Australia’s pioneering cruise line, Coral Expeditions, will be the first to sail some of Tasmania’s most remote coastlines when it launches seven night Hobart to Hobart cruises on 16 November 2015.
This unique adventure cruise will evoke a sense of nostalgia as guests explore areas unchanged since they were first mapped 200 years ago. Past guests will recognise the elements of a successful Coral Expeditions cruise – exposure to wild natural beauty, deep history, and unique local produce incorporated into the cuisine.
Denis McDowall, an Expedition Leader with 22 years of experience at Coral Expeditions, will lead shore excursions on the first set of departures in November. Of this new itinerary he said, ‘Our cruises tend to bring out a sense of adventure in our guests and our Tasmania itinerary is designed to do the same, amidst some new landscapes.”
The Expedition team will be lead by Denis and include a Guest Lecturer and an expert local Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Discovery Ranger. Guests will embark on an active adventure both on water and land, with opportunities to kayak secluded bays and bush walk in five national parks and two World Heritage Areas.
The highlight of this itinerary will be 2 days exploring the pristine region of Port Davey, a 17,000 hectare World Heritage Listed site that is one of the most unique marine reserves in the world. Accessible only by boat, small aircraft or seven-day walk, Port Davey is characterised by the remarkable array of marine life that exists under its dark tannin-stained water.
This adventure itinerary also includes hiking the start of the South Coast Track at Cockle Bay on day two, 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, all on day six.
On day seven, the cruise will present another side to the Port Arthur Historic Site on a ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour, exclusive to Coral Expeditions guests. The site’s resident archaeologist will guide guests through buildings and exhibits not normally open to the public before enjoying drinks and canapes in the beautiful surrounds of Port Arthur’s Asylum building.
Like any cruise with Coral Expeditions, guests have the freedom to do as much or as little as they wish. While some may choose to trek sandy beaches and untamed bushland, others can admire the scenery from the ship’s deck, or chart the coastline in the excursion tender.
Coral Expeditions’ General Manager, Mark Fifield said, ‘Staying true to our pioneering history, we’re thrilled that this is the first cruise of its kind in Tasmania. We have bought our extensive in-house knowledge of the conditions in Tasmania, as well as newly forged relationships with local produce suppliers and vineyards to design a great trip for our guests.”
Australian-flagged and crewed small ship Coral Expeditions I is well equipped for this itinerary with comfortable accommodations for 46 guests. A standout feature of this ship is the excursion tender Explorer. Cradled on a hydraulic lift at the stern of the ship, guests can board Explorer straight from the ship’s deck.
Pricing from AUD$3,990 per person, inclusive of all meals, shore excursions, Captain’s welcome, farewell drinks, ports and Parks fees.
SOURCE Coral Expeditions