At a Glance
Cruise and hike Tasmania’s stunning East Coast, with this action-packed 11-day cruise aboard the luxurious Coral Discoverer. This package is the ultimate way to experience the East Coast’s Great Walks – in comfort and style.
Tasmania’s East Coast, with its dramatic cliffs, white sandy beaches, and azure waters, offers a completely different Australian coastal experience. Unlike on mainland Australia, in Tasmania, you will feel like you are the first person to leave a footprint.
Embarking from Hobart’s Princes Wharf, this one-of-a-kind cruise aboard Coral Discoverer combines an expedition voyage with scenic hikes on some of Tasmania’s best coastal tracks. Discover the raw and remote beauty of Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour, the last point of land before Antarctica. Marvel at the soaring sea cliffs and monumental rock formations of Tasman National Park ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 11-day Expedition Voyage aboard Coral Discoverer
- All entrance fees to National Parks and Ports
- 24-hour coffee and selection of teas
- Expert Expedition Team, including a Guest Lecturer and a Tasmanian Specialist
- Daily guided excursions on the Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels, and kayaks where conditions allow
- Small batch local dining, prepared fresh onboard: buffet breakfasts, buffet lunches and table d’hote dinners
- Showcase wines, selected beers and soft drinks with lunch and dinner service
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Events, and Open Bridge Access with the Captain
- Comprehensive and fully guided sightseeing in each destination
Itinerary
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All aboard Coral Discoverer for the adventure of a lifetime. Boarding commences at 4:00pm at Hobart’s Princes Wharf where there is time to settle into your stateroom before the 5:00pm departure. Take time to familiarise yourself with all the facilities onboard before meeting your fellow travellers, the Captain and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks. |
Coral Discoverer
Dinner |
Walking information: Mount Beattie: 3hrs return | Grade 2/3 walk – some bush-walking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. Arrive into Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour. Located on Tasmania’s extreme southwest corner in the Southwest National Park, the landscape here is about as wild as it gets. Raw craggy-peaked mountains and drowned river valleys. Wild rivers and rivulets carved by by an eternity. Where tannin-rich freshwater sits atop saltwater, tinting the ocean the colour of tea. With no road access, the logical way to explore this wilderness is by small expedition ship. While in the area, take on Mt Beattie, one of world’s most southern mountains. Part of the infamous Port Davey Track, a 70-kilometre track that takes experienced bushwalkers 4 to 5 days to complete, Mt Beattie offers impressive views of the Bathurst Harbour, Channel and Melaleuca. Due to the region’s sheer remoteness, you will likely be the only people for miles around, so soak up the serenity! |
Coral DiscovererBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking information: Cape Hauy: 9.4km/5.8mi | 4hrs | Grade 3: Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps. Arrive into the Tasman National Park, famous for its soaring sea cliffs and monumental rock formations, not to mention the nearby World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site. While in the area, take on Cape Hauy, one of the National Park’s famous ‘Three Capes’. Starting from Fortescue Bay, the well-constructed trail undulates through woodlands and heath, which in spring, comes alive with wildflowers. The trail then drops down a steep set of mostly stone steps, before ascending again towards the Cape. The first scramble down onto the Cape is the steepest of the day’s hiking but is easily managed. At the top, you are rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views that stretch far north past the Forester Coast to Maria Island and south, detailing the ridges of Cape Pillar. Towards the end, the trail borders close to the cliff’s edge, providing exhilarating views down at multiple points. The final segment of trail, before reaching the plateau, is steep and narrow but once at the end, you are able to view clearly the exceptional rock formations of the Candlestick and Totem Pole. Rock climbing enthusiasts travel from around the world to scale these exceptional dolerite columns! When returning to the trail head via the same route, a short worthwhile detour can be made to Monument Lookout via the Cape Pillar trail, 20-minutes return from the sign. This is a great spot to snap any last photos of Cape Hauy and the Hippolytes, a large section of rock that sits severed from the mainland. |
Coral DiscovererBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking information: Waterfall Bay: 16km/10mi one-way | 7hrs | Grade 3: 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. Challenge yourself to another incredible Tasman National Park hike: Waterfall Bay. This trail is sure to astonish with its exquisite views and ever-changing forest scenery. Departing from Fortescue Bay, follow the coast into thick Blue Gum forest, passing the wreck of the William Pitt, a dredge that was towed from Hobart in 1953 and scuttled in the bay as a breakwater for the many fishing vessels using the area to shelter. At low tide, you can see the top of the vessel rearing from the water. For the next hour the trail follows the cliff line, ascending up past multiple vantage points to Bivouac Bay. Stepping across the creek into Bivouac Bay is fantastic; the area is easily one of the most picturesque resting spots along the peninsula. Continue on to the highest point of the walk, Tatnells Hill (545-metres/1788ft). As you walk, the trail skirts extremely close to the edge of the cliff, providing breathtaking and heart-racing opportunities to soak up the tremendous views of the coast including Cape Hauy and Tasman Island. The last part of the trail leads through dense Stringybark forest before culminating at a high lookout. Your reward after a long day’s hike is incredible views across to a waterfall that plunges into the sea from 200-metres (65ft) up. After rain, the falls put on a particularly impressive display! |
Coral DiscovererBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Arrive into Freycinet National Park, the jewel of Tasmania’s eastern coastline. Cruise beneath pink granite mountains, past beaches, and across water so clear you feel like you can touch the marine life below. While in the area, hike the Isthmus Track to Wineglass Bay, the most photographed view in the whole of Tasmania. Starting from Hazards Beach, walk up and around the low rocky coastline, keeping an eye out for acrobatic White-bellied Sea Eagles. The views across Great Oyster Bay are beautiful and a taste of what is yet to come as you trek across the wide isthmus to one of the top ten beaches in the world. Nestled in the iconic Hazards Range and bordered with pink granite peaks, Wineglass Bay is a sight that must be seen to be believed. Take your time at the look out before descending to the sugar white sands and azure waters. Take a swim, if you dare! Tasmania doesn’t get much better than this! |
Coral DiscovererBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Walking information: Bishop & Clerk: 12km/7.5mi | 5hrs | Grade 4: 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 Arrive into Maria Island, a native wildlife sanctuary surrounded by peaceful bays, rugged cliff face, and sheltered by tall Eucalypt. While in the area, challenge yourself to the Bishop and Clerk walk. Starting from Darlington, climb through open forest and tall woodland, to the rocky slopes and towering dolerite columns of the summit (620-metres). These were named Bishop and Clerk because of the resemblance to a bishop, wearing a mitre, being followed by a clergyman. The views from the top of Bishop and Clerk are magnificent. On a clear day, you can see out over the entirety of Maria Island out across the Tasman Sea to the mainland. |
Coral DiscovererBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
All good things must come to an end! After breakfast, say farewell to the crew and disembark in Hobart at 8:00am to commence your onward journey. A post-cruise transfer from the vessel to Hobart city or airport is included. NOTE: The itinerary is indicative. No two expedition cruises will be the same, with each expedition crafted by the experienced Masters and Expedition Leaders. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. We suggest that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling. |
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Dates & Prices
Please contact us for the available Cabins & Prices. Limited single cabins are available for solo travellers. Please contact us for more information.
More Info
The start and finish point is Hobart, Tasmania.
Tasmania has four distinct seasons, with the warmest months being December to March. The average maximum daily summer temperatures are between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius and winter daily temperatures sit between 3 and 11 degrees Celsius. Rainfall varies dramatically across the island. The north west has an annual average of 2,400 mm that ensures the rainforest thrives. Regardless of where you travel in Tasmania you should be prepared for sudden, temporary deterioration in the weather, especially if bushwalking. Always carry additional warm clothing, including a waterproof outer layer.
This trip involves moderate to challenging walks, therefore reasonable mobility is required to enjoy all it has to offer. The 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.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
