Top Tasmania On the Water

Set out from Coles Bay on a half-day cruise across the clear waters of Wineglass Bay, an easy way to experience the highlights of Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula from the water in just a few hours—including spots hard to reach by land. Sail past white-sand beaches and dramatic granite cliffs while taking in the area’s coastal scenery, with the option to upgrade and enjoy a freshly prepared onboard lunch. As you cruise, keep watch for local wildlife such as dolphins, sea eagles, and migrating humpback whales (depending on the season).

Spend around half the day exploring the coast of Tasmania’s scenic Freycinet National Park on this easygoing kayaking tour. If you’re not an experienced kayaker, don’t worry – all kayaking gear is provided free of charge and participants receive personalized coaching and guidance from the guides on this small group tour. Get striking landscape photos of Freycinet’s forests and mountains from the sea and even disembark at one of the park’s isolated beaches.

The Tasman Peninsula boasts some of Tasmania’s most remote and beautiful coastal scenery, but to see the best of it you have to take to the waves. On this daily tour, cruise between Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck with your guide, and admire unrivalled views over the rugged shoreline. Gaze up at vertical sea cliffs, discover deep sea caves, and spot native albatrosses, eagles, dolphins, and seals in their natural habitat.

Glide along the Tamar River toward Cataract Gorge on a scenic 90-minute kayak tour from Launceston. Use your feet to drive the pedal-powered kayak, and follow your guide along the North Esk River and Tamar with your hands free to steer and snap photos. Admire the North Esk waterfront, cruise under the King’s Bridge, and paddle along the lower Cataract Gorge to admire the rugged cliffs and forested slopes and watch for wildlife. Choose multiple session daily departure to suit your schedule. Numbers are limited for a small-group experience.

There’s no better way to appreciate the rugged wilderness, pristine beaches, and spectacular wildlife of Bruny Island than from the sea. On this 3-hour cruise by custom-built eco-cruiser, explore deep sea caves and towering cliffs as you search for wildlife from dolphins and seals to sea eagles and great white sharks. Covered open-air seating creates a real connection to your environment on the adrenaline-pumping ride.

Enjoy Hobart from the water on Derwent River cruise. Choose your preferred time of day for your cruise, including lunch and dinner options, and then glide through the city to admire the harbor and waterfront attractions such as the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, the Tasman Bridge, Government House, Montagu Bay, and Rose Bay.

Put your feet up and enjoy a relaxed afternoon cruise on the Tamar River from Launceston. Admire the views as you sail into Cataract Gorge, through Launceston’s riverfront precinct, past Tamar Island, and more. Learn about the culture, history, and nature of the area while enjoying afternoon tea, snacks, and on-board wine and beer tasting. This afternoon cruise is an ideal way to float into the evening.

Perfect for nature lovers, take a tour to Tasmania’s Ile Des Phoques (Island Of Seals) and Maria Island. Cruise out to the islands and listen to the onboard marine scientists who explain the amazing ecosystem of these islands, with plenty of time to ask questions and wildlife-watch. A delicious buffet lunch and drinks are included, plus shuttle bus service from Hobart, for a hassle-free experience.

Soak up the serene beauty of western Tasmania on a morning cruise on the Gordon River from Strahan. Pass by natural landmarks such as Hells Gates, which marks the entrance to Macquarie Harbour from the Southern Ocean. Explore a former penal colony on Sarah Island as you journey through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Includes a delicious chef-prepared lunch onboard. Select a seating category when booking.

Explore the spectacular coastline from Port Arthur Historic Site to Cape Raoul. With soaring sea cliffs and monumental rock formations, the Tasman National Park is a coastal wonderland. Here the waters of the Tasman Sea collide with the towering ancient cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula, creating dramatic caves and arches, ending spectacularly at Cape Raoul, its dolerite columns like steps down into the ocean waters. The 90 minute wilderness cruise goes beyond the Port Arthur Historic Site to take in the cliffs, caves, arches and white sand beaches of the Tasman Peninsula to Cape Raoul. Cruise past significant historical sites like Point Puer and Isle of the Dead before marvelling at the gorgeous white sands of Safety Cove, and the tall dunes of Crescent Bay. Mt Brown provides a stunning backdrop as we cruise to Cape Raoul. Keep an eye out for the cheeky Australia fur seals that lounge at the base of the Cape Raoul. Your ticket includes entry to the Port Arthur Historic Site.

Freycinet Aqua Express is the fastest and easiest way to Wineglass Bay. Most explore this iconic spot via a challenging bushwalk. Freycinet Aqua Express offers a return coastal transfer with easy bushwalk to Wineglass Bay where you can relax taking in the white sands and crystal clear waters. Be sure to pack your beach gear and a picnic to unwind on the pristine beach before walking back to meet the boat to take you back to Coles Bay. The half day option departs Coles Bay at 10.45am and arrives at Hazards Beach at 11.15am. Expected time to bushwalk to Wineglass Bay is 30 minutes. Freycinet Aqua Express will meet you at Hazards Beach at 2.15 for the transfer back to Coles Bay. We recommend starting to walk back to Hazards Beach by 1.30pm. Full day option departs Coles Bay at 9.15am, and arrives at Hazards Beach at 9.45am. Expected time to bushwalk to Wineglass Bay is 30 minutes. Pick up is at Hazards Beach at 3.30pm. Please start walking back to Hazards Beach by 2.45pm.

Discover the incredible Tasman Peninsula on this full-day sea kayaking tour from Hobart. This intimate, small-group tour is a great way to get up close and personal to the dramatic landscapes—including dizzyingly high sea cliffs, gravity-defying rock columns, and water-carved caves. You’ll also paddle over a semi-submerged shipwreck, enjoy a gourmet lunch with snacks and refreshments in a secluded cove, and see plenty of wild and wonderful sea life including seals.

Explore Hobart’s beautiful River Derwent aboard the Peppermint Bay II catamaran on a fun and relaxed guided cruise. Whether you’re keen to learn about Hobart’s European and Indigenous history or simply want to enjoy some time on the water, this experience is perfect for all ages. Take in the stunning scenery as your guide shares interesting stories about the river, its geology, and the surrounding landscape. Kids and adults alike will love spotting wildlife along the way and cruising past famous landmarks such as the Shot Tower, Alum Cliffs, and the Iron Pot Lighthouse. It’s a great way for families and visitors to enjoy Hobart from a different perspective and create lasting memories on the water. 1.5-hour guided cruise on the River Derwent A relaxed and enjoyable way to explore Hobart by water Spot wildlife and well-known landmarks like the Iron Pot Lighthouse Available Tuesday to Saturday, 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

Admire Bruny Island by both land and sea on this full-day trip from Hobart that includes a 3-hour eco-cruise around the island. See remote beaches, rugged coastlines, and native wildlife such as dolphins and fur seals as you cruise past steep cliffs and deep sea caves. Ferry transport to the island is included, plus hot drinks and lunch.

Explore the Spectacular Coastline from Port Arthur Historic Site to Cape Raoul With soaring sea cliffs and monumental rock formations, Tasman National Park is a coastal wonderland. Here the waters of the Southern Ocean collide with the towering ancient cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula, creating dramatic caves and arches, ending spectacularly at Cape Raoul, its dolerite columns like steps down into the ocean waters. The 90-minute wilderness cruise goes beyond the Port Arthur Historic Site to take in the cliffs, caves, arches and white sand beaches of the Tasman Peninsula to Cape Raoul. Keep an eye out for the cheeky Australian and long nose fur seals that lounge at the base of the dolerite columnar cliffs of Cape Raoul. Look up to witness the sheer magnitude of these 170-million-year-old cliffs, rising from the oceans edge to touch the sky. Your Cape Raoul Cruises Day Tour also includes return bus transport from Hobart and entry to Port Arthur Historic Site.

Experience the Tasman Peninsula by both land and sea on this day trip from Hobart that includes a cruise along the coast of Tasman National Park. Gaze up at towering sea cliffs, look for wildlife like falcons and seals, and learn about the peninsula’s ecosystem. Then visit the UNESCO–listed Port Arthur Historic Site for an in-depth look at Australia’s penal history at this former penal colony.

Explore part of Australia’s longest navigable estuarine river, the Tamar, and the beautiful Cataract Gorge on this relaxing half-day cruise. Look out for water birds, cruise past vineyards, and get a glimpse into rural Australia. Sample local foods (buffet style) and Tasmanian wine as you chill out on board. This is an ideal tour for travelers who want to slow down and admire the natural scenery.

If you can’t wait to discover the wonders that made the Tasmanian Wilderness a UNESCO World Heritage Site, get a head start on this Gordon River cruise. Traveling on a state-of-the-art quiet catamaran, soak up views of rare Tasmanian trees, sample leatherwood honey, and see Hells Gates, where river and ocean meet. Then, indulge in a dinner experience onboard, showcasing some of the best Tasmanian produce.

Book a 1- or 2-day pass on a Hobart hop-on hop-off bus tour for an easy way to explore the city's top attractions at your own pace. Travel by double-decker red bus to 20 stops around the city, where you can hop off whenever you wish to visit the places that interest you. Alternatively, opt to stay onboard the bus for the full loop.

Take a Hobart sightseeing cruise to admire coastal scenery and learn about the maritime history of Tasmania’s capital city. As you travel along the River Derwent to Betsey Island and Iron Pot Lighthouse, one of the oldest lighthouses in Australia, you’ll enjoy sights like Hope Beach, Mt Wellington and Shot Tower. Listen to stories from your guide about life on the sea, from shipwrecks to settlers, on this small-group tour limited to 12 people.

Experience Hobart from the water on a 3-hour sailing tour by ocean-racing yacht. As you glide along the River Derwent, admire the city’s coastal scenery, look for wildlife and help the crew with tasks like trimming the sails or grinding the winch. Or, simply relax and enjoy the fresh air. Gourmet snacks will be served while you listen to tales about sailing on the high seas.

Experience the culinary traditions and natural beauty of Bruny Island on a full-day escape from Hobart. Indulge in freshly shucked oysters, artisan cheeses, local honey, fudge, and chocolate, as well as a delicious lunch made from local produce. In addition to the tasty treats, visit the island's must-see spots, including a guided tour and stair climb of the historic Cape Bruny Lighthouse, for beautiful ocean views.

Explore Hobart from the water on a kayak tour with an experienced guide. You have three options to choose from when booking: a 2.5-hour tour from central Hobart, a 7-hour tour past cliffs, caves and beaches or a 10-hour Tasman Peninsula tour. You’ll either admire Hobart’s bustling waterfront along the River Derwent, or take in the scenic wilderness outside the city on one of the full-day adventures. Learn paddling techniques from your guide, who also provides narration about the city and surrounding region.