Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island Cruise and Walk Day Tour with Lunch

About this tour

Eight-hour day tour combining a 4-hour cruise around Maria Island with a 2-hour guided walk through the Darlington convict settlement. Departing from Triabunna (90 minutes south of Hobart), you'll spot seals, dolphins, wombats, kangaroos and migrating whales from the water, then explore UNESCO-listed ruins on foot. The vessel carries maximum 28 passengers, keeping groups intimate. Lunch, drinks and commentary from marine scientists are included. Shuttle buses run from central Hobart if needed.

Highlights

• Seal colonies at Ile Des Phoques from purpose-built research vessel
• Painted Cliffs and Fossil Cliffs geological formations
• Darlington convict settlement ruins and walkthrough history
• Tasmanian wildlife: dolphins, wombats, kangaroos, eagles, albatross
• Local Pinot Noir and premium lager with lunch onboard
• Giant sea caves and granite coastline
• Whale sightings during migration season

What to expect

You'll board at Triabunna harbour and spend four hours cruising Maria Island's perimeter with a marine scientist guide providing live commentary. The vessel is enclosed and weatherproof with toilet facilities onboard. Seasickness aids are available if needed. After returning to shore, you walk through Darlington, a former convict probation station with substantial stone structures and gardens. The 2-hour island stay lets you explore at your own pace. Lunch is served aboard with local wine or lager included. Weather may force the cruise to circle Maria Island rather than reach Ile Des Phoques, but refunds apply only if tours cancel entirely.

Good to know

Waterproof jackets provided onboard. Groups capped at 28 people. Shuttle departs from Brooke Street Pier, Hobart—book the Tour + Bus option for transfers. Tours require minimum passenger numbers and depend on weather. Prams and strollers work onboard; service animals welcome.