Maria Island ferry: Timetable & fare prices from Triabunna

The Maria Island ferry is the only way to get to Maria Island to see the wombats. Encounter Maria Island runs regular ferry services from Triabunna on Tasmania’s east coast. Return fare prices on the Maria Island ferry cost from $52.

Maria Island is rapidly becoming one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Australia. This is partly because of the convict era history, but it’s mainly about the wildlife. Maria Island is fast gaining a reputation as the best place in Australia to see wombats in the wild.

wombat on Maria Island, Tasmania — The Maria Island wombats are the main reason to take the ferry from Triabunna. Photo by Stu Gibson/ Tourism Tasmania

But to get there, you’re going to need to take the Maria Island ferry.

Maria Island ferry timetable from Triabunna

The Maria Island ferry is run by Encounter Maria Island. It leaves from Triabunna near Orford on Tasmania’s east coast several times a day.

The first Maria Island ferry from Triabunna usually runs at 8.30am, and the last departs at 3.15pm. According to the Maria Island ferry timetable, the first return journey is generally at 9.15am, and the last at 4.15pm.

The ferries depart from Triabunna Wharf, crossing the Mercury Passage to Darlington Bay on Maria Island. The crossing takes around half an hour.

Maria Island ferry fare prices

Return fares on the Maria Island ferry cost $52 for adults and $32 for children. The ticket price on the Maria Island ferry allows you to take one small carry-on bag, weighing up to 7kg. If you want to check in luggage (for example, if you plan to stay on the island), an additional payment is required.

You can also take a bicycle on the Maria Island ferry for $15 or a kayak for $25.

All passengers are required to check in at the Maria Island Gateway in Triabunna, next to Triabunna Wharf, at least 45 minutes before the ferry is due to depart.

Tasmania Parks Pass

As Maria Island is a national park, a Parks Pass is required to land there. A daily pass costs $20 per person, and an annual pass for the entire state costs $90 per person. You need to buy the Parks Pass before boarding the Maria Island ferry – crew will need to see it at check-in.

Triabunna is around 90km north-east of Hobart. The Hobart to Triabunna drive should take around an hour and ten minutes. Alternatively, you can book a Maria Island transfer or day tour from Hobart.