If you enjoy holidaying close to home and like a little adventure on your travels, this Tasmanian expedition cruise may appeal.
Coral Expeditions is bringing Coral Expeditions I to Tasmania later this year and will be the first cruise ship to sail some of the remote coastlines of the island state. The first of 16 departures embarks 16 November 2015 and the season will run until February 2016.
A seven night itinerary will commence from Hobart, where two days will be spent exploring the pristine Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area at Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour with a Coral Expeditions’ Parks and Wildlife Ranger.
“Normally only accessible by seven-day hike or light aircraft, this region is undoubtedly one of the most pristine and beautiful landscapes on earth,” said Group General Manager Mark Fifield. “Our Australian-flagged ship is well suited for Tasmania. With her shallow draft and manoeuvrability, she can hug the coastline and go where few cruise ships can. Her tender vessel, the Explorer, allows all our guests to disembark in remote areas throughout.”
Passengers can look forward to an active adventure, with kayaking opportunities and expert-guided bushwalks in five national parks and two World Heritages Areas.
The itinerary includes hiking the start of the famed South Coast Track at Cockle Bay, an early morning walk to a scenic lookout over Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park, and exploring the remarkable beauty and wildlife of rarely-visited Maria Island, including its UNESCO-listed historic town of Darlington.
The cruise will also present a different side of the Port Arthur Historic Site on an exclusive ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour. The site’s resident archaeologist will guide guests through buildings and exhibits not normally open to the public before cocktails in the beautiful surrounds of Port Arthur’s Asylum building.
With only 46 guests, small-batch food and wine experiences will be a focal point of the Tasmanian cruises. The itinerary includes picturesque Grandvewe Farm to sample its unique sheep milk cheeses and liqueurs and the option to gather berries on Bruny Island. The onboard menu will feature the freshest of Tasmanian produce and local specialities and a wine list showcasing Tasmanian varietals.
Priced from $3990 per person, you can download the full Tasmanian brochure at Coralexpeditions.com
