Pristine Tasmania

In the afternoon, board Coral Expeditions I at Hobart's Macquarie Wharf. Explore the River Derwent and the mighty Tasman Bridge. Enjoy the Captain's Welcome Drinks and sample Tasmanian cheeses, Bruny Island oysters, and sparkling wines as you make your way through the scenic D'Entrecasteaux Channel towards your overnight anchorage near Bruny Island.

This morning enjoy a tour and tasting at Grandvewe Cheeses, set on 40 acres overlooking Bruny Island. Grandvewe farm produces fine sheep cheeses using milk from their herd of over 100 Awassi and Grandvewe dairy sheep. Meet the mother and daughter cheesemaking team, tour the milking shed, and learn how the cheeses are produced. Sample some of the farm's award-winning produce, including the unique Vanilla Whey Liqueur. Then visit the Woodbridge Marine Discovery Centre, Huon Cruise, Franklin Township, and discover the Wooden Boat School. Sail to South East Cape, the southernmost point of Tasmania.

This afternoon explore Recherche Bay, a large protected bay which takes its name from a frigate used in the failed 1791 French expedition to locate the missing explorer La Pérouse. Cruise the bay aboard an Explorer, then join the Expedition Leader and Parks and Wildlife Ranger on a scenic hike at the start of the famed South Coast Track. Walk the picturesque beach to see Cockle Creek's bronze southern right whale statue commemorating the town's whaling past, and a signpost marking the most southerly point in Australia accessible by motor vehicle.

Enter the remote Port Davey this morning for a full day (posible two days) of exploration in the heart of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Accessible only by boat, aircraft, or a seven day hike, this region is surely one of the most magnificent and pristine landscapes on earth. Explore the 'Narrows' and Bathurst Harbour, where you can breathe the world's cleanest air and take the opportunity to kayak in waters so clear that the towering mountains surrounding the harbor are perfectly reflected in the waterways. Enjoy a guided hike on the Balmoral Hill Track, and visit the village of Melaleuca, where conservation efforts are helping to protect the endangered orange-bellied aarrot. 

Gather on the outer decks for a scenic cruise along the southern coast of Bruny Island, past Cloudy Bay, the historic Cape Bruny Lighthouse, and the Friars, home to a large population of Australian fur seals. Anchoring at Adventure Bay, relax on the long stretch of beach, enjoy a swim, paddle a kayak, tour the Bligh Museum of Pacific Exploration, or join an optional guided Fluted Cape Walk. Explore the historic 19th-century whaling station ruins and enjoy a Tasmanian wine tasting.

Awaken this morning to the pristine surrounds of Freycinet National Park. Early risers and keen photographers may choose to join a guided hike through the national park to the Wineglass Bay lookout, with breathtaking views of the beach and beyond to Mt Freycinet, providing reward for the early start. Wineglass Bay has been named one of the world's top ten beaches, and following breakfast you have ample time to explore the beach at your own pace. Perhaps paddle a kayak in the clear waters, or just stroll along the soft white sands and take in the untouched scenery of this iconic location.

Spend the morning exploring Maria Island, a national park with something for everyone: historic ruins, sweeping bays, rugged cliffs and mountains, and remarkable wildlife. Since the late 1960s Maria Island has become a kind of Noah's Ark, as a number of threatened species have been introduced here in a bid to protect their kind. The very features that made the island a convict settlement now make it an ideal refuge for plant and animal species such as native pademelons, forester kangaroos, Bennetts wallabies and Tasmanian devils. Maria Island's historic town site of Darlington has been included in the Convict Trail of Australia and was World Heritage-listed in 2010. View the dramatic Painted and Fossil Cliffs and join a walking exploration from Encampment Cove to the ruins of Maria Island's second (probation-era) convict station at Point Lesueur on the island’s west coast (also known as Long Point).

In the afternoon cruise the coast of Tasman National Park, an area of dramatic beauty, natural diversity, and famous for its soaring 300-meter sea cliffs and monumental rock formations. Tasman Arch, The Candlestick, and Cathedral Rock are just three of the imposing natural features adorning the coastline. At Tasman Island observe rich wildlife such as seals, dolphins, sea eagles, and albatross.

This day, a unique experience awaits at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Australia's most intact and evocative convict site, between 1833 and 1877 the penal colony housed Britain and Australia's worst criminals, and was considered inescapable. Today, the Historic Site has over 30 buildings, ruins, and restored period homes set in 40 hectares of landscaped grounds. In the company of Port Arthur's resident archaeologist, join an exclusive 'behind the scenes tour' of the site, which includes access to private collections and historic buildings not accessible to the general public. Then, enjoy the Captain's farwell reception in the beautiful surrounds of Port Arthur's Asylum building. 

This morning cruise River Derwent towards Hobart for disembarkation.