No two Tasmania voyages are the same. Throughout the expedition, allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Below is a selection of the key destinations visited.
Fortescue Bay & Tasman Peninsula
The Tasman Peninsula is known for its fascinating geological formations like Devil’s Kitchen, the Blowhole and Tasman Arch. The soaring 1,000-foot-high dolerite sea cliffs of Cape Raoul, Cape Pillar and Cape Hauy are the tallest in the southern hemisphere. The coastal waters here are a magnet for marine life. Watch fur seals hauling out on the rocks, as well as playful dolphins feeding and magnificent albatross which soar amongst the updrafts created by sea cliffs. Visit Fortescue Bay, hike sections of the coastal Tasman Trail or Three Capes Track and kayak in Canoe Bay.
Maria Island
Maria Island can be referred to as a Noah’s Ark for native Tasmanian species. The Maria Island National Park provides an ideal sanctuary, and is one of the best places in Australia to observe endemic birdlife as well as wombats, Cape Barren geese, Forester kangaroos, Bennett’s wallabies and pademelons. Stroll amongst the ruins and restored buildings of the Darlington convict settlement and take a walk to the Fossil Cliffs to discover 290-million-year-old fossils beneath your feet and wildlife all around. Also have the opportunity to walk to the Painted Cliffs and the Reservoir Circuit.
Freycinet Peinnsula & Wineglass Bay
The Freycinet Peninsula is a dramatic headland dominated by a pink-hued granite mountain range called The Hazards. Join a guided hike along the Isthmus Track, walk to the lookout to be rewarded with magnificent views, or swim the azure waters of Wineglass Bay. Cruising close to Schouten Island, keep an eye out for large colonies of fur seals sunning themselves on the rocks.
Flinders Island & The Furneaux Group
Visit wild and rugged Flinders Island and marvel at the pink and gray granite mountain ranges of Strzelecki National Park. View the impressive Strzelecki ranges from the Trousers Point walk and visit seaside townships. Those with an interest in history may visit the Furneaux Museum and Wybalenna Aboriginal Settlement ruins to gain insight into the people, places and events that shaped Flinders Island.
Deal Island & Kent Group
Weather permitting, visit the Kent Group of islands, Tasmania’s northernmost National Park and a marine protected area. The waters of Kent Island are crystal clear, with the highest diversity of fish species in Australia. At Deal Island, visit the caretaker’s cottage, enjoy several walk options and swim and kayak off the beach.
Tamar River & Launceston
Spend up to 2 days on the scenic Tamar River. The river’s banks abound with scenic reserves and notable vineyards. Explore the historic pilot station at Low Head, discover the charming city of Launceston, and enjoy a signature food & wine event at Josef Chromy Vineyard.
Stanley
On the visit to Stanley, walk to see The Nut—an old volcanic plug that measures close to three miles with a steep section which flattens to form the top. Consider the chairlift to skip the incline. Either way, be rewarded with coastal views before heading to explore Highfield Historic Site.
King Island
King Island is known for its fine produce. Tour the island with local guides and learn about the island’s colorful history. Sample a brie at the King Island Dairy tasting room, with a chance to sample King Island beef and locally caught crayfish, hosted in the home of local beef farmers.
West Coast Cruising
Home to striking mountain ranges, ancient pines and untamed rivers, the wild west coast is the heart of Tasmania’s wilderness and a true frontier. Take in the dramatic scenery of this coastline.
Port Davey
Here on the edge of the world in southwest Tasmania, the landscape is about as wild as it gets. This region has no road access, surrounded by raw, craggy-peaked mountains and drowned river valleys, where tannin-rich freshwater sits atop saltwater, tinting the ocean the color of tea. Spend 2-3 days (weather permitting) enjoying the rare opportunity to explore the pristine environment of Port Davey, part of the Southwest Wilderness World Heritage Area. Learn about explorers and Indigenous Australians who once walked this land. Kayak in Bramble Cove, hike the button-grass hills and look for the rare orange-bellied parrot at Melaleuca.
D’Entrecasteaux Channel & Huon River
Where the mouth of the Huon River meets D’Entrecasteaux Channel lays Port Huon, a small community at the heart of the fertile Huon Valley with its Hartz Mountains backdrop. The sheltered waters of the river enable a visit to the Wooden Boat Center at Franklin where Tasmania’s maritime heritage is kept alive through the production of hand-crafted timber boats. Hike the Luggabone Track at Bruny Island’s Labillardiere Peninsula or see the bronze whale statue against the crystal clear waters of Cockle Creek at Becherche Bay.
Adventure Bay & Bruny Island
At Adventure Bay on the east coast of Bruny Island, hike along the coastal cliffs of Fluted Cape and spot the endemic Bennett’s wallaby. Cruising the base of the near-vertical dolerite cliffs in the Xplorer tender vessel, take a closer look at Penguin Island, which is connected to Fluted Cape at low tide, and take a walk to Grass Point.
Port Arthur Historic Site
One of Australia’s most significant historic places, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur ruins stand sentinel on the Tasman Peninsula. For more than 40 years, the Port Arthur penal colony housed convicts before it closed in 1877. Join an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour with knowledgeable guides.
