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Pristine Tasmania (Coral Discoverer)

Pristine Tasmania (Coral Discoverer)

From AUD $5,600

Description

Australia’s island state is poised at the edge of the world. From its green coast, the Great Southern Ocean stretches uninterrupted until it breaks on the shores of Antarctica. But here in Tasmania, rugged mountains and impenetrable forests lead to coastlines of soaring cliffs, pastoral farmlands, and islands teeming with native wildlife. Clear, crisp air and warm summers nurture a bountiful variety of fresh produce, cheeses, wine, and spirits, and history from ancient to colonial times is present around each corner.

Our expedition cruise over seven nights explores the incredible south-east region in the summer months. From the sea, enjoy easy access to National Parks and World Heritage Areas, led by our expert Expedition Team. Experience coastal hikes from Freycinet Peninsula to isolated Port Davey – only accessible by boat, seven-day hike or light aircraft – and absorb the surreal beauty and history of Maria Island, Bruny Island, and Port Arthur over days of exploration. From the ship, gaze up at 300 metre high sea cliffs, watch marine life frolic close by, and easily go ashore on remote beaches. Along the way, taste an outstanding menu of Tasmania’s gourmet fare, complemented with fine cool-climate wines and unique brews. With respect for the pristine eco-system, our small groups tread lightly while enjoying an intimate experience of this remarkable island.

Trip Name
Pristine Tasmania (Coral Discoverer)
Days
8
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 63 metres Passenger Capacity: 72 (in 36 rooms) Built: 2005 / Refurbished: 2016 Launched in 2005, Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard for small ship cruising in Australia. Refurbished in November 2016, she continues to raise the bar to new levels of sophistication in expedition cruising in the Southern Hemisphere. The 1800-tonne Coral Discoverer is the grand vision of Coral Expeditions, pioneers in expedition and adventure cruises around Australia, Papua New Guinea and South East Asia. Her shallow draught and manoeuvrability allow her to go where larger vessels cannot. Her tender vessel, Xplorer, can seat all 72 passengers for excursions to beaches and rivers. Coral Discoverer is equipped with latest technology active stabilisers to ensure comfortable cruising in open waters and is fitted with modern safety and navigation equipment and wireless internet facilities. Coral Discoverer was built to the exacting international SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) standards and specifications in Cairns, Australia, with one aim in mind; to create the ultimate small ship cruising experience. Australian flagged, and staffed entirely by an Australian and New Zealand crew, your experience aboard Coral Discoverer will be unique. After the refurbishment, the Sun Deck has evolved to become a new social space and the hub of on board community living. This area has been converted into an undercover deck area complete with round ‘Explorer Bar’ with bar stools and sun deck with lounges and an area for outdoor exercise equipment. Guest accommodation has also received a substantial upgrade with the addition of six Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms providing coveted inside/outside living quarters. Each of our other Stateroom grades has also received a full upgrade with updated bathroom fixtures, soft furnishings and artwork making for an even more comfortable stay on board Coral Discoverer. The Coral Discoverer offers five different grades of staterooms, ranging from Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms to Main Deck Staterooms. Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms are on the top deck and have private balconies opening out from french windows. All rooms are furnished with contemporary flair and feature original artwork, a small private en-suite, individually-controlled air-conditioning, an iPod dock, ample storage and Australian toiletries. All staterooms are serviced daily. Each stateroom is spacious, sized between 15sqm (161 square feet) to 20 sqm (215 square feet) and has either a balcony, feature picture windows or porthole windows. Most staterooms can be configured to either junior king or twin bedding. FACILITIES ON BOARD > Sun Deck with undercover area, sun lounges and ample seating > Three fully stocked cocktail bars, including brand new round Explorer Bar on Sun Deck > Spacious, modern dining room, recently refurbished > Forward lounge > Reference library > Gift shop > Open bridge > Workout Area > Wireless internet available for laptops, mobile devices or via onboard guest computer > Limited laundry facilities available > SCUBA diving department (selected itineraries)

Itinerary



Day 1 - Please note:
As adaptable and accommodating as the original explorers to this rugged area, our itinerary is crafted to be flexible, allowing the Captain and Expedition Team to respond quickly to favourable weather conditions, and immerse you in the very best of Tasmania’s flora, fauna and wild coastline. 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.
Day 2 - DAY 1: DEPART HOBART
Board at Hobart’s Princes Wharf at 4:00pm for 5:00pm departure. Meet and mingle with fellow guests at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.
Day 3 - PORT DAVEY & BATHURST HARBOUR
A marine reserve, and part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Port Davey is Tasmania untouched. If conditions allow, guests will spend one to two full days exploring this pristine wilderness, and enjoy the unforgettable experience of kayaking in Bathurst Harbour. Otherwise accessible only via a seven-day hike or charter flight, Port Davey feels like an endless uncharted wilderness, full of sheltered bays filled with endemic marine life. In Port Davey, you’ll disembark to explore the ‘Narrows’ aboard our tender and take a guided hike of Balmoral Hill or the Mount Beattie Track. Take in the surrounds of Melaleuca and the Needwonnee Walk, named after the tribe whose homelands extended throughout this area.
Day 4 - BRUNY ISLAND & ADVENTURE BAY
Experience the rugged beauty of the Fluted Cape as you walk along the sheer coastal cliffs or cruise in our Xplorer vessel for a closer look around Penguin Island under the spectacular dolerite formations. Learn about the rich maritime history of Adventure Bay as you meander past the ruins of old whaling stations under the shade She Oaks on the way to Grassy Point.
Day 5 - FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK & WINEGLASS BAY
The spectacular peninsula of Freycinet is crafted from pink granite peaks – the Hazard mountains – surrounded by azure bays, and backed by dry eucalypt forest. At Freycinet National Park, guests can join an optional guided hike (approx. two hours) to the Wineglass Bay beach via the lookout or Isthmus Track, consistently voted one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. Witness numerous fur seals lounging on the rocks on the Ile des Phoques, a small rocky island between Freycinet Peninsula and Maria Island.
Day 6 - MARIA ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
Walk amongst the historic ruins, secluded bays and rugged cliffs of Maria Island National Park, and you can expect to meet local endemic wildlife such as Forester Kangaroos, Bennetts Wallabies and Wombats.Visit World Heritage-listed Darlington; take in the dramatic Painted and Fossil Cliffs, walk to the convict ruins of Point Lesueur at Long Point.
Day 7 - TASMAN NATIONAL PARK
Feel small as you stand beside the 300 metre sea cliffs and monumental rock formations of Tasman National Park. See sea stacks – tall dolerite formations – stand tall, and view the Tasman Arch, The Candlestick and Cathedral from a perfect positions at sea.An area of huge natural diversity, it is possible guests may come across Australian Fur Seals “hauling out” on the rocky shore at Tasman Island, as well as dolphins and albatross which are often sighted in this region.
Day 8 - WOODBRIDGE & HUON RIVER
At times the mercurial weather of the Tasmanian coast may necessitate activities ashore within the protected bays and rivers. Weather options may include cruising the Huon River and a visit to the Wooden Boat Centre at picturesque Franklin. Learn about the process of sheep cheese-making at the family-run Grandvewe Cheeses, and at the cellar door enjoy a taste of their ‘ewenique’ sheep’s whey vodka.
Day 9 - PORT ARTHUR HISTORIC SITE
A unique experience awaits at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Australia’s most intact convict site, between 1833 and 1877 the penal colony housed Britain and Australia’s worst criminals and was considered inescapable. 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 knowledgable guides, join an exclusive ‘behind the scenes tour’ of the site, which includes access to private collections and historic buildings not accessible to the general public. Enjoy Tasmanian wines and canapes made from locally sourced ingredients at a private reception.
Day 10 - DAY 8: ARRIVE HOBART
Disembark in Hobart at 8:00am. A post cruise transfer to city or airport is included.
Day 11 - Please Note:
Note on fitness levels: this trip is suitable for passengers of all fitness levels, though reasonable mobility is required to enjoy all it has to offer. Our Xplorer tender permits easy boarding without climbing any stairs. Hikes vary in intensity and where possible we split groups to suit easy and moderate walkers. Guests are welcome to opt out of any excursion and relax onboard – our top deck outdoor lounge is great on a sunny day. The ship has no elevator. As the itinerary covers remote regions, it is not suitable for passengers with serious medical conditions.Note that each itinerary will include a mix of the above attractions, depending on prevailing conditions. The Captain and Expedition Team will make daily itinerary changes to maximise the guest experience and take advantage of opportunities opened up by weather. There will be a daily briefing onboard to advise guests on the upcoming day’s activities. Time of departure and return are guaranteed – 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.Note the summer temperature can still be very cool especially with the wind chill so warm layered clothing is essential.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
02-03-202009-03-2020AUD $5,600Main Deck B
02-03-202009-03-2020AUD $5,880Main Deck A
02-03-202009-03-2020AUD $6,720Promenade A
02-03-202009-03-2020AUD $7,840Bridge Deck Balcony
02-03-202009-03-2020AUD $9,240Promenade Deck B Sole

Inclusions

    • Spend two full days exploring Port Davey World Heritage Wilderness area and Bathurst Harbour
    • Hike the Wineglass Bay Track in Freycinet National Park
    • Experience the diverse wildlife and history of Maria Island
    • Be in awe of 300m high sea cliffs at Tasman National Park
    • Delight in produce-driven food experiences and Tasmania’s cool-climate wines
    • Spot Fur Seals hauling up to Tasmania’s rocky cliffs
    • Marvel at the proud shipbuilding and maritime heritage at the Wooden Boat Centre in Franklin

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