Flushed with success after returning from a successful restart voyage circumnavigating the pristine waters of Tasmania, Coral Expeditions has released a series of stunning photographs taken during the 10-day itinerary on board Coral Discoverer.

The circumnavigation of the Apple Isle kick-started Coral Expeditions’ summer season, taking an intimate group of 45 passengers from 17 to 27 January to cruise Tasmania’s remote coastal islands and explore its national parks.

Guests got a taste of Tassie’s amazing food and wine and discovered Tasmania’s wildlife and natural wonders seen through the eyes of local residents.

The voyage also took them to Tasmania’s west coast where they spent days exploring the World Heritage South Wets wilderness at Port Davey. Many spent time kayaking, bird-watching and hiking while others went on scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view of the striking beauty of the remote regions.

At Bramble Cove, they watched a white bellied sea eagle swoop down to Watering Bay. The swell was up at Breaksea Island but that did not stop the albatross, shearwaters, prions and storm petrels from feeding on the high seas. At Maria Island, seals and dolphins were spotted at early light and during a walk to the Painted Cliffs, wombats were seen asleep under a rock. At Fortescue Bay, they hiked to the Blowhole, Tasman Arch, Devils Kitchen and Paterson’s Arch. On the last day, they cruised to Port Arthur and went on a guided tour to the Isle of the Dead where officers and convicts were buried. They saw a colony of cormorants and their hungry chicks attacking their parents for food.

“We were blessed with a fantastic window for our first voyage in the new year and our guests were thrilled to escape into nature,” said commercial director Jeff Gillies.

“The success of this voyage augurs well for the year ahead and continues to build our confidence in what remains uncertain times. Tasmania never fails to impress.”