DESCRIPTION
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! 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. We have time to cover the main highlights 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. Many cultures have once been to the island, including the Tyreddeme Aboriginals, Dutch, English, French and Italians. The island has been home to explorers, whalers, sealers, convicts, fishermen, farmers and industrialists. The World Heritage listed Darlington settlement is beautifully preserved and is one of the best examples of Probation Convict Settlements in the world.
The Darlington convict settlement pre-dates the more widely known Port Arthur. The island was declared a National Park in 1972. 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. 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.
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. 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
Note
PLEASE NOTE: This is a seasonal product and only operates between December – April
Inclusions
- Return boat cruise to Maria Island
- National Parks Entrance Fees
- Professionally guided and interpreted walks
- CBD Hotel/Hostel pick up and drop off
Exclusions
- Meals are not included
Highlights
- Explore Maria Island National Park (6hrs)
- Boat cruise to island (30 mins each way)
- Painted Cliffs Walk
- Fossil Cliffs Walk
- Discover geological history amongst fossils
- Darlington World Heritage Convict Site
- Amazing abundant wildlife
Time
- Tour departs Hobart Mondays and Thursdays (1st Dec – 30 April only) at 7.30am (7.00am to 7.30am depending on your location)
- Returning to your accommodation approximately 7.00pm
Hotel Pickup
If you have booked a hotel
- Prior to completing your purchase, enter your hotel name in the ‘Add Booking Notes’ section of the shopping cart. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation tour voucher with complete tour operator details. You will be required to contact the tour operator a minimum of 48hrs prior to your day of travel to reconfirm your hotel pick up time
If you have not yet booked a hotel
- If you have not yet booked a hotel, enter the words ‘hotel not known’ in the ‘Add Booking Notes’ section of the shopping cart. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation tour voucher with complete tour operator details. You will be required to contact the tour operator a minimum of 48hrs prior to your day of travel to reconfirm your hotel pick up time
If you do not require a hotel pick up
- If you do not require a hotel pick up and will be meeting the tour at the tour departure point, enter the words ‘not required’ in the ‘Add Booking Notes’ section of the shopping cart. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation tour voucher with complete tour operator details. You will be required to contact the tour operator a minimum of 48hrs prior to your day of travel to reconfirm your tour. Tour departure point is listed above and on your confirmation tour voucher
What To Bring
- Sensible shoes for walking
- A variety of warm clothing, beanie/hat/gloves
- Weatherproof jacket if possible
- Hat/Sunscreen
- Water Bottle, Snacks, Lunch (or buy it on the day)
- Camera
Booking Information
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! – Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Cruise vessel subject to change without notice
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
