Description
Explore the best of Tasmania’s natural coastal wonders as well as the island state’s wonderful food and wine on an expedition itinerary on board Le Lapérouse, and celebrate New Year in Hobart with the arrival of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Starting in culture hub and Australia’s second oldest city Hobart, start your itinerary on Maria Island and discover the local wildlife sanctuaries as well as its rich whaling and penal settlement history with your team of onboard expedition experts. Next on your itinerary, the Tasman Peninsula will reveal its spectcular culminating dolerites spires rising from the sea, and you will get a chance to spot the region’s varied marine life including little penguins, Australian fur seals and dolphins from our fleet of Zodiac®. You will get a chance to reach the remote, isolated Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area for more natural wonders to experience, before reaching King Island, where you will have the opportunity to uncover the island’s stories and culture, and maybe sample some of the local produce sought by some of the world’s top chefs! Continuing onto the Tamar Valley, follow the Tamar Valley Wine Route and sample some of the region’s gourmet produce. Birders will revel in Ile des Phoques or ‘Seal Island’ is home to several breeding seabird species including little penguins, short-tailed shearwater and fairy prion. Back in Hobart, your ship will spend two days for you to enjoy the finish line of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the New Year festivities, as well as Australia’s biggest and longest running food and wine festival, Taste of Tasmania.