A Yachtsman's Cruise

Either make your way to one of the two pick-up locations, or to our embarkation point in Palm Beach, Broken Bay. You will be met by the ship’s tender at 9:00am and transferred to the Coral Discoverer, to embark for 10:00am departure. Enjoy lunch while the ship positions off North Head. From the Xplorer Bar, celebrate the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and watch the fleet round the heads and sail south.

Cruise the scenic coastline from Sydney. As you cruise, our guest lecturer will present commentary on the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and keep you up to date with all the action. As we sail across the Bass Strait, enjoy presentations, spot yachts, or relax on deck with a beverage and enjoy the sea air.

Weather permitting, we will cruise to the remote Kent Group of islands, northwest of Flinders. Go ashore at East Cove on Deal Island, with a chance to view the lighthouse and swim or kayak in the gin-clear waters.

The spectacular peninsula of Freycinet is crafted from pink granite peaks – the Hazard mountains – surrounded by azure bays, and backed by dry eucalypt forest. At Freycinet National Park, guests can join an optional guided hike to Wineglass Bay beach via the lookout or Isthmus Track, consistently voted one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world.

The historic ruins, secluded bays, and rugged cliffs of Maria Island National Park are home to a local population of wildlife that includes Forester kangaroos, Bennetts wallabies, Tasmanian devils, and wombats. Since the 1960s, several endangered species have been introduced here in a bid to protect them. Visit World Heritage-listed Darlington, part of the “Convict Trail of Australia”, and gain an understanding of the life of the early settlers in a restored 19th century convict penitentiary. An adventurous walk to the dramatic Painted and Fossil Cliffs take in the history and beauty of this island.

Feel small as you cruise past the 300 metre sea cliffs and monumental rock formations of Tasman National Park. See sea stacks – tall dolerite formations – stand tall, and view the Tasman Arch, The Candlestick and Cathedral from a perfect position at sea. An area of huge natural diversity, it is possible guests may come across Australian Fur Seals “hauling out” on the rocky shore at Tasman Island, as well as dolphins and albatross which, are often sighted in this region. Depending on conditions we will visit Fortescue Bay for walks in Tasman National Park, or we may also visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Arrive in Hobart this afternoon in time to experience the buzz of race celebrations on New Year’s Eve. Welcome the New Year with a view of the fireworks display over the Derwent River.

Activities and locations visited on New Year’s Day will be determined at the time by master and expedition leader, depending on weather conditions and passenger interest.

Arrive in Hobart at 7:30am for a disembarkation at 8:00am at Macquarie Wharf on 2nd January. There will be complimentary post cruise transfers to CBD hotels and to the airport.