Arrive in Melbourne and be transferred to Melbourne Harbour Station Pier where your ship, the Coral Adventurer, awaits. Embark your floating hotel for the next eight nights and settle in before a safety briefing. This evening, meet your fellow travellers and Expedition Team at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks as your ship sets sail for Tasmania.

Wake up to glorious coastal scenes from your ship. This afternoon, the Coral Adventurer arrives at Deal Island, part of the Kent Group of islands off the coast of Tasmania. Made up of six granite islands, the Kent Group once bridged the gap between mainland Australia and Tasmania some 10,000 years ago. Go ashore to Deal Island, a speck surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Here, discover Australia’s highest lighthouse standing 305 metres above sea level. Enjoy time to set off on a gentle island hike, cool off with a dip, explore the coastline by kayak, or join a scenic tender cruise.

Today, arrive at Flinders Island, home to a striking landscape consisting of rosy granite mountains and orange-lichen-speckled boulders. Head ashore to Trousers Point beach, where you may like to embark on a walk along Trousers Point Walk, ranked as one of Tasmania’s Great Short Walks. This trail reveals picturesque coastal scenery: crescent-moon bays, golden beaches and forest-covered mountains. Afterwards, visit the island’s seaside township and learn the harrowing history of the Wybalenna Aboriginal Settlement. The island is also rich in maritime history, which you can learn about at the Furneaux Museum. Later, savour a tipple or two with a tasting at Unavale Vineyard, a boutique family vineyard located at the foothills of the Strzelecki Mountain ranges. Return to your ship for dinner this evening.

The diamond in Tasmania’s crown, Freycinet National Park is yours to discover today. Along the peninsula, spot the tell-tale pink granite Hazard Mountains as you approach the national park. Disembark your ship to go ashore and join a guided hike to Wineglass Bay, one of the most photographed beaches in the world. If you’re feeling up to the challenge, join a hike to Wineglass Bay Lookout, where your efforts are rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramas of the bay.

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.

Arrive in Hobart this morning and disembark the Coral Adventurer. In the state’s capital, prepare for a journey of discovery as you delve into culture, history and awe-inspiring natural wonders. Meet your APT Tour Director and enjoy your selected Freedom of Choice experience this afternoon. Tonight, delight in a welcome dinner and drink.

Discover the magic of Russell Falls in Mt Field National Park today, then continue to the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Visit The Wall in the Wilderness, before travelling via the mining town of Queenstown to Strahan. Tonight, savour dinner at View 42° Restaurant and Bar.

From the comfort of the Captain’s Premier Upper Deck, glide across Macquarie Harbour and enter the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park. Stop at Heritage Landing, for a guided rainforest walk. Back on board, you’ll be treated to a delicious lunch of fresh Tasmanian produce before arriving at Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed Sarah Island. Here you’ll get a chilling insight into the cruelties of convict life as you explore the ruins of what was once a convict settlement. Cruise past Hells Gates then return to Strahan. From here, set off by coach for the secluded Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, set right on the edge of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

After admiring the beauty of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, visit Waldheim Chalet, then enjoy your Freedom of Choice Sightseeing inclusion.

Today, travel to Stanley, set in the shadow of The Nut. Continue to the Julius River Forest Reserve for a rainforest walk and afternoon tea, including Tasmanian wine and cake made with locally produced honey. Later, head to Smithton for your special Signature Experience tonight.

This morning you will travel to Franklin House, an enchanting historic homestead surrounded by splendid gardens. Built in 1838 for former convict Britton Jones, by then a successful Launceston brewer and publican, the house became one of the Colony's leading private schools between 1842 and 1866. Wander through the elegant 19th-century rooms inside the beautifully restored Georgian style house before exploring the superb gardens. Afterwards, travel to Cataract Gorge, a unique natural rock formation on the outskirts of the city. Follow the path along the river to explore the geological wonders and soak up the fresh Tasmanian air.

Named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2021, Launceston is an internationally recognised foodie hotspot. The picturesque city is blessed with elegant Colonial and Victorian architecture and has one of the best-preserved early cityscapes in Australia. Here, enjoy your selected sightseeing activity. Afterwards, visit the lauded Josef Chromy Wines for a delectable wine tasting and specially prepared lunch.

After visiting Bridestowe Lavender Estate, traverse Weldborough Pass and admire the views of forested hills and farmland en route to Bicheno, a beautiful seaside town set between the Douglas-Apsley and Freycinet national parks on Tasmania's stunning east coast. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Wake to a stunning Christmas in Bicheno. After breakfast, travel south to Freycinet National Park, where an incredible festive feast awaits at Freycinet Lodge. Toast to the merriest day of the year with a glass of Devil’s Corner wine, before indulging in a sumptuous three-course lunch. Be spoilt with Tasmania’s finest, freshest seafood including east coast rock lobster, while farm-fresh meat and produce stars as the main event, followed by a decadent dessert. Share this delightful meal with your fellow travellers, and afterwards enjoy a stroll across the lodge’s stunning grounds.

Visit the historic towns of Ross and Richmond on your way to Hobart. After arriving in the Tasmanian capital, embark on a guided discovery of the city, which takes you through the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and the heritage district of Battery Point.

Today, make the most of your time in Hobart with a memorable Signature Experience.

This morning, walk the Salamanca Market and peruse the treasures of Tasmania at more than 300 stalls. Wander through the array of goods from hand-crafted jewellery and carved wooden trinkets to tantalising Tasmanian gin. Afterwards, bid a fond farewell to the Apple Isle. We say goodbye before we transfer you to the airport for your flight.