Tasmanian Coastal Discovery

Arrive in Hobart today and be transferred to the docks where your ship, the Coral Discoverer awaits. Embark your vessel and enjoy time to settle in, before meeting your fellow travellers at the Captain's Welcome Drinks followed by a relaxed dinner on board this evening.

Your ship continues north along Tasmania's eastern coast to Maria Island, a wildlife wonderland home to wombats, Cape Barren geese, eastern grey kangaroos, Bennett’s wallabies and pademelons. Keen birdwatchers can enjoy the chance to spy endemic birdlife including green rosellas, hooded plovers and the Forty Spotted Pardalote.

Beyond an excellent array of wildlife, the island is also bursting with some of the state's most fascinating history. Step back in time to the convict era in the World Heritage-listed Darlington settlement, where restored buildings are a reminder that the island served as a penal colony not once, but twice in its history before it was abandoned in the late 19th century.

The Coral Discoverer approaches the instantly recognisable pink granite mountains and white-sand shores of the Freycinet Peninsula. An array of activities is available, depending on the weather. Perhaps join a guided walk along the Isthmus Track to the famous Wineglass Bay. This perfect crescent of wild but pristine coastline is the star attraction of Freycinet National Park. Alternatively, make your way to the Wineglass Bay Lookout where you can admire magnificent views of the bay from above. Enjoy beachcombing at Coles Bay, followed by a refreshing dip in the clear waters. Or, discover the stunning coastline of Wineglass Bay on a Zodiac cruise aboard the ship's Xplorer vessel. Reboard your ship this afternoon for the short journey to the secluded Schouten Island, where you will have time to enjoy a leisurely beach stroll.

The first stop on your Tasmania expedition journey is Bruny Island, home to dramatic landscapes and fresh local produce. From Adventure Bay on the eastern coast of the island, set off on a half-day cruise to the rugged southern coastline of South Bruny Island. Explore deep sea caves, pass the incredible rock formation 'The Monument' that juts out from the ocean, and spot seals, dolphins and sea birds along the way.

The day's activities are determined by Bruny Islands changeable weather. Perhaps embark on exploration cruises aboard the ship's Xplorer vessel and discover the island's rugged coastline, or set out on guided walks to Fluted Cape, where you may glimpse a Bennett's wallaby, a species endemic to Bruny Island. Alternatively, enjoy a walk towards Grassy Point, an easy-grade walk which boasts spectacular ocean views. Learn about the history of southern right whales in the region, and how the species was almost hunted to extinction before the whaling industry decline in the mid-1840s. Pass the ruins of these old whaling stations during your walk. Or visit Bligh Museum of Pacific Exploration at Adventure Bay. 

Image credit: Tourism Tasmania, Adam Gibson

Explore Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour on scenic walks guided by your knowledgeable Expedition Team (weather permitting). Your ship's Xplorer tender vessel offers an ideal way to experience the coastline up close as you discover the history of the Indigenous people who first walked this land. Along the way, keep an eye out for the rare and endangered orange-bellied parrot. Please note: access to Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour is subject to annual permits being granted by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife.

Visit the Wooden Boat Centre and discover the region's heritage of wooden boat building. Continue to Frank's Ciderhouse and Cafe to sample ciders created from trees dating back 160 years, and learn about the history of apple growing in Franklin and the Huon Valley.

Climb aboard the vessel's Xplorer tender for an excursion along the Huon River, soaking in vistas of green, rolling hills, forested shorelines, rugged coastal headlands, apple orchards, and historic timber boats.

Explore the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Site today, the best-preserved convict settlement and one of the most significant historic places in Australia. Situated on the narrow slice of land known as Eaglehawk Neck, this isolated location once served as a penal colony for British and Australian convicts for over 40 years. Follow a knowledgeable guide through the grounds, exploring the historic buildings, ruins, heritage gardens and restored period homes while you uncover the intriguing past of the site before it closed its doors for the last time in 1877.

This evening, celebrate the end of your Tasmanian cruise at the Captain's farewell drinks followed by dinner on board.

Enjoy breakfast on board before arriving in Hobart. Disembark in Hobart, where your cruise concludes with a transfer to your APT post-tour hotel or to the airport for your onward flight.