Embark on an adventure into the wilderness, to discover Tasmania’s rugged coastal beauty and wonderful wildlife on this small-ship expedition aboard Coral Discoverer.
Poised at the edge of the world, where the Southern, Indian and Pacific Oceans collide, Tasmania is home to craggy mountain ranges, soaring coastal cliffs, and crescent-shaped beaches. This unique expedition explores the southern coast of Tasmania, from Port Davey in the south-west, to Wineglass Bay in the east. Passionate explorers, marine biologists, and naturalists make up your expedition team and provide a personal and relaxed atmosphere on board. Daily excursions include hikes along some of Tasmania's most beautiful coastal trails, cruises by Xplorer tender or Zodiac, and for the more adventurous, the chance to explore by kayak.
Visiting no less than three breathtaking national parks, from the perfect circular formation of Wineglass Bay, to the other-worldly remoteness of Port Davey, and the wildlife refuge of Maria Island, you'll encounter a whole host of wonderful wildlife. Observe endemic bird species, such as green rosella, Cape Barren goose, and the Tasmanian native hen, and marsupials such as the intriguing wombat, Bennett's wallaby, forester kangaroo, and Tasmanian pademelon. Other delightful encounters include Australian fur seals draped over the rocks and giant spider crab sometimes found on the beaches. You may also spot tiny hooded plovers, sooty and pied oyster catchers, little and fairy terns, and possibly even, one of Australia's rarest birds, a forty-spotted pardalote.
This immersive expedition is like no other, promising extraordinary wildlife encounters, wonderful coastal trails, and a compelling convict history, all on board a spacious and comfortable expedition vessel, designed to easily access this wild and remote coastline.
This afternoon, board the Coral Discoverer and set sail on your Tasmanian adventure!
Accommodation: Coral Discoverer, 8-nights
Over the next nine days you explore the very best of coastal Tasmania, a spectacular and beautiful coastline, home to an array of wonderful wildlife. Throughout your expedition, allowances are made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and wildlife opportunities. Below are some of the key destinations you may visit.
Tasmania’s Huon Valley supports a diverse cast of iconic Australian wildlife, alongside a host of marine species too. Marine mammals such as the Australian fur seal and long-nosed (New Zealand) fur seal, are possible sightings in this area. Along the foreshore you may see the striking sooty oystercatcher, and other waders, including red-capped plover. White silver gull, Australasian gannet, and even the mighty wedge-tailed eagle, may also be spotted.
There are no roads in or out of Bathurst Harbour, and so this is one of the least-visited areas of the island. It's also, arguably, one of the most beautiful areas in Tasmania, and it supports some of the country’s rarest species, including the orange-bellied parrot. Here you may also see seals and dolphins in the water, and on land Bennett’s wallaby, wombat, echidna, and a whole host of endemic birds are possible.
Bruny Island is a wonderful place to see some historic sites and exceptional wildlife. Here you can see white-morph grey goshawk, white Bennett’s wallaby, green rosella, and if you're lucky, the forty-spotted pardalote. Bruny Island is also an excellent place to see pademelon, short-beaked echidna, brushtail possum, and even eastern quoll. Other bird species include Tasmanian nativehen, new Holland honeyeater, and flame robin.
Another of Tasmania’s many islands, Maria Island, provides refuge for numerous iconic species. Forester kangaroo, wombats, Bennett’s wallaby, an abundance of pademelon, plus Cape Barren geese, and a plethora of birds can all be seen here.
Often considered to be one of the most beautiful parts of Tasmania, Freycinet National Park is home to picturesque sweeping golden beaches and dramatic rugged peaks. The coastline supports a thriving population of fur seals, while white-bellied sea eagles can be seen gliding overhead.
On the Tasman Peninsula, you can find Australia’s highest sea cliffs. These towering walls of dolerite are among Tasmania’s most iconic sights. Look out for dolphins, fur seals, and the endemic shy albatross. Other birds here include hooded plover, wedge-tailed eagle, and the increasingly rare swift parrot, while growing numbers of Tasmanian devil are also present.
Please note: Exact itinerary and duration will depend on your chosen vessel, departure date and local conditions.
An eclectic mix of modern and historic, the small city of Hobart has a vibrant art scene and interesting museums, alongside several bars, cafes and restaurants. It provides access to some of Tasmania’s best natural attractions – including Maria Island National Park and Bruny Island. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Bruny Island is the ultimate Tasmanian wilderness experience with preserved natural environments, abundant wildlife, tranquil beaches and soaring sea cliffs. A birdwatchers’ paradise, the island’s national park attracts all 12 of Tasmania’s endemic birds including the rare forty-spotted pardalote. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Occupying most of the Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania's dramatic east coast, the Freycinet National Park, with its pink granite mountains and beautiful white beaches, is a haven for birdlife. The park’s jewels include a RAMSAR wetland, home to migrants such as black swan and white-bellied sea eagle. Find Out More about {acc:title}
World Heritage listed Maria Island mixes convict-era architecture, industrial heritage and diverse wildlife. One of Tasmania's great wildlife hot spots, this is one of the rare locations to see healthy Tasmanian devil in the wild, together wtih other rare species such as the Cape Barren goose. Find Out More about {acc:title}
A dramatic coastline consisting of soaring 300 metre cliffs and monumental rock formations form this spectacular area of natural beauty. Wildlife is in abundance with Australian fur seals, little penguins, brushtail possums, swift parrots, and the endemic forty-spotted pardalote all seen here. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Coral Discoverer offers the ultimate in small ship expedition cruising around the coastal waters of Australia. Her shallow draught means access to areas larger vessels cannot reach, perfect for exploring the wild coasts of Tasmania and The Kimberley, and a superb choice for wildlife cruising. Find Out More about Coral Discoverer
