Wombats, Wilderness, and Wildlife from Hobart to Hobart aboard the Coral Discoverer
Circumnavigation of Tasmania
Overview
Be one of a special few to join this full circumnavigation voyage around Tasmania, which showcases the best of the remote parks, islands, and harbors of this pristine island at the edge of the world. Highlights include a special Winemaker's Dinner in the Tamar region, hiking through the Strzelecki National Park on Flinders Island, a gourmet lunch and dairy tour on King Island, and two days exploring the rarely-visited World Heritage wilderness of Port Davey. All along the way, you'll benefit from the local knowledge and expertise of your Expedition Leaders.
Arrive: Hobart, Tasmania
Depart: Hobart, Tasmania
Highlights
- Visit remote Flinders Island, with the opportunity to experience one of Tasmania's "Great Short Walks" in Strzelecki National Park
- Cruise the scenic Tamar River to Launceston and enjoy a special visit to a vineyard in the region
- Sample King Island's world-famous produce at a gourmet lunch and visit King Island Dairy for a cheese tasting
- Encounter iconic wildlife including wombats, fur seals, and dolphins
- Kayak and hike Tasmania's breathtakingly beautiful coast and visit remote areas all around the island
- Journey along Tasmania's isolated and mysterious West Coast, with the chance to land and explore a remote location (subject to weather)
Itinerary
Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.
Board your ship in Hobart in the afternoon for an evening departure. Enjoy the Captain's Welcome Drinks as you cruise down the Derwent River and into the D'entrecasteaux Channel.
Cruise through the gorgeous Fortescue Bay and gaze up at the massive 1000-foot-high sea cliffs and monumental rock formations of Tasman National Park, the highest in the Southern Hemisphere. From your excellent vantage point at sea, view the Tasman Arch, the Candlestick, and Cathedral. An area of huge natural diversity, you'll likely spot Australian fur seals “hauling out” on the rocky shores of Tasman Island, as well as dolphins and albatross that are often spotted in this region. Stop in Fortescue Bay where you can hike the coastal Tasman Trail and kayak in Canoe Bay.
The historic ruins and rugged cliffs of Maria Island National Park are home to a diverse range of wildlife that includes Forester kangaroos, Bennetts wallabies, and native wombats. While on the island, walk to historic Darlington Settlement, explore the ancient seabeds of the Fossil Cliffs, and marvel at the sandstone formations of the incredible Painted Cliffs where rich iron deposits have stained the sandstone cliffs with amazing streaks of colors.
The spectacular peninsula of Freycinet is crafted from pink granite peaks—the Hazard Mountains—and is surrounded by azure bays and backed by dry eucalyptus forest. At Freycinet National Park, you can join an optional guided hike (approx. two hours) to the Wineglass Bay beach, consistently voted one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, via the lookout or Isthmus Track. Witness numerous fur seals lounging on the rocks on the Ile des Phoques, a small rocky island between Freycinet Peninsula and Maria Island.
On wild and rugged Flinders Island, the largest of the Furneaux Group in the Bass Strait, you can admire the pink and gray granite mountain ranges of Strzelecki National Park as you walk along the beach or hike along one of Tasmania's “Great Short Walks” at Trousers Point and Castle Rock. Among some of the other islands here, explore seaside townships, learn about the history of the Wybalenna Settlement, and see relics of Flinders maritime history at the Furneaux Museum.
Weather permitting, visit the Kent Group of islands, Tasmania's northernmost National Park and a marine protected area. These islands are the remains of a land bridge that once connected Tasmania with main land Australia over 10,000 years ago. The waters of Kent Island are crystal clear, with the highest diversity of fish species in Australia. On Deal Island you'll see the tallest lighthouse in Australia, standing 305 meters above sea level.
Spend two days on the scenic Tamar River, a tidal estuary where the shores brim with picturesque reserves, historical properties, and notable vineyards. Explore Cataract Gorge, a unique natural formation and popular local's destination with a suspension bridge, Victorian gardens, and exotic plants, as well as the charming city of Launceston. A special event awaits at Josef Chromy Wines, where you'll enjoy vineyard tours, wine tastings, and a cellar-door banquet.
Visit the charming seaside village of Stanley, steeped in history and famous for its fresh seafood. Make the climb or chairlift up the Stanley's iconic landmark “The Nut,” the remains of an ancient volcanic plug, for a spectacular 360-degree view. Later, stroll past the well-preserved colonial buildings and perhaps sample some of Stanley's world-famous fish and chips.
Situated in the Bass Strait, King Island is known for its wonderful produce, cheese, and beef. Its rugged coastline is the site of over 60 known shipwrecks. Tour the island with local guides and learn about the island's colorful history and thriving industries. Sample fresh brie at the King Island Dairy tasting room, and enjoy a gourmet lunch with King Island scotch steak and locally caught crayfish.
Take in the dramatic scenery as you cruise the stunning west coast. Home to striking mountain ranges, ancient pine forests, and untamed rivers, the wild west coast is the heart of Tasmania's wilderness and a true frontier. Weather permitting, you may make a landing to explore the shores of this remote coastline.
A marine reserve and part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Port Davey is Tasmania untouched. If conditions allow, you will spend one to two full days exploring this pristine wilderness, and enjoy the unforgettable experience of kayaking in Bathurst Harbour. Otherwise accessible only via a seven-day hike or charter flight, Port Davey feels like an endless uncharted wilderness, full of sheltered bays filled with endemic marine life. In Port Davey, you'll disembark to explore the “Narrows” aboard a tender and take a guided hike of Balmoral Hill or the Mount Beattie Track. Take in the surrounds of Melaleuca and the Needwonnee Walk, named after the tribe whose homelands extended throughout this area.
At Adventure Bay on the east coast of Bruny Island, walk along the dramatic coastal cliffs of Fluted Cape and search for Bennett's Wallabies, endemic to Bruny Island. Cruising the base of these near-vertical dolerite cliffs, get close-up views of Penguin Island which is connected to Fluted Cape at low tide. Learn about the plight of southern right whales which were almost hunted to extinction. Ruins of the old whaling stations can be seen on a walk to Grassy Point.
Disembark your ship this morning in Hobart and transfer to the city or the airport for homeward-bound flights.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 1, Easy. For most activities, a relatively moderate level of exertion is required. Shore excursions are usually divided into two fitness levels, one slightly easier than the other. The Expedition Leaders will always discuss the next day's activities and advise passengers about the level of fitness required. This would be the time to ask questions and decide on which level you would prefer.
On the occasion where there is a moderate/hard 2- to 3-hour walk, then an easy flat walk that is about half a mile will also be offered. A tender permits easy boarding without climbing any stairs. You are always are welcome to opt out of any excursion and relax onboard.
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.