Follow the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race on a special expedition cruise
Experience the nautical tradition that is the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Embarking in Broken Bay on 26 December, soak in the excitement at the start of the race from the Coral Discoverer. Watch the fleet sail past as you hear expert commentary from your onboard Special Guest Lecturer, Sue Crafer.
You'll sail along the south coast and across Bass Strait with the trailing fleet. Once across the Strait, enjoy the scenic rugged Tasmanian coast with the opportunity to join an expedition team on a number of guided shore excursions to Tasmania’s Parks.
Scheduled to arrive in Hobart on New Year’s Eve, it’s time to enjoy the buzz of the race and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Expedition Highlights:
- Enjoy a grandstand view of the start of the Sydney to Hobart race as the leaders tear through Sydney Heads
- Trail the yachts on a coastal cruise while you enjoy a drink at Coral Discoverer’s sundeck Xplorer Bar
- Visit Adventure Bay on Bruny Island and stretch your legs on the Fluted Cape walk
- Ring in the New Year onboard and enjoy Captain’s farewell drinks with your fellow cruise companions
- Your cruise is accompanied by a Special Guest Lecturer who will provide insights into race tactics, history and culture
Please note: This voyage is subject to government authorisation.
YOUR CRUISE PRICE INCLUDES:
- 7 night expedition voyage aboard Coral Discoverer
- Expert Expedition Team, including guest lecturer
- Guided excursions on the Xplorer, Zodiac tender vessels, and kayaks where conditions allow
- Small batch local dining, prepared fresh onboard
- Showcase wines, selected beers and soft drinks with lunch and dinner service
- 24 hour coffee and selection of teas
- Pre-cruise transfer
- All entrance fees to National Parks and ports
Your fare excludes:
YOUR CRUISE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Pre- and post-cruise flights, transfers and hotels
- Entry visas or travel permits
- Travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature including but not limited to phone and internet communications and bar charges (outside of the included drinks package), laundry charges, and souvenir purchases.
- Internet services (available at a cost)
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 in Sydney: Board 8:30am 26 December
- Disembark in Hobart: Macquarie Wharf 1 at 9:00am 2nd January
This itinerary is designed to capture the best moments of the first few days of the Sydney to Hobart race and highlights of the Tasmanian coastline. The Captain will vary the itinerary to make the most of the weather windows of the mercurial southern coast, whilst keeping the ship as close to the racing action as possible. Throughout the expedition, we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise 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.
Here are the expedition highlights:
SYDNEY: NORTH HEAD
Embark at 8:30am for 10:00am departure, and enjoy lunch while the ship positions off North head. From the Xplorer Bar, celebrate the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and watch the fleet round the heads and sail south.
SCENIC COASTAL CRUISE
Cruise the scenic coastline from Sydney. Dependent on weather, stops may include Jervis Bay and/or Twofold Bay. As you cruise, our guest lecturer will present commentary on the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and lectures on yachting and maritime history.
BASS STRAIT CROSSING
As we sail through the Southern Ocean, enjoy presentations, spot yachts, or relax on deck and enjoy the vastness of the Bass Strait.
MARIA ISLAND
The historic ruins, secluded bays, and rugged cliffs of Maria Island National Park are home to a local population of wildlife that includes Forester Kangaroos, Bennetts Wallabies, Tasmanian Devils, and wombats. Since the 1960s, several endangered species have been introduced here in a bid to protect them. Visit World Heritage-listed Darlington, part of the “Convict Trail of Australia”, and gain an understanding of the life of the early settlers in a restored 19th century convict penitentiary. An adventurous walk to the dramatic Painted and Fossil Cliffs take in the history and beauty of this island.
BRUNY ISLAND AND ADVENTURE BAY
Experience the rugged beauty of the Fluted Cape as you walk along the sheer coastal cliffs or cruise for a closer look around Penguin Island. Learn about the rich maritime history of Adventure Bay as you meander past the ruins of old whaling stations on the way to Grassy Point.
NEW YEARS EVE
Enjoy the end of the Sydney to Hobart race celebrations on New Year’s Eve from onboard Coral Discoverer. Welcome the New Year with a view of the fireworks display over the Derwent River.
HOBART
Arrive in Hobart at 7:30am for a disembarkation at 8:00am at Macquarie Wharf on 2nd January. There will be complimentary post cruise transfers to CBD hotels and to the airport.
Depart Sydney 26 December 2024
- Main Deck (Category B) - from $5,280 per person twin share only
- Main Deck (Category A) - from $5,820 per person twin share only
- Promenade Deck (Category B) - from $6,380 per person twin share only
- Promenade Deck (Category A) - from $6,880 per person twin share only
- Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom - from $7,420 per person twin share only
Call our Brisbane based travel team on 1300 414 198 to book your cabin now. Why not extend your stay in Tassie to see more of this beautiful island? We can book your flights, car hire, sightseeing tours and any additional travel requirements.
Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking or until sold out and may change without notice.
CORAL DISCOVERER
Launched in 2005, Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard for small ship cruising in Australia. Refurbished in November 2016, she continues to raise the bar to new levels of sophistication in expedition cruising. Coral Discoverer accommodates just 72 guests in 36 spacious staterooms.
Embark in Sydney: Board 8:30am on 26 December
Disembark in Hobart: Macquarie Wharf 1, Hobart at 7:30am on 02 January
This voyage is subject to government authorisation. The CYCA is committed to conducting a COVIDSafe Sydney Hobart Race and has been working with authorities including the New South Wales and Tasmanian Governments in the shared goal of conducting this great race. Coral Expeditions guests will be contacted should any changes arise.