Private: Wanderings, Wildlife And Wine-Maria Island And Coal River

Private: Wanderings, Wildlife And Wine-Maria Island And Coal River Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

Experience extraordinary at Maria Island National Park (aka "Noah's Ark").

Maria Island National Park, locally known as "Noah's Ark" for its abundance of wildlife, is a pristine wilderness. With panoramic coastal views, remarkable geologic features, walking and hiking trails, and a fascinating convict history, it's a "can't miss" day of discovery. All this AND wine. What more could you possibly ask for?

The hour-long trip, across the Derwent River to Tasmania's east coast will fly by as you relax in your luxury touring vehicle while enjoying a selection of tasty local treats. Discuss your interests with your guide to plan the perfect personalized itinerary for the day.

Upon arrival in Triabunna, grab a coffee before boarding the comfortable ferry for the 30-minute ride to Maria (pronounced Mariah, rather than Maria) Island. In order to maintain the park's pristine conditions, no vehicles are allowed on the island, so upon landing, your own two feet will be your method of transport.

There are a variety of walks and hikes to assist in your exploration of this beautiful, mountainous island. Whether you're hoping to see sweeping vistas, the unique and stunning "painted cliffs", or wandering wallabies and wombats (not to mention pademelons, devils, and echidnas), your guide will lead the way to those sites that best suit the desires of your party.

If you've chosen the optional picnic lunch (purchase during check-out), your guide will choose the perfect, secluded spot to enjoy your delicious Tasmanian fare and hot tea, surrounded by nature's beauty.

From here, your knowledgeable guide will relate the island's fascinating beginnings as a penal colony and show you the ruins of the 14 convict heritage sites dating from 1825.

Say your goodbyes to Maria Island and reboard the ferry for the return trip to the mainland where you'll drive through the Coal River Valley, one of Tasmania's leading wine and produce regions. The area's sandy soils and maritime climate produce high quality, slow-maturing grapes, resulting in superb pinot noir, riesling, and chardonnay varietals.

With this private tour, you choose how you'd like to spend the afternoon, whether it's meeting local distillers and winemakers along with tutored tastings or visiting farms and meeting the hard-working farmers who provide so much delicious nutrition to our table. Or maybe a little bit of both. Whatever your choice, we promise a delightful day and that you'll be back in Hobart by 6:00pm.

- Please wear athletic shoes or waterproof shoes or boots during the winter season.
- Bring your own reusable water bottle.
- Please dress for the weather, including a hat, jacket, sunglasses, etc.
- Sunblock will be provided.
- If you purchase the picnic lunch during check-out, you will eat at Maria Island. If you do not purchase the picnic lunch, your guide will be happy to suggest some delicious options (at your expense).

- The minimum age to participate is 5 years old.
- There are no vehicles allowed on Maria Island so be prepared for a fair amount of walking. You should be in moderately good condition to participate in this tour. Your guide can adjust the pace of walking/hiking to suit your group.
- You must be at least 18 years old to consume alcohol.
- The day's itinerary is customizable within time, distance and weather constraints.
- Public holidays requiring purchase of holiday supplement for 2019 are: December 25th and December 26th.
- Public holidays requiring purchase of holiday supplement for 2020 are: January 1st and 27th, April 10th, April 13th, April 14th, April 25th, June 8th, December 25th, and December 28th.

Days offered: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Departures:

• 09:00 AM, duration: 9 hours