Tasmania is a natural playground that offers more than just beautiful scenery—it’s a place where you can learn about wildlife, history, and rugged landscapes. What sets Tasmania apart for walking tours is the island’s diverse ecosystems and accessible trails that reveal stunning coastlines, dense forests, and iconic mountain views. For those interested in combining wildlife, history, and scenic exploration, the tours on this list deliver memorable experiences. We especially love the Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island Cruise and Walk Day Tour with Lunch for its multi-faceted approach—combining marine encounters with a walk through convict sites.
If you’re looking to explore Tasmania’s varied terrain, these three tours stand out. They cater to different interests—from wildlife aficionados and history buffs to mountain hikers—ensuring there’s something here for everyone.
Quick Overview
On this list, you’ll find two boat-based tours that include walking and wildlife viewing—Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island Cruise and Walk Day Tour with Lunch and From Triabunna: Maria Island Cruise & Guided Walk with Lunch. These tours are perfect for those who want to combine marine life, scenic landscapes, and convict history in one day.
The third option is a mountain-focused walk—From Hobart: Mt Wellington Morning Walking Tour—geared toward travelers eager to conquer a Tasmanian peak and enjoy panoramic views. Each offers a different way to experience Tasmania’s incredible outdoors.
1. Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island Cruise and Walk Day Tour with Lunch
At number one, this 8-hour tour combines a boat cruise around some of Tasmania’s most intriguing islands with guided walks and cultural insights. The journey begins with a scenic cruise to Ile Des Phoques, a small island home to Australian fur seals. Marine scientists onboard share stories about the local ecosystem, so you learn as you look for dolphins, whales, and albatross overhead. This makes the tour stand out—it’s both educational and exhilarating.
Afterward, you’ll visit Maria Island for a leisurely lunch aboard the boat, enjoying local wines and fresh food beside a white sandy beach. Post-lunch, a walk explores the island’s convict ruins in Darlington, where you can see preserved buildings from the penal colony era. The entire experience offers a blend of wildlife encounters, convict history, and coastal scenery. Reviewers rave about the smooth boat transfer and seeing seals, dolphins, and wombats—some even spot Tasmanian devils and quolls.
This tour is ideal for those who appreciate a full day of active exploration paired with expert commentary. The value is high considering the included lunch, boat cruise, and multiple wildlife sightings. It’s best suited for active travelers who don’t mind a boat ride and want a comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded tour perfect for nature lovers who want marine and land adventures plus a taste of Tasmanian history.
2. From Triabunna: Maria Island Cruise & Guided Walk with Lunch
Ranking just behind the first, this full-day tour takes you to Maria Island via a guided cruise, with the option to explore the island’s stunning scenery and wildlife. The cruise departs from Triabunna and offers chances to see dolphins, fur seals, wombats, and kangaroos, all while enjoying interpretive commentary. The boat trip itself is a highlight, providing panoramic views of the rugged coastline and sea caves.
Once on Maria Island, a guided walk showcases the island’s geology and natural wonders, including impressive waterfalls and towering sea caves. The highlight is walking through Darlington, a UNESCO-listed penal settlement, where the history of the island’s convict past comes alive through preserved buildings and interpretive signs. The tour includes a delicious onboard lunch, where you can unwind with local food and drink while soaking in the scenery.
Guests praise the tour for the knowledgeable guides and the seamless mix of wildlife, scenery, and history. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want a mix of guided discovery and free exploration—plus, the chance to see iconic Australian wildlife in their natural habitat.
Bottom Line: Great for those interested in a full, guided day with wildlife, geology, and convict history—all within Tasmania’s striking landscape.
3. From Hobart: Mt Wellington Morning Walking Tour
If mountain walks are your thing, the Mt Wellington Morning Walking Tour is a perfect choice. Starting early from Hobart, this 4-hour guided trek takes you beneath the Organ Pipes, a stunning formation of dolerite columns that look like giant musical instruments. The walk includes a manageable 90-minute round-trip ascent, with plenty of opportunities to marvel at the sheer cliffs and rugged terrain.
Reaching the summit at 1271 meters, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views over Hobart, the Southwest wilderness, and beyond. The guide shares insights about the area’s geology, plant life—including snow gums and wildflowers in season—and the local flora and fauna. The ascent is suited for reasonably fit travelers, and the walk is as much about soaking in the scenery as it is about physical activity.
Rated highly for its scenic beauty and the quality of the guide’s storytelling, this tour offers a more relaxed but immersive experience of Tasmania’s mountainous landscape. A highlight is inspecting the colorful bark of snow gums and hearing stories about the area’s natural history.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers who want a manageable walk with spectacular views and engaging local insights.
How to Choose
When deciding between these options, consider what excites you most. If wildlife, marine life, and a mix of history appeal, the first two tours (Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island and Maria Island cruise) are excellent picks, especially if you want to combine a boat trip with walking. They’re perfect for those who enjoy active days with plenty of wildlife sightings and historical sites.
For travelers focused on mountain scenery and a more relaxed walk, the Mt Wellington Morning Walking Tour offers a shorter, more accessible adventure with breathtaking views and natural formations.
Booking early is advisable for all these tours, especially during Tasmania’s peak seasons in spring and summer, when wildlife and outdoor activities are at their best.
Final Thoughts
Tasmania’s diversity makes it a fantastic destination for walking tours—whether you’re cruising with marine scientists, exploring convict ruins, or hiking mountain trails. The first two tours provide a wonderful combination of wildlife, history, and scenery, suited for active travelers and nature enthusiasts. The mountain walk offers a different perspective, with stunning panoramic views and a manageable pace for most fitness levels.
For a well-rounded experience, consider pairing a boat-based day with a mountain walk if your schedule allows. Whichever you choose, these tours promise authentic encounters with Tasmania’s landscapes and wildlife. Be sure to book early—these popular tours fill up fast, especially during Tasmania’s prime seasons.
Happy exploring!