Tasmania Highlights with Coastal Discovery

Prepare for a journey of discovery, delving into cultural history and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Arrive in the historic harbour city of Hobart, and be transferred to your hotel. Afterwards, enjoy your selected Freedom of Choice activity. Tonight, delight in a welcome dinner and drink.

Freedom of Choice - River Derwent Harbour Cruise

Step aboard the Spirit of Hobart and enjoy a historic harbour cruise on the River Derwent. Originating at an elevation 700 metres above Tasmania’s largest city, this river courses its pristine waters to the heart of Hobart CBD before flowing into Storm Bay and merging with the formidable Tasman Sea.

Freedom of Choice – Historic Guided Walking Tour

You may wish to set off on a guided walking tour of Hobart and uncover the city’s hidden treasures and stories, led by a knowledgeable local guide. 

Freedom of Choice – Afternoon Tea at Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart

Take in scenic views of Hobart's waterfront while enjoying house-made sweets, sandwiches and baked scones, accompanied by freshly brewed coffee and loose-leaf tea.

Discover the magic of Russell Falls in Mount Field National Park today. Widely considered one of Tasmania's most treasured waterfalls, see for yourself the stunning two-drop cascade that plummets into a pool surrounded by lush ferns. The gentle walk to the falls follows a trail that winds through the forest, passing swamp gums, dogwood trees and myrtle, with the babbling creek and crunch of the forest underfoot your soundtrack. After time to admire the falls, continue to the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Visit The Wall in the Wilderness, before travelling via the mining town of Queenstown to Strahan. Tonight, savour dinner at View 42° Restaurant & Bar.

After a memorable Signature Experience, set off by coach for moss-covered forests and deep gorges of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Signature Experience - Gordon River Cruise

Step aboard your vessel for a cruise along the secluded wilderness highway, the Gordon River. From the comfort of the Captain’s Premier Upper Deck, glide across Macquarie Harbour and enter the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Stop at Heritage Landing for a guided rainforest walk. Back on board, you’ll be treated to a delicious lunch of fresh Tasmanian produce before arriving at Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed Sarah Island. Here, you’ll get a chilling insight into the cruelties of convict life as you explore the ruins of what was once a convict settlement. Cruise past Hells Gates then return to Strahan. 

After admiring the beauty of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, visit Waldheim Chalet, then enjoy your Freedom of Choice sightseeing inclusion.

Signature Experience - Guided Dove Lake Tour

Explore beautiful Dove Lake and its surrounds with a friendly local guide, admiring the unique wilderness of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

Freedom of Choice – Wine and Cheese Tasting

Choose to indulge in a wine and cheese tasting at your lodge, featuring six excellently crafted wines paired with three artisanal cheeses, showcasing the region’s gourmet talents.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Tour of the Enchanted Walk

Set out on a guided tour along the Enchanted Walk, one of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks, which follows Pencil Pine Creek over buttongrass moorlands into cool temperate rainforest.

Freedom of Choice Sightseeing – Wildlife Night Spotting Tour

Enjoy a free afternoon, then go searching for native animals on a night spotlight tour. Follow along the Cradle Valley boardwalks in search of nocturnal animals, including wombats, wallabies, possums and sometimes even a spotted quoll during their night time feeding. 

Today, travel to Stanley, set in the shadow of The Nut. Later, head to the Tarkine for your special Signature Experience. Tonight, an exquisite Tasmanian Fare dinner awaits featuring local produce with dishes prepared to showcase the high-quality meat, vegetables and seafood that the region is famous for. 

Signature Experience – Rainforest Walk and Afternoon Tea

In the state’s wild northwest region, journey through the Tarkine, Australia's largest expanse of cool-temperate rainforest that spans half the size of Lebanon. Here, embark on a rainforest walk among the Huon pines – some of the oldest on the planet – as well as myrtle beech and blackwood trees. Afterwards, savour an afternoon tea of Tasmanian wine and cake made with locally produced honey.

This morning, travel to Franklin House, an enchanting historic homestead surrounded by splendid gardens. Built in 1838 for former convict Britton Jones, by then a successful Launceston brewer and publican, the house became one of the Colony's leading private schools between 1842 and 1866. Wander through the elegant 19th-century rooms inside the beautifully restored Georgian-style house before exploring the superb gardens. Afterwards, travel to Cataract Gorge, a unique natural rock formation on the outskirts of the city. Follow the path along the river to explore the geological wonders and soak up the fresh Tasmanian air.

Enjoy  your selected sightseeing activity this morning before indulging in a delightful Signature Experience in a beautiful setting at Josef Chromy Wines. The remainder of the afternoon will be spent at your leisure.  

Signature Experience – Josef Chromy Wines 

Visit Josef Chromy Wines, a winery that prides itself on celebrating Tasmanian grapes. Here you’ll be treated to a specially prepared lunch and have the chance to sample some of the winery’s finest drops.  

Freedom of Choice – Seahorse World 

Perhaps discover the wonders of Seahorse World. Just 45 minutes from Launceston or Devonport in the picturesque Tamar Valley, this working seahorse farm affords you the rare opportunity to interact with these fascinating creatures. Join a guided tour to learn about the behaviours and habits of these animals. 

Freedom of Choice – Platypus House 

Situated by the serene waters of the picturesque Tamar Valley, Platypus House provides a rare chance to observe Tasmanian platypuses and echidnas in their natural habitat during daylight hours. Witness these fascinating creatures feeding and playing as you stroll through the platypus ponds and echidna garden. 

Freedom of Choice – Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre 

At the Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre, immerse yourself in history, explore precious artefacts, and embark on a captivating journey through the past. Delight in interactive displays that offer a new story at every turn, as well as interesting animals to discover. 

Travel from Launceston to the state's capital today. On arrival in Hobart, enjoy the the rest of the day to spend at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. You may like to explore MONA’s bold art, wander historic Battery Point, or stroll along the waterfront tasting fresh seafood. Perhaps enjoy a whisky at Lark Distillery, admire the greenery at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, or enjoy a spot of shopping.

Today, discover some of Tasmania's best wildlife and award-winning wines with a half-day tour. Take in phenomenal views from the summit of Kunanyi/Mount Wellington before encountering Tasmanian devils up close at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary. Then, make a stop at a Coal Valley region cellar door for a wine tasting and to sample local cheeses. Later this afternoon, embark the Coral Discoverer for your expedition cruise.

The first stop on your Tasmania expedition journey is Bruny Island, home to dramatic landscapes and fresh, local produce. From Adventure Bay on the eastern coast of the island, set off on a half-day cruise to the rugged southern coastline of South Bruny Island. Explore deep sea caves, pass the incredible rock formation 'The Monument' that juts out from the ocean, and spot seals, dolphins and sea birds along the way.

Afterwards, stretch your legs on a leisurely stroll along the coastal cliffs of Fluted Cape where you may glimpse a Bennett's wallaby, a species endemic to Bruny Island. On your walk towards Grassy Point, an easy-grade walk which boasts spectacular ocean views, learn about the history of southern right whales in the region, and how they were almost hunted to extinction before the whaling industry decline in the mid-1840s. Pass the ruins of these old whaling stations during your walk.

Your ship continues north along Tasmania's eastern coast to Maria Island, a wildlife wonderland home to wombats, Cape Barren geese, eastern grey kangaroos, Bennett’s wallabies and pademelons. Keen birdwatchers can enjoy the chance to spy endemic birdlife including green rosellas, hooded plovers and the Forty Spotted Pardalote.

Beyond an excellent array of wildlife, the island is also bursting with some of the state's most fascinating history. Step back in time to the convict era in the World Heritage-listed Darlington settlement, where restored buildings are a reminder that the island served as a penal colony not once, but twice in its history before it was abandoned in the late 19th century. Afterwards, walk to the Painted Cliffs, striking sandstone cliffs that, through iron deposits, have been stained orange, red and purple.

If you're feeling active today, join the Fossil Cliffs walk and Reservoir Circuit. Both walks follow easy paths that cross through stunning natural landscapes, with opportunities to spot the local wildlife.

The Coral Discoverer approaches the instantly recognisable pink granite mountains and white-sand shores of the Freycinet Peninsula. On land, join a guided walk along the Isthmus Track to the famous Wineglass Bay. This perfect crescent of wild but pristine coastline is the star attraction of Freycinet National Park, and a dip in the iridescent waters after the trek through bushland is a worthy reward. Alternatively, make your way to the Wineglass Bay Lookout where you can admire magnificent views of the bay from above. Reboard your ship this afternoon for the short journey to the secluded Schouten Island, where you will have time to enjoy a leisurely beach stroll.

Over the next three days, your ship traces the state's coastline towards the southwest corner of Tasmania, where nature reigns wild. This World Heritage-listed wilderness area is Tasmania's largest national park, and much of the landscapes are inaccessible by road. Aboard your small expedition ship, you have privileged access to this rugged corner. Admire landscapes that have been shaped by the Southern Ocean and the Roaring Forties winds, from craggy dolerite mountains, meandering rivers, ancient forests, sheltered button grass plains and vast lakes.

Spend your time in Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour enjoying the rare opportunity to hike, kayak and explore the area (weather permitting). Your ship's Xplorer tender vessels offer an ideal way to explore the coastline up close as you learn about the Indigenous Australians who first walked this land. Along the way, keep an eye out for the rare and endangered orange-bellied parrot. Please note: access to Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour is subject to annual permits being granted by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife.

Spend time ashore exploring the Huon Valley, once the hub of Tasmania's apple-growing industry. Nowadays, you'll find more than just apples flourishing in this area. Its burgeoning food and wine scene sees gourmands flock here to meet the local producers, sip ciders and wines, and feast on local cheeses, honey, cherries, salmon, shellfish and, of course, apples. After exploring the region's culinary offerings, immerse yourself in its natural splendours. Wander along the banks of the Huon River, lined with charming towns, orchards and boutique wineries. Or, on the D'entrecasteaux Channel, take a stroll along its pristine beaches. Return to your ship this evening.

The soaring sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula are what put this region on the map: the 300-metre-tall cliffs of Cape Raoul, Cape Pillar and Cape Hauy are the tallest found in the southern hemisphere. As your ship approaches land, look out for fur seals lazing on the rocks, dolphins feeding and graceful albatross flying overhead. During your time here, visit the remote beach at Fortescue Bay, stretch your legs on a hike along sections of the coastal Tasman Trail, join a scenic Xplorer cruise to explore the rugged coastal, or kayak in Canoe Bay.

Explore the World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Site today, the best preserved convict settlement and one of the most significant historic places in Australia. Situated on the narrow slice of land known as Eaglehawk Neck, this isolated location once served as a penal colony for British and Australian convicts for over 40 years. Follow a knowledgeable guide through the grounds, exploring the historic buildings, ruins, heritage gardens and restored period homes while you learn the details of the site before it closed its doors for the last time in 1877.

Your cruise comes to an end on arrival in Hobart after breakfast. Disembark and be transferred to the airport for your onwards flight, or to your post-tour accommodation if you are continuing your APT adventure.