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Kangaroo Island & the Tasman Sea

Embrace your inner explorer and island-hop from South Australia’s Spencer Gulf, to a treasure trove of natural beauty in Tasmania.

from

$9,116

per person, twin share
Enquire
Embrace your inner explorer and island-hop from South Australia’s Spencer Gulf, to a treasure trove of natural beauty in Tasmania. Discover the striking coastline of the Jussieu Peninsula, or take to the waters to snorkel with playful Australian sea lions at nearby Hopkins Island. Explore secluded waterways of Kangaroo Island to contemplate its incredible bushfire recovery, before setting sail for the remote Hunter Island Group in north-western Tasmania and its bounty of natural and human history. Along the east coast, pristine white beaches peppered with orange lichen-covered boulders, iridescent blue waters, and towering pink granite peaks set a striking stage for your adventures on the Freycinet Peninsula. Meander through the tall eucalypt forests of Maria Island, Zodiac-cruise its crystal waters, marvel at ‘painted’ cliffs, or seek out some of the wildlife that calls it home – from Bennett’s wallabies and wombats, to potoroos, pademelons and penguins. Collate a treasured set of memories from your adventures amongst these spectacular southern isles.
This expedition is subject to regulatory approval and only open to Australian residents.

Kangaroo Island & the Tasman Sea

Adelaide to Hobart
Onboard Greg Mortimer
27 October 2021
8 days
from

$9,116

per person, twin share in a balcony stateroom
Price includes save 20%

Highlights

  • Delight in the playfulness and grace of Australian sea lions as you snorkel^ in the waters off Hopkins Island
  • Witness how Kangaroo Island’s ecosystem – including its wild koala and glossy black cockatoo populations – is recovering from the recent devastating bushfires
  • Cruise the waters around Black Pyramid and experience its immense Australasian gannet colony – estimated at over 12,000 pairs, or 20 percent of the world’s population
  • Enjoy a quiet beach stroll, invigorating hike or a Zodiac cruise against the backdrop of the Freycinet Peninsula’s spectacular scenery
  • On Maria Island, keep an eye out for all but one of Tasmania’s 12 endemic bird species, and an abundance of native wildlife
  • Explore and learn about the unique ecosystems designated as “Hope Spots” by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue team, including the ‘Great Southern Reef’ and Kangaroo Island’s North Coast

    ^Sea lion snorkel activity at Hopkins Island is included in expedition cost

Itinerary

You’re welcomed aboard the Greg Mortimer and shown your cabin before mandatory safety drills are carried out. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet fellow expeditioners as we depart Adelaide and set sail on our island-hopping adventures.
Having sailed around the Yorke Peninsula and into the rich waters of the Spencer Gulf, make your first forays off the ‘mother ship’ – on land and by sea – along the striking coastline of the Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area. The rich waters of the adjacent marine park are home to one of the world’s largest colonies of Australian sea lions. Revel in the unique opportunity to snorkel with these playful pinnipeds at Hopkins Island. Adrenaline-seekers may prefer to don a SCUBA tank and seek out the majestic great white shark on an optional cage dive experience (additional cost).
On Kangaroo Island, explore the secluded waterways of Eastern Cove and American River and witness how the island’s ecosystem – including its wild koala and glossy black cockatoo populations – is recovering from the devastating 2019-20 summer bushfires. Take a stroll on the ‘beach, birds and bush’ coastal walk to enjoy the views overlooking the outer waters of Eastern Cove; or meander along the foreshores of Pelican Lagoon to look for the impressive seabirds of the same name.
Enjoy a day on the high seas as your Captain skirts the Southern Ocean on course for Bass Strait. Enjoy informative talks – anything from oceanography to natural history, maritime exploration and human history – from our team of experts. Be sure to also enjoy time on deck looking for seabirds that may accompany us on our journey, and drink in the invigorating, clean sea air as we approach the ‘roaring forties’.
Often described as a ‘coastal wonderland’, the impressive sea-cliffs, pristine beaches and sand dunes, sheltered lagoons and tidal inlets of the remote Hunter Island Group provide an exciting backdrop to our explorations here. The islands were named after John Hunter (Governor of the Colony of New South Wales) by Flinders on the first recorded circumnavigation of Tasmania in 1798; although the islands show evidence of over 23,000 years of continuous occupation by local Aboriginal people. The islands are a major breeding ground for a range of birds, including a number of threatened species, including the orange-bellied and swift parrots, white-bellied sea eagle, shy albatross, Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle and fairy prion. Prior to our adventures on the larger islands in this group, we plan to sail along Black Pyramid Rock Nature Reserve. If Australasian gannets are more your style, delight in the sight of over 12,000 pairs jostling for space on nearby Black Pyramid Rock Nature Reserve.
The striking scenery of the Freycinet Peninsula tempts you for another day of adventure, whether you hike its towering pink granite peaks for a spectacular view, paddle its iridescent-blue waters, or stroll along a pristine white beach peppered with orange lichen-covered boulders. The surrounding wilderness is also alive with flora and fauna. On your adventures, keep an eye out for white-breasted sea eagles soaring in the skies above, Bennett’s wallabies lazing under a she-oak, the local pod of bottle-nose dolphins, or perhaps one of the short-beaked echidnas that are sometimes seen foraging for ants in daylight hours. Weather permitting, we may also visit the nearby Schouten Island group, where gangs of fur seals can be seen vying for their favourite rocky resting place.
Known as Tasmania’s ‘Noah’s Ark’, Maria Island is home to an abundance of native wildlife including Bennett’s wallabies, common wombats, and rufous-bellied pademelons; as well as conservation sanctuary to a number of introduced species including the Tasmanian devil. The island is also considered one of the best places for bird watching, with a variety of species including all but one of Tassie’s endemic bird species. In addition to its natural history, the island also has a rich human history stretching back over 40,000 years. The Puthikwilayti people of the Oyster Bay tribe were original custodians of the land and surrounding waters, which was later visited by European explorers, and exploited by sealers and whalers. Convict settlements, failed commercial ventures, and an eventual National Park designation are also part of the island’s antiquities. Whether you choose to explore its secluded bays and beaches, snorkel its clear waters, marvel at ‘painted’ cliffs, delight in its wildlife, or stretch your legs on a hike through tall eucalypt forests, Maria Island has something special for everyone.

Once back on board and as we set sail for Hobart, toast your adventures and celebrate with friends – both new and old – at our Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
In Hobart, farewell the crew, expedition team and fellow travellers before your transfer to the airport or your hotel accommodation.

Important note: In the spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to tides, weather, sea state and other conditions beyond our control.

Inclusions

Arrival transfer from airport or hotel to Greg Mortimer on Day 1
Departure transfer from Greg Mortimer to airport or hotel on last day
Onboard accommodation during voyage including daily cabin service
All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during voyage
Beer, house wine and soft drinks with dinner
Captain’s Welcome and Farewell reception including four-course dinner, house cocktails, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages
All shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
Educational lectures and guiding services from expedition team
Complimentary access to onboard expedition doctor and medical clinic (initial consult)
A spray jacket per person
Port surcharges, permits and landing fees
Gratuities for ship crew

Exclusions

International or domestic flights, not mentioned in the itinerary
Transfers not mentioned in the itinerary
Airport arrival or departure taxes
Passport, visa, and vaccination charges
Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges
Hotels and meals not included in itinerary
Optional excursions not included in the itinerary
Optional activity surcharges
All items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks (outside of dinner service), laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, Wi-Fi, email or phone charges

Enquire

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(08) 9339 0277

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Terms & Conditions

Pricing is correct as of 17/03/2021. Itineraries are subject to change and operation is subject to weather conditions, prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. Offer is subject to change or availability at the time of booking and may be withdrawn without notice. To confirm your booking, a completed booking form and a non-refundable deposit of AUD 2,500 per person is required within 7 days of reserved berth/s. All voyages are subject to regulatory approval and only open to Australian residents. Offer is only valid on new bookings and on select ship voyages only which must be booked and deposited by March 31st 2021. Promotion is subject to availability at the time of booking and capacity controlled. The promotion is only available in conjunction with the back to back voyage discount or the loyalty program offer, and not available with any other offer. The promotion can be withdrawn at any time and is not redeemable for cash. Prices and offers correct at time of printing and subject to change. Normal booking terms and conditions apply. To confirm your booking, a completed booking form and non-refundable deposit of $2,500 pp in the booking currency is required within 7 days of reserved berth/s. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/terms-and-conditions for full terms and conditions. Travel insurance is recommended please ask us for a quote. Payment by credit card attracts a merchant fee. Full terms and conditions provided at the time of booking.

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