Coastal Treks of Tasmania
11 Days - Coral Discoverer
This hike themed expedition combines an expedition voyage with hikes on some of Tasmania’s best coastal tracks. You will enjoy a variety of shore excursions, and less strenuous walks will be available at each destination. The imposing cliffs, sandy beaches and sapphire waters of the rugged coast of Tasmania offer an experience of spectacular beauty. A uniquely Australian back-to-nature experience.
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 on-board during the day and enjoy the scenery are welcome to do so. After the day’s exertions, retire to the Coral Discoverer’s panoramic Explorer 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, Bishop & Clerk, Fluted Cape, Mt Beattie and Wineglass Bay.
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Itinerary 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
- From the sea and the cliff tops at Cape Hauy, have a breathtaking view of the 300 metre high dolerite sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula, the highest 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
- Hike scenic Fluted Cape at Bruny Island, challenging Bishop & Clerk at Maria Island, and remote Mt Beattie at Port Davey
Itinerary in brief
- Day 1: Embark in Hobart
- Days 2-10: At Sea - Experiencing hikes on some of Tasmania's best coastal tracks
- Day 11: Disembark in Hobart
Day 1: Embark in Hobart
Board your small ship at Hobart’s Princes Wharf at 4:00pm where there is time to settle into your cabin before our 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.
Days 2-10: At Sea: Experiencing hikes on some of Tasmania's best coastal tracks
The following itinerary is indicative and should be used as a guide as no two Tasmania expedition cruises 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:
PORT DAVEY & BATHURST HARBOUR
In Port Davey, disembark to explore the ‘Narrows’ aboard our tender and hike Balmoral Hill or the Mount Beattie Track. The remote beauty of this wilderness area is enhanced by the breathtaking views over Bathurst Channel and Bathurst Harbour. Take in the surrounds of Melaleuca and the Needwonnee Walk.
Mt Beattie Walk Details:
- 3 hours return
- Grade 2/3 walk - some bush-walking experience recommended.
Mt Milner Walk Details:
- 1 hour return
- Grade 2/3 walk - some bush-walking experience recommended.
Mt Stokes Walk Details:
- 2.5 hours return
- Grade 2/3 walk - some bush-walking experience recommended.
BRUNY ISLAND & ADVENTURE BAY
The Fluted Cape walk on Bruny Island stays close to the coastal cliffs, providing spectacular views of Fluted Cape and the distant Tasman Peninsula. Get close to history, magnificent scenery, and abundant wildlife.
Fluted Cape Walk Details:
- 2.5 hours return (5.4km circuit)
- Grade 4 walk - bush-walking experience recommended.
FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK & WINEGLASS BAY
The spectacular peninsula of Freycinet is crafted from pink granite peaks, surrounded by azure bays. Enjoy a hike to the Wineglass Bay Lookout and join a beachcombers walk along Wineglass Bay, voted one of the best beaches in the world.
Wineglass Bay Walk Details:
- 1 - 1.5 hours return (3 km return)
- Grade 3 walk - steep uphill climb one-way with rough steps.
MARIA ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
Bishop and Clerk is a challenging walk located on Maria Island. Pass through landscapes of grasslands and forest, to emerge overlooking a sweeping view of the Southern Ocean.
Bishop & Clerk Walk Details:
- 5 hours return (12 km return)
- Grade 4 walk - bush-walking experience recommended.
TASMAN PENINSULA
Cape Hauy (part of the Three Capes Walk) is a medium difficulty walk through an extraordinary landscape. Experience views of Fortescue Bay and the dolerite columns at Cape Hauy.
Cape Hauy Walk Details:
- 4 hours return (4.4 km one way)
- Grade 3 walk - some bush-walking experience recommended.
PORT ARTHUR
An option on your cruise may be a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, Australia’s most intact convict site. In the company of Port Arthur’s knowledgeable guides, join an exclusive ‘behind the scenes tour’.
Day 11: Disembark in Hobart
Disembark in Hobart at 8:00am. A post-cruise transfer to the city or airport is included.
Cabin Details
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge, the six spacious Bridge Deck staterooms are 20sqm 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 Cat A Stateroom
Encircled by a full-ship promenade, the 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.
Promenade Deck Cat B Stateroom
Located in the bow of the ship and encircled by a promenade, the 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.
Main Deck Cat A Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, the 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.
Main Deck Cat B Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, the 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.
Coral Discoverer Deckplan
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Specifications
- Year of Build: 2005
- Refurbished: 2016
- LOA: 63 metres
- Beam: 13 metres
- Draught: 3 metres
- Gross Tonnage: 1779 tonnes
- Cruising Speed: 10-12 knots
- Max. passengers: 72
- Max. crew: 24
- Tenders: 1 Xplorer, 2 Zodiacs
Whats included?
- On-board accommodation in your selected cabin
- 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
- Comprehensive and fully guided sightseeing in each destination
- All meals, chef-prepared on board
- Selected wines, selected beers, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
- Coffee and selection of teas
- All entrance fees to National Parks and Ports
- Tips and gratuities
- Departure transfer to the city or airport
What’s not included?
- Arrival, departure or charter flights
- Entry visas/travel permits
- Arrival transfer to the port
- Travel Insurance
- Pre or post accommodation
- Alcoholic beverages outside of lunch and dinner service
- Items of a personal nature including but not limited to phone and internet communications, bar charges (outside of the included drinks package as highlighted), laundry charges and souvenir purchases
- Any other items not listed as included
Notes
This trip involves moderate to challenging walks, therefore reasonable mobility is required to enjoy all it has to offer. Our 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 – our 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.
Tipping is not required. Other cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your account and service charges to your bar invoices. On this cruise, the crew has no other agenda than your delight.