ocean-cruise
Sydney to Hobart - A Yachting Tradition
From $6,160 per person
7 days
Ship: Coral Discoverer
From $6,160 per person
7 days
Ship: Coral Discoverer
Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.
DEPART SYDNEY
Either make your way to one of the two pick-up locations, or to our embarkation point in Palm Beach, Broken Bay. You will be met by the ship’s tender at 9:00am and transferred to the Coral Discoverer, to embark for 10:00am departure. 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.
Pick up location one: Scotts Church / Wynyard Station at 7:15am
Pick up location two: North Sydney Station, Blue Street, Stand E (Near the View Hotel) at 7:30am
COASTAL CRUISING & BASS STRAIT CROSSING
Cruise the scenic coastline from Sydney. As you cruise, our guest lecturer will present commentary on the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and keep you up to date with all the action. As we sail across the Bass Strait, enjoy presentations, spot yachts, or relax on deck with a beverage and enjoy the sea air.
KENT GROUP & DEAL ISLAND
Weather permitting, we will cruise to the remote Kent Group of islands, northwest of Flinders. Go ashore at East Cove on Deal Island, with a chance to view the lighthouse and swim or kayak in the gin-clear waters.
FREYCINET NATIONAL PARK
The spectacular peninsula of Freycinet is crafted from pink granite peaks – the Hazard mountains – surrounded by azure bays, and backed by dry eucalypt forest. At Freycinet National Park, guests can join an optional guided hike to Wineglass Bay beach via the lookout or Isthmus Track, consistently voted one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world.
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.
TASMAN PENINSULA & HOBART NEW YEARS EVE
Feel small as you cruise past the 300 metre sea cliffs and monumental rock formations of Tasman National Park. See sea stacks – tall dolerite formations – stand tall, and view the Tasman Arch, The Candlestick and Cathedral from a perfect position at sea. An area of huge natural diversity, it is possible guests may come across Australian Fur Seals “hauling out” on the rocky shore at Tasman Island, as well as dolphins and albatross which, are often sighted in this region. Depending on conditions we will visit Fortescue Bay for walks in Tasman National Park, or we may also visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Arrive in Hobart this afternoon in time to experience the buzz of race celebrations on New Year’s Eve. Welcome the New Year with a view of the fireworks display over the Derwent River.
PENULTIMATE DAY ON EXPEDITION
Activities and locations visited on New Year’s Day will be determined at the time by master and expedition leader, depending on weather conditions and passenger interest.
Select year & month:
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Coral Discoverer is a purpose-built expedition vessel offering an intimate, immersive experience in some of the world’s most remote and pristine coastal regions. Designed for exploration, comfort, and community, this 72-passenger ship provides a relaxed, Australian style of cruising with a strong focus on environmental stewardship and authentic engagement with nature and culture. With her shallow draught and maneuverable design, Coral Discoverer can access destinations that larger ships simply cannot reach, making her an ideal platform for expeditionary travel.
Launched in 2005 and extensively refurbished in 2016, Coral Discoverer combines robust expedition capabilities with understated elegance. The ship is equipped with a fleet of inflatable Zodiacs and a unique Xplorer tender—a custom-built excursion vessel that launches directly from the ship’s stern. These assets allow for seamless shore landings and up-close encounters with hard-to-reach coastlines, coral reefs, and river systems.
Accommodations aboard Coral Discoverer are spacious and comfortable, with all 36 staterooms above deck and featuring ocean views. Categories include Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms, Promenade Deck Staterooms, and Main Deck Staterooms, each outfitted with modern furnishings, en-suite bathrooms, and thoughtful amenities. The ship fosters a relaxed onboard atmosphere, with a single-seating dining room, open bridge policy, and informal dress code encouraging genuine connection among guests and crew.
The onboard culinary program highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients and regional Australian wines, served in the open-plan dining room or on the sundeck during special alfresco meals. The ship’s communal spaces, including the lecture lounge, bar, library, and outdoor sun deck with a hot tub, create a warm, sociable environment that is a hallmark of Coral Expeditions.
Expedition experiences aboard Coral Discoverer are guided by a knowledgeable team of naturalists, marine biologists, and historians who lead excursions and deliver engaging onboard lectures. Whether exploring the Kimberley’s rugged gorges, Papua New Guinea’s cultural villages, or Tasmania’s wild coastlines, guests enjoy authentic encounters that deepen understanding and connection to the region.
With a focus on sustainability, Coral Discoverer is equipped with advanced wastewater treatment systems and adheres to strict environmental protocols, ensuring a minimal footprint in fragile ecosystems. The small group size and expert-led programming allow for a more personal and enriching voyage, far removed from the crowds of mainstream cruising.
Coral Discoverer offers a classic expedition cruise experience that blends the comfort of a small ship with the spirit of adventure. Her itineraries span Australia’s remote Kimberley region, the Great Barrier Reef, South Pacific islands, and beyond—delivering meaningful travel in places of rare beauty and significance.
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.
