When to go
January and February
Price
From £4,450 pp (excluding flights)
Flight time
22hrs 07mins
Introduction
Run by Coral Expeditions, provider of small-ship expedition cruises in Australia, you will explore the Tasmanian coastline on this unforgettable 10-day journey. The coastline and national parks have a diverse range of wildlife, including curious marsupials and playful platypuses. And the region has a strong colonial history, as evident by the 5 Convict World Heritage Sites, most of which were private farms.
At a Glance
Duration
11 days & 10 nights
Guide price
Group: £4,450pp (excluding flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Hobart – D'Entrecasteaux Channel and Huon River – Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour – Bruny Island and Adventure Bay – Maria Island National Park – Freycinet National Park and Schouten Island – Port Arthur Historic Site – Hobart
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
1 out of 7 - Leisurely
Age Range
18+
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Coral Discoverer
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
Maximum 72
Start/Finish
Hobart – Hobart
Highlights
Visit Port Arthur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Located on the Tasmanian Peninsula, Port Arthur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former convict settlement property. For over 40 years, the site housed both Australian and British convicts, who toiled in hard labor until its closure in 1877.
Spend 2 Days Exploring the Wilderness of Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour
Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour are 2 regions that are only accessible by boat. For 2 days, you will traverse the wild rivers and rivulets by small vessel and kayak, and then go on foot to hike. Along the way, you will encounter rare and endangered birdlife, such as the Orange Bellied Parrot.
Hike to Wineglass Bay and The Hazard’s
While on land, you will go for a hike in Freycinet National Park, home to the iconic Wineglass Bay and The Hazard’s. The park was named after French explorer, Louis de Freycinet, who sailed through the region in the early 1800s, and the park stretches across the peninsula, providing incredible views of The Hazard’s peaks.
Recommended Hotels
Coral Discoverer
Sample Itinerary
Cruise the Wild Tasmania Coast
Enjoy a 10-day sample itinerary traveling across the Tasmanian coastline. Depart from Hobart on the Coral Discoverer, a premium expedition cruise ship, and visit many natural landmarks and historic sites.
Your journey will take you to the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, which has stunning views of Bruny Island and Storm Bay, followed by Port Davey, a protected marine reserve and remote wilderness area. Your Expedition Team will also share their knowledge of the land, including the colonial history and native wildlife.
Day 1: Leave Hobart
Head to the Princes Wharf in Hobart, and board the Coral Explorer ship at 4pm. You will have time to become familiar with the ship’s layout, including the facilities and your room. Enjoy welcome drinks with the captain, the crew, and your fellow travelers.
Your itinerary may vary from the original schedule depending on weather and tide levels. The captain and expedition team will make informed decisions about your itinerary each day. They will make every effort to visit every destination listed on this itinerary. However, if certain destinations are not attainable, then trips to alternative locations will be arranged.
Spend 10 nights on board the Coral Discoverer.
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Days 2 – 10: Notable Destinations
Below is a brief breakdown of the destinations that your captain and expedition team will aim to visit during your cruise. Each day includes provided Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Huon River
Head to the Wooden Boat Center in Franklin, where timber boats are crafted by hand. Then visit Grandvewe Cheeses, an organic dairy farm housing sheep. Here you will learn about cheesemaking and sample ‘ewenique,’ a special blend of sheep whey vodka.
Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour
Explore the wild, rugged mountain ranges of southwest Tasmania. Cruise through the rivers and rivulets on a small expedition ship, admiring the tea-colored tint of the ocean surface.
Then visit Port Havey and Bathurst Harbour, where you will spend 2 days hiking, kayaking, and learning about Indigenous Australian culture. You may also encounter the Orange Bellied Parrot, an endangered bird species that only breeds in summer in Tasmania.
Bruny Island and Adventure Bay
Make your way to Adventure Bay, located on the east coast of Bruny Island. Walk through the Fluted Cape cliffs and keep an eye out for Bennett’s Wallabies, a subspecies of wallaby found only on Bruny Island.
Take an Xplorer vessel to explore the base of the Flute Caped cliffs, admiring the view of Penguin Island. You will also learn about the near extinction of the southern right whales, where Adventure Bay housed 4 whaling stations, until the industry’s decline in the 1840s.
Maria Island National Park
The Maria Island National Park is home to 12 endemic bird species, which include green rosellas, wedge-tailed eagles, and the forty-spotted pardalote.
Aside from being a bird lovers paradise, the park has well-preserved convict settlements and the Painted Cliffs. The cliffs are naturally stained by rich iron deposits, and the result is a beautiful array of colors and swirling patterns.
If time permits, you may also walk through the Fossil Cliffs and Reservoir circuit.
Freycinet National Park and Schouten Island
Freycinet National Park is home to The Hazard’s, a granite mountain range with a distinct pink color tone. You will also enjoy spectacular views of the sweeping bays and white sandy beaches.
From there, go on a guided hike through the Isthmus Track, and marvel at the vantage point views. You can also swim in Wineglass Bay. Then go on a cruise near Schouten Island and Ile des Phoques, watching out for fur seals lounging on rocks.
Port Arthur
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Port Arthur used to house Australian and British convicts, until closing in 1877. During your Tasmanian cruise, you will get to visit the ruins of Port Arthur, where more than 30 buildings, period homes (restored), and ruins stand. A knowledgeable tour guide will guide you around the area.
Day 11: Hobart
Return to Hobart and disembark from the Ocean Explorer at around 8am. Take a transfer from the ship to the airport or Hobart.
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