These hike themed expeditions combine an expedition voyage with hikes on some of Tasmania’s best coastal tracks. Guests 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. These special departures combine an expedition voyage with coastal treks on some of Tasmania’s best walking tracks – 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 (4hrs, Gr 3), Bishop & Clerk (7hrs Gr 4), Fluted Cape (2.5hrs Gr 4), Mt Beattie (3 hrs, Gr 2), and Wineglass Bay (1-2hrs, Gr 3). Learn more about each hike under the Itinerary section.

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

• Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour at World Heritage-listed Port Arthur to gain a deep insight into the convict history

• From the sea, have a breath-taking view of the 300 metre high dolerite columns of the Tasman Peninsula, the highest sea cliffs 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

The following itinerary is indicative and should be used as a guide as no two Tasmania expedition cruises with Coral Expeditions 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.
Board your Coral Expeditions 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.
Mt Beattie is an easy to moderate walk located close to magnificent Port Davey. The raw and remote beauty of this wilderness area is enhanced by the breathtaking views over Bathurst Channel and Bathurst Harbour. Walk Details: ›› 3 hours return ›› Grade 2/3 walk – some bush-walking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. ›› Prepare with: A raincoat, woollen jumper or polar-fleece jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and a sun hat.
Cape Hauy (part of the Three Capes Walk) is a medium difficulty walk through an extraordinary landscape. Experience views of Fortescue Bay from Mt Fortescue and the dolerite columns at the tip of Cape Hauy. Walk Details: ›› 4 hours return (4.4 km one way) ›› Grade 3 walk – some bush-walking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. ›› Some hazardous cliffs and unprotected track edges – supervise children ›› Prepare with: A raincoat, woollen jumper or polar-fleece jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and a sun hat.
The Fortescue Bay to Waterfall Bay trail is noted for providing an experience of some of the most magnificent coastline in Tasmania. The rainforest and blue gum stands and views of the Tasman Peninsula are nothing short of spectacular. At the end of this longer medium grade walk, the Coral Discoverer will be waiting to collect hikers. Walk Details ›› 7 hours return (16km one way) ›› Grade 3 walk – some bush-walking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. ›› Some hazardous cliffs and unprotected track edges – supervise children ›› Prepare with: A raincoat, woollen jumper or polar-fleece jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and a sun hat.
Wineglass Bay Tasmania with Coral Expeditions The spectacular peninsula of Freycinet is crafted from pink granite peaks – the Hazard mountains – surrounded by azure bays, and backed by dry eucalyptus forest. Enjoy a hike to the Wineglass Bay Lookout and later, join a beachcombers walk along Wineglass Bay, consistently voted one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. Walk Details: ›› 1 – 1.5 hours return (3 km return) ›› Grade 3 walk – steep uphill climb one-way with rough bush steps. ›› Prepare with: water bottle, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and a sun hat.
Bishop and Clerk is a challenging walk located in the Maria Island National Park. Pass through diverse landscapes of grasslands and forest, to emerge overlooking a dramatic and sweeping view of the Southern Ocean. Walk Details ›› 3.5 hours return (12 km return) ›› Grade 4 walk – bush-walking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough, and steep. Signage may be limited. ›› Supervise children, hazardous cliffs, unprotected track edges, rock screed scramble ›› Prepare with: A raincoat, woollen jumper or polar-fleece jacket, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and a sun hat. Other recommendations may include: Thermal pants, warm gloves, and woollen beanie.
Disembark in Hobart at 8:00am. A post-cruise transfer from the ship to Hobart city or airport is included. Note on fitness levels: this trip is suitable for passengers of all fitness levels, though reasonable mobility is required to enjoy all it has to offer. Our Xplorer tender vessels permit easy boarding without climbing any stairs. Hikes vary in intensity and wherever possible we split into groups to suit easy and moderate walkers. Guests are welcome to opt-out of any excursions and relax onboard. Summer temperatures and wind chill in Tasmania can be very cool so warm layered clothing is essential. As our Tasmanian cruises visit remote regions like Bathurst Harbour, this voyage is not suitable for passengers with serious medical conditions.
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. As the itinerary covers remote regions, it is not suitable for passengers with serious medical conditions.

Main Deck B

$7,920 AUD pp
Main Deck B
Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category B) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) 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.

Main Deck A

$8,720 AUD pp
Main Deck A
Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) 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.

Promenade B

$9,520 AUD pp
Promenade B
Located in the bow of the ship and encircled by a full-ship promenade, our two Promenade Deck (Category B) staterooms are 15sqm (160 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, telephone and Junior King bedding.

Promenade A

$10,320 AUD pp
Promenade A
Encircled by a full-ship promenade, our twenty spacious Promenade Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.

Bridge Deck Balcony

$10,980 AUD pp
Bridge Deck Balcony
Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge, our five spacious Bridge Deck Balcony staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature private balconies opening out from french windows providing comfortable indoor outdoor living, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition

Length: 63 metres

Passenger Capacity: 72 (in 36 rooms)

Built: 2005 / Refurbished: 2016

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 in the Southern Hemisphere.

The 1800-tonne Coral Discoverer is the grand vision of Coral Expeditions, pioneers in expedition and adventure cruises around Australia, Papua New Guinea and South East Asia. Her shallow draught and manoeuvrability allow her to go where larger vessels cannot. Her tender vessel, Xplorer, can seat all 72 passengers for excursions to beaches and rivers. Coral Discoverer is equipped with latest technology active stabilisers to ensure comfortable cruising in open waters and is fitted with modern safety and navigation equipment and wireless internet facilities.

Coral Discoverer was built to the exacting international SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) standards and specifications in Cairns, Australia, with one aim in mind; to create the ultimate small ship cruising experience. Australian flagged, and staffed entirely by an Australian and New Zealand crew, your experience aboard Coral Discoverer will be unique.

After the refurbishment, the Sun Deck has evolved to become a new social space and the hub of on board community living. This area has been converted into an undercover deck area complete with round ‘Explorer Bar’ with bar stools and sun deck with lounges and an area for outdoor exercise equipment.

Guest accommodation has also received a substantial upgrade with the addition of six Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms providing coveted inside/outside living quarters. Each of our other Stateroom grades has also received a full upgrade with updated bathroom fixtures, soft furnishings and artwork making for an even more comfortable stay on board Coral Discoverer.

The Coral Discoverer offers five different grades of staterooms, ranging from Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms to Main Deck Staterooms. Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms are on the top deck and have private balconies opening out from french windows. All rooms are furnished with contemporary flair and feature original artwork, a small private en-suite, individually-controlled air-conditioning, an iPod dock, ample storage and Australian toiletries. All staterooms are serviced daily. Each stateroom is spacious, sized between 15sqm (161 square feet) to 20 sqm (215 square feet) and has either a balcony, feature picture windows or porthole windows. Most staterooms can be configured to either junior king or twin bedding.

FACILITIES ON BOARD

> Sun Deck with undercover area, sun lounges and ample seating

> Three fully stocked cocktail bars, including brand new round Explorer Bar on Sun Deck

> Spacious, modern dining room, recently refurbished

> Forward lounge

> Reference library

> Gift shop

> Open bridge

> Workout Area

> Wireless internet available for laptops, mobile devices or via onboard guest computer

> Limited laundry facilities available

> SCUBA diving department (selected itineraries)

Cabin layout for Coral Discoverer

Inclusions


• All excursions with our Expedition Team
• Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
• Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
• Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
• All meals, chef-prepared on board
• Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
• Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
• 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
• All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
• Tips and gratuities
• Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
• Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
• Post-cruise transfers
• Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging
• Guest Lecturer and a Tasmanian Specialist
• Daily guided excursions on the Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels, and kayaks where conditions allow
• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Events, and Open Bridge Access with the Captain
• Comprehensive and fully guided sightseeing in each destination
• All entrance fees to National Parks and Ports

Exclusions


• Pre-cruise transfers
• Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
• Pre and post cruise accommodation
• Travel Insurance
• SCUBA Diving (view Scuba diving rates)
• Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
• Alcoholic drinks (including beer and wine) outside of lunch and dinner service
• Laundry service (available at a cost)
• Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
• Optional Extras (in some destinations)
• Tipping not required
Coral Discoverer
Australia Luxury ExpeditionLuxury Expedition
11 Days from
$7,920 AUD pp

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0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

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