16 Day Tasmania Discovery By Land & Sea
✓ 10 nights cruising the magnificent Tasmanian Coast onboard the Coral Discoverer small expedition ship
✓ 5 Nights accommodation on 4-star hotels including 2 nights at stunning Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
✓ Increadible sightseeing including Bathurst Harbour wilderness exploration, hiking to Wineglass Bay & The Hazards in Freycinet National Park, learning about Maria Island & Porth Arthur's history as penal colonies, fascinating at Strathan's harbour-side village and taking a day walk on Tassie’s favourite walking country: Cradle Mountain National Park
✓ 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
✓ 6 days Hertz Group H car rental
✓ All activities listed in the itinerary unless a paid optional
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Hobart! Make your way to Hobart’s Princes Wharf at 4pm and settle into your stateroom before a 5:00pm departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard the Coral Discoverer as we cruise northwards towards Cape Leveque. As dusk falls meet your fellow travellers, the Captain and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.
Coral Expedition's important itinerary note: No two Tasmania cruises will be the same as each expedition is crafted by our experienced Masters and Expedition Leaders, allowing us to quickly respond to favourable weather conditions to offer you the very best of Tasmania’s flora, fauna and wild coastline. Below are the key destinations we visit in the expected itinerary - however day to day itinerary may vary. There will be a daily briefing on board to advise guests on the upcoming day’s activities. Time of departure and return are pre-determined – the rest is an adventure! The expedition will visit Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour conditions permitting. We always aim to visit these beautiful destinations, but if we are not able to enter, an alternative destination more appropriate to the inclement weather conditions will be chosen by the Captain.
Please contact us if you need assistance arranging pre tour accommodation in Hobart.
Here on the edge of the world in southwest Tasmania, the landscape is about as wild as it gets. This region has no road access, surrounded by raw, craggy-peaked mountains and drowned river valleys, where tannin-rich freshwater sits atop saltwater, tinting the ocean the colour of tea. Spend two whole days (weather permitting) enjoying the rare opportunity to hike, kayak and take in the pristine natural environment of Port Davey, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Explore the nooks and crannies of Bathurst Harbour and learn about intrepid explorers and Indigenous Australians who once walked this land. Enjoy the unforgettable experience of kayaking in Bramble Cove, hiking the button-grass hills, and looking for the rare Orange-bellied parrot at Melaleuca
Continue your exploration of Port Davey & Bathurst Harbour.
At Adventure Bay on the east coast of Bruny Island, we walk along the dramatic coastal cliffs of Fluted Cape and hope to see Bennett’s Wallabies which are endemic to Bruny Island. Cruising the base of these near-vertical dolerite cliffs in our Xplorer tender vessels, we take a close look at Penguin Island, which is connected to Fluted Cape at low tide.
Learn about how southern right whales were almost hunted to extinction and Adventure Bay housed four whaling stations before the industry’s decline in the mid-1840s. The ruins can be seen on a walk to Grassy Point.
Maria Island can be referred to as a Noah’s Ark for native Tasmanian species. The Maria Island National Park provides an ideal sanctuary, and is one of the best places in Australia to observe endemic birdlife as well as wombats, Cape Barren geese, Forester Kangaroos, Bennett’s Wallabies, and pademelons.
Stroll amongst the ruins and restored buildings of the Darlington convict settlement and take a walk to the ruins of the former Probation Station or the striking formations of the Painted Cliffs, where rich iron deposits have stained the sandstone cliffs with coloured streaks of red, purple and orange.
The Freycinet Peninsula is a dramatic headland dominated by a pink-hued granite mountain range called The Hazards. Blessed with picturesque sweeping bays with white sand beaches like famed Wineglass Bay, much of the peninsula is designated as Freycinet National Park.
Take a guided hike along the Isthmus Track and be rewarded with magnificent views from the lookout or swim in the azure waters of Wineglass Bay. Cruising close to Ile des Phoques and Schouten Island, keep an eye out for large colonies of fur seals sunning themselves on the rocks.
The Tasman Peninsula is known for its fascinating geological formations like the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch, and the soaring 300 metre high dolerite sea cliffs of Cape Raoul, Cape
Pillar and Cape Hauy - the tallest in the southern hemisphere.
Watch fur seals hauling out on the rocks, as well as playful dolphins feeding and magnificent albatross soaring amongst the updrafts created by the sea cliffs. We will visit Fortescue Bay, hike sections of the coastal Tasman Trail and kayak in Canoe Bay.
Continue your exploration of Tasman National Park & Fortescue Bay
One of Australia’s most significant historic places, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur ruins stand sentinel on the Tasman Peninsula south of the narrow isthmus of Eaglehawk Neck. For more than 40 years the Port Arthur penal colony housed British and Australian convicts sentenced to hard labour before its heavy iron doors clanked shut for the last time in 1877.
Today, the Historic Site has over 30 buildings, ruins and restored period homes set in 100 acres of landscaped grounds. In the company of Port Arthur’s knowledgeable guides, we join an exclusive ‘behind the scenes tour’ which includes access to private collections and historic buildings not otherwise accessible to the public.
Where the mouth of the Huon River meets D’Entrecasteaux Channel lays Port Huon, a small community at the heart of the fertile Huon Valley with its Hartz Mountains backdrop. The sheltered waters of the Huon River allow us to visit the Wooden Boat Centre at Franklin where Tasmania’s maritime heritage is kept alive through the production of hand-crafted timber boats.
Grandvewe Cheeses is an organic sheep dairy farm where there will be time to learn about the cheesemaking process as well as taste their ‘ewenique’ sheep’s whey vodka at the Cellar Door overlooking D’Entrecasteaux Channel.
Disembark in Hobart at 8:00am. A post-cruise transfer from the ship to a central point in Hobart city. From here, please make your way to your accommodation.
Your hotel’s check in time is typically from 2pm. Should your room not be available when you arrive, you will be welcome to leave your luggage at reception and explore the surrounding area.
Today you can collect your rental vehicle at your most convenient time. Complete information, including Hertz pick up depots and times will be provided with your final documentation.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore Hobart.
Drive northwest bound for the fishing village of Strahan. Overlooking the second biggest harbour in Australia, Strahan is the launching point for (Ship)s on the magnificent Gordon River. This little town still retains its heritage flavour with many new developments retaining Strahan’s historical and cultural charm.
Today is free for you to explore Strahan. Perhaps join a half day Gordon River (Ship).
The Gordon River (Ship) takes you into the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, part of the World Heritage Area, protected for its outstanding universal value. It is home to one of the last remaining pristine wild river systems on earth. After departing at 0830, you cross Macquarie Harbour, 285 square kilometres (110 square miles) of naturally protected water. You then enter the Gordon River bordered by seemingly endless tracts of untouched rainforest reflected in the tannin-coloured waters. At Heritage Landing, disembark for an intimate walk in the rainforest. You then travel to historic Sarah Island, and the ruins of the infamously brutal penal colony. Gordon River (Ship)s now feature friendly and expert nature guides to interpret the history and wilderness of the area
This tour departs at 08.30am from Gordon River (Ship)s, located opposite The Strahan Village and has a duration of approximately 6 hours.
Choose between:
Premium Window Seating: The Lady Jane Franklin II is a beautifully appointed vessel with excellent comfort. Premium Window Seating is located on the main deck, and includes a delicious chef prepared buffet lunch.
Captain’s Premier Upper Deck: For a luxurious way to enjoy the voyage you may book the Captain's Premier Upper Deck with leather seating, private viewing deck, complimentary Tasmanian wines and premium beers, a gourmet lunch of local delicacies and personal guided interpretation are all included in your ticket price.
Depart Strahan and travel northeast to Cradle Mountain. Covering some of Tasmania’s highest country, the Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park, with its many lakes and mountain peaks, is famous for its magnificent alpine scenery. The Cradle Mountain Lake St Clair National Park is listed by the World Heritage Commission as one of the most precious places on the planet. En route, we recommend you stop at Montezuma Falls. This is Tasmania's highest waterfall and the purpose built swing bridge affords perfect views of the magnificent waterfall.
Today is at leisure for you to explore Cradle Mountain and its spectacular surroundings.
Suggested activity: With a range of fantastic walks ranging from easy to difficult, there's plenty of opportunities to experience the beauty of Tasmania's wilderness first hand, and with all the comforts of home awaiting you at the end of your day. We recommend the Dove Lake Circuit Walk. The Trail circles Dove Lake while taking you beneath the craggy spires of the indomitable Cradle Mountain. This two-hour circuit is boardwalk for much of the way and is suitable for most which makes it a family-friendly adventure.
Depart Cradle Mountain and drive to Launceston to continue on your journey. You can drop off your rental vehicle at a Hertz city or airport depot.
Alternatively, you may consider spending an extra day or two in Launceston. Launceston is the ideal base from which to discover and experience the ‘essential Tasmania’ - historic villages, National Trust properties, wilderness, arts, crafts, country markets, national parks, spectacular coastline, breathtaking scenery and the internationally acclaimed food and wine, grown locally in the clean and unspoilt environment of the Valley. We can assist you with arranging additional accommodation as well as the below optional activities.
Enjoy an intimate day in the heart of the Tamar Valley. With an impressive 234 vineyards across the state, Tasmania's reputation for fine wine is growing with grapes producing the highest value per tonne in Australia - visit up to six Tamar Valley vineyard cellar doors offering an outstanding range of Tasmanian cool climate wines and meet the people passionate about the wines they produce along with a wonderful lunch. This tour departs from 09.30am and returns to Launceston by 05.30pm. Hotel pick up and drop off are included.
A day of contrasts on this Tasmania day tour while visiting the magnificent craggy alpine peaks of Ben Lomond National Park before moving on to the Relbia wineries, visiting Sharmans and Josef Chromy Vineyards
Ben Lomond National Park
The spectacular Ben Lomond plateau is the largest alpine plateau in Tasmania, and is a mountain environment with extensive and dramatic dolerite cliffs and columns. Its scree slopes, swirling mists and frost-stunted forests are reminiscent of a Tolkien landscape. In departing Launceston or Scottsdale, we travel diverse landscapes before arriving at the Base of Ben Lomond. In making the climb we drive up Jacobs Ladder, a series of hairpin bends to marvel at the breathtaking view from the platform at the top. The Ben Lomond plateau has 8 of the 20 highest peaks in Tasmania and it has the highest drivable point in Tasmania where Bennett’s wallaby and wombats may be seen in daylight hours.
Sharmans Wines. Situated in Relbia, and produces a range of luxurious award-winning Tasmanian Wines. At Sharmans Wines, what’s in the soil is in the vine, what’s in the vine is in the grape, what’s in the grape is in the wine….and what’s in the wine is in your heart. Whites, reds & sparkling wine on offer.
Josef Chromy Wines & Lunch. A stunning location to experience superb Tasmanian wines and fine cuisine made with fresh local produce. The Josef Chromy Vineyard Restaurant provides a truly unique location for you to experience sensational views that overlook the picturesque lake and vineyard. Listed as one of the Top 10 Cellar Doors of Australia, Josef Chromy is the perfect venue for a memorable and relaxed Tasmanian food and wine experience.
This tour departs at 09.30am and returns to Launceston by 04.00pm. Hotel pick up and drop off are included.
The Pipers River region in north east Tasmania is the premier wine-producing country in Tasmania, but wine isn’t all that the region has to offer. The diverse landscapes compliment visits to the vineyard cellar doors, perfect for a day out.
The Region
The Pipers River and nearby Pipers Brook rural areas are renowned as one of the best and most famous wine-growing districts and remains an important viticulture region of Tasmania in terms of quality and output. It produces about 30% of Tasmania’s wine. With a climate close to that of Champagne in France, this region is known simply as ‘Sparkling Tasmania’. Many of Tasmania’s premium sparkling wines originate here. It is particularly suited to the aromatic white varieties.
This tour includes wine tasting at each of the following cellar doors: Clover Hill, Jansz Tasmania and Delamere Vineyard. It also includes wine tasting, tasting platter and pizza at Bay of Fires Vineyard. Starting time is at 09.30am and you can expect to return to Launceston by 03.00pm. Hotel pick up & drop offs are included.
Launched in April 2019, Coral Adventurer is a 120 passenger ship built to take you closer to unspoiled vistas in comfort, style and safety. When we set out to build Coral Adventurer, we wanted a ship that would last us decades. Our search for build quality and technology took us to the shipbuilders of Norway who have a long history of building durable ships for the harsh environments of the North Sea. We then looked deep inside to capture the requirements of our guests, our crew and the areas we sail to. The result is a happy marriage of modern shipbuilding technology and cruising Australian style.
Main Deck (Category B) - Included
Located close to the Dining Room, our three spacious Main Deck (Category B) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature twin portholes for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Main Deck (Category A) - starting from $416 per person
Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature large, twin porthole windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Promenade Deck (Category A) - starting from $2,234 per person
Encircled by a full-ship promenade, our 19 spacious Promenade Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom - starting from $3,937 per person
Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge, our six spacious Bridge Deck staterooms are 20sqm (215 square feet) in size and open out onto private balconies for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Coral Expeditions SailSafe Plan
Coral Expeditions has put in place a range of measures and associated protocols to manage expeditions in a world in which COVID-19 exists. The plan focuses on prevention to target a 100% COVID free environment onboard. Coral Expeditions has implemented a three-tiered medical screening protocol and ensures everyone on board has passed through this screening process. This prevention protocol is supported by strict onboard mitigation actions and an approved response plan. Please follow this link more information and to familiarise yourself with Coral Expedition's SailSafe Plan
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request:
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability. We appreciate your understanding.
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a “3”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
We spend three nights at Cradle Mountain Discovery Holiday Park in comfortable two-bedroom cabin style accommodation - surrounded by native bush. The cabins contain shared bathroom facilities, and each of the bedrooms has its own double bed. There is a small lounge area with kitchenette, cosy gas log heating and an outdoor sitting area. Your guides will stay nearby - and their cabin will be used for breakfasts, lunch making and dinners.
If you pre-book a single supplement, you will have your own room in a two-bedroom cabin. You may be sharing the cabin (and bathroom) with one or two other guests.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is available on this tour at a cost of $6750. The single supplement is restricted to Promenade Cabin (Category B) only Coral Discoverer and it's strictly subject to availability.
Triple Share
Not Available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
Maximum of 72 people on Coral Discoverer and self drive from Hobart to Launceston
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Flexible Date Change Option
Book now, change later with our Flexible Date Change option. You may select this $99pp option at time of purchase, giving travellers the flexibility to change your date without penalty (subject to availability, less third party costs incurred, plus any applicable surcharges for the new date selected).
Date change must be requested prior to 65 days before your original selected departure date*. Once inside 65 days of departure, date changes are not permitted.
*some packages may have a varied period in which you can request a date change due to limitations with the third-party provider.
Please refer to our 'Book with Confidence' section for terms and conditions.
The Flexible Date Change option does not cover cost incurred for components not fulfilled by Inspiring Vacations or in the event extra services have been booked with Inspiring Vacations outside of the standard package, including but not limited to airfares, pre/post accommodation or insurance.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period.
Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply. Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
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