7 reasons why you should cruise to Tasmania on a small ship
The coast of Tasmania contains some of the most exceptional scenery and wildlife you will ever find in the world. However, the beauty of Tasmania cannot only be appreciated from afar, it has to be experienced firsthand.
That’s why Coral Expeditions has crafted three unique itineraries to Tasmania that feature expert commentary, exceptional local produce and shore excursions. Here are the reasons why a small ship will give you the most authentic experience of Tasmania.
1. Access secluded areas
Visiting Tasmania on a small ship allows you to access areas larger vessels are unable to reach. Coral Expeditions offers the Pristine Tasmania tour, a seven-night return trip from Hobart, which takes travellers into Port Davey, part of Tasmania’s World Heritage Wilderness Area. This untouched wilderness is usually only accessed by a seven-day hike or light aircraft, but these lucky cruisers can simply sail in to its sheltered bays, and spend two full days exploring this spectacular marine reserve. Passengers also have the option of accessing these remote and untouched areas, far from the tourist trail, via two custom tender vessels named Xplorer and Zodiak, which are carried on board. This World Heritage Area satisfies seven of the 10 criteria of cultural and natural heritage values, including: unique human culture and history, wilderness, plants and wildlife, and geology. There is only one other site in China that equals this number and no sites on the planet exceed it.
2. Incredible itineraries
While large ships are famous for their onboard entertainment, small ships put the destination as the focus. On Coral Expeditions’ Pristine Tasmania tour, cruisers are taken on a guided hike to the iconic Wineglass Bay Lookout by an expedition leader. Although Wineglass Bay has a curvy shape, its name is allegedly derived after the waters were blood-stained during the height of the 19th century whaling era. Now, the sapphire waters and white sand has been recognised as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. The tour also includes a visit to the historic ruins of the 17th century convict penitentiary on Maria Island.
A new cruise by Coral Expeditions, called A Yachtsman’s Cruise, allows passengers to experience the 73rd Sydney to Hobart yacht race on the water. Passengers will watch the fleet sail past while an expert gives commentary on the race. The cruise includes guided shore excursions to Tasmania’s parks and will arrive in Hobart on New Year’s Eve so passengers can join the festivities of race presentations and the week-long Taste Tasmania festival.
The Coastal Treks of Tasmania cruise, departing on January 15, 2018, is a one-off trip that combines an expedition voyage with Tasmania’s best walking tracks. The uniquely Australian nature experience will have two skilled local bushwalkers provide extensive knowledge on Tasmanian flora and fauna throughout the cruise. The marvellous itinerary has been designed to drop off and pick up guests before and after the walks, however, guests can choose to stay onboard and soak in the scenery from the ship.
If you visit Tasmania on a small ship, expect to be out in the great outdoors with activities to cater for all fitness levels.
3. Enrichment opportunities
On the Pristine Tasmania tour, travellers also have the unique opportunity to visit the peninsula of Freycinet, which is famous for its pink granite peaks and calm, crystal waters. While being blown away by the beauty of Tasmania, region experts lead the shore excursions, sharing great insights on everything from geology to archaeology to local flora and fauna. If you travel to Tasmania on a small ship, you will not only be blown away by your shore excursions, but you will also leave your holiday knowing more about this remarkable country we live in.
4. Experience quality
Small-ship cruising can be more affordable and convenient than travelling on land, with accommodation, meals and transport all included in the fare. Not only are your planning concerns taken care of, but small ships will also go the extra mile for all passengers onboard. If you want to have a chat and get a captain’s eye view, Coral Expeditions’ tours also have an Open Bridge Policy, where if the door is open, you are more than welcome to come in and chat about navigation with the captain and pull out your map with the horizon in front of you. Throughout the journey around Tasmania, expert guest lecturers will be onboard conducting regular lectures on topics such as the local flora, fauna and history including the maritime history.
5. Intimate environment
Small ships are the perfect environment for cruisers who want to travel in a personal way. A small ship allows you to have the opportunity to get to know the crew and your fellow passengers. Fewer passengers with fewer onboard distractions allows you to create quality conversation, genuine friendship and camaraderie.
The Coral Discoverer underwent a major refurbishment in November last year. The ship now accommodates a maximum of 72 guests in generously sized cabins, allowing for passengers to have a peaceful environment but still have the opportunity to form friendships. The Explorer Bar and Sun Deck is the perfect location to relax as you and a new friend watch the exquisite scenery sail by with quality food and beverages at your fingertips.
6. Local cuisine
Most small cruise ships serve passengers impeccable meals using local ingredients. On the Pristine Tasmania tour, guests can enjoy freshly shucked Bruny Island Oysters and local organic cheese at Grandvewe. Passengers can enjoy their local cheese by washing it down with vodka, which is a passenger excursion highlight at Grandvewe Cheeses. The Captain also invites guests to join him for an archaeologist-led tour at Port Arthur. The convict site has over 30 buildings, ruins and restored period homes spread across 40 hectares of landscaped grounds.
7. Tick-off bucket list activities
A well-planned visit to Tasmania can be full of bucket-list worthy activities that will make for wonderful stories to share in the future. With Coral Expeditions, passengers can visit the southern-most part of Australia, Cockle Creek. Not only will guests sail past the sight but they will have the opportunity to disembark and follow in the footsteps of French explorer Bruni D’Entrecasteaux. He is believed to have encountered the region’s native inhabitants in the 18th century. When visiting Port Davey, travellers can also breathe in (what is rumoured to be) the cleanest air in the world. Be sure to take some deep breaths as you are surrounded by the rugged beauty of Tasmania.
Have you ever travelled to Tasmania on a smaller ship? Let us know about your experience in the comments below.
THIS IS SPONSORED CONTENT BROUGHT TO YOU IN CONJUNCTION WITH CORAL EXPEDITIONS.
This seven-night Pristine Tasmania tour departs Hobart weekly from January 1, 2018 to March 12, 2018. For more information on this itinerary and to see the new brochure please click here.
The seven-night Coastal Treks of Tasmania tour departs from Hobart on January 15, 2018. For more information on this itinerary please click here.
A Yachtsman’s Cruise from Sydney to Hobart departs on December 26, 2017. For more information on this itinerary please click here.
To book call 1800 079 545 or visit www.coralexpeditions.com.