Explore Tasmania's Wilderness Coast in depth with an unforgettable small ship expedition!

Your fare excludes:

DAY 1: DEPART HOBART

Arrive at the Wharf for boarding at 4:00 pm, with time to settle into your stateroom before our 5:00 pm departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard before meeting your fellow travelers, the Captain, and the crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.

PORT DAVEY & BATHURST HARBOUR

On the remote edge of southwest Tasmania, the landscape is as wild and untamed as it gets. Raw, craggy peaks rise above ancient drowned river valleys, while wild rivers and rivulets carve their way through the terrain, shaped over millennia. Here, tannin-rich freshwater flows over saltwater, creating a tea-colored ocean unlike anywhere else. With no roads leading in, the only way to truly explore this untouched wilderness is aboard a small expedition ship. Sheltered from Roaring Forties winds that buffet this coast is the protected haven of Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour. A marine reserve and part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, we spend two whole days (weather permitting) enjoying this rare opportunity to hike, kayak, and take in this pristine natural environment. We explore by Xplorer tender vessels and learn about intrepid European explorers and Indigenous Australians, who once walked this land while keeping a lookout for the rare and endangered Orange Bellied Parrot amongst other wildlife.

*Access to Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour is subject to annual permits being granted by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife. 

BRUNY ISLAND & ADVENTURE BAY

At Adventure Bay on the east coast of Bruny Island, we walk along the dramatic coastal cliffs of the Fluted Cape and hope to see Bennett’s wallabies which are endemic to Bruny Island. Learn about how southern right whales were almost hunted to extinction: Adventure Bay housed four whaling stations before the industry’s decline in the mid-1840s and some of the ruins can be seen on a walk to Grass Point. Later, visit the Bligh Museum of Pacific Exploration to learn about Adventure Bay’s rich maritime history.

MARIA ISLAND NATIONAL PARK

Maria Island can be referred to as a Noah’s Ark for native Tasmanian species. The Maria Island National Park provides an ideal sanctuary and is one of the best places in Australia to observe endemic birdlife as well as wombats, Cape Barren geese, Forester kangaroos, Bennett’s wallabies, and pademelons. Stroll amongst the ruins and beautifully restored buildings of the Darlington convict settlement and take a walk to the striking formations of the Painted Cliffs, where rich iron deposits have stained the sandstone cliffs with colored streaks of red, purple, and orange. With ample time at Maria Island, we also have the opportunity to do the Fossil Cliffs walk and the Reservoir Circuit.

FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK l SCHOUTEN ISLAND

The Freycinet Peninsula is a dramatic headland dominated by a pink-hued granite mountain range called the Hazards. Blessed with picturesque sweeping bays with white sand beaches like the famed Wineglass Bay, much of the peninsula is designated as Freycinet National Park. Take a guided hike along the Isthmus Track and be rewarded with magnificent views from the lookout or swim in the azure waters of Wineglass Bay. South of Freycinet, close to Schouten Island, keep an eye out for large colonies of fur seals sunning themselves at Taillefer Rocks.

TASMAN NATIONAL PARK & FORTESCUE BAY

The Tasman Peninsula is known for its fascinating geological formations like the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch, and the soaring 300-meter-high dolerite sea cliffs of Cape Raoul, Cape Pillar, and Cape Hauy – the tallest in the southern hemisphere. Watch fur seals hauling out on the rocks, as well as playful dolphins feeding and magnificent albatrosses soaring amongst the updrafts created by the sea cliffs. We will visit Fortescue Bay, hike sections of the coastal Tasman Trail or famed Three Capes Track, take a scenic Xplorer cruise of the rugged coastline, and kayak in Canoe Bay.

D'ENTRECASTEAUX CHANNEL & HUON RIVER

The sheltered waters of the Huon River allow us to visit the Wooden Boat Centre at Franklin where Tasmania’s maritime heritage is kept alive through the production of hand-crafted timber boats. In the scenic D’Entrecasteaux Channel, we have a selection of experiences to choose from – walks at Recherche Bay or Bruny Island’s Labillardiere Peninsula, a visit to the historical Quarantine Station State Reserve, or tastings with one of the region’s local producers.

PORT ARTHUR HISTORIC SITE

One of Australia’s most significant historic places, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur ruins stand sentinel on the Tasman Peninsula south of the narrow isthmus of Eaglehawk Neck. For more than 40 years the Port Arthur penal colony housed British and Australian convicts sentenced to hard labour before its heavy iron doors clanked shut for the last time in 1877. Today, the Historic Site has over 30 buildings, ruins, and restored period homes set on 100 acres of landscaped grounds. In the company of Port Arthur’s knowledgeable guides, join a walking tour to explore the site’s most significant buildings, including the Penitentiary, the Separate Prison, and the Convict Church.

DAY 11: ARRIVE HOBART

Our Tasmania adventure concludes in Hobart this morning as we bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew, disembarking at 8:00 am. A complimentary transfer is provided to CBD hotels or the airport.

(This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition, we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximize your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.)

Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

• 28 January 2025
• 7 February 2025
• 1​7 February 2025

2025 FARES:

• Main Deck (Category B) - from $8,870 per person twin sharing
• Main Deck (Category A) - from $9,760 per person twin sharing
• Promenade Deck (Category B) - from $10,660 per person twin sharing
• Promenade Deck (Category A) - from $11,560 per person twin sharing
• Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom - from $12,290 per person twin sharing

Call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to book your cabin!

Coral Discoverer provides an intimate, yachtlike cruising experience. This small ship sports active stabilisers for ocean cruising, over a thousand square metres of open deck space and well-appointed communal lounge and dining spaces. Enjoy sunset drinks on the Sun Deck to end each spectacular day.

BRIDGE DECK BALCONY STATEROOM:

Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge, our six spacious Bridge Deck staterooms are 20sqm (215 square feet) in size and open out onto private balconies for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.

PROMENADE DECK (CATEGORY A) STATEROOM:

Encircled by a full-ship promenade, our 19 spacious Promenade Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.

PROMENADE DECK (CATEGORY B) STATEROOM - SOLE USE ONLY:

Located in the bow of the ship and encircled by a full-ship promenade, our two Promenade Deck (Category B) staterooms are 15sqm (160 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, telephone and Junior King bedding. These rooms are allocated for Sole Use only.

MAIN DECK (CATEGORY A) STATEROOM:

Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) 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.

MAIN DECK (CATEGORY B) STATEROOM:

Located close to the Dining Room, our three spacious Main Deck (Category B) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) 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.

Fitness Level:

This trip is suitable for passengers of all fitness levels, though 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. The ship has no elevator. As the itinerary covers remote regions, it is not suitable for passengers with serious medical conditions.

Note: the summer temperature can still be very cool especially with the wind chill so warm layered clothing is essential.