Tasmania: Cruises

Whether you are thinking of ocean going liners, or a trip along the many Tasmanian Rivers and spectacular coastline, Tasmania will provide wonderful opportunities for a cruise holiday. Colonial heritage, wilderness adventure, wildlife tours, gourmet food and wine are all part of a Tasmanian cruise. Why not take a cruise to dock at Hobart? The Tasmanian capital has a beautiful deep-water port, where vessels berth in the heart of the historic Salamanca district. From here you are within easy reach of the Port Arthur Historic Site on the dramatic Tasman Peninsula. You can cruise to a vineyard, or to Cadbury's chocolate factory. You could even decide to stretch your legs with a round of golf at one of Australia’s top courses nearby. Hobart is not the only place where cruise ships dock; most major cruise companies visit Tasmanian ports throughout the season. In the north-west you can cruise to the coastal ports of Burnie and Devonport, whilst in the north of the State, the Tamar River winds its way through rolling farmlands to Launceston, a perfect base for exploring Tasmania’s premier wine-growing region. While on the east coast you can experience the tranquillity of Wineglass Bay and the Freycinet Peninsula. Tasmania also has ample opportunities for coastal and river cruising. This will give you an entirely new perspective on Tasmania's landscape and wildlife and you will find that the island state looks even more beautiful from the water. You may want to glide along the forested banks of World Heritage Rivers, or past picturesque fishing towns. Why not sail around one of Tasmania's many offshore islands, or pass beside fluted cliffs that tower 900 feet (300 metres) above the sea? Alternatively, you could take a thrilling ride to seal haul-outs amongst the sculpted rock formations of Bruny Island. You can navigate into the heart of the world's largest temperate rainforest, on the mirror-still Gordon River, or into the remote and ancient Tarkine wilderness. In the Southern Ocean, you can go spotting dolphins, seals and albatross. In fact, the possibilities for river and sea cruising in Tasmania are almost as boundless as your imagination!