Circumnavigation Cruise of Tasmania

Day 1: Depart from Hobart

Board in Hobart at 4:00pm for a 8:00pm departure. Enjoy the Captain’s welcome drinks as we cruise down the Derwent River and into the D’entrecasteaux Channel.

Days 2-16: At Sea: Circumnavigating Tasmania & experiencing highlights of the coastline

No two cruises will be the same, with each expedition crafted by our experienced Masters and Expedition Leaders. 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.

Here are the expedition highlights:

FORTESCUE BAY & TASMAN PENINSULA
The Tasman Peninsula is known for its fascinating geological formations like Devil’s Kitchen, the Blowhole, and Tasman Arch. The soaring 300 metre high dolerite sea cliffs of Cape Raoul, Cape Pillar and Cape Raoul are the tallest in the southern hemisphere. The coastal waters here are a magnet for marine life. Watch fur seals hauling out on the rocks, as well as playful dolphins feeding and magnificent albatross which soar amongst the updrafts created by sea cliffs. We will visit Fortescue Bay, hike the coastal Tasman Trail and kayak in Canoe Bay.

MARIA ISLAND
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 restored buildings of the Darlington convict settlement and take a walk to the ruins of the former Probation Station or the Fossil Cliffs to discover 290 million year old fossils beneath your feet and wildlife all around.

FREYCINET PENINSULA & WINEGLASS BAY
The Freycinet Peninsula is a dramatic headland dominated by a pink-hued granite mountain range called The Hazards. Join a guided hike along the Isthmus Track, walk to the lookout to be rewarded with magnificent views, or swim and kayak the azure waters of Wineglass Bay. Cruising close to Ile des Phoques and Schouten Island, keep an eye out for large colonies of fur seals sunning themselves on the rocks.

FLINDERS ISLAND & THE FURNEAUX GROUP
Visit wild and rugged Flinders Island, and marvel at the pink and gray granite mountain ranges of Strzelecki National Park. Explore beautiful Trousers Point beach, visit seaside townships, and see relics of Flinders maritime past at the Furneaux Museum.

DEAL ISLAND & KENT GROUP
Weather permitting, we visit the Kent Group of islands, Tasmania’s northernmost National Park and a marine protected area. The waters of Kent Island are crystal clear, with the highest diversity of fish species in Australia.

TAMAR RIVER & LAUNCESTON
Spend two days on the scenic Tamar River. The river’s banks abound with scenic reserves and notable vineyards. Explore the city of Launceston, before an event at Josef Chromy Wines.

STANLEY
Visit the charming seaside village of Stanley. Make the climb or chairlift up the Stanley’s iconic landmark ‘The Nut’, for a spectacular 360 degree view. See historic colonial buildings and sample some of Stanley’s world-famous fish and chips.

KING ISLAND
King Island is known for its fine produce. Tour the island with local guides and learn about the island’s colourful history. Sample a brie at the King Island Dairy tasting room, with a chance to sample King Island beef and locally caught crayfish, hosted in the rustic home of local beef farmers.

WEST COAST EXPEDITION STOP
Home to striking mountain ranges, ancient pines and untamed rivers, the wild west coast is the heart of Tasmania’s wilderness and a true frontier. Take in the dramatic scenery of this coastline, with a stop should the weather permit.

PORT DAVEY
Here on the edge of the world in southwest Tasmania, the landscape is about as wild as it gets. This region has no road access, surrounded by raw, craggy-peaked mountains and drowned river valleys, where tannin-rich freshwater sits atop saltwater, tinting the ocean the colour of tea. Spend two whole days (weather permitting) enjoying the rare
opportunity to hike, kayak and take in the pristine natural environment of Port Davey, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Explore the nooks and crannies of Bathurst Harbour and learn about intrepid explorers and Indigenous Australians who once walked this land. Enjoy the unforgettable experience of kayaking in Bramble Cove, hiking the button-grass hills, and looking for the rare Orange-bellied parrot at Melaleuca.

ADVENTURE BAY, BRUNY ISLAND
At Adventure Bay on the east coast of Bruny Island, hike along the dramatic coastal cliffs of Fluted Cape and spot the endemic Bennett’s Wallaby. Cruising the base of the near-vertical dolerite cliffs in Xplorer, take a closer look at Penguin Island, which is connected to Fluted Cape at low tide. Learn about how southern right whales were almost hunted to extinction and Adventure Bay housed four whaling stations before the industry’s decline in the mid-1840s. The ruins can be seen on a walk to Grassy Point.

Day 17: Arrive in Hobart

Disembark in Hobart at 8:00am. A post-cruise transfer to the city or airport is 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 

• 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

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.