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Chase the Race: Sydney to Hobart aboard Coral Discoverer

Chase the Race: Sydney to Hobart aboard Coral Discoverer

From AUD $5,280

Description

Experience the nautical tradition that is the Rolex Sydney to Hobart yacht race! Embarking in Broken Bay on December 26th, soak in the excitement at the start of the race from Coral Discoverer. Watch the fleet sail past as you hear expert commentary from our on-board lecturer Skip Lissiman. We sail the south coast and Bass Strait with the trailing fleet. Once across the Strait enjoy the scenic rugged Tasmanian coast with the opportunity to join our expedition team on a number of guided shore excursions to Tasmania’s Parks. Scheduled to arrive in Hobart on New Year’s Eve, it’s time to enjoy the buzz of the race and New Year’s Eve celebrations before disembarking on the 1st January at Macquarie Wharf 2.

Trip Name
Chase the Race: Sydney to Hobart aboard Coral Discoverer
Days
7
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 63 metres Passenger Capacity: 72 (in 36 rooms) Built: 2005 / Refurbished: 2016 Coral Discoverer is a small expedition yacht purpose-built for navigating remote and rarely accessed regions of Australia, including Tasmania, Cape York, Arnhem Land, and the Kimberley. Designed for adventure, she offers an intimate and immersive experience for just 72 guests, with all staterooms facing outwards and public areas showcasing sweeping ocean views. Thanks to her shallow draught, active stabilisers, and advanced navigation systems, Coral Discoverer can access destinations beyond the reach of larger vessels. Onboard, guests enjoy a relaxed, sociable atmosphere with single-seating dining, showcasing small-batch Australian cuisine, and a sundeck bar ideal for sunset drinks. The vessel also features an Xplorer tender for all-passenger shore excursions, zodiacs, kayaks, a glass-bottom boat, and a lecture lounge for expert presentations. Accommodation includes five stateroom categories, from the spacious Bridge Deck Balcony rooms to cosy Main Deck options, all featuring ensuites and ocean views. Life onboard combines comfort with exploration: guests enjoy over 1,000 square metres of open deck space, a wraparound promenade, and access to the bridge. The atmosphere is informal yet refined, with no assigned seating, included drinks with meals, and a focus on Australian hospitality. Wi-Fi is available throughout, and facilities include a library, gift shop, and laundry service. With a dedicated Australian and New Zealand crew, Coral Discoverer delivers a truly local and enriching expedition experience.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Please note:
This itinerary is designed to capture the best moments of the first few days of the Sydney to Hobart race and highlights of the Tasmanian coastline. The Captain will vary the itinerary to make the most of the views and weather windows of the mercurial southern coast. 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. Coral Expeditions suggests 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. Complimentary coach transfers are offered from Wynyard Station to arrive at Coral Discoverer’s embarkation point in Palm Beach, Broken Bay. You will be met by the ship’s tender and transferred to the Coral Discoverer for a 10:00am departure.
Day 2 - SYDNEY: NORTH HEAD
Embark at 8:30am for 10am departure, and enjoy lunch while the ship positions off North head. From the Explorer Bar, celebrate the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and watch the fleet round the heads and sail south.
Day 3 - SCENIC COASTAL CRUISE
Cruise the scenic coastline from Sydney. Dependent on weather, stops may include Jervis Bay and/or Twofold Bay. As you cruise, our guest lecturer will present commentary on the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and lectures on yachting and maritime history.
Day 4 - BASS STRAIT CROSSING
As we sail through the Southern Ocean, enjoy presentations, spot yachts, or relax on deck and enjoy the vastness of the Bass Strait.
Day 5 - BRUNY ISLAND AND ADVENTURE BAY
Experience the rugged beauty of the Fluted Cape as you walk along the sheer coastal cliffs or cruise for a closer look around Penguin Island. Learn about the rich maritime history of Adventure Bay as you meander past the ruins of old whaling stations on the way to Grassy Point.
Day 6 - MARIA ISLAND
The historic ruins, secluded bays, and rugged cliffs of Maria Island National Park are home to a local population of wildlife that includes Forester Kangaroos, Bennetts Wallabies, Tasmanian Devils, and wombats. Since the 1960s, several endangered species have been introduced here in a bid to protect them. Visit World Heritage-listed Darlington, part of the “Convict Trail of Australia”, and gain an understanding of the life of the early settlers in a restored 17th century convict penitentiary. An adventurous walk to the dramatic Painted and Fossil Cliffs take in the history and beauty of this island.
Day 7 - HOBART
Arrive in Hobart in time for the Sydney to Hobart race celebrations on New Year’s Eve. Stroll Hobart’s historic wharf. Enjoy farewell drinks with the Captain, and welcome the New Year with a view of the fireworks display over the Derwent River. Disembark at Macquarie Wharf 2 at 9 am.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
26-12-202501-01-2026AUD $5,280Main Deck B
26-12-202501-01-2026AUD $5,820Main Deck A
26-12-202501-01-2026AUD $6,880Promenade A
26-12-202501-01-2026AUD $7,420Bridge Deck Balcony

Inclusions

    • The start is everything – expect fierce manoeuvring in the pre-start area
    • Which yacht will be first to pass through Sydney Heads?
    • Race categories – how a small yacht can beat a large fancy yacht
    • Bass Strait – why is it so fearsome?
    • Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Hobart

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