It’s hard to put the magic of Maria Island into words. Just an hour’s drive east from Hobart plus a 30 minute ferry ride, this otherworldly island keeps its own time, far from the demands of modern life.

As soon as you step off the Ferry you’ll notice the quietness, the wildness, the sense of history. There are no vehicles here but plenty of traffic; Maria Island is home to vast numbers of wombats, wallabies, Cape Barren Geese and Tasmanian Devils that wander freely around their Island home.

Explore the world heritage listed Darlington settlement, a beautifully preserved probationary convict camp that’s considered the best in the world.

Walk to one of Tasmania's most striking natural formations, the Painted Cliffs, where ancient sandstone is streaked with swirling patterns of orange, red, and yellow. A reasonably easy 4.5km round trip hike with big views and an up-close look at one of Tasmania's most photographed coastlines.

The Fossil Cliffs circuit is an easy 4.5km loop, crossing windswept hills on the island's western side to reach cliffs packed with 300 million year old marine fossils. The fossils are embedded right in the rock face – brachiopods, corals, and crinoids from a time when this part of Tasmania sat beneath a shallow inland sea. Clear days bring sweeping views across to the Freycinet Peninsula.

Along the way there's time to explore rockpools, spot wildlife, and be reminded that the best way to experience a place like this is on foot, with eyes open and a light footprint on a landscape worth protecting. Our guides lead every step of the way with that same respect - for the island, its wildlife, and the wild places that make Tasmania extraordinary.

This tour returns to Hobart around 5:00 PM