Experience the nautical tradition that is the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Embarking in Broken Bay on December 26th, soak in the excitement at the start of the race from Coral Discoverer. Watch the fleet sail past as you hear expert commentary from your onboard Special Guest Lecturer Sue Crafer. We sail the south coast and Bass Strait with the trailing fleet. Once across the Strait enjoy the scenic rugged Tasmanian coast with the opportunity to join our expedition team on a number of guided shore excursions to Tasmania’s National Parks. Scheduled to arrive in Hobart on New Year’s Eve, it’s time to enjoy the buzz of the race and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Close to Home
A Yachtsman’s Cruise – Sydney to Hobart
8 Days aboard Coral Discoverer. From NZD $6,054pp.
Small Ship Expeditions
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Enjoy a grandstand view of the start of the Sydney to Hobart race as leaders come tearing through Sydney Heads
- Trail the yachts on a coastal cruise while you enjoy a drink at Coral Discoverer’s sundeck Xplorer Bar
- Visit Adventure Bay on Bruny Island and stretch your legs on the Fluted Cape walk
- Your cruise is accompanied by Special Guest Lecturer who will provide insights into race tactics, history and culture
- Ring in the New Year onboard and enjoy Captain’s farewell drinks
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Embark from Sydney
- Days 2-7: At Sea - Experiencing Sydney to Hobart race & highlights of the Tasmanian coastline
- Day 8: Disembark in Hobart
Ship Information
For more information on the Coral Discoverer please view the ship page.
View Coral DiscovererTravelling with Eclipse
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Day 1: Embark from Sydney
Arrive at your SailSAFE check-in location (time and location to be advised in pre-departure documentation) before boarding Coral Discoverer at its embarkation point in Palm Beach, Broken Bay. You will be met by the ship’s tender and transferred to the Coral Discoverer to embark at 8:30am for 10am departure.
Enjoy lunch while the ship positions off North Head. From the Xplorer Bar, celebrate the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and watch the fleet round the heads and sail south.
Lunch and Dinner included.
Days 2-7: At Sea - Experiencing Sydney to Hobart Race & Highlights of the Tasmanian Coastline
This itinerary is designed to capture the best moments of the first few days of the Sydney to Hobart race and highlights of the Tasmanian coastline. The Captain will vary the itinerary to make the most of the weather windows of the mercurial southern coast, whilst keeping the ship as close to the racing action as possible. Throughout the expedition, we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.
Here are the expedition highlights:
SCENIC COASTAL CRUISE
Cruise the scenic coastline from Sydney. Dependent on weather, stops may include Jervis Bay and/or Twofold Bay. As you cruise, our guest lecturer will present commentary on the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and lectures on yachting and maritime history.
BASS STRAIT CROSSING
As we sail through the Southern Ocean, enjoy presentations, spot yachts, or relax on deck and enjoy the vastness of the Bass Strait.
MARIA ISLAND
The historic ruins, secluded bays, and rugged cliffs of Maria Island National Park are home to a local population of wildlife that includes Forester Kangaroos, Bennetts Wallabies, Tasmanian Devils, and wombats. Since the 1960s, several endangered species have been introduced here in a bid to protect them. Visit World Heritage-listed Darlington, part of the “Convict Trail of Australia”, and gain an understanding of the life of the early settlers in a restored 19th century convict penitentiary. An adventurous walk to the dramatic Painted and Fossil Cliffs take in the history and beauty of this island.
BRUNY ISLAND AND ADVENTURE BAY
Experience the rugged beauty of the Fluted Cape as you walk along the sheer coastal cliffs or cruise for a closer look around Penguin Island. Learn about the rich maritime history of Adventure Bay as you meander past the ruins of old whaling stations on the way to Grassy Point.
NEW YEARS EVE
Enjoy the end of the Sydney to Hobart race celebrations on New Year’s Eve from onboard Coral Discoverer. Welcome the New Year with a view of the fireworks display over the Derwent River.
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner included.
Day 8: Disembark in Hobart
Enjoy the end of the Sydney to Hobart race celebrations on New Year’s Eve from onboard Coral Discoverer. Welcome the New Year with a view of the fireworks display over the Derwent River.
Breakfast included.
Next Departure Date: 26 Dec 2025
| Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Dec 2025 - 02 Jan 2026 | NZD$6054pp | ||
| Main Deck Cat B Stateroom | NZD$6054pp | Contact us | |
| Main Deck Cat A Stateroom | NZD$6696pp | Contact us | |
| Promenade Deck Cat B Stateroom | NZD$7337pp | Contact us | |
| Promenade Deck Cat A Stateroom | NZD$7902pp | Contact us | |
| Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom | NZD$8554pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge, the six spacious Bridge Deck staterooms are 20sqm in size and open out onto private balconies for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Promenade Deck Cat A Stateroom
Encircled by a full-ship promenade, the 19 spacious Promenade Deck (Cat A) staterooms are 18sqm in size and feature picture windows for ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Promenade Deck Cat B Stateroom
Located in the bow of the ship and encircled by a promenade, the Promenade Deck (Cat B) staterooms are 15sqm in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, telephone and Junior King bedding.
Main Deck Cat A Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, the six spacious Main Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm in size and feature large, twin porthole windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Main Deck Cat B Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, the three spacious Main Deck (Category B) staterooms are 18sqm in size and feature twin portholes for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Coral Discoverer Deckplan
Specifications
- Year of Build: 2005
- Refurbished: 2016
- LOA: 63 metres
- Beam: 13 metres
- Draught: 3 metres
- Gross Tonnage: 1779 tonnes
- Cruising Speed: 10-12 knots
- Max. passengers: 72
- Max. crew: 24
- Tenders: 1 Xplorer, 2 Zodiacs
What’s included?
- All excursions with our Expedition Team
- Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
- Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
- All meals, chef-prepared on board
- Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
- Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
- 24-hour coffee and selection of teas
- All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
- Tips and gratuities
- Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
- Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
- Post-cruise transfers (in most destinations)
What’s not included?
- Pre-cruise transfers
- Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
- Pre and post cruise accommodation
- Travel Insurance
- Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are traveling to/from
- Alcoholic drinks (including beer and wine) outside of lunch and dinner service
- Internet services (available at a cost)
- Laundry service (available at a cost)
- Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
- Optional Extras (in some destinations)
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!