Exploring Tasmania's Rugged Coast aboard the Coral Discoverer
Coastal Wilds of Tasmania
Overview
On this expedition voyage, discover Tasmania's breathtaking national parks, from the perfect circular formation of Wineglass Bay to the dramatic peaks of pink granite at Freycinet and the otherworldly remoteness of Maria Island National Park. And at Tasman National Park, seals, dolphins, and albatross await to greet you, backed by intimidating 1,000-foot-high cliffs. With an expert Expedition Team and a guest Tasmania specialist who knows the area inside out, you'll gain a unique insider's perspective as you embark on easy to moderate short hikes including the famed Cape Hauy Track at Tasman Peninsula and the rugged Fluted Cape of Bruny Island. Conditions permitting, you'll spend two days exploring the untouched Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area at Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour. Normally only accessible by seven-day hike or light aircraft, this region is undoubtedly one of the most pristine and beautiful landscapes on earth.
Arrive: Hobart, Tasmania
Depart: Hobart, Tasmania
Highlights
- Explore Port Davey World Heritage Wilderness area and Bathurst Harbour (conditions permitting)
- Hike the breathtaking Wineglass Bay Track in Freycinet National Park
- Experience the diverse wildlife and history of Maria Island
- Spot fur seals hauling up to Tasmania's rocky cliffs
- Taste ewe's milk cheese and vodka at Grandvewe Cheeses
Itinerary
Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.
Embark on the Coral Discoverer in the late afternoon for a 5:00 pm departure.
Cruise to the Woodbridge and Huon rivers, where you'll learn about the process of sheep cheese-making at the family-run Grandvewe Cheeses, and enjoy a taste of their “ewenique” sheep's whey vodka. Visit either the Woodbridge Marine Discovery Centre or Pepperberries Garden Café and Art Farm for a walk through lavender fields, enjoying their fine collection of sculptures. Cruise the Huon River and visit the township of Franklin and the Wooden Boat Centre.
A marine reserve and part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Port Davey is Tasmania untouched. If conditions allow, you will spend one to two full days exploring this pristine wilderness, and enjoy the unforgettable experience of kayaking in Bathurst Harbour. Otherwise accessible only via a seven-day hike or charter flight, Port Davey feels like an endless uncharted wilderness, full of sheltered bays filled with endemic marine life. In Port Davey, you'll disembark to explore the “Narrows” aboard a tender and take a guided hike of Balmoral Hill or the Mount Beattie Track. Take in the surrounds of Melaleuca and the Needwonnee Walk, named after the tribe whose homelands extended throughout this area.
At Adventure Bay on the east coast of Bruny Island, walk along the dramatic coastal cliffs of Fluted Cape and search for Bennett's wallabies, endemic to Bruny Island. Cruising the base of these near-vertical dolerite cliffs, get close-up views of Penguin Island which is connected to Fluted Cape at low tide. Learn about the plight of southern right whales which were almost hunted to extinction. Ruins of the old whaling stations can be seen on a walk to Grassy Point.
Much of Maria Island is a protected national park, and you can expect to see many endemic species including Forester kangaroos, Bennett's wallabies, and wombats. You can also walk among the ruins and restored buildings of the fascinating convict penal settlement of Darlington. Time permitting, explore the ruins of the former probation station which are set against a dramatic coastline, the striking formations of the Painted Cliffs, and grasslands that attract wombats. Rich iron deposits have leeched through the soil, staining the sandstone cliffs on the water's edge with colored streaks of red, purple, and orange—an amazing natural work of art revealed at low tide.
The spectacular peninsula of Freycinet is crafted from pink granite peaks—the Hazard Mountains—and is surrounded by azure bays and backed by dry eucalyptus forest. At Freycinet National Park, you can join an optional guided hike (approx. two hours) to the Wineglass Bay beach, consistently voted one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, via the lookout or Isthmus Track. Witness numerous fur seals lounging on the rocks on the Ile des Phoques, a small rocky island between Freycinet Peninsula and Maria Island.
Feel the power of nature as you stand beside the 1,000-foot-high sea cliffs and monumental rock formations of Tasman National Park. See sea stacks—tall dolerite formations—and view the Tasman Arch, The Candlestick, and Cathedral from a perfect position at sea. As this is an area of huge natural diversity, it's possible you may come across Australian fur seals “hauling out” on the rocky shore at Tasman Island, as well as dolphins and albatross that are often sighted in this region.
A unique experience awaits at the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Port Arthur Historic Site, Australia's most intact convict site. Between 1833 and 1877, the penal colony housed Britain and Australia's worst criminals, and was considered inescapable. Today, the Historic Site has over 30 buildings, ruins, and restored period homes set in 100 acres of landscaped grounds. In the company of Port Arthur's resident archaeologist, join an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the site, which includes access to private collections and historic buildings not accessible to the general public, as well as a private reception to enjoy Tasmanian wines and canapes made from locally sourced ingredients.
Disembark in the morning in Hobart, and transfer to the airport for homeward-bound flights.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 1, Easy. For most activities, a relatively moderate level of exertion is required. Shore excursions are usually divided into two fitness levels, one slightly easier than the other. The Expedition Leaders will always discuss the next day's activities and advise passengers about the level of fitness required. This would be the time to ask questions and decide on which level you would prefer.
On the occasion where there is a moderate/hard 2- to 3-hour walk, then an easy flat walk that is about half a mile will also be offered. A tender permits easy boarding without climbing any stairs. You are always are welcome to opt out of any excursion and relax onboard.
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.