If you’re dreaming of seeing Tasmania’s East Coast in a way that’s both exhilarating and relaxed, this scenic flight experience might be just what you need. Offered by Par Avion Wilderness Tours, it’s a three-hour adventure that combines breathtaking aerial views, wildlife encounters, and some seriously good local food. While I haven’t done this exact tour myself, after reading through the reviews and tour details, I can tell you it’s designed for those who want to see a lot in a short time and enjoy a touch of luxury along the way.
What really caught my eye is the chance to fly over Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay, one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, from above. Plus, landing on Maria Island to explore its natural beauty and wildlife sounds pretty special. The other standout feature? The delicious local Tasmanian produce included in the lunch—they even serve Tasmanian wine, which is a nice touch. But, a small consideration is that the tour is weather-dependent and might not run in poor conditions. This experience is best suited for adventurers who love stunning scenery, wildlife, and a bit of comfort combined.
- Key Points
- Why You Might Want to Go
- The Itinerary: A Day in the Sky and on the Ground
- The Wildlife Encounters and What They Mean
- The Food and Drink
- The Experience: Balance of Comfort and Adventure
- How to Make the Most of Your Trip
- Is It Worth the Price?
- Who Will Love This Tour?
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Key Points
- Spectacular views of Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay from above
- Close encounters with native wildlife like wombats, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils
- Gourmet lunch featuring local Tasmanian produce and wine
- Short, 3-hour tour perfect for those with limited time
- Weather dependent, so flexible plans are recommended
- Family-friendly, but not suitable for people with mobility issues
Why You Might Want to Go
This scenic flight is really about witnessing Tasmania’s natural beauty without the hassle of hiking or driving. We loved the way the aerial perspective of Wineglass Bay makes it look even more dramatic, with its pristine white sands contrasting sharply against the pink granite mountains. The flight’s pilot and guide are praised for their knowledgeable commentary, enhancing the experience with interesting facts about the area’s geology, wildlife, and history.
Landing on Maria Island opens up a different kind of experience—one that feels like stepping into a wildlife sanctuary. You’ll have roughly 1.5 hours on the island, during which you can enjoy lunch and wander around. It’s a quiet place with untouched beaches, and the chance to see endangered species like the Swift Parrot and Cape Barron Goose, along with wombats, kangaroos, and wallabies. Several reviews highlight how friendly and approachable the wildlife is, often used to human presence, which makes for some great photo opportunities.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hobart.
The Itinerary: A Day in the Sky and on the Ground
The tour departs daily from Cambridge Aerodrome, about a 20-minute drive from Hobart, which is a convenient starting point. Once aboard, the adventure begins with a flight towards the Freycinet Peninsula, renowned for its dramatic pink granite mountains. As you fly over, you’ll get the chance to photograph the iconic Wineglass Bay from above—a view many travelers say is unforgettable. The scale and beauty of this spot are often described as more impressive seen from the air than from land.
Next, you’ll fly over the seal colony of Ile Des Phoques, adding a marine wildlife element to the flight. Then, it’s on to Maria Island, a place praised for its tranquility, rugged scenery, and abundant wildlife. Landing here gives you about 90 minutes to enjoy a gourmet lunch, thoughtfully prepared with local ingredients. The included wine is a nice bonus, elevating the experience from simple sightseeing to a taste of Tasmania’s best.
On Maria Island, the scenery is just as captivating as from the sky. Expect views of Mt Maria and the Bishop and Clerk peaks, along with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. The island’s natural beauty is complemented by the chance to see wombats, kangaroos, and other native animals up close. Many reviewers have said that the wildlife seems used to human visitors, making interactions more natural and enjoyable.
The Wildlife Encounters and What They Mean
Interacting with wildlife without fences is a highlight for many. Reviewers note that animals like wombats, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils are often close to the airstrip, giving you an authentic experience. One guest mentioned being in “wombat heaven”, highlighting how accessible and friendly these creatures are on Maria Island.
The chance to see endangered species, as well as common native animals, adds a layer of excitement for nature lovers. The guided narration often includes details about these species, making the wildlife encounters both fun and educational.
The Food and Drink
The gourmet lunch is a highlight for many travelers, with reviews praising the careful preparation and quality of the food. It’s not just a basic pack; it’s thoughtfully crafted, offering a genuine taste of Tasmania’s local produce. The inclusion of Tasmanian wine elevates the experience and allows you to indulge in regional flavors. Several reviews mention how the lunch exceeded expectations, making the overall value feel even higher.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Experience: Balance of Comfort and Adventure
The aircraft used for this tour is a small, six-seat plane, which means a more intimate experience and better views. Pilots are described as friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating—some even engaging with children, making it a family-friendly environment if traveling with kids over a certain age.
The three-hour duration is just enough to cover the highlights without feeling rushed. Since the tour is weather-dependent, it’s worth planning with some flexibility. Good weather means clear skies and stunning views, but if the weather is off, the experience might be less spectacular or could be canceled, as indicated in the tour info.
How to Make the Most of Your Trip
To maximize your experience, consider booking on a clear day, especially if you’re eager to get those incredible photos of Wineglass Bay. Arriving a little early at Cambridge Aerodrome allows you to settle in and chat with the friendly staff before takeoff.
Bring comfortable shoes for exploring Maria Island—though most of your time is on the move, there’s plenty of opportunity for short walks and wildlife spotting. Remember that the tour includes a national park pass, but it’s not included in the price, so factor that into your budget.
If you’re traveling with children, they should be able to handle a small aircraft ride comfortably and be supervised at all times. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, mainly due to the aircraft and walking involved on the island.
Is It Worth the Price?
Considering the price includes a scenic flight, a gourmet lunch, Tasmanian wine, and wildlife encounters, many reviews point out that it’s a good value. The views alone are worth it, but the added experience of landing on Maria Island and interacting with wildlife makes it a well-rounded adventure.
It’s also a great way to see Tasmania’s stunning coast and wildlife in a condensed window of time, perfect for travelers who want a taste of everything without committing to multi-day excursions.
Wineglass Bay and Maria Island Scenic Flight Experience
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is ideal for nature lovers and scenery enthusiasts who enjoy a bit of luxury and comfort. It’s perfect for those interested in wildlife, photography, or simply wanting to see Tasmania’s east coast from a truly unique perspective. Families with older children who enjoy wildlife and scenic flights will also find it engaging. However, if you have mobility issues or prefer land-based tours, this might not be the best fit.
The Wineglass Bay and Maria Island Scenic Flight is a solid choice for travelers looking to combine adventure, wildlife, and gourmet food into a short but memorable experience. The flight offers an eye-opening perspective of Tasmania’s natural beauty, while the landing on Maria Island lets you connect with the wildlife and scenery on a more personal level.
Many reviews highlight the professionalism of the pilots and tour guides, as well as the high quality of the included lunch and wine. While weather can impact the experience, when conditions cooperate, it’s a truly special way to see Tasmania’s east coast in a single, captivating flight.
If you’re after a balanced mix of aerial sightseeing, wildlife, and local flavors, and don’t mind a brief flight, this tour offers excellent value and unforgettable views. Just be sure to check the weather forecast and book with some flexibility—and prepare for a trip that’s as scenic as it is relaxing.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children can enjoy the tour if they’re comfortable in a small aircraft and are supervised. Kids aged around 9 and older, as mentioned in reviews, have participated happily, but not suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking on Maria Island are recommended. Bring a camera for photos, and dress according to the weather—layers are often helpful given Tasmania’s changeable climate.
How long is the total experience?
The entire tour lasts about 3 hours, including the flight, landing, exploration, lunch, and return flight.
Is the tour weather dependent?
Yes, it’s weather-dependent. Poor conditions can lead to cancellations or rescheduling, so flexibility in your plans is advised.
What is included in the price?
The price covers the scenic flight, a gourmet lunch made from Tasmanian produce, and Tasmanian wine. A national park pass is necessary but not included.
Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot without immediate payment and pay later, offering some flexibility if your plans change.
Are there any special considerations for the wildlife encounters?
The animals on Maria Island are used to humans, providing natural interactions. However, it’s important to follow guidelines to respect their space and safety.
If you’re after a beautiful, comprehensive way to see Tasmania’s coast and wildlife, this flight experience offers a memorable blend of scenery, adventure, and local flavor. Just remember to keep an eye on the weather forecast and be ready for some spectacular views—and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
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