Cruise Around Tasmania: Explore Wildlife, History & Cuisine

Tasmania, Australia’s southernmost state, is a natural wonderland of rugged wilderness and wild coastlines and a kaleidoscope of colourful history. Holidaymakers looking for a blend of relaxation and thrills will experience an unforgettable experience of the natural and cultural delights of the island with cruises in Tasmania.

Pair this with a walking tour of the beautiful city of Hobart and experience the depth of Tasmania’s colonial past and modern creativity at the grassroots level. Nature enthusiasts, historians, and connoisseurs will adore Tasmania cruises and place them among the top of their bucket list.

Why Choose a Cruise in Tasmania

Tasmania’s coastline has been fashioned by waves and wind, that includes secluded shores and cliff-dramatic scenery and secretive bays. Cruising enables you to reach inaccessible shores that the roads cannot, and includes the untouched shores of Bruny Island and the wild landscape of the Tasman Peninsula. Cruises also typically include port stops at world-acknowledged favourites including Port Arthur and the port town of busy Hobart and the natural reserve of stunning Freycinet National Park and the beautiful Wineglass Bay.

For Australian travellers, Tasmania is an exotic yet accessible holiday—just a short flight away yet with landscapes and experiences that somehow appear a world away. What’s more: smaller expedition-style ships appeal to green travellers with companies that specialise in preserving Tasmania’s vibrant yet sensitive ecosystems.

What is the Best Time to Cruise Tasmania?

Tasmania’s climate is cooler than mainland Australia, making it a year-round destination. However, the ideal cruising season runs from October to April, when temperatures hover between 12 °C and 24 °C. Summer (December to February) is perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, and alfresco dining, while autumn (March to April) paints the forests in golden hues.

If you’re planning to observe the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis), travel during late autumn or winter (May to August). Just wear layers—weather in Tasmania’s notoriously unpredictable!

Top Cruise Routes & Experience

1. Hobart to the Tasman Peninsula

Most cruises depart and/or arrive at Tasmania’s capital of Hobart. Cruise south-east into the dramatic cliffs and sea grottos of the world-renowned Cape Pillar. The excursion includes a port of call at the UNESCO-registered Port Arthur Historic Site, a haunting beautiful open-air museum of the convict history of Australia.

2. The East Coast: Freycinet & Wineglass Bay

No Tasmanian holiday is complete without a visit to Freycinet National Park. Climb the vantage of the world-rated top beach of Wineglass Bay, or kayak amidst the crystal clear waters. Seafood banquets of freshly shucked Bruny Island oysters are a treat that features on a multitude of cruises.

3. The Wild West Coast

Adventurers will love sailing Tasmania’s wild west coast, where the sea and the rainforest blend together. See the UNESCO Wilderness World Heritage Area, spot rare birds at the island of Sarah Island, or travel the peaceful Gordon River.

Hobart Walking Tour: Discovering the Soul of Tasmania

Walk the streets of the charming city of Hobart to unearth the historic significance of the place. The best way to experience the city’s great history, lively culture of the arts, and gastronomic treats is with Take a Local’s Hobart Walking Tour. Here’s how it goes:

1. Victoria Dock: One of Australia’s oldest docks and a major port for Australian Antarctic supply vessels is Victoria Dock. Victoria Dock is located on Hobart’s waterfront, and is one of many harbour side docks on the Derwent River. Comprising part of Sullivans Cove’s coastline, the dock is next to other Hobart historic sites such Constitution Dock, the Port Tower Building, Salamanca Place and Battery Point. Victoria Dock also boasts eateries offering fresh seafood harvested by nearby fishermen.
2. Elizabeth Street Pier: The lone surviving finger wharf in Sullivans Cove, the Elizabeth Street Pier is a major historical and cultural monument of Hobart. Comprising commercial eateries and a function centre on the lower level and 56 serviced flats above, the project is a mixed use development. The design solution was driven by the need to preserve the strong texture and presence of the current building and guarantee complete public access around the concourse to enable continuous maritime use.
3. Tasman Memorial: Dedicated to the well-known Dutch adventurer Abel Tasman, who was the first European to set foot on the island in the 17th century, the Tasman Memorial is an intriguing tourist destination found in Hobart, Tasmania. This exquisitely created memorial not only pays tribute to Tasman’s legacy but also gives guests a calm environment to consider the rich past of discovery. Positioned along the gorgeous waterfront of Salamanca Place, the memorial is flanked by colourful markets, quaint shops, and stunning views of the port, making it a great destination for tourists wishing to immerse themselves in local culture and history. 
4. Salamanca Arts Centre: Salamanca Arts Centre is a dynamic arts community and cultural and historical icon, located at Hobart’s Salamanca Place. Housing artist studios, galleries, theatres, shops, arts organisations, and public areas in ancient sandstone warehouses, the Salamanca Arts Centre is located near Hobart’s waterfront and just a short stroll from the city’s core business district. Wander through arcades lined with galleries and stores and join the locals for live music or witness cutting edge visual art and theatre in one of the most incredible historic locations.

Pro tip: If you have a few more days in Tasmania, take a trekking adventure of the kunanyi/Mount Wellington with the entire city of Hobart and the Derwent River within the frame—fantastic photography spot!

Wildlife Encounters during Your Cruise

Tasmania’s waters are teeming with life. Keep your camera handy for:

• Whales: Humpbacks and southern right whales travel between the months of May and November along the coast.
• Seals & Dolphins: Fur seals sun bask at rocky cliffs and at a fast speed often follow ships.
• Penguins: Join a twilight tour at Maria Island or Bruny Island and observe small penguins wading onto the shore.

Taste of Tasmania: Tasmania’s own and fresh

Tasmania’s food culture is the jewel of any cruise experience. The onboard ship cuisine normally encompasses:

• Fresh seafood: Abalone, Atlantic salmon and rock lobster
• Farmhouse cheeses: Try out locally made creamy blue cheese or ash-covered brie.
• Tasmanian wines: Savour the crisp Pinot noir and sparkling of the Tamar Valley.

If you have some time, book a seat at the Agrarian Kitchen Eatery which is a 30-minute drive from Hobart, or the Franklin Restaurant for paddock-to-plate fare.

Tips for Planning a Cruise

1. Book Early: Smaller ships fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
2. Pack Layers: You will be requiring waterproof jackets and rugged footwear during shore excursions. 
3. Support Local: Support the local business and small vendors. 
4. Extend Your Visit: Organise a few extra days and take the opportunity to get the full Tasmanian experience. 

Final Thoughts 

A cruise through Tasmania is not only a holiday but also an experience of a country that unexpectedly mixes modernity, history, culture, and wilderness. Our Hobart Walking Tour will show you the true value of the scenery and narratives that define the area. Tasmania will enthral you, whether you’re trekking through a gloomy jungle or enjoying a small dram of whisky at the fire. Bon journey, friend; Tassie is waiting.