Experience the nautical tradition that is the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Embarking in Broken Bay on December 26th, soak in the excitement at the start of the race from Coral Discoverer. Watch the fleet sail past as you hear expert commentary from your onboard Special Guest Lecturer Sue Crafer. We sail the south coast and Bass Strait with the trailing fleet. Once across the Strait enjoy the scenic rugged Tasmanian coast with the opportunity to join our expedition team on a number of guided shore excursions to Tasmania’s National Parks. Scheduled to arrive in Hobart on New Year’s Eve, it’s time to enjoy the buzz of the race and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

• Enjoy a grandstand view of the start of the Sydney to Hobart race as leaders come tearing through Sydney Heads
• Trail the yachts on a coastal cruise while you enjoy a drink at Coral Discoverer’s sundeck Xplorer Bar
• Visit Adventure Bay on Bruny Island and stretch your legs on the Fluted Cape walk
• Your cruise is accompanied by Special Guest Lecturer who will provide insights into race tactics, history and culture
• Ring in the New Year onboard and enjoy Captain’s farewell drinks

Your Fly, Stay & Cruise Package Includes:

• $500 flight credit
• 6 night A Yachtman’s Cruise onboard Coral Discoverer, Sydney to Hobart
• Includes local dining prepared fresh onboard, wines, select beers & soft drinks with meals, guided excursions plus more
• 3 nights 4-star accommodation in Hobart
• Moorilla Wine meets MONA Art Tour
• Bruny Island Foods, Sightseeing & Lighthouse Tour including lunch
• Private airport transfer

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 26 December 2023 – 04 January 2024

Single traveller pricing available, speak with your travel consultant

Cruise Inclusions:

• Expert Expedition Team, including Guest Lecturer
• Guided excursions on the Xplorer, Zodiac tender vessels, and kayaks where conditions allow
• Small batch local dining, prepared fresh onboard
• Showcase wines, selected beers and soft drinks with lunch and dinner service
• 24 hour coffee and selection of teas
• Pre-cruise transfer
• All entrance fees to National Parks and Ports

Itinerary:

DAY 1: DEPART SYDNEY'S NORTH HEAD

Complimentary coach transfers are offered from Wynyard Station to arrive at Coral Discoverer’s embarkation point in Palm Beach, Broken Bay. You will be met by the ship’s tender and transferred to the Coral Discoverer for a 10:00am departure.

Embark at 8:30am for 10am departure, and 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.

SCENIC COASTAL CRUISE

Cruise the scenic coastline from Sydney. Dependent on weather, stops may include Jervis Bay and/or Twofold Bay. As you cruise, our guest lecturer will present commentary on the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and lectures on yachting and maritime history.

BASS STRAIT CROSSING

As we sail through the Southern Ocean, enjoy presentations, spot yachts, or relax on deck and enjoy the vastness of the Bass Strait.

MARIA ISLAND

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.

BRUNY ISLAND AND ADVENTURE BAY

Experience the rugged beauty of the Fluted Cape as you walk along the sheer coastal cliffs or cruise for a closer look around Penguin Island. Learn about the rich maritime history of Adventure Bay as you meander past the ruins of old whaling stations on the way to Grassy Point.

DAY 7: ARRIVE HOBART

Arrive in Hobart in time for the Sydney to Hobart race celebrations on New Year’s Eve. Stroll Hobart’s historic wharf. Enjoy farewell drinks with the Captain, and welcome the New Year with a view of the fireworks display over the Derwent River.

Disembark at Macquarie Wharf 1 at 9am, 1st January.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions, and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling. This itinerary is designed to capture the best moments of the first few days of the Sydney to Hobart race and highlights of the Tasmanian coastline. The Captain will vary the itinerary to make the most of the weather windows of the mercurial southern coast, whilst keeping the ship as close to the racing action as possible.