Tasmanian Small Ship Expedition Cruise + Coastal Hiking Adventure (Feb & Mar 2021)
Enjoy a hike themed expedition holiday which combines an expedition voyage with hikes on some of Tasmania’s best coastal tracks. The imposing cliffs, sandy beaches and sapphire waters of the rugged coast of Tasmania offer an experience of spectacular beauty. The imposing cliffs, sandy beaches and sapphire waters of the rugged coast of Tasmania offer an experience of spectacular beauty.
Guided by experienced bush-walkers, explore breathtaking coastal hikes along with insights into the region’s unique eco-system. The ship’s itinerary has been designed to seamlessly enable extensive shore excursions, however guests who wish to simply stay onboard during the day and enjoy the scenery are welcome to do so. After the day’s exertions, retire to the ship's panoramic Xplorer bar and recharge with a Tasmanian single malt or two. Surely there isn’t a better way to explore Tasmania’s coast!
Some of the hikes we aim to do on these expeditions include Cape Hauy (4 hours, Grade 3), Bishop & Clerk (7 hours Grade 4), Fluted Cape (2.5 hours Grade 3), Mt Beattie (3 hours, Grade 2/3), and Wineglass Bay (1-2 hours, Grade 3). Learn more about each hike under the Itinerary section.
Expedition Highlights:
- Spend two full days exploring Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour, with kayaking, bird-watching, and hiking revealing the secrets of this stunning wilderness
- Explore the beautiful Freycinet National Park: stroll the sweeping white sand of Wineglass Bay and hike to the lookout for a spectacular view
- Visit the Noah’s Ark of Tasmania, Maria Island, and spot wombat, wallabies, endemic birds, and other wildlife
- Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour at World Heritage-listed Port Arthur to gain a deep insight into the convict history
- From the sea, have a breath-taking view of the 300 metre high dolerite columns of the Tasman Peninsula, the highest sea cliffs in the southern hemisphere
- Taste Tasmania’s remarkable fresh produce, cool-climate wines, and artisanal spirits throughout your expedition and at special wine-tastings and events
YOUR CRUISE PRICE INCLUDES
- 10-night Expedition Voyage aboard Coral Discoverer
- Expert Expedition Team, including a Guest Lecturer and a Tasmanian Specialist
- Daily guided excursions on the Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels, and kayaks where conditions allow
- Small batch local dining, prepared fresh onboard: breakfasts, lunches and table d’hote dinners
- Showcase wines, selected beers and soft drinks with lunch and dinner service
- 24 hour coffee and selection of teas
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Events, and Open Bridge Access with the Captain
- Comprehensive and fully guided sightseeing in each destination
- All entrance fees to National Parks and Ports
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic drinks including beer and wine outside of lunch and dinner service
- Internet services (available at a cost)
- Laundry service (available at a cost)
- Australian entry visas or travel permits
- Items of a personal nature including but not limited to phone and internet communications and bar charges (outside of the included drinks package as highlighted) laundry charges and souvenir purchases
Tipping not required:
Other cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your account and service charges to your bar invoices. On Coral Discoverer, our crew has no other agenda than your delight.
- Embark: Board at Hobart’s Princes Wharf at 4:00pm for 5:00pm departure
- Disembark: Arrive and disembark at Hobart’s Princes Wharf at 8:00am
The following itinerary is indicative and should be used as a guide as no two Tasmania expedition cruises with Coral Expeditions will be the same. Each expedition is crafted by our experienced Masters and Expedition Leaders, allowing us to quickly respond to favourable weather conditions to offer you the very best of Tasmania’s flora, fauna and wild coastline.
Expedition highlights may include:
DAY 1: DEPART HOBART
Board your Coral Expeditions' small ship atHobart’s Princes Wharf at 4:00pm, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before your 5:00pm departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard before meeting your fellow travellers, the Captain and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.
MT BEATTIE, PORT DAVEY
Mt Beattie is an easy to moderate walk located close to magnificent Port Davey. The raw and remote beauty of this wilderness area is enhanced by the breathtaking views over Bathurst Channel and Bathurst Harbour.
Walk Details:
- 3 hours return
- Grade 2/3 walk – some bush-walking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps.
- Prepare with: A raincoat, woollen jumper or polar-fleece jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and a sun hat.
CAPE HAUY, THREE CAPES
Cape Hauy (part of the Three Capes Walk) is a medium difficulty walk through an extraordinary landscape. Experience views of Fortescue Bay from Mt Fortescue and the dolerite columns at the tip of Cape Hauy.
Walk Details:
- 4 hours return (4.4 km one way)
- Grade 3 walk – some bush-walking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps.
- Some hazardous cliffs and unprotected track edges – supervise children
- Prepare with: A raincoat, woollen jumper or polar-fleece jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and a sun hat.
FORTESCUE BAY TO WATERFALL BAY
Fortescue Bay Walk
The Fortescue Bay to Waterfall Bay trail is noted for providing an experience of some of the most magnificent coastline in Tasmania. The rainforest and blue gum stands and views of the Tasman Peninsula are nothing short of spectacular. At the end of this longer medium grade walk, the Coral Discoverer will be waiting for hikers to return.
Walk Details
- 7 hours (16km one way)
- Grade 3 walk – some bush-walking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps.
- Some hazardous cliffs and unprotected track edges – supervise children
- Prepare with: A raincoat, woollen jumper or polar-fleece jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and a sun hat.
FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK & WINEGLASS BAY
Wineglass Bay
The spectacular peninsula of Freycinet is crafted from pink granite peaks – the Hazard mountains – surrounded by azure bays, and backed by dry eucalyptus forest. Enjoy a hike to the Wineglass Bay Lookout and later, join a beachcombers walk along Wineglass Bay, consistently voted one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world.
Walk Details:
- 2.5 hours return (3 km return)
- Grade 3 walk – steep uphill climb one-way with rough bush steps to a beach lookout.
- Prepare with: water bottle, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and a sun hat.
BISHOP AND CLERK
Bishop and Clerk is a challenging walk located in the Maria Island National Park. Pass through diverse landscapes of grasslands and forest, to emerge overlooking a dramatic and sweeping view of the Southern Ocean.
Walk Details
- 5 hours return (12 km return)
- Grade 4 walk – bush-walking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough, and steep. Signage may be limited.
- Supervise children, hazardous cliffs, unprotected track edges, rock screed scramble
- Prepare with: A raincoat, woollen jumper or polar-fleece jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and a sun hat.
- Other recommendations may include: Thermal pants, warm gloves, and woollen beanie.
DAY 11: ARRIVE HOBART
Disembark in Hobart at 8:00am. A post-cruise transfer from the ship to Hobart city or airport is included.
Sole Use Reduced Fare: Solo Travellers travelling in 2021 enjoy a double room to themselves for a reduced solo supplement rate of 15% (instead of the usual 50% supplement)
Departs Hobart 06 February & 08 March 2021
- Main Deck (Category B) - From $7,200 pp twin share only
- Main Deck (Category A) - From $7,600 pp twin share only
- Promenade Deck (Category B) - From $12,975 sole use only
- Promenade Deck (Category A) - From $9,350 pp twin share only
- Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom - From $10,990 pp twin share only
Call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to secure your preferred cabin
Fresh from a complete refurbishment in 2016 and purpose-built for cruising in the tropical regions of the southern oceans, Coral Discovereraccommodates just 72 guests in 36 spacious staterooms and has a cruising speed of 14 knots. Coral Discoverer’s shallow draught allows it to access even the most isolated and remote locations we cruise, beyond the reach of other ships.
Coral Discoverer is highly suited to cruising between Cairns and Darwin on our Cape York and Arnhem Land itineraries, and between Darwin and Broome where she plies the rugged Kimberley coastline (April to October) each year. During the Australian summer, she can be found cruising Tasmania, Islands of the South Pacific and New Zealand.
Main Deck (Category B):
Located close to the Dining Room, our three spacious Main Deck (Category B) staterooms are 18sqm in size and feature twin portholes for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Main Deck (Category A):
Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm in size and feature large, twin porthole windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Promenade Deck (Category B): (sole use only)
Located in the bow of the ship and encircled by a promenade, our Promenade Deck (Cat B) staterooms are 15sqm in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, telephone and Junior King bedding.
Promenade Deck (Category A):
Encircled by a full-ship promenade, our 19 spacious Promenade Deck (Cat A) staterooms are 18sqm in size and feature picture windows for ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom:
Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge, our six spacious Bridge Deck staterooms are 20sqm in size and open out on to private balconies for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
DEPARTURE DETAILS:
Boarding is at Hobart’s Macquarie Wharf, Hunter St, Hobart. Boarding commences at 4pm for 5pm departureAs this is a secure wharf, please have with you; Photo ID and your printed boarding passes. Please phone 1800 079 545 on the Friday prior to your departure to confirm.
FITNESS LEVELS:
This trip involves moderate to challenging walks, therefore reasonable mobility is required to enjoy all it has to offer. The Xplorer tender permits easy boarding without climbing any stairs. Hikes vary in intensity and where possible we split groups to suit easy and moderate walkers. Guests are welcome to opt out of any excursion and relax onboard – the top deck outdoor lounge is great on a sunny day. As the itinerary covers remote regions, it is not suitable for passengers with serious medical conditions.
ITINERARY:
These are expedition itineraries covering remote regions. Your Captain and Expedition Team will make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximise guest experience. These itineraries are indicative - some variation may occur due to weather conditions, safety or local community requirements.We recommend that you do not arrive to the embarkation port on the day of boarding or depart on the day of disembarkation due to unexpected changes that may occur in scheduling.
Travel at 60 booking conditions apply.
DEPOSIT:
To make a reservation you have to pay a deposit of 20% of the fare. The balance of the fare is due ninety (90) days prior to departure. All prices are quoted in Australian dollars.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY:
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing. At the time we receive your cancellation the following penalties will apply:
- Up to 90 days prior to departure – forfeit your deposit of 20% of the fare.
- 60 to 89 days prior to departure – forfeit 50% of the fare.
- No-show to 59 days prior to departure – forfeit 100% of the fare
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