Food, Wine & Yacht Race in Tasmania : Hobart, Tasmania – Hobart, Tasmania (Ponant)

Hobart occupies a wonderful location at the mouth of the Derwent River, overseen by majestic Mt Wellington and surrounded by natural bushland. The Tasmanian capital is Australia's second-oldest city, after Sydney, and the picturesque waterfront is bordered by 19th-century warehouses and colonial mansions. Salamanca Place is packed with shops, galleries and restaurants and the fascinating Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a short ferry ride from the quay. Hobart is within easy reach of some of Tasmania's best-known destinations, from historic Port Arthur and the rugged Tasman Peninsula to Bruny Island, the Huon and Derwent Valleys and Mount Field National Park.

Located off Tasmania’s east coast, Maria Island is a natural wildlife sanctuary and off-shore retreat with historic ruins, sweeping bays, dramatic cliffs and plenty of stories to tell. Originally inhabited by the indigenous Tyreddeme people, it has also been a whaling and sealing post, penal settlement and an Italian pleasure resort, and is also one of Tasmania's great bird watching hot spots, home to the the endangered forty-spotted pardalote and the rare and unique Cape Barren goose. Grasslands, open forest and tall wood land also provide a home for abundant wildlife including wombats, pademelons, Forester Kangaroos and Bennetts wallabies. Join members of your expedition team for a guided walk on one of several trails on offer. If time and weather permit we will explore the shoreline with our fleet of zodiac.

The Tasman and Forestier peninsulas lie in the far south-east of Tasmania, linked to the rest of the island by a short bridge over a dredged canal. Established in 1999, The Tasman National Park protects the eastern and southern coastal regions of both peninsulas. The park's varied coastline and offshore islands provide abundant habitats for Australian fur seals, little penguins, whales and dolphins flourish in the rich waters. However the park’s greatest features are on land, with spectacular woodlands and forests and Australia’s highest sea cliffs. Striking dolerite spires rise from the Tasman Sea, culminating in capes Hauy, Pillar, and Raoul. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine waters of Fortescue Bay, or join your expedition team for a guided walk to enjoy the spectacular view from Cape Huay. If time and weather permit we will also explore the shoreline from our fleet of zodiac.

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Stanley is a remote village located on a narrow strip of land jutting out into Bass Strait, on the north-western coast of Tasmania. Although it has only 481 inhabitants, it is still the region’s second-largest town and its main fishing port. It is notable for its incredibly well-preserved colonial buildings, in particular the historic site of Highfield, which offers views over the beaches, with The Nut in the background. This ancient volcanic formation has a flat summit that rises 150 metres above the sea. It is possible to reach the summit using a steep path or a chair lift. At the top, you will enjoy 360° views over Stanley, the ocean and the surrounding countryside.

King Island is anchored in the middle of the Bass Strait between Victoria and Tasmania’s NorthWest coast. Surrounded by some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, King Island imports the world’s best surfers and exports produce sought by the world’s top chefs : succulent beef, rich gourmet cheese and crayfish plucked from the Island’s crystal-clear waters. It's quiet and easy going here, but there's something interesting at every turn – from a lighthouse and offshore shipwrecks – to the island's great nature walks and unique wildlife. You will have the opportunity to uncover the island's stories at the museum and cultural centre in the town of Currie or to take a guided trail of the island's produce, culture, history, flora and fauna.

Tasmania is a land that should be savoured slowly…with a glass of fine wine in hand and friendly locals to guide you on your way. The Tamar Valley Wine Route is regarded as one of the world’s top 10 wine routes with over 32 wineries to explore. Showcasing some of the finest award winning wines. The unique cool climate location produces elegant wines of exceptional quality. There is so much more to the Tamar Valley than just wine. There’s the Tamar Valley Arts Trail, a unique space where you can meet the artist in their studio. The Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre, which shows the workings of the old mine, recalls the boom days of gold, the events of the 2006 mine rescue and Tamar Valley history.

On the eastern coast of Tasmania, Freycinet National Park reveals stunningly beautiful natural wonders, including the charmingly named Promise Bay. Named after the shipwrecked Promise, the whaling ship of Captain Albert (Black) Hazard, it is located on the interior side of the Freycinet Peninsula, a wild coast of crystal-clear shores nestling alongside coastal forests and dominated by pink granite mountains, the famous Hazards. It offers landscapes of stunning beauty and unforgettable viewpoints over the bay. On the other side of the peninsula, the famous Wineglass Bay and its white sandy beach also offer stunning views over the ocean.

This spectacular coastal environment of the Tasman Peninsula is home to Australia’s highest sea cliffs. Striking dolerite spires rise from the Tasman Sea, culminating in capes Hauy, Pillar, and Raoul. In addition, there are a number of fascinating coastal rock formations such as Tessellated Pavement, the Blow Hole, Tasman Arch, Devil's Kitchen, Remarkable Cave and Waterfall Bay. Australian fur seals, little penguins, whales and dolphins flourish in the rich waters along this coastline and offshore islands. You will enjoy this spectacular scenery from the outer decks before following the Sydney to Hobart course across Storm Bay and up the Derwent into Hobart.

Hobart occupies a wonderful location at the mouth of the Derwent River, overseen by majestic Mt Wellington and surrounded by natural bushland. The Tasmanian capital is Australia's second-oldest city, after Sydney, and the picturesque waterfront is bordered by 19th-century warehouses and colonial mansions. Salamanca Place is packed with shops, galleries and restaurants and the fascinating Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a short ferry ride from the quay. Hobart is within easy reach of some of Tasmania's best-known destinations, from historic Port Arthur and the rugged Tasman Peninsula to Bruny Island, the Huon and Derwent Valleys and Mount Field National Park.

Hobart occupies a wonderful location at the mouth of the Derwent River, overseen by majestic Mt Wellington and surrounded by natural bushland. The Tasmanian capital is Australia's second-oldest city, after Sydney, and the picturesque waterfront is bordered by 19th-century warehouses and colonial mansions. Salamanca Place is packed with shops, galleries and restaurants and the fascinating Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a short ferry ride from the quay. Hobart is within easy reach of some of Tasmania's best-known destinations, from historic Port Arthur and the rugged Tasman Peninsula to Bruny Island, the Huon and Derwent Valleys and Mount Field National Park.