Luke Tscharke
East Coast and Tasman Peninsula
The east coast delivers spectacular scenery, wilderness hikes and the bliss of sharing the water with no one but the occasional fisherman.
This picture-perfect coastline is renowned for endless blue horizons, azure waters, isolated islands (that also double as national parks) and pearly-white, pristine beaches. From toe to top, the landscape shifts dramatically, from the towering dolerite columns of the Tasman Peninsula to the giant granite chunks of Freycinet National Park.
Peninsula and island-hopping from Hobart to Freycinet, explore horseshoe-shaped bays with squeaky silica sand and calm-water harbours surrounded by 100m high eucalypt forests that grow right to the water. Pause for sunset in a secluded cove, on a beach untracked but for the wallabies. Here, you’ll hear no sound but the call of birds and the wash of waves. It’s heaven on earth, we think.
Whilst the beaches and horizons might seem endless, it is far from the end of the world.
There are infinite adventures to have, tales to tell and quiet moments to appreciate. Remember, itineraries are tailored and fluid. So specific interests – perhaps photography or bushwalking – can be catered for by our experienced, hand-picked guides.
Here are some highlights and activities of the destination.
Isolated Islands
World-heritage listed Maria Island
This mountainous island is a marine reserve and national park. Head ashore to see the pretty patterns of the Painted Cliffs via the historic convict settlement of Darlington, or beachcomb the long, sandy stretches of the isthmus.
Secluded Schouten Island
This pink granite-peaked paradise has crystal-clear blue waters and an abundance of sea life. It falls within Freycinet National Park and is host to many pretty anchorages.
Rugged Tasman Island
The magnificent cliffs of this isolated, windswept rock mark the turning point for the iconic Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Perched on top is one of Australia's most inaccessible light stations. The island sits just off the colossal peaks of Cape Pillar.
Secluded beaches & bays
Bonny beaches
Stroll along white-sand beaches with sparkling turquoise waters. Pause for a refreshing dip – and perhaps a gourmet picnic. Wineglass Bay’s beauty is world-renowned - we’ll take you to the lesser-known coves and corners too.
Shelter in remote harbours
Protected anchorages are strewn along the east coast, from the deep-blue harbour of Fortescue Bay to the vast sandy expanse of Chinamans Bay. Whether wind or wave, we’ll find a sheltered port. Likely one with a good view, too.
Jump in a Kayak
Paddle past Freycinet’s hidden bays and striking orange lichen-cloaked boulders on a 3-hour kayaking tour. From the coastal town of Coles Bay, sweep into the clear-blue waters bordering the national park and past the beaches beyond.
Coastal wilderness walks
Hike to mountain-top vantage points
There are cliff-top walks to jaw-dropping vistas and hill climbs to wide lookouts over sea and scenery. Fortescue Bay to Cape Hauy (4hrs return) and Wineglass Bay Lookout (1hr to summit) are two of our favourites. Pass by forests, heathland, abundant birdlife and friendly wildlife.
Slow, scenic strolls
For those wanting something less heart-testing, there are plenty of gentle walks along deserted beaches, over tessellated pavements and through historic sites.
Guided every step of the way
Your expert guide, a personal walking-encyclopedia, makes for excellent company on every shore excursion. They’ll point out flora and fauna along the way, and share their deep knowledge of landforms, geography and history (plus a quip or two).
Meet the locals
Migrating whales
From June to October, humpback and southern right whales can be spotted on their long migration from (or back to) Antarctica. Also in the neighbourhood are colonies of seals fishing off rocks and pods of bottlenose dolphins hitching rides on bow waves.
Marsupials on Maria Island
Maria Island National Park is a wildlife sanctuary for wombats, wallabies and kangaroos. Tasmanian devils were introduced to this natural Noah’s Ark to protect this endangered species from the facial tumour disease impacting the population on mainland Tasmania.
Birdlife
All but one of Tasmania's endemic birds can be found on Maria Island, including one of Australia's rarest birds, the endangered forty-spotted pardalote. Keep your eyes on the skies for white-bellied sea eagles circling above and albatross coasting the cape.
On Board History Lessons
World-heritage listed convict sites
Enter Port Arthur Historic Site, the best-preserved convict site in Australia and among the most significant convict era sites worldwide. Learn more about Tasmania’s convict past with a visit to the historic buildings of Darlington’s penal colony, on Maria Island.
Lighthouses and shipwrecks
This is a shore of shipwrecks and lighthouses, riddled with stories of captains and lightkeepers. At the mouth of the River Derwent, pass Australia’s oldest remaining (and operational) lighthouse, the Iron Pot. Cruise under Tasman Island’s isolated lighthouse, the highest operating tower in Australia.
Dinner-table stories with your guide
Hear the tales of the characters who shaped the region’s history – from master mariners to big-wave surfers, brave explorers to escaped convicts – our guides know it all. And what they don’t, they make up with a smile.
The world is your oyster
Freshly shucked oysters
Take a masterclass in oyster shucking on a remote beach. The experience is designed by ex-oyster farmer (and skipper) Pieter van der Woude. Pry open locally-grown oysters, then wash them down with fresh sauces and matched sparkling wine. Heaven.
Fine dining - in the wilderness
The sea air certainly whets the appetite. And we think nothing tastes better than gourmet Tasmanian fare served in a distant wilderness – whether the setting is a simple beach picnic or aboard what is quite possibly Tasmania’s most remote restaurant.
Tailor-made itineraries
Take this voyage at your own pace. Birdlife to bushwalking, photography to botany, action-packed to relaxed. Let us know your interests and abilities, and we’ll tailor the trip to you.