Cruises and Ferries: Tasmania


This is not a comprehensive list of Australian cruises and ferry services, but those we have encountered and used.


Triabunna, Tas: Maria Island Ferry

Offshore from Triabunna on Tasmania's east coast is Maria Island, an uninhabited, serene place where the visitor feels they have left civilization behind and stepped into another world. The main attraction is the beautiful scenery and wildlife, however the remains of the abandoned convict settlement of Darlington adds to its uniqueness and sense of isolation. A day trip is just enough time to get the feel of the place, but to explore it in detail you would need much more. Passenger ferries to Maria Island leave daily from and to Triabunna.
Go There




Triabunna, Tas: Maria Island and Ile Des Phoques Cruise and Walk Day Tour

Award winning and only cruise and day tour of Ile Des Phoques and Maria Island National Park, view seals, dolphins, wombats, kangaroos, eagles, wallabies, albatross and whales (during migration), famous geology and UNESCO convict history. The cruise will capture the stunning views of Maria Island, including famous landmarks such as the Painted Cliffs and Fossil Cliffs, spring-fed waterfalls, limestone sea caves, cliff-top stalactites, Bishop & Clerk mountain range and the stunning granite cliffs of Maria Island's east coast.
Go There




Port Arthur/Pirates Bay, Tas: Tasman Peninsula Wilderness Cruise

The Tasman Peninsula boasts some of Tasmania’s most remote and beautiful coastal scenery, but to see the best of it you have to take to the waves. On this daily tour, cruise between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck with your guide, and admire unrivalled views over the rugged shoreline. Gaze up at vertical sea cliffs, discover deep-sea caves, and spot native albatross, eagles, dolphins, and seals in their natural habitat.
Go There




Cambridge, Tas: Tasman Peninsula Full Day Kayak Tour

Discover the incredible Tasman Peninsula on this full-day sea kayaking tour from Hobart. This intimate, small-group tour is a great way to get up close and personal to the dramatic landscapes—including dizzyingly high sea cliffs, gravity-defying rock columns, and water-carved caves. You’ll also paddle over a semi-submerged shipwreck, enjoy a gourmet lunch in a secluded cove, and see plenty of wild and wonderful sea life including seals.
Go There




Kettering, Tas: Bruny Island Twilight Sail

Sail to Barnes Bay on Bruny Island on this evening cruise from Kettering. While onboard, enjoy local wines and beers, as well as a cheese platter. The light during Tasmania’s long summer twilight hours offers the opportunity to snap some stunning photos. Plus, get the chance to take the helm and sail the vessel, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Go There




Adventure Bay/Hobart, Tas: Bruny Island Sightseeing Tours

Discover the gourmet delights of Bruny Island, soak in the island’s breathtaking scenery during visits to the Bruny Island Neck, historic Two Tree Point in Adventure Bay, white-sand beaches and nature reserves where rare white wallabies live. There are a variety of tours to choose from, including wildlife and gourmet tasting, from Hobart of Adventure Bay on Bruny Island.
Go There




Coles Bay, Tas: Wineglass Bay Cruise

Set sail across the turquoise waters of Wineglass Bay on this half-day cruise. Soak up the serene landscapes of Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula as you glide past the white sand beaches and rugged sea cliffs. Indulge in a scrumptious Ploughman’s lunch (if option selected) on-board, then keep a look out for dolphins, humpback whales, and sea eagles as you head back to shore.
Go There




Hobart, Tas: Hobart's Cliffs, Caves and Beaches Kayak Tour

Explore the natural beauty of Hobart at Storm Bay, where you can kayak near the lichen- covered cliffs, through sea caves, and spend some time on the gorgeous beaches. You’ll kayak along the Derwent River with your small group of 10 max. Your guide will show you where to go, so you can just enjoy. You’ll also get to share an included lunch, snacks, and refreshments along the journey.
Go There




Stanley, Tas: Stanley Seal Eco Cruise

A 75 minute return Eco cruise on the 40 ft. MC Sylvia C, located Wharf Road, At Fishermans’ Dock, Stanley. The cruise takes you to Bull Rock, via the nearby rocky outcrop - The Cow and Calf. Stanley Seal Cruises operate all year round, depending on weather conditions.
Go There




Kettering, Tas: Bruny Island Ferry

The Bruny Island Ferry links Bruny Island to the Tasmanian mainland. The passenger vehicular ferry Mirambeena travels between Kettering on the Tasmanian mainland and Roberts Point on Bruny Island. With numerous journeys between the two destinations every day, the service is run by Sealink.
Go There




Bridport, Tas: Flinders Island Ferry

Bridport’s close proximity to Flinders Island make it ideally suited to provide regular services to the Furneaux Group of Islands, including Flinders Island, Cape Barren Island and ‘as required services’ to King Island and Port Welshpool (Victoria). The purpose-built roll on roll off vessels, the Matthew Flinders III and the Matthew Flinders IV, can take passengers, small and heavy vehicles, general freight and containerised cargo.
Go There



Rivers and Lakes Cruises and Ferries



Ulverstone, Tas: Leven River Cruise

Enjoy and relax in the natural scenic sanctuary of the Leven River on a river cruise. Cruises range from 1 hr on the Leven River Bay or 2 hrs along the tidal Leven River. Enjoy a 3 – 4 hr picnic cruise where you can relax in an amazing historic sanctuary of eucalyptus, blackwood, Antarctica dicksonia and wildlife. The bird watching cruise is very popular, as it the twilight cruise. Custom cruises of choice, can be arranged also, to suit small group bookings.
Go There




Launceston, Tas: Tamar River Cruise

The Tamar River and the Cataract Gorge through which it flows are the natural jewels in the crown of the City of Launceston. There is no better way to experience them both than on a pleasant, relaxing cruise. Tamar River Cruises offers a choice of cruise options. Cruises range from 50 minutes to 4 hours and have something to suit everyone.
Go There




Huonville, Tas: Huon Valley Jet Boat Cruise

Take the jet boat ride is an exciting way to see the beautiful Huon River. It's the balance between thrills and beauty that sets the Huon Jet apart from other jet boat rides. The scenery is stunning and the river is very sheltered with the weather often better than Hobart and local forecasts. This allows the jet boat to operate all year round. Afterwards you can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Huon River from the Boat Shed Cafe. Picnic grounds, barbecue facilities and a playground are in the river reserve just next door.
Go There




Arthur River, Tas: Arthur River Cruise

The Arthur River is one of the State's seven major rivers, but it is the only one which is completely wild, having never been logged, dammed or had a hot fire through the rainforest for almost 650 years. One of the best and most convenient ways to experience the river is on a cruise from the settlement of Arthur River. The MV George Robinson leaves Arthur River daily at 10.00 am and travels upstream for 70 minutes. The cruise includes lunch and a walk in the riverside rainforest, before returning to Arthur River by 3.00 pm.
Go There




Strahan, Tas: Gordon River Cruise

Soak up the serene beauty of western Tasmania on a morning cruise from Strahan to the Gordon River. Pass by natural landmarks such as Hells Gates, which marks the entrance to Macquarie Harbour from the Southern Ocean, and explore a former penal colony on Sarah Island as you journey through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Select a seating category when booking.
Go There




Corinna, Tas: Pieman River Cruise

The Pieman River Cruise is regarded highly, offering at least as much as people would experience on the Gordon River, with excellent commentary, stunning reflections, freedom from other vessels and a truly personal experience with the river and rainforest. The cruise starts aboard the Huon pine built Arcadia II, which was used during the war. The cruise takes you through beautiful rainforests and down to the jetty, close to the mouth of the river.
Go There




Hobart, Tas: Derwent River Half-Day Sailing

Experience Hobart from the water on a 3-hour sailing tour by ocean-racing yacht. As you glide along the River Derwent, admire the city’s coastal scenery, look for wildlife and help the crew with tasks like trimming the sails or grinding the winch. Or, simply relax and enjoy the fresh air. Gourmet snacks will be served while you listen to tales about sailing on the high seas.
Go There




Hobart, Tas: Derwent River Historic Harbour Cruise

Enjoy Hobart from the water on Derwent River cruise. Choose your preferred time of day for your cruise, including lunch and dinner options, and then glide through the city to admire the harbor and waterfront attractions such as the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, the Tasman Bridge, Government House, Montagu Bay, and Rose Bay.
Go There




Hobart, Tas: Sightseeing Cruise Incl. Iron Pot Lighthouse

Take a Hobart sightseeing cruise to admire coastal scenery and learn about the maritime history of Tasmania’s capital city. As you travel along the River Derwent to Betsey Island and Iron Pot Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in Australia, you’ll enjoy sights like Hope Beach, Mt Wellington and Shot Tower. Listen to stories from your guide about life on the sea, from shipwrecks to settlers, on this small-group tour limited to 12 people.
Go There




Queenstown, Tas: King River Kayak & Steam Experience

Combine two thrilling adventures into one day on this 6-hour tour from Queenstown. First, get your adrenaline pumping as you try white water rafting and paddle past the waterfalls and rain forest of the King River Gorge. Then, jump aboard a steam train for a spectacular journey back to Queenstown along the West Coast Wilderness Railway.
Go There




Derwent Bridge, Tas: Lake St Clair Ferry

The "Ida Clair" routinely makes the 28 km round-trip from Cynthia Bay via Echo Point to Narcissus Bay and back three times daily, seven days a week during the Summer months. The ferry is a great way to quickly reach walks that start and finish from Narcissus Hut, which is located at the northern end of Lake St Clair. If you are planning to walk the Overland Track, use the Ferry for the final leg from Narcissus Hut to Cynthia Bay.
Go There

Regional Cruises & Ferries







travel australia

Design by W3layouts