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Tasmania Heritage and Harvest – From Melbourne to Hobart

Tasmania Heritage and Harvest – From Melbourne to Hobart

From AUD $7,300

Description

Join us on an unforgettable new itinerary as we explore the storied maritime and natural history of the remote Bass Strait Islands and East Coast National Parks of Tasmania combined with a shoreside and onboard showcase of the region’s culinary highlights, including seafood, dairy, craft spirits, and fine wine. Step ashore at the remote Deal and Flinders Island group, meet the hardy locals and learn about the culture and history of these rugged outposts. Walk across the isthmus at Wineglass Bay and enjoy breathtaking views of Freycinet National Park. Hike a section of the renowned Three Capes Trail or take in the stunning vista of the Fluted Cape at Bruny Island. Our expert guides will share their knowledge as we explore the old penal colony ruins at Maria Island and go behind the scenes with heritage guides at historic Port Arthur. Along the way, savour the flavours of Tasmania and meet growers and producers who will share their tastes and tales, including a visit to the award-winning McHenry’s Distillery and a signature dinner with paired wines hosted by Matt Dunbabin at Bangor Wines. Relax at the end of the day onboard with the convivial company of fellow guests, indulging in a curated culinary experience that offers the very best of Tasmanian produce.

Trip Name
Tasmania Heritage and Harvest - From Melbourne to Hobart
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 93.4 meters Passenger Capacity: 120 (60 staterooms) Built: 2019 Designed and built to be the most modern tropical expedition ship afloat, Coral Adventurer debuted in April 2019. She features comfortable Australian interiors, Xplorer tender mechanism, intimate guest experience, and personalized service. EXPEDITION CAPABILITIES > Two trademark Xplorer tenders seat all passengers for shore excursions > Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration > Lecture lounge with multimedia for daily expedition briefings and presentations > Small on-board Library > Shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems MARINE IMMERSION > Navigator lounge in the bridge giving a vantage point of ship operations > Over 1000 sq m of open deck space including a wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views > Engine room tours and high level of crew interaction with guests > Barralong Room for hosting scientific research or exhibitions FOOD AND WINE FEATURES > Communal ‘wine table’ > Galley viewing window > Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer bar on the Vista Deck > Curated wine cellar featuring boutique wines and exceptional vintage Australian reds. GUEST COMFORT > All outside-facing guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; majority have private balcony > Active stabilisers > Gym > Passenger elevator > Wi-Fi available in all guest areas

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: Depart Melbourne
Arrive at Melbourne Harbour Station Pier (berth to be advised) at 4:00pm, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 5:00pm departure.Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard Coral Adventurer. Gather in the Bridge Deck lounge for a safety briefing and presentations by lecturers and expedition staff. As dusk falls, mingle with your fellow travellers, the Captain and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.
Day 2 - Deal Island
At midday we arrive to the Kent Group of islands, Tasmania’s northernmost National Park and a marine protected area. These islands are the remains of a land bridge that once connected Tasmania with mainland Australia over 10,000 years ago, in what is now the Bass Strait. The waters of Kent Island are crystal clear, with a high diversity of fish species. On Deal Island we find the highest lighthouse in Australia, standing 305 meters above sea level, which is manned by volunteer caretakers. Enjoy several walk options, swim and kayak off the beach or enjoy a scenic tender cruise.
Day 3 - Flinders Island
Visit wild and rugged Flinders Island, and marvel at the pink and gray granite mountain ranges of Strzelecki National Park. Land at beautiful Trousers Point beach, with time on the Trousers Point Walk – one of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks. Visit seaside townships, discover the sad history of Wybalenna Aboriginal Settlement, learn about the local fishing industry and see relics of Flinders maritime past at the Furneaux Museum. Later enjoy a drop at Unavale Vineyard, a boutique family vineyard where vines thrive at the foot of the Strzelecki ranges.
Day 4 - Freycinet Peninsula & Wineglass Bay
At Freycinet Peninsula, see the pink granite formations of the Hazard Mountains, and the sweeping bays fringed by Eucalypts. Join a guided hike to Wineglass Bay beach – one of the most photographed beaches in the world – or if up for a challenge hike to the Wineglass Bay lookout. Learn about Abel Tasman’s siting of the peninsula in 1642 – Tasman believed the peninsula to be a chain of islands but Nicolas Baudin dispelled this presumption when his expedition later visited in 1802. Of course, Freycinet’s indigenous history goes back much further – with evidence of middens found along the dunes of Hazards and Richardson’s Beaches.
Day 5 - Maria Island & Tasman Coastline
The historic ruins and rugged cliffs of Maria Island National Park are home to diverse wildlife that includes Forester Kangaroos, Bennetts Wallabies, and wombats. Walk to historic Darlington Settlement, explore the ancient seabeds of the Fossil Cliffs, and marvel at the sandstone formations of the Painted Cliffs. This afternoon cruise the rugged coastline of the Tasman Peninsula, marvelling at the 300 metre high dolerite sea cliffs of Cape Raoul, Cape Pillar and Cape Hauy, as you enjoy a wine tasting on board. Weather permitting the Coral Adventurer will circumnavigate Tasman Island, affording fantastic photographic opportunities from a unique vantage point at sea.
Day 6 - Fortescue Bay & Bangor
From Coral Adventurer’s calm anchorage at Norfolk Bay, take a scenic bus ride down the Tasman Peninsula to where the forest meets the sea at Fortescue Bay. Here there will be two walk options on offer – a section of the famed Three Capes Track in the direction of Cape Hauy, or a section of the Tasman Trail towards Bivouac Bay. Or just relax on the white sandy beach, with time to take in the scenery and spot wildlife.After a relaxing afternoon on board, conclude your day with a memorable Signature Dinner Event at Bangor Winery, where you’ll have the pleasure of meeting Matt Dunbabin and learning about the farm’s rich history. Enjoy wine tastings and vineyard tours before indulging in dinner featuring the finest Tasmanian produce.
Day 7 - Port Arthur
After a gourmet brunch on board this morning, travel by bus to Port Arthur. One of Australia’s most significant historic places, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins stand sentinel on the Tasman Peninsula south of the narrow isthmus of Eaglehawk Neck. For more than 40 years the Port Arthur penal colony housed British and Australian convicts sentenced to hard labour before its heavy iron doors clanked shut for the last time in 1877. 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 knowledgeable storytellers, join a tour of this site. Explore the site’s most significant buildings including the Penitentiary, Separate Prison and Church.Finish your afternoon McHenry’s Distillery – Australia’s southern-most whisky distillery resting at the foot of Mount Arthur. Sample a tipple as you learn about how the cool maritime environment gives maturing spirits just the right conditions for their time ageing in wooden barrels.
Day 8 - Bruny Island
At Adventure Bay on the east coast of Bruny Island, we walk along the dramatic coastal cliffs of Fluted Cape and hope to see Bennett’s Wallabies which are endemic to Bruny Island. Learn about how southern right whales were almost hunted to extinction and Adventure Bay housed four whaling stations before the industry’s decline in the mid-1840s. The ruins can be seen on a walk to Grassy Point. Back on board, enjoy samples of Bruny Island’s finest produce showcased in canapes at the Captain’s Farewell Drinks tonight.
Day 9 - DAY 9: Arrive Hobart
Our Tasmania adventure concludes in Hobart this morning as we bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew, disembarking at 8:00am. Enjoy a complimentary transfer to CBD hotels or the airport. 
Day 10 - Please note:
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. 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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
09-12-202417-12-2024AUD $7,300CORAL DECK STATEROOM
09-12-202417-12-2024AUD $8,800PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM
09-12-202417-12-2024AUD $11,700EXPLORER DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
09-12-202417-12-2024AUD $12,850BRIDGE DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
09-12-202417-12-2024AUD $16,500BRIDGE DECK BALCONY SUITE

Inclusions

    • Visit the remote islands of the Bass Strait, including Deal and Flinders Islands, and discover their fascinating maritime heritage
    • Walk across the isthmus to Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park, one of the world’s most photographed beaches
    • Learn about Maria Island’s history as a penal colony and spot wombats and wallabies on a walk to the Fossil Cliffs
    • Admire the dramatic 300m tall coastal cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula from a unique vantage point at sea
    • Hike a section of the famed Three Capes Track from Fortescue Bay, and see the spectacular view from the Fluted Cape at Bruny Island
    • Experience a Signature Dinner Event hosted by Matt Dunbabin from Bangor Wines. Delve into the rich history of the Dunbabin family farm, spanning seven generations since the 1830s convict John Dunbabin. Enjoy guided winery and vineyard tours, tantalizing tastings, and a delectable three-course dinner.
    • Explore the grounds of Port Arthur with a knowledgeable guide, before heading to McHenry’s distillery for a gin, whisky or beer tasting experience
    • Enjoy Bruny Island’s finest produce at the Captain’s farewell drinks

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