This morning, look out for the rugged coastal cliffs, forest-covered mountains and white sweeping sand as your ship approaches Maria Island. This natural wonderland is a haven for seabirds, wombats, wallabies, Forester kangaroos and Cape Barren geese. Not to mention a thriving population of Tasmanian Devils.
Go ashore to the historic Darlington Settlement which first opened as a penal settlement in 1825. Take a walk through the township before setting your sights on the ancient seabeds of Fossil Cliffs, a striking set of cliffs embedded with fossilised clams, sea fans, corals, scallop shells and sea lilies from approximately 300 million years ago. Top off your shore explorations with a visit to the Painted Cliffs, sandstone formations that – as their name suggests – appear as though they’re the work of a master artist. Swirls and stripes and colours decorate the honeycombed cliff walls, caused by ground water and sea spray.
Reboard your ship this afternoon to cruise the wild coastline of the Tasman Peninsula. As you pass the 300-metre-high sea cliffs of Cape Raoul, Cape Pillar and Cape Hauy, savour a wine tasting on board.
The Coral Adventurer drops anchor at Norfolk Bay, where you’ll disembark and board a bus for a picturesque drive along the Tasman Peninsula to Fortescue Bay. Discover a place where the forest meets the sea, a stunning landscape you can explore further with two walking options. Perhaps follow the renowned Three Capes Track towards Cape Hauy, a relatively easy walk that passes breathtaking nature scenes. Or, for something a little more challenging, the Tasman Coastal Trail traces a path across the clifftops to Bivouac Bay. If you prefer to rest your legs, enjoy time to unwind on Fortescue Bay’s white, sandy beach.
Return to your ship this afternoon for time to rest and recharge before an exciting dining experience this evening. At Bangor Winery, sit down for a memorable dinner of the finest Tasmanian produce, perfectly paired with top-quality wines. While you feast, be joined by the manager of this family farm, Matt Dunbabin, who will share the farm’s rich history before guiding you on a vineyard tour.
Enjoy a gourmet brunch on board your ship this morning as the Coral Adventurer makes its way to Port Arthur. Explore the Port Arthur Historic Site, Australia’s most intact, evocative and notorious convict prison. See the famous sandstone Penitentiary then visit the Convict Church and Separate Prison.
Continue to McHenry's Distillery, Australia’s southern-most family-run whisky and gin distillery located at the foot of Mount Arthur. Thanks to the cool-maritime environment, the maturing spirit has the perfect conditions to make the most of its time in the wooden barrels. Enjoy time for a tipple as you learn the behind-the-scenes of the distilling process.
Uncover an island brimming with spellbinding landscapes, diverse wildlife, and gourmet delights – today, spend time on Bruny Island. This speck of an island packs a punch when it comes to things to do. Begin your time here getting the lay of the land via a walk along the coastal cliffs of Fluted Cape. During your leisurely trek, keep on the lookout for Bennett’s wallabies, which are endemic to Bruny Island. Learn about the island’s whaling history on another nature walk to Grassy Point, where your guide will share how southern right whales were almost hunted to extinction while pointing out the four whaling houses on Adventure Bay. Thankfully, now Bruny Island is a southern right whale hot spot.
Bruny Island is also renowned for its delicious local produce. From mauka honey to artisan cheeses, fresh oysters and a delicate chardonnay, taste your way across the island. Back on board this evening, enjoy samples of Bruny Island’s finest produce with canapes at the Captain’s Farewell Drinks.
APT Luxury Travel offers all-inclusive, all taken care of and all-inspiring luxury cruises, tours and rail journeys. As Australia’s largest family-owned tour and cruise company, we are committed to delivering unforgettable travel experiences to our valued guests. What began as just a vision, over 90 years ago, has now grown into a proud global business, demonstrating the power of dreaming fully.