Tasmania Circumnavigation

Hobart occupies a wonderful location at the mouth of the Derwent River, overseen by majestic Mt. Wellington and surrounded by natural bushland. The Tasmanian capital is Australia's second-oldest city after Sydney, and the picturesque waterfront is bordered by 19th-century warehouses and colonial mansions. Salamanca Place is packed with shops, galleries, and restaurants, and the fascinating Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a short ferry ride from the quay. Hobart is within easy reach of some of Tasmania's best-known destinations, from historic Port Arthur and the rugged Tasman Peninsula to Bruny Island, the Huon and Derwent Valleys, and Mount Field National Park.

The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area is one of the largest conservation areas in Australia and one of the last expanses of temperate wilderness in the world. Located at the heart of the World Heritage Area, the Port Davey Marine Reserve is a unique protected waterway featuring a layer of rich red-brown tannin freshwater overlaying the tidal saltwater from the Southern Ocean. Port Davey is only accessible by foot, boat, or light aircraft, preserving the pristine natural environment that is characterized by rugged coastlines with blowholes, caves, and dramatic rock formations that are home to wildlife that includes the little blue penguin and Australian fur seal. If weather permits, guests will have the opportunity to explore the coastal environments and view the wildlife from the fleet of zodiacs.

King Island is anchored in the middle of the Bass Strait between Victoria and Tasmania’s northwestern coast. Surrounded by some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, King Island imports the world’s best surfers and exports produce sought by the world’s top chefs: succulent beef, rich gourmet cheese, and crayfish plucked from the island’s crystal-clear waters. It's quiet and easy going here, but there's something interesting at every turn—from a lighthouse and offshore shipwrecks to the island's great nature walks and unique wildlife. You can have the opportunity to uncover the island's stories at the museum and cultural center in the town of Currie or to take a guided trail of the island's produce, culture, history, flora, and fauna.

Tasmania is a land that should be savored slowly, with a glass of fine wine in hand and friendly locals to guide you on your way. The Tamar Valley Wine Route is regarded as one of the world’s top 10 wine routes, with over 32 wineries to explore. Showcasing some of the finest award-winning wines. The unique, cool climate location produces elegant wines of exceptional quality. There is so much more to the Tamar Valley than just wine. There’s the Tamar Valley Arts Trail, a unique space where you can meet the artists in their studio. The Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre, which shows the workings of the old mine, recalls the boom days of gold, the events of the 2006 mine rescue, and Tamar Valley history.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest, and entertainment.

Ile des Phoques, or Seal Island, forms part of the Schouten Island Group, lying close to the east coast of Tasmania, ten nautical miles south-west of Freycinet Peninsula, and ten nautical miles north-east of Maria Island. The Nature Reserve is home to several breeding seabird species, including the little penguin, short-tailed shearwater, fairy prion, and common diving petrel. It is a regular haul-out for Australian fur seals, and there is historical evidence that it was once a major breeding colony. Landing on the island is prohibited. If time and weather permit, you can have the opportunity to explore the coastal environment and view the wildlife from the fleet of zodiacs.

Located off Tasmania’s east coast, Maria Island is a natural wildlife sanctuary and off-shore retreat with historic ruins, sweeping bays, dramatic cliffs, and plenty of stories to tell. Originally inhabited by the indigenous Tyreddeme people, it has also been a whaling and sealing post, a penal settlement, and an Italian pleasure resort. It is also one of Tasmania's great bird-watching hot spots, home to the endangered forty-spotted pardalote and the rare and unique Cape Barren goose. Grasslands, open forest, and tall wooded land also provide a home for abundant wildlife, including wombats, pademelons, forester kangaroos, and Bennett's wallabies. Join members of the expedition team for a guided walk on one of the several trails on offer. If time and weather permit, explore the shoreline with the fleet of zodiacs.

The Port Arthur Historic Site was established in 1830 as a timber station and was soon built into a small town designed for the housing and punishment of over a thousand of Tasmania’s most notorious convicts. Over its long history, Port Arthur has been a place of hardship and punishment, a place of opportunity, and a place of leisure. Now it is one of Australia’s most important heritage destinations, where the story of Australia’s colonial history is written in stone and brick. Port Arthur was included in the National Heritage List on June 3, 2005, and is one of five World Heritage-listed convict sites in Tasmania. Join the expedition team and local guides for an insight into Tasmania's tumultuous past.

The Tasman and Forestier peninsulas lie in the far south-east of Tasmania, linked to the rest of the island by a short bridge over a dredged canal. Established in 1999, the Tasman National Park protects the eastern and southern coastal regions of both peninsulas. The park's varied coastline and offshore islands provide abundant habitats for Australian fur seals, little penguins, whales, and dolphins, which flourish in the rich waters. However, the park’s greatest features are on land, with spectacular woodlands and forests and Australia’s highest sea cliffs. Striking dolerite spires rise from the Tasman Sea, culminating in the capes of Hauy, Pillar, and Raoul. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine waters of Fortescue Bay, or join the expedition team for a guided walk to enjoy the spectacular view from Cape Huay. If time and weather permit, you can also explore the shoreline by zodiac.

Hobart occupies a wonderful location at the mouth of the Derwent River, overseen by majestic Mt. Wellington and surrounded by natural bushland. The Tasmanian capital is Australia's second-oldest city after Sydney, and the picturesque waterfront is bordered by 19th-century warehouses and colonial mansions. Salamanca Place is packed with shops, galleries, and restaurants, and the fascinating Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a short ferry ride from the quay. Hobart is within easy reach of some of Tasmania's best-known destinations, from historic Port Arthur and the rugged Tasman Peninsula to Bruny Island, the Huon and Derwent Valleys, and Mount Field National Park.