From Triabunna: Maria Island Cruise & Guided Walk with Lunch

Thinking about exploring Tasmania’s stunning coastlines and its iconic wildlife? This tour offers a full-day adventure that combines a scenic cruise, wildlife spotting, and a walk through history on Maria Island. If you’re after a taste of Australia’s natural beauty and some fascinating stories about its past, this experience might be just what you’re looking for.

What really draws us to this tour are the knowledgeable guides who seem to make every detail come alive, and the spectacular scenery you get to see from the water and on land. Plus, the inclusion of a delicious on-board lunch makes it feel like a well-rounded day out.

However, a potential consideration is that the tour involves a fair amount of boat cruising, which means if you’re prone to seasickness, you might want to prep accordingly or consider whether the weather might impact your experience.

This tour appears well-suited for those who love wildlife, geology, and history—perfect for nature lovers and curious travelers eager to get a broad sense of Tasmania’s coast.

Key Points

• Expert guides provide engaging commentary on wildlife, geology, and history
• The scenic cruise offers stunning views of cliffs, waterfalls, and sea caves
• You’ll have the chance to spot wombats, dolphins, seals, and more in their natural habitat
• The onboard lunch is tasty and provides a relaxing break in a remote bay
• The guided walk through Darlington reveals convict history and local wildlife
• Weather can influence the experience, but the crew is well-prepared to keep guests comfortable

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the Experience

This tour offers a comprehensive way to see Tasmania’s Maria Island and surrounding waters. While we haven’t taken it ourselves, the reviews suggest it provides a really balanced mix of scenery, wildlife, and history—something for all who appreciates the outdoors.

What’s especially appealing is how it combines a guided cruise with on-land explorations. You’re not just observing from afar; you get to see the iconic wildlife like wombats, kangaroos, fur seals, and dolphins in their natural environment. And the expert commentary from guides and crew adds a layer of depth that makes the day educational and memorable.

One of the standout features is the lunch in a remote bay—a chance to relax and soak in the views while enjoying a tasty meal. Plus, the cruise takes you past geological marvels, waterfalls fed by mountain streams, and impressive sea caves, making it a visually stunning journey. The guided walk in Darlington, a UNESCO-listed convict settlement, is an added bonus if you’re into history or want to see some of the island’s unique wildlife, like wombats.

But it’s worth noting that boat rides can be a mixed bag if you’re sensitive to seasickness, and the weather can sometimes be less than ideal, though the crew seems adept at handling this. Given the full-day format, it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a bit of boat time and eager to experience Tasmania’s diverse landscapes.

What to Expect on the Day

Meeting and Departure

You’ll meet your guides at the café in Triabunna early in the morning—check-in is around 8:30-8:45 AM. The café opens early, so you can grab a coffee or breakfast beforehand. Parking behind the café is secure and all-day, making it easy to settle in without worries.

The Cruise Begins

Once on board, you’ll set off on a scenic cruise across calm waters that quickly reveal some of Tasmania’s highlights. As the boat moves along, expect to see geological formations, mountain-fed waterfalls, secluded bays, and towering sea caves. The crew provides informative commentary about these features, adding context to the breathtaking scenery.

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Wildlife Watching

One of the tour’s biggest draws is the chance to spot wildlife in the wild. Many guests have reported seeing dolphins swimming alongside the boat, fur seals lounging on rocks, and even whales during the right season. Wombats, which are surprisingly elusive in the wild, are often found during the walk on Maria Island, and reviews rave about how easy it is to see them close-up. Kangaroos, wallabies, and Cape Barren geese are also common sights, providing excellent photo opportunities.

Lunch in a Remote Bay

Midway through the cruise, you’ll anchor in a pristine bay for a well-deserved lunch. The menu is typically a buffet-style offering, and reviews mention delicious, tasty food that exceeds expectations. Some guests note the inclusion of snacks and beverages, making it a comfortable, relaxed break with stunning views all around.

Exploring Maria Island

After lunch, you’ll dock at Maria Island. The island itself is a highlight—famous for its spectacular geology, wildlife, and historic sites. If you choose the guided walk, you’ll visit the Darlington Probation Station, a UNESCO-listed site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s convict past.

Many reviews mention how friendly and knowledgeable the guides are, sharing stories and asking questions that make everyone feel engaged. The walk doesn’t have to be strenuous, but it’s enough to take in the historic buildings, the resident wombats, and the scenic vistas.

Optional Activities

Not everyone opts for the walk; some simply enjoy sunbathing on the white sandy beaches or snorkeling in the marine reserve. The waters are clear and teeming with marine life, giving water lovers ample opportunity to cool off or explore underwater.

Return Journey

The boat ride back offers another chance to spot more wildlife and enjoy the geological wonders as the day winds down. Many guests highlight the friendly, attentive crew, who ensure everyone stays comfortable, especially if the seas get a little choppier on the return leg.

The Experience From the Reviews

Many travelers have shared glowing comments about the knowledge and friendliness of the guides and crew. The captain, Michael, and Olivia, the hostess, are repeatedly praised for their caring attitude and expertise. This personal touch really enhances the trip, making it feel less like a tour and more like a day spent with friends who happen to know a lot about the area.

Further, the wildlife sightings seem to be a consistent highlight. One reviewer pointed out they saw flying fish, seals, whales, and even a wedge-tailed eagle—all in one day! The chance to see dolphins swimming past or seals basking on rocks is what keeps many coming back for more.

The geology of the coastline also receives high praise, with guests mentioning how fascinating the sea caves, cliffs, and limestone formations are. A geologist or someone with a keen interest in rocks will find plenty to marvel at.

The lunch often receives mention for being a highlight—generous, tasty, and well-presented. Some guests note that the vegetarian options are simple salads, but overall, the food is appreciated as part of the full-day experience.

Practical Details

• The tour lasts a full day, typically starting early around 8:30-8:45 AM, and includes a cruise, land walk, and time on Maria Island.
• The group size tends to be moderate, allowing for personalized attention from guides.
• The price covers transport, the guided tour, and lunch, which many reviewers agree is good value considering the scope of the experience.
• Weather can impact the cruise, especially if seas are rough, but the crew is experienced in managing safety and comfort.
• Be sure to bring comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a sun hat—Tasmania’s weather can change quickly.
• The tour is run in English, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, adding flexibility to your plans.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This?

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a history buff, or someone simply eager to see Tasmania’s coast from a different perspective, this tour offers plenty to love. The expert commentary, combined with the chance to spot sea creatures and wombats in their natural environment, makes it a memorable outing. Plus, the onboard lunch and relaxed pace mean you won’t feel rushed or hungry.

It’s ideal for travelers who don’t mind a boat ride and enjoy a well-organized, informative day. If you’re concerned about seasickness, it’s worth considering the weather forecast or bringing medication.

The experience shines most for those who want to connect with nature, learn a bit about Tasmania’s history, and enjoy excellent guides and crew. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this trip offers a balanced, engaging way to deepen your understanding of the island and its marine life.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally suitable for most ages, children should be comfortable on a boat ride and enjoy light walking. The scenic cruise is family-friendly, but check with the provider if you have very young children.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking, warm clothing for the boat and land, and a sun hat. Snacks or extra drinks are optional, though the tour provides food and beverages.

How long is the cruise?
The entire day lasts approximately 8-9 hours, including the cruise, land walk, and free time on Maria Island.

What wildlife might I see?
Expect to see wombats, kangaroos, fur seals, dolphins, and possibly whales during certain seasons. Birdwatchers might see albatrosses and eagles too.

Is there an option to swim or snorkel?
Yes, some guests choose to snorkel in the waters of the marine reserve, and there’s also time to swim and sunbathe at Maria Island.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The crew is experienced at managing safety, and if weather conditions are unsafe, the itinerary may be modified. You might spend more time taking in the views from the boat or enjoying the land-based parts of the tour.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans shift.

Is the lunch suitable for vegetarians?
Vegetarian options are generally available, typically salads. Some guests found the salad to be a bit light, so consider bringing extra snacks if needed.

How many people are usually on the tour?
Group sizes tend to be moderate, fostering a comfortable experience without feeling crowded.

In the end, this tour is a well-loved choice for those wanting to see Tasmania’s wildlife and geology from the water and land in a single day. It’s a chance to learn, explore, and relax, all while enjoying some of the most striking scenery the island has to offer.

You can check availability for your dates here: