly why this is my absolute favourite place in Tasmania!
10% OFF – Discount Code: LAPOFTAS