Hobart: Maria Island National Park, Nature & Wildlife active tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 42 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hobart: Maria Island National Park, Nature & Wildlife active tour worth booking?
Hobart: Maria Island National Park, Nature & Wildlife active tour is a 10-hour experience in Hobart, Australia, from $165 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 42 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (42)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $165 per person
Maria Island is a National Park off the East Coast of Tasmania. The only permanent residents are the abundant wildlife. There are no cars or buses, and we explore this wild island on foot. Following a series of trails, e
What you get
About this experience
Maria Island is a National Park off the East Coast of Tasmania. The only permanent residents are the abundant wildlife. There are no cars or buses, and we explore this wild island on foot. Following a series of trails, expect at least 10km of hiking across this day. We hike to the Painted Cliffs, beautiful sandstone sculpted and stained into swirling patterns by millennia of tidal action. We continue our hike to the Fossil Cliffs, which drop sheer to the ocean, their faces packed with ancient marine life and with sweeping views across to the Freycinet Peninsula. We explore Darlington, one of the world's best preserved convict probation settlements, predating Port Arthur and every bit as compelling. • Explore Maria Island National Park on our active day tour • Hike to the Painted Cliffs and explore the unusual rock formations, hike to the Fossil Cliffs and discover the geological history in the exposed fossils • Discover the convict history at the Darlington World Heritage convict site
What's included
Included
- National Park entrance fees
- Professional guides and guided walks
- Small groups, maximum 15 guests
- Return Ferry crossing fee
Not included
- Food and drinks (Bring your own lunch/snacks/water bottles, there are no shops on Maria Island))
- No luggage on board, only your day pack
- No airport drop offs
- Children under 8 years.
What you'll see and do
Triabunna
Maria Island is a special place, rewarding those that visit with World Heritage convict history, abundant wildlife, spectacular coastal cliffs, and deserted beaches. Boasting a diverse range of highlights, our active day tour takes it all in! Maria Island is just a 30 minute ferry ride from Triabunna, but it feels like a world away.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. An island, off an island, off an island!
60 minutes here
Maria Island National Park
This is a tour for the active traveller who is keen to walk and enjoy this unique island. There are no cars on Maria Island and the only way across is on the passenger ferry. The main highlights are the Painted Cliffs, the Fossil Cliffs, and of course the wildlife, history and amazing scenery. Maria Island has a fascinating history, which our tour guides will share with you as walk the trails. The World Heritage listed Darlington settlement is beautifully preserved. The Darlington convict settlement pre-dates the more widely known Port Arthur. The island was declared a National Park in 1972.
240 minutes here · Admission included
We enjoy a series of easy-moderate walks exploring the history and the main highlights of the island. Setting out on foot we have 2 main walking trails for the day, covering a total distance of almost 10 kilometers. From Darlington we walk the Fossil Cliffs trail and return. The Fossil Cliffs walk, takes us to amazing cliffs that drop sheer into the ocean. The views from the top are sensational. Even the non-avid geological fan, will be fascinated by the sheer abundance of the various shell fossils exposed in the cliff face. It offers a fascinating insight into the past environments of Maria Island along with expansive views of the Freycinet Peninsula.
120 minutes here
Then we walk the Painted Cliffs trail and return. The walk to the Painted Cliffs is gentle, mostly flat and leads us to Hopground Beach with the Painted Cliffs at the far end. We have plenty of time to explore the cliffs, photograph the unique features, and discover the many rock pools and beautiful nature in the area.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Maria Island
The island is a haven for wildlife, and one of the best places in Australia for viewing wombats, Tasmanian Devils, Cape Barren geese, kangaroos and wallabies. The bird life is also an attraction with 125 species including all of Tasmania’s endemics including the endangered Forty-spotted pardalote and Swift parrot. 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. While on the island, you have an opportunity to swim, photograph, observe the wildlife, and soak up the island life as Maria works its magic on you. Join us on this day of discovery rich in environmental and cultural history, the perfect island playground for an adventurous day out. Maria Island is a special wild island accessible by boat. There are no cars, shops, charging stations for devices etc. Facilities are limited.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Hobart
Meeting Point: Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre - 20 Davey Street, Hobart * 01 October - 30 April (SUMMER) Meet time is 6.40 AM * 01 May - 30 September (WINTER) Meet time is 7.55 AM Please be ready 5 minutes early. We can NOT wait for late passengers due to connecting with the Ferry.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Meeting Point: Tasmanian Travel & Information Centre - 20 Davey Street, Hobart * 01 October - 30 April (SUMMER) Meet time is 6.40 AM * 01 May - 30 September (WINTER) Meet time is 7.55 AM Please be ready 5 minutes early. We can NOT wait for late passengers due to connecting with the Ferry.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tours Tasmania
Know before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age to participate in tour is 8 years
- This is an active tour. A suitable level of general health & fitness and physical abilities is essential
- We provide accurate interpretation, and keep wildlife disturbance to a minimum by viewing from appropriate distances and informing our guests how to view wildlife with patience and respect. Activities are always confined to tracks and boardwalks to minimize negative impacts.
- We depart Hobart promptly . If you are late we can not wait. It is very important to be on time for your pickup, as we have a time line to keep to ensure we do not miss our ferry to Maria Island. We have very limited capacity to wait for late passengers and we may have to make the unfortunate decision to depart without you! If you have any concerns about your pick up - our phone line is open at 6.30am, please call us promptly on 03 6231 5390.
- There are no shops on Maria, and limited drinking water, so make sure you bring enough water and food for your day out. There will be a brief stop on the way to the Ferry for some last minute food purchases - sandwiches/rolls etc. And there is normally a chance to buy some takeaway food on the return trip back to Hobart.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 42 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
42 verified traveler reviews for Hobart: Maria Island National Park, Nature & Wildlife active tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing
Yesterday’s tour on Maria Island was amazing The guides were so friendly and full of knowledge, we learned a lot and saw so many animals! The walks were beautiful, the timing was perfect… everything was just perfect. Thank you!
via Tripadvisor
A lot of walking but a...
A lot of walking but a great experience: wallabies, kangaroo, wombats, pademelons and a host of different birds. Guided by Heather from Tours Tasmania who was just the right level of informative, and a terrific guide. She also drove the bus smoothly and safely. Fossil Cliffs, Painted Cliffs and wombats were the highlights. Boat crossing was smooth (for us) and swift. Very enjoyable day - thank you Heather. Recommended trip
via Viator
Beautiful Maria Island but the tour guide ?
Maria Island is beautiful and we saw of wild animals such as wombats, wallabies, paddlymellon and beautiful landscapes. In the other reviews, people wrote that their walk were at a leisure pace and mostly flat surfaces on Maria Island. This was not our experience . We are couples in our 70s and we travelled to Africa, South America & Asia frequently. This day tour is one of the toughest we experienced. If you are 65+, read the fine print before signing up if this tour is suitable for you. We have a guide that is not helpful. He gave minimal information about the island & wild life. He started walking away before we had a chance to ask further questions . He looked annoyed if you asked him to repeat. He had no consideration and patience for slower walker. Starting from the walk from the pier to Painted Cliff, he was 1/2 mile ahead of us. We had to run to catch up. Afterwards, I asked if he could slow down a bit for us to catch up. His response was "NO & NO !" and if we could not catch up we should be on our own and wait for him at the pier. The walk was mostly upslope with a few flat surfaces. We were only allowed a 20 min lunch and bathroom break. During the break, he was hurrying us to go. We felt like we were in a boot camp. We felt rushed and stress the whole trip. We did not appreciated of how we were treated.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your experience, and we are genuinely sorry that you left the day feeling rushed and unsupported. That is never our intention. Maria Island is one of our most loved tours, and we are glad the island's beauty and wildlife came through for you. Our Maria Island tour covers 10-12 kilometres of walking over approx. five hours, and we do describe it as an active day tour suited to guests who are comfortable with that level of activity. When our guides sense that a guest is finding the pace difficult, they do have the option to offer an alternative, to sit out the second walk and relax in the beautiful Darlington area, and then rejoin us ready for departure. We understand this may not have felt like a welcome solution in the moment, and we are sorry if it came across that way. Our guides genuinely want every guest to enjoy their day, and they do need to ensure we walk at a pace that achieves the itinerary. We are truly sorry that the communication between you and our guide did not land as it should have on the day. We wish you many more wonderful adventures in your travels.
via Tripadvisor
Lovely island
Very picturesque, great tour guide, very tired from walking but definitely worth it
via Tripadvisor
The scenery is magical.
So, a long day, but worth it for the views. Some overseas visitors were more interested in the wildlife, wombats, echidnas, roos / wallabies / paddymelons, they got to see the lot. A fair bit of walking, as advertised, but at a leisurely pace. Good guide, good commentary, a good day.
Response from the operator: Thank you! Maria Island really is a special place. Ticking off wombats, echidnas, wallabies, roos and pademelons in one day is pretty hard to beat. We'll pass your kind words on to the guide. So glad it was worth the long day and we hope to see you out on the trails again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
- Price range
- $165 to $225
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 15
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Tours Tasmania, who run 12 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.4.
See everything Tours Tasmania runsWhy this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hobart: Maria Island National Park, Nature & Wildlife active tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hobart.
How much does Hobart: Maria Island National Park, Nature & Wildlife active tour cost?
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Prices start at $165 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hobart usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Hobart: Maria Island National Park, Nature & Wildlife active tour take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Hobart is not rushed.
Is Hobart: Maria Island National Park, Nature & Wildlife active tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 42 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Hobart, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hobart: Maria Island National Park, Nature & Wildlife active tour?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Hobart: Maria Island National Park, Nature & Wildlife active tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hobart: Maria Island National Park, Nature & Wildlife active tour?
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Around 15 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Hobart can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Hobart and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hobart: Maria Island National Park, Nature & Wildlife active tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Hobart within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Hobart?
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On Outty we rank every Hobart experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include kunanyi/Mt Wellington Explorer Bus- Return Tour (2.5 hours), Full-Day Guided Bruny Island Tour from Hobart, Maria Island Cruise and Guided Walk Day Tour with Lunch and Drinks. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Hobart?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Hobart?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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