Highlights

• Explore the Tamar Valley Truffle Farm alongside Marcus Jessup and his family, including their talented Truffle Dogs. Learn about Truffle farming techniques and indulge in tastings from their range of products. Delve into Marcus’s family journey into Truffle farming as he shares their production story.
• Savor fresh local produce platters and wine tastings on the deck of Freycinet Lodge, overlooking the breathtaking views of the 5 Stunning Pink Granite Hazards peaks and Azure waters of Coles Bay, within the iconic Freycinet National Park. Learn about Freycinet Lodge’s rich history dating back to 1934, marking it as the first accommodation built within a national park in Tasmania.
• Perched atop a hill with panoramic 360-degree views, Daniel and Ella from Premaydena Hill Winery and Black Angus Beef present their locally sourced produce. Delight in wine tastings as you learn about their journey to become Tasmanian beef farmers and vineyard growers.
• 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.
• Savor lunch accompanied by live music at The Kiln, nestled in a picturesque setting within a historic building. Witness local producers showcasing their specialties with tasting displays.
• Specialist Tasmanian Producers: Jane Bennett – Cheese Making Management, Wasabi Industry Establishment, Gerald Ellis – Winemaker, Meadowbank Wines, Peter Bignal – Distillery Owner, Belgrove Distillery and Maan Mazen – Olive Oil Judge, Royal Hobart Show

Inclusions

• All excursions with our Expedition Team
• Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
• Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
• All meals, chef-prepared on board
• Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
• Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
• 24-hour coffee and selection of teas
• All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
• Tips and gratuities
• Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
• Expedition diary, along with a photo and video gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage
• Post-cruise transfers
• Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging

 

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 2-8: Flavours of Tasmania Cruise

Your Captain and Expedition Team may make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximise guest experience. Below are the highlight destinations of your voyage.

Crossing Bass Strait
Immerse yourself in a series of onboard experiences as we cross the Bass Strait named after George Bass, who, alongside Matthew Flinders, sailed across it while circumnavigating Van Diemen’s Land (now named Tasmania) in the Norfolk in 1798–99. Join us later this evening for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks, featuring an exquisite selection of Tasmanian Beers and Wines, as we toast to the beginning of our adventure together.

Launceston
Visit the picturesque Tamar Valley Truffle Farm, home to one of the world’s top 10 winery routes, and meet Marcus Jessup and gain insight into truffle farming, accompanied by tastings. Explore the world-class Marions Winery with Marion Semmens, enjoying a guided vineyard and winery tour followed by tastings. Conclude the day with a picnic lunch overlooking the Tamar Valley, selecting from a variety of locally sourced options.

Flinders Island
Explore Unavale Winery, where you’ll indulge in a wine tasting experience. Then, delve into local history at the Furneaux Museum, gaining insights into the rich heritage of the region. Then, enjoy a scenic stroll along the Trousers Point track, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Flinders Island. Conclude your day with a bus tour, offering a panoramic view of Flinders Island’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Freycinet
At Freycinet Peninsula, see the pink granite formations of the Hazard Mountains, and the sweeping bays fringed by Eucalypts. Embark on a guided hike to Wineglass Bay beach, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and indulge in birdwatching amidst the local flora and fauna. Conclude your day with a local produce and wine tasting on the balcony of Freycinet Lodge, where you can savor delicious flavors while soaking in the breathtaking coastal views of Coles Bay.

Tasman Peninsula
Indulge in a tasting and tours of McHenry’s Distillery, where Bill McHenry himself will guide you through the distillery process and share the secrets of gin making. Continue your journey with tastings and tours at Premaydena Winery and Black Angus Beef Farm, where you’ll savor the flavors of premium wines and succulent beef amidst picturesque surroundings. Discover the unique landscapes and flora of Tasman Peninsula as you explore Port Arthur Lavender, Tessellated Pavement and the Devil’s Arch. 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.

Southern Cruise
Cruise down the D’Entrecasteaux Channel towards South Cape accompanied by specialist Tasmanian producers showcasing their specialties on board including a whiskey maker, wine maker, and cheese expert, providing insights into their craft and tastings of their cuisine. In Recherche Bay, immerse yourself in nature with a scenic stroll along the Fisher Point Walk, taking in the local flora and fauna. Enjoy an optional walk to the bronze whale statue at Cockle Creek.

Huon Valley
Journey along the Huon River, where you’ll explore the charming township of Franklin and its renowned Wooden Boat Centre, offering insight into Tasmania’s maritime heritage. Indulge in our final signature event of the voyage, an exclusive culinary experience at The Kiln, featuring displays by local producers, a lunch showcasing Tasmanian delights, and live music performed by a talented local band, celebrating the new friends and memories we’ve created on the final expedition day of the voyage.

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.

 

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.

*Terms & Conditions apply. Prices are per person, listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST. A non-refundable 20% deposit is required at time of booking, balance of the fare is due 90 days prior to departure. A $500pp date change fee for changes made more than 90 days before departure applies. Date change within 90 days of departure is considered a cancellation and standard Cancellation Policy applies. Further Coral Expeditions terms & conditions apply. Please contact your RAC travel consultant for full terms and conditions. 

General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.