Tasman Coastal Cruise

After breakfast this morning, you'll travel south and join your Wineglass Bay Cruise to experience the exquisite beauty of Freycinet Peninsula's pristine sheer cliffs, sea caves and remote coves on the Schouten Passage II eco-catamaran. With a highly skilled local skipper, learn about the rich natural history, geology, eco systems and heritage of the region. Enjoy a delicious ploughman's style lunch of fresh local produce.

After your cruise, visit Freycinet National Park Visitor Centre and enjoy a guided tour along Cape Tourville, admiring the stunning coastal scenery before returning to St Helens. (B/D)

• You may choose to explore Port Arthur Historic Site on a guided tour. Step aboard a cruise around the Isle of the dead and visit the Tasmanian Devil ‘Unzoo'. Or explore the spectacular landscapes and gourmet local produce of Bruny Island. This is a delicious day out where you'll visit the homes of Bruny Island's cheese, oysters, fudge, berries, wine and beer.

Explore the pristine areas of Tasmania, where you’ll cruise amid some the country’s most amazing landscape. The exact route will be managed by your Captain and is largely dictated by weather and ocean conditions, in order to maximise your expeditionary experience. Your cruise itinerary will feature the following destinations:

D'Entrecasteaux Channel & Huon River: Cruise the pristine Huon River and far south coastline of D'Entrecasteaux Channel. Visit the Wooden Boat Centre at Franklin, viewing the production of hand-crafted timber boats. Later, visit Grandvewe Cheeses and learn about the cheesemaking process including a cheese tasting.

Port Davey & Bathurst Harbour: Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour form a reserve three times as big as Sydney Harbour - and every bit as picturesque. Spend two days (weather permitting) exploring the Tasman Wilderness World Heritage-listed area. Aboard your small ship, you can encounter the tiniest nooks of this untouched place - a feat only possible in a small-sized vessel. Sheltered by beautiful mountain scenery, the Narrows is remarkably undisturbed. If you’re feeling active, perhaps experience kayaking in Bramble Cove, or embark on a hike along the Balmoral Hill Track before trying your hand at spotting the elusive, orange-bellied parrot.

Bruny Island & Adventure Bay: Enjoy a scenic cruise along the coast of Bruny Island, admiring the dolerite cliffs. Keep your eyes peeled for Australian fur seals lounging on their rocky home. Enjoy a moderate nature walk to the spectacular lookout on the Fluted Cape track, where you may spot Bruny Island’s endemic Bennett’s Wallabies.

Maria Island National Park: Walk among Maria Island National Park’s historic ruins, secluded bays and rugged cliffs. Be sure to keep an eye out for local endemic wildlife such as Forester kangaroos, Bennett’s wallabies and wombats. With ample time at Maria Island, take the opportunity to walk to Fossil cliffs and Reservoir circuit.

Freycinet National Park & Schouten Island: On Tasmania’s east coast, Freycinet National Park is a place of wild beauty. Enjoy a guided hike along the Isthmus Track, with magnificent views from the lookout and the opportunity to swim in the azure waters of Wineglass Bay. From here, the crystal waters are on full display before you, as you cruise close to Ile des Phoques and Schouten Island.

Tasman National Park & Fortescue Bay: On the Tasman Peninsula, gaze up at the 300-metre sea cliffs of Tasman National Park. In this area of astonishing natural diversity, watch for Australian fur seals on the rocky shores, view playful dolphins feeding and magnificent albatross soaring in the sky. Take the opportunity to hike sections of the Coast Tasman trail, viewing the spectacular high dolerite sea cliffs. Visit Fortescue Bay and if you’re feeling active, perhaps kayak from the back of the ship at Canoe Bay.

Port Arthur Historic Site: Explore the Port Arthur Historic Site, Australia’s most intact, evocative, and notorious convict prison, on a guided tour. See the famous sandstone Penitentiary, then visit the Convict Church and Separate Prison. (B/L/D)