Circumnavigation of Tasmania

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.