Day
1
Hobart
Arrive in Hobart to check into the conveniently located Mövenpick Hotel, where you will spend the next 4 nights.
Mövenpick Hotel, Hobart
Join Unconventional Conventions for a medical conference in Tasmania combined with a 10-night cruise focusing on Tasmania’s world-class coastal hikes.
You will spend 4 nights in Hobart before boarding Coral Expedition’s Coastal Treks of Tasmania cruise for 11 days. This hiking-themed itinerary combines the highlights of Tasmania with hikes on some of Tasmania’s best coastal tracks. You will enjoy a variety of shore excursions, with both challenging and less strenuous walks on offer. The imposing cliffs, sandy beaches and sapphire waters of the rugged coast of Tasmania offer an experience of spectacular beauty. Guided by experienced bush-walkers, explore breathtaking coastal hikes along with insights into the region’s unique ecosystem.
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer.
Day
2
Hobart
A full day of conference sessions, followed by a free evening to explore many of Hobart’s hip new restaurants right at your doorstep.
Mövenpick Hotel, Hobart
(B/L)
Day
3
Hobart
A full day of conference sessions, followed by a free evening. Why not explore Hobart’s harbour, only a short 100m stroll from your hotel.
Mövenpick Hotel, Hobart
(B/L)
Day
4
Hobart
A full day of conference sessions, followed by a free evening. Tonight is your last chance to explore the many hidden gems that Hobart has to offer.
Mövenpick Hotel, Hobart
(B/L)
Day
5
Depart Hobart
Board your Coral Expeditions small ship at Hobart’s Princes Wharf 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 before meeting your fellow travellers, the Captain and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.
(B/D)
Day
6
D'entrecasteaux Channel & Huon River
The sheltered waters of the Huon River allow us to visit the Wooden Boat Centre at Franklin where Tasmania’s maritime heritage is kept alive through the production of hand-crafted timber boats.
Grandvewe Cheeses is an organic sheep dairy farm there will be time to learn about the cheesemaking process as well as taste their ‘ewenique’ sheep’s whey vodka at the Cellar Door overlooking D’Entrecasteaux Channel.
Afternoon conference session
(B/L/D)
Day
7
Mt Beattie, Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour
On the edge of the world in southwest Tasmania, the landscape here is about as wild as it gets. Raw, craggy-peaked mountains and drowned river valleys. Wild rivers and rivulets carved by an eternity. Where tannin-rich freshwater sits atop saltwater, tinting the ocean the colour of tea. With no road access, the logical way to explore this wilderness is by small expedition ship.
Sheltered from Roaring Forties winds that buffet this coast is the protected haven of Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour. A marine reserve and part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, we spend two whole days (weather permitting) enjoying this rare opportunity to hike, kayak and take in this pristine natural environment. We explore by Xplorer tender vessels and learn about intrepid European explorers and Indigenous Australians, who once walked this land and keep a lookout for the rare and endangered Orange Bellied Parrot amongst other wildlife.
Walk Details:
On the edge of the world in southwest Tasmania, the landscape here is about as wild as it gets. Raw, craggy-peaked mountains and drowned river valleys. Wild rivers and rivulets carved by an eternity. Where tannin-rich freshwater sits atop saltwater, tinting the ocean the colour of tea. With no road access, the logical way to explore this wilderness is by small expedition ship.
Mt Beattie is an easy to moderate walk located close to magnificent Port Davey. The raw and remote beauty of this wilderness area is enhanced by the breathtaking views over Bathurst Channel and Bathurst Harbour.
› 3 hours return
› Grade 2/3 walk – some bush-walking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps.
Late afternoon conference session
(B/L/D)
Day
8
Bruny Island & Adventure Bay
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. Cruising the base of these near-vertical dolerite cliffs in our Xplorer tender vessels, we take a close look at Penguin Island, which is connected to Fluted Cape at low tide.
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.
Day
9
Cape Hauy, Three Capes
Cape Hauy (part of the Three Capes Walk) is a medium difficulty walk through an extraordinary landscape. Experience views of Fortescue Bay from Mt Fortescue and the dolerite columns at the tip of Cape Hauy.
Walk Details:
› 4 hours return (4.4 km one way)
› Grade 3 walk – some bush-walking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps.
› Some hazardous cliffs and unprotected track edges
Day
10
Fortescue Bay To Waterfall Bay
The Fortescue Bay to Waterfall Bay trail is noted for providing an experience of some of the most magnificent coastline in Tasmania. The rainforest and blue gum stands and views of the Tasman Peninsula are nothing short of spectacular. At the end of this longer medium grade walk, the Coral Discoverer will be waiting for hikers to return.
Walk Details
› 7 hours (16km one way)
› Grade 3 walk – some bush-walking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps.
› Some hazardous cliffs and unprotected track edges
(B/L/D)
Day
11
Freycinet National Park & Wineglass Bay
The spectacular peninsula of Freycinet is crafted from pink granite peaks – the Hazard mountains – surrounded by azure bays, and backed by dry eucalyptus forest. Enjoy a hike to the Wineglass Bay Lookout and later, join a beachcombers walk along Wineglass Bay, consistently voted one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world.
Walk Details:
› 2.5 hours return (3 km return)
› Grade 3 walk – steep uphill climb one-way with rough bush steps to a beach lookout.
(B/L/D)
Day
12
Maria Island National Park
Bishop and Clerk is a challenging walk located in the Maria Island National Park. Pass through diverse landscapes of grasslands and forest, to emerge overlooking a dramatic and sweeping view of the Southern Ocean.
Walk Details
› 5 hours return (12 km return)
› Grade 4 walk – bush-walking experience recommended. Tracks may be long, rough, and steep. Signage may be limited.
› Supervise children, hazardous cliffs, unprotected track edges, rock screed scramble
(B/L/D)
Day
13
Tasman National Park & Fortescue Bay
The Tasman Peninsula is known for its fascinating geological formations like the Tessellated Pavement, Tasman Arch, and the soaring 300 metre high dolerite sea cliffs of Cape Raoul, Cape Pillar and Cape Hauy – the tallest in the southern hemisphere. Watch fur seals hauling out on the rocks, as well as playful dolphins feeding and magnificent albatross soaring amongst the updrafts created by the sea cliffs. We will visit Fortescue Bay, hike sections of the coastal Tasman Trail, take a scenic Xplorer cruise of the rugged coastline and kayak in Canoe Bay.
Day
14
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 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 guides, we join an exclusive ‘behind the scenes tour’ which includes access to private collections and historic buildings not otherwise accessible to the public.
Day
15
Hobart
Disembark in Hobart at 8:00am. A post-cruise transfer from the ship to Hobart city or airport.
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.
End of arrangements. Please note this program may be subject to change