Maria Island: Wildlife Cruise & Guided Walk with Lunch

Summary

Maria Island’s wild coast, local wildlife and convict echoes with lunch in a quiet bay

You’ll cruise along Maria Island’s wild coast spotting seals and maybe dolphins before stepping onto land for a guided walk through convict ruins dotted with wombats and kangaroos. Lunch is served at anchor in a peaceful bay with local wine or beer included. This tour feels personal—stories from guides, laughter over cake—and leaves you quietly changed by Tasmania’s wildness.

What’s the experience like?

“You never really know what the sea will show you,” our skipper said as we left Triabunna’s little dock, and I could hear the grin in his voice even though he was busy steering. The boat engine hummed under my feet and the air tasted like salt — not sharp, just enough to notice. I kept peeking at the water for dolphins (I’m always too hopeful about these things), but instead it was seals first, flopped on rocks like they owned the place. Someone pointed out an eagle circling above — I missed it, distracted by the way sunlight cut through the clouds onto Maria Island ahead.

Landing on Maria Island felt like stepping into a different pace of life. Our guide, Sarah, had this calm way of telling stories about the old convict settlement — she showed us where prisoners used to sleep (the stone was cold if you touched it) and told us how wombats just wander around now like they run the show. We actually saw three of them munching grass near the old buildings. One looked up at me for a second — not scared at all — and I swear that’s when I finally relaxed into being there. The wind smelled faintly sweet from some kind of flowering bush I couldn’t name.

Lunch was simple but honestly hit the spot — salad bowls from their café, eaten right on deck while anchored in a quiet bay. I picked smoked salmon and tried a glass of Darlington Riesling (they just hand it to you with your meal). There was cake after, too. The conversation drifted between people at my table: someone from Melbourne who’d never seen a wallaby before, Sarah laughing about how Tasmanian devils sometimes steal shoes if you leave them out overnight (not sure if she was joking). It felt easy to just sit there watching blue water and cliffs instead of checking my phone for once.

On the way back to Triabunna, I stood outside for most of it even though my hair got completely tangled. The air felt colder but cleaner somehow. If you’re thinking about a day trip to Maria Island from Hobart or nearby, don’t overthink it — just go with whoever’s running this cruise & walk thing. It’s not fancy or anything; it’s just real Tasmania — animals doing their thing, people sharing stories over lunch in the wind. I still think about that view coming back toward shore, sunlight flickering off the waves.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Maria Island cruise and guided walk

• Depart from Triabunna
• Enjoy 4-hour scenic cruise
• Have lunch on boat at anchor
• Take 2-hour guided walk on island
• View native wildlife and convict history

Top questions

How long is the Maria Island cruise & guided walk tour?

The tour includes a 4-hour scenic cruise plus 2 hours on Maria Island itself.

Is lunch included on the Maria Island day trip?

Yes, lunch is provided onboard as salad bowls from their café with drinks included.

Can I get picked up from Hobart for this tour?

Yes, there is a free shuttle bus available from Hobart if you choose that option when booking.

What wildlife might I see on Maria Island?

You may see wombats, kangaroos, wallabies, seals, dolphins, eagles, geese and during migration season possibly whales.

Are drinks included during lunch?

A complimentary single serve of local wine or Tasmanian lager is included during lunch; additional drinks can be purchased.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, it’s perfect for families and children are welcome aboard.

How far is Triabunna from Hobart?

The departure point at Triabunna is about 1 hour and 15 minutes’ drive from Hobart.

What should I wear or bring for this tour?

Dress warmly with layers; waterproof jackets are available onboard if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by shuttle bus from Hobart if needed, all landing fees for Maria Island, morning tea or coffee served alongside seal viewing on deck, a four-hour scenic cruise with live commentary by your guide or skipper (who are genuinely friendly), two hours exploring Darlington’s convict settlement on foot with plenty of time to spot native animals like wombats and kangaroos up close—plus your choice of salad bowl lunch onboard in a sheltered bay with local wine or beer included and extra snacks like cake or soft drinks along the way before returning to Triabunna by late afternoon.