Wineglass Bay and Maria Island Scenic Flight Experience

Experience the Best of Tasmania from Above and on the Ground

Imagine soaring over Freycinet National Park, with its iconic Wineglass Bay shimmering below, then touching down on the untouched Maria Island to explore lush beaches, rugged peaks, and abundant wildlife. This scenic flight tour costs around $329 per person, lasts about 3 hours, and is offered daily from Cambridge Aerodrome, just a quick drive from Hobart.

One of the things we love most about this experience is the aerial view of Wineglass Bay—a sight so stunning it’s hard to find a better vantage point. The flight also offers a rare opportunity to interact with native Australian wildlife up close, including wombats, kangaroos, and Tasmanian devils, without fences or barriers. And the chance to taste local Tasmanian produce during lunch, paired with premium wine, adds a gourmet touch that elevates the trip beyond just sightseeing.

The only thing you might want to consider is that this tour is weather dependent—clear skies make all the difference in delivering those spectacular views. If you’re keen on aerial scenery, wildlife, and food, this tour suits those who enjoy nature, photography, and a touch of adventure. It’s especially great for families and wildlife lovers, as evidenced by numerous reviews praising the friendly guides and personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Beautiful aerial views of Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay
• Close encounters with wildlife like wombats, wallabies, and Tasmanian devils
• Unique landing on Maria Island, with time to explore and enjoy a gourmet lunch
• Expert pilot commentary that enriches your understanding of the scenery and history
• Good value for the quality of experience, wildlife, and scenic beauty
• Weather dependent, so clear days are best for optimal views

A Closer Look at the Scenic Flight Experience

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Tasmania’s rugged coastlines and pristine nature, wrapped into a 3-hour package that feels just right. You’ll begin early from Cambridge Aerodrome, situated about 20 minutes from Hobart’s city center, making it convenient for most travelers. The departure includes free parking, which is a nice touch given how often parking can be a hassle at popular sites.

The Flight Path: Over Freycinet and Maria Island

As the engines hum to life, your adventure starts with a flight over the Freycinet Peninsula, home to famous pink granite mountains and secluded beaches. The highlight is undoubtedly Wineglass Bay, a picture-perfect curve of white sand and turquoise waters, visible from a perspective that makes you appreciate its beauty in a way a land-based visit might not fully capture. One reviewer remarked, “The views of the coast and islands were amazing,” highlighting how stunning the scenery is from the sky.

Beyond Freycinet, your pilot will take you over the seal colony of Ile Des Phoques, where you might spot seals lounging on the rocks, adding a wildlife element to the aerial tour. The flight then heads towards Maria Island, a UNESCO-listed site famed for its untouched beaches, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife.

Touching Down on Maria Island

Landing on Maria Island marks the start of your 1.5 hours on the ground. Here, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the landscape, enjoy a gourmet lunch with Tasmanian wine and juice, and meet some of the island’s friendly animals.

Maria Island is a rare gem—a place where you can walk where convicts and explorers once trod, surrounded by wombats, kangaroos, and rare bird species like the Swift Parrot. One reviewer noted, “Animals on Maria Island are used to humans, so they’re very friendly.” This makes it an ideal spot for close wildlife encounters without barriers, a feature that many found particularly charming.

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The Return Flight and Final Views

After a relaxing meal and some exploration, you’ll board the aircraft again for the return flight to Hobart. The aerial perspective on the way back offers a different look at the landscape, with the coast and mountains fading into the distance.

The entire trip is enriched by live commentary from your pilot, who shares insights into the scenery, wildlife, and history, making it a truly educational experience.

What You Can Expect: Practical Details

The price of $329 is quite reasonable considering the inclusive nature of the tour—scenic flights, wildlife encounters, gourmet lunch, and wine—all packaged into a three-hour adventure. The lunch box is described as well-catered, with some reviewers mentioning personal touches that make the experience feel special, not just a quick snack.

This experience is weather-dependent, so clear skies are best. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, you might need to reschedule, but the tour offers full refunds if canceled more than 24 hours ahead.

Since the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments, travelers should be comfortable with walking on uneven terrain during the Maria Island stop. Also, passenger weights must be advised at booking, which is common in small aircraft operations for safety reasons.

Group Size and Comfort

Typically, this tour involves a small aircraft, which enhances the intimacy and makes the experience feel more personal. Many reviews mention the friendly and knowledgeable pilots, who go out of their way to make everyone comfortable, especially children.

Additional Considerations

• You’ll need to bring comfortable shoes for exploring Maria Island
• Be aware that no drones, smoking, or alcohol are allowed during the tour
• A National Park Pass is required to visit Maria Island, but it’s not included in the tour price

The Authentic Benefits of This Scenic Flight

The most compelling aspect of this experience is how it combines stunning views with close wildlife encounters. We loved the way the pilot’s commentary brought the scenery to life, providing context about the geology, wildlife, and history, which deepened our appreciation.

Many reviews emphasize the quality of the lunch and wine, making it feel more like a gourmet adventure than just a sightseeing flight. The personal touches—like the well-catered picnic—set this experience apart from standard aerial tours.

Travelers also value the flexibility of the tour, with many praising the small group atmosphere and knowledgeable guides. For wildlife enthusiasts, the opportunity to see wombats, kangaroos, and Tasmanian devils in their natural habitat is a major draw.

On the flip side, some mention the weather dependency, so if your travel dates are flexible, it’s worth planning when the weather is most reliable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This scenic flight is ideal for nature lovers who want a bird’s-eye view of Tasmania’s stunning coastlines and islands. It’s also perfect for photographers eager to capture iconic landscapes from above. If you’re traveling with family or wildlife enthusiasts, you’ll enjoy the interactive wildlife encounters and the relaxed atmosphere onboard.

Those who appreciate local cuisine and wine will find the lunch experience a delightful bonus, especially when paired with the incredible scenery. It’s good value for the comprehensive experience, especially considering the small group size and the personalized attention from guides.

However, if you have mobility issues or are not comfortable flying in small aircraft, this tour might not be suitable. Also, those who prefer indoor or land-based activities may find the experience a bit too dependent on weather conditions.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention that children enjoy the experience, especially the wildlife encounters and the engaging pilot commentary. Just ensure children are comfortable with flying and walking on uneven terrain.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for exploring Maria Island, and perhaps a camera or smartphone to capture the spectacular views. A light jacket might be helpful, especially if it’s windy or cooler at higher altitudes.

Are meals included?
Yes, a gourmet lunch box with Tasmanian wine, juice, and other refreshments are included, making it a nice feature of the tour.

How long is the ground time on Maria Island?
Approximately 1.5 hours, which gives you plenty of time to explore, take photos, and enjoy your lunch.

What’s the maximum group size?
Since it’s a small aircraft, the group size is limited, creating a more intimate experience.

Is the tour weather dependent?
Yes, clear weather is crucial for good visibility and safety. You might need to reschedule if conditions aren’t ideal.

Do I need to purchase a park pass?
Yes, a National Park Pass is required to visit Maria Island, but it’s not included in the tour price.

Can I book this tour for a special occasion?
Absolutely, many find this a memorable way to celebrate a special day, especially with the added touch of gourmet food and wine.

Is the tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments due to the walking involved on Maria Island.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a combination of aerial scenery, wildlife, and gourmet food in Tasmania, this Wineglass Bay and Maria Island scenic flight delivers on all fronts. It offers a balanced blend of adventure, education, and culinary delight that appeals to a wide range of travelers.

You’ll love the breathtaking views of one of Australia’s most iconic beaches from above, the chance to meet wildlife face-to-face, and the relaxed pace of exploring Maria Island on foot. The small group size and knowledgeable pilots make it a personalized experience that leaves lasting memories.

While it’s weather dependent, well-organized tours with clear refund policies make this a safe bet for travelers eager to see Tasmania from a perspective few get to enjoy. Whether you’re an avid photographer, wildlife lover, or foodie, this tour offers real value and unforgettable sights.

Embark on this scenic journey and see Tasmania’s natural beauty from a new angle—your camera, and your memories, will thank you.

You can check availability for your dates here: