Cruising Tasmania’s coastal wilderness
This article is brought to you by Coral Expeditions.
At about the same size as Ireland or Switzerland, Tasmania packs a lot of surprises into its small 68,401sq.km. Mother Nature let loose in this ruggedly beautiful place with magnificent rainforest, snow-topped mountains, and pristine bays decorated by boulders that could have been the work of an artist the caliber of Pro Hart. The island state is also a haven for unique wildlife such as the Tasmanian devil. Endemic birds flit about and wombats graze in green fields. Add the impressive food and wine scene – with incredible seafood, artisanal cheeses, cool climate wines and lavender-infused delights – and the island is a captivating destination to satiate all your senses.
You can explore Tasmania with Coral Expeditions, an Australian-owned company that excels in small-ship cruising. For a taste of Coral’s experiences, check out this video. It will inspire you to step onboard and venture south.
Image credits: Coral Expeditions
Tasmanian odyssey
To showcase Tasmania, Coral Expeditions has curated an impressive array of itineraries, ranging from seven to 16 nights, including A Yachtsman’s Cruise offering a taste of the iconic Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. This seven-night itinerary starts in Sydney and your Special Guest Lecturer on board Coral Discoverer will keep you informed about the yachts, tactics, and everything else that’s happening. Head south with the trailing fleet, and once across the notorious Bass Strait, embark on a number of guided shore excursions to Tasmania’s national parks. You’ll arrive in Hobart on New Year’s Eve – what a great way to end one year and start a new one!
Image credit: Coral Expeditions
The 10-night Coastal Wilds of Tasmania itinerary is a round trip from Hobart, taking you to Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour for two full days. Go hiking in Freycinet National Park – with Wineglass Bay and The Hazards your reward. Visit Maria Island and Port Arthur, kayak off the back of the ship in Fortescue Bay, and visit the Wooden Boat Centre to learn about Tasmania’s rich maritime heritage.
Image credits: Coral Expeditions
Another excellent 10-night itinerary is Coastal Treks of Tasmania. Perfect for lovers of action and adventure, this hiking-themed itinerary takes you on some of the iconic treks of the region. There are challenging and less strenuous walks on offer, and you’ll be guided by experienced bushwalkers providing fascinating insights into the unique ecosystem. Some of the hike destinations include Mount Beattie, Mount Milner, Fluted Cape Walkway, Cape Hauy, Wineglass Bay Lookout, and Bishop and Clerk. After your hikes, recharge in Coral Discoverer’s panoramic Xplorer bar.
Image credit: Coral Expeditions
To allow maximum enjoyment and discovery of the Apple Isle, consider the 16-night Circumnavigation of Tasmania, which shows off the entire coastline. This allows even more time to venture into Tasmania’s coastal nooks and crannies, and more days to taste test your way around this magnificent state. Spend two to three days marveling at the World Heritage Area of Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour, where dolphins are likely to be spotted frolicking in the tranquil bay. Keep active on kayak or hiking tours, be mesmerised by the 300m-high cliffs in Tasman National Park – the highest in the Southern Hemisphere – and cruise up the serene Tamar River to Launceston, where you’ll toast your experience at the Josef Chromy Vineyard.
Image credit: Coral Expeditions
Tasmania by small ship
Cruising on one of Coral Expeditions’ small ships is the perfect way to discover Tasmania’s coastline, or any other of the fascinating regions where Coral ventures, including the Asia Pacific, South Pacific and Indian Ocean. The experience will feel a lot more personal because each of the ships – Coral Geographer, Coral Adventurer and Coral Discoverer – carries between 72 and 120 guests. That means no long waits, no assigned seating, and no queuing. It also allows for more intimate exploration with access to remote coves and bays that bigger ships simply cannot access. And it means that the crew and the other like-minded passengers will feel like family well before you disembark, having learned a lot about the destinations visited thanks to the knowledgeable and friendly expedition leaders.
Image credits: Coral Expeditions
With another year about to end, and time marching onwards at a rate of knots, start planning your Tasmanian adventure now. Coral Expeditions has an itinerary to suit you, with the perfect blend of action, nature, wildlife and culinary pleasures.
This article is brought to you by Coral Expeditions.
