A stunning night sky filled with a vibrant display of stars and the Milky Way, set above a calm body of water. The sky features hues of purple, pink, and green, reflecting subtly on the water's surface. Silhouettes of land and shapes are visible in the foreground.

Sail Under the Southern Lights in Tasmania

Home Australia Sail Under the Southern Lights in Tasmania

Home to remote waterways, serene channels, and a scattering of pristine islands, Tasmania is a perfect place for a yachting adventure. Your experience will see you traversing Tasmania’s diverse and untouched landscapes, embarking on extreme activities in national parks, and sipping on fine wines under the Southern Lights.

When to go

December - March

Enquire Now

Hobart

Begin your adventure in Australia’s second oldest city, Hobart is the gateway to a variety of unique destinations including World heritage sites complete with expansive scenery, colonial history, and varied natural attractions. Visit David Walsh’s Museum of Old and New Art, a so-called Disneyland for adults. Enjoy this weird and wonderful world of contemporary exhibitions, sensory experiences, and immersive sound experiences. Drive or hike up the region’s defining Mount Wellington for a show-stopping view over Hobart and beyond. Return to your vessel for a laid-back dinner on board, complete with some of Tasmania’s delicious local seafood.

Bruny Island

Wake up anchored off the coast of Bruny Island. This island is a remarkable spectacle made up of craggy clifftops and abundant wildlife. Set off on an immersive bushwalk through the stunning natural landscape, strolling between towering cliffs, sandy beaches, and coastal heathland. A local guide will be on hand to teach you about the Aboriginal people, sailors, whalers, and explorers who have made up so much of Bruny Island’s history. Keep an eye out for echidnas, white wallabies, seals, and whales that breach the waters off the coast of the island.

A person looks out over a distillery filled with wooden barrels, a copper still, and a wooden table with stools. Natural light streams in from the roof.

As you finish your hike, make your way onto shore where you can enjoy a private cheese and wine tasting on the beach. Bruny island is famous for its local, artisanal cheeses and cool climate wines. Enjoy tasting some of the island’s best cheeses paired with some of their premium wines.

A tranquil lake reflects the night sky illuminated by vibrant auroras, with rugged mountains in the background and stars twinkling above.

Make your way to South Bruny National Park where you can undertake an epic rock climbing experience on the towering dolerite cliffs of South Bruny National Park. A local climber will be with you as you navigate these craggy rock faces. At the top take in far reaching views over some of Tasmania’s most rugged landscapes. In the evening, return to your vessel to dine under the stars and, if you’re lucky, under the southern lights.

Huon River

Make your way inland on the Huon Valley to Hartz Mountains National Park. This Park overlooks Tasmania’s south-west wilderness and offers invigorating walks with panoramic views of remote mountain ranges. A dolerite range runs through the centre of the reserve, and it’s scattered with small glacial lakes and diverse vegetation ranging from eucalypt forest and alpine heath. An expert guide will be with you as you traverse the land, to teach you about the local flora and fauna including echidnas, Bennetts wallabies, padymelons, and platypus. Stop in the wilderness for a wild lunch surrounded by nature.

Refreshed and restored head out along the park’s waterways on a kayaking tour through the natural landscape. Make your way along the dark tannin rich waters of the Lune River. Under the shade of Adamsons Peak and the Southern Ranges, journey downstream, keeping an eye out for some of the region’s varied and rare birdlife. Make your way all the way down until you emerge onto the clear waters of the ocean surrounded by white sandy beaches. Here, your tender will be waiting to return you to your vessel.

A motorcyclist rides along a dirt road with mountains in the background and a body of water visible nearby. Bright sunlight illuminates the scene, creating a sense of adventure in a picturesque landscape.

A person in a white outfit rides a brown horse along a beach, with gentle waves lapping at the shore. Mountains are visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

A climber ascends a rugged rock face against a backdrop of a clear blue sky and calm ocean. The coastline features rocky outcrops in the distance.

A couple stands in a vineyard, embracing while overlooking a scenic landscape with a lake and distant hills under a blue sky dotted with clouds.

Four people sit on colorful bean bags by a serene lake surrounded by lush greenery and vineyards, enjoying drinks and laughter under a clear blue sky.

A platypus swims in murky water, with its distinctive duck-like bill and fur glistening. Its expression is curious as it approaches the camera.

Two mountain bikers stand on a grassy overlook, gazing at a scenic ocean view. One wears a light shirt and black backpack, while the other sports a plaid shirt and a blue helmet. A coastline and mountains are visible in the background.

Two small Tasmanian devil pups nestled in a cozy red knit blanket held in someone's hands. The pups have shiny black fur and expressive faces.

A humpback whale breaches the ocean's surface, creating a spray of water as it leaps into the air. The clear blue sky and calm sea create a serene backdrop.

A tranquil scene of a boat's deck extending into a calm river, flanked by dense green hills under a cloudy sky. The water reflects the surrounding nature, creating a symmetrical view.

Dover

Boasting world-class wines, a trip to Tasmania wouldn’t be complete without a visit to some of its renowned vineyards. Learn how to tend to the vines before enjoying a premium tasting with exquisite cuisine paired by a top local chef. Take in the myriad of flavours as you admire the backdrop of vines, rolling hills and glorious sunshine.

Southwest National Park

Set out from Port Davey, a small port on the southwest tip of the island. Here is where you will hop into a seaplane for a breathtaking flight over Tasmania’s most abundant natural landscapes. From above you can witness this untouched, pristine natural setting in all its wild beauty. Soaring above Tasmania’s largest national park is an experience you cannot forget. Land and enjoy a delicious wild lunch followed by exploring the park on foot. Take in a range of plant and animal species including rare Huon pine, and some of the last remaining temperate wilderness on Earth. Keep your eyes peeled for some of Tasmania’s wildlife including wombats, pademelons, and quolls. This is also the main breeding ground of one of the most highly endangered birds in the world, the orange bellied parrot. Return to your vessel in the evening and enjoy a delicious dinner under the ever changing colours of the southern lights.

Port Arthur

Wake up off the coast of Port Arthur and take in Australia’s most intact convict settlement to get a taste of Tasmania’s colonial past. Head to the nearby Tasman National Park, an area of dramatic beauty and diverse natural landscapes. These include spectacular coastal environments and dolerite sea cliffs. Stroll through the park taking in brushtail possums, forest dwelling birds, and marine animals including penguins, dolphins, and migrating whales. This wildlife is somewhat overshadowed by the parks most famous resident, the Tasmanian devil, whose population has been steadily increasing over the last few years. You can even join in local conservation efforts here.

A surfer rides a large, turquoise wave, partially submerged in the water with a cloudy sky in the background. The scene captures a dynamic moment of surfing, showcasing the power of the ocean.

The coastal vegetation grows along the rugged edges of the cliffs that crash down to the churning sea below. For those who are looking to get their adrenaline pumping, try catching some waves at the big wave mecca, Shipstern Bluff. Or you may wish to simply watch the pros take on this epic big wave spot complete with circling sharks and a shallow reef.

A person carrying a hang glider prepares to take off from a rocky hillside against a clear blue sky. Another person stands nearby, watching the preparation.

Otherwise, take to the skies on a hang-gliding adventure. Feel the wind beneath your wings as you glide smoothly through tall forests and over coastal cliffs. With an expert instructor, you will fly through the sky and take in panoramic mountain and sea views in absolute silence as you soar through ridges and thermals.

Eaglehawk Neck

Head below the surface at Eaglehawk Neck. This world-class diving centre includes the famous Cathedral Cave as well as the historic wreck of SS Nord. There is also a magical sponge garden where you can dive along with Fur Seals. There are dives here for those of all experience and skill levels and you will always be accompanied by a marine biologist with extensive local knowledge.

Two climbers navigating a narrow canyon with rushing water below. One climber is descending a cliff while the other assists from a ledge. Mist and rugged rock formations surround the scene.

Hands reaching for fresh oysters on a wooden platter, garnished with lemon slices, accompanied by two glasses of white wine on a rustic table. A cozy blanket can be seen in the background.

Two kayakers paddle through a narrow waterway between towering rock formations. The rocky cliffs are covered in greenery, and a mist shrouds the top of the cliffs. The kayakers wear yellow life vests and are smiling, enjoying their adventure.

Return to the surface and enjoy lunch onboard as you cruise towards Clifton beach. Here you can take the waves once more for an epic surf through Tasmania’s best waves. And, after a day of adventure and activity, head to a nearby beach for a sunset dinner. As the sun sets, sip delicious local wines and you may even get the chance to see the southern lights start to dance across the sky above you.

Hobart

On your final day in Tasmania, enjoy a morning of the area’s best cuisine. Head out with local fishermen and join them in harvesting oysters straight from the crystal-clear waters. Snorkel in secluded bays where you can find abalone and sea urchin. Take your bounty to a nearby beach where you will be lead in a masterclass on how to prepare and cook your fresh sea food Including rock lobsters and salmon along with your foraged foods. Enjoy your delicious catch along with fresh local breads and paired with the region’s best wines.

Say goodbye to your vessel and Tasmania as you prepare to start your journey back home.