From Coles Bay: Wineglass Bay Cruise with Lunch

The best part of this cruise is seeing Freycinet National Park from the water, where the granite cliffs reveal colours, caves, folds, and beaches you cannot appreciate from a lookout. Aboard Schouten Passage II, you sail from Coles Bay toward Wineglass Bay with a Ploughman’s lunch, wildlife searches, and commentary from the crew, often led by skipper Noah.

I like the changing scenery, from calm water near Coles Bay to the dramatic coast around the Hazards and Wineglass Bay. I also like the crew’s practical care: they keep an eye on sea conditions, help passengers move safely, and make the commentary lively without talking over the scenery. The main consideration is weather. Strong wind or swell can change the route, and Wineglass Bay may not be reached on every departure.

Key points to know before you book

• Four and a half hours on the water: The 270-minute cruise gives you time for coastal scenery, wildlife spotting, commentary, and lunch without feeling like a quick harbour ride.
• Wineglass Bay from a different angle: The famous beach is only part of the appeal. Granite cliffs, sea caves, coves, waterfalls, and offshore islands make the route worthwhile even when weather changes the plan.
• Wildlife is possible, not promised: Dolphins, fur seals, penguins, albatross, sea eagles, and whales have all been seen, but nature sets the schedule.
• A proper onboard lunch: The bento-style Ploughman’s box includes meat, cheeses, and other Tasmanian products. Drinks, coffee, and other beverages cost extra.
• Strong crew service: Crew members help with mobility, seasickness, and safe movement around the boat. This matters on a moving vessel.
• Plan a full day from Hobart: Coles Bay is about 2.5 to 3 hours by road from Hobart, so an overnight stay in the Freycinet area makes more sense than a rushed day trip.

Leaving Coles Bay aboard Schouten Passage II

Check in at Wineglass Bay Cruises, at the corner of Jetty Road and the Esplanade in Coles Bay. The cruise lasts 270 minutes, so allow the better part of a day for the experience itself, before adding time for parking, check-in, and getting to the meeting point.

Schouten Passage II is set up for sightseeing rather than a bare-bones boat ride. You have seating on both levels, toilets, heating, air-conditioning, and fully stocked bars. The Vista Lounge has large, floor-to-ceiling windows, which give you shelter and broad views when the weather turns cool or wet.

The boat also has viewing decks. I would use the indoor lounge as a base, then step outside when the crew points out wildlife or a striking stretch of coast. The front deck is especially useful for photos, but it can be cold and windy even on a pleasant day.

The crew gives safety instructions and keeps an eye on passengers as they move around. This is not just a nice extra. The Tasmanian coast can change from flat water to a noticeable swell, and crew members have helped passengers who felt seasick or needed assistance with stairs and movement. Flat, comfortable shoes are the sensible choice.

Coles Bay and the first coastal views

The cruise begins from the gentle waters of Coles Bay, with Freycinet National Park quickly setting the scene. The Hazards mountain range and the coast’s pink and grey granite form the visual backdrop, but the best views come as you move closer to the rock walls.

From the land, you see selected viewpoints. From the boat, you can look straight up at the cliffs and follow their shapes along the shoreline. The angle brings out colours and rock layers that are easy to miss from a road or walking track.

The onboard commentary explains local landmarks, wildlife, geology, and history. The strongest commentary is useful rather than constant. Skipper Noah has been singled out for mixing solid local information with humour, even finding a way to make lichen interesting. Crew members also spend time on the front deck, where they can answer questions and point out animals before they disappear.

This makes the trip a good choice if you want more than a scenic transfer. You receive context as you go, but the crew generally leaves enough quiet time for the view to do its work.

Granite cliffs, sea caves, and secluded coves

As Schouten Passage II follows the coast, the scenery becomes more rugged. Sheer granite cliffs drop toward the sea, with sea caves and narrow coves adding detail to the route. On a calm day, the boat can approach these features closely enough for you to see how water and weather have shaped the rock.

The cliffs are not all the same colour. Light, cloud, and rain can change their appearance, and one departure may look completely different from the next. Misty weather can soften the coast and bring waterfalls into view, while sunshine makes the water and granite more sharply defined.

You should bring warm clothing even if Coles Bay feels mild when you check in. Several people have found the boat comfortable in mixed weather, but the open decks are exposed. Tasmania’s weather can shift quickly, and a waterproof outer layer is a useful precaution.

The ride itself can also vary. Some days bring smooth water. Other days include a swell that makes walking around less comfortable. If you are prone to seasickness, sit inside, keep your movement steady, and follow the crew’s advice. The boat has assisted passengers who have struggled with the conditions, but no cruise can remove the motion of the sea.

Wildlife spotting along Freycinet’s coast

Wildlife is one of the biggest reasons to take this cruise instead of simply visiting the Wineglass Bay lookout. The boat gives you access to stretches of coast where seals rest on offshore rocks and dolphins can approach the vessel.

Common sightings include:

• Fur seals resting, playing, or squabbling around rocky islands
• Dolphins swimming near the boat, sometimes in large groups
• Penguins and other coastal birds
• Albatross, gannets, sea eagles, and other birdlife
• Whales during the right season and conditions

Whales have been seen breaching, while other sightings have included humpback whales at a distance. Dolphins can be a highlight, especially when a pod circles the boat or young dolphins appear alongside adults. Still, you should treat wildlife as a bonus rather than a guarantee.

The crew is good at scanning the water and sharing sightings across the boat. Their enthusiasm helps, but they also show respect for the animals by avoiding the attitude that wildlife exists purely for photographs. Bring binoculars if you have them, though the boat’s viewing areas still give you a fair chance of seeing larger animals.

The route may change to make the most of conditions and sightings. One cruise did not take the planned route to Wineglass Bay but found dolphins and an island crowded with fur seals instead. That is a useful reminder: a changed route is not automatically a poor substitute.

Arriving at Wineglass Bay by water

Wineglass Bay is the signature sight, and it earns the attention. The beach curves around clear turquoise water below the Hazards, creating the classic Freycinet view. From the boat, you see the bay as a complete setting rather than only from an elevated land lookout.

The approach gives you time to take photographs and watch the colours shift with the sun. On a good day, the water appears almost glassy, while cloud and rain create a moodier view. Some departures have used Wineglass Bay as the setting for lunch, giving you a relaxed pause with the beach and cliffs in view.

You do not go ashore on this cruise. That distinction matters. If your main goal is to walk on Wineglass Bay Beach or climb to the lookout, you need a separate land-based visit. This cruise is about the coast, the water, wildlife, and the view from the boat.

Weather can prevent the boat from reaching Wineglass Bay. The captain may instead cruise around Oyster Bay or another sheltered section of the coast, where you can still see cliffs, beaches, caves, seals, dolphins, and birdlife. The company makes this decision for safety and sea conditions, not simply for convenience.

The Ploughman’s lunch in the Vista Lounge

The included meal is a bento-style Ploughman’s lunch. It is designed to be easy to eat onboard, with meat, cheeses, and other simple accompaniments rather than a hot restaurant-style meal.

The lunch has been praised for its taste, fresh presentation, and use of Tasmanian products. Several people found the portion just right, while one found it light on meat. I would describe it as a satisfying picnic lunch, not a large meal for someone with a big appetite.

You can eat in the Vista Lounge, where floor-to-ceiling windows keep the scenery in view. This is a practical arrangement because you can enjoy the food without trying to balance a plate on an exposed deck. The lounge also gives you a warmer, steadier place to sit if the sea becomes choppy.

Drinks are not included. You can buy beverages, including coffee, from the onboard bar. Prices for drinks have been described as reasonable, but you should budget for them if you want more than the included lunch.

If you have dietary needs, tell the operator when booking. Dietary requirements have been catered for, but it is better to arrange this ahead of time rather than rely on last-minute options.

Commentary, crew care, and the feel of the trip

The human side of this cruise receives as much praise as the scenery. The crew are friendly, attentive, and alert to passenger needs. They help people with wheelchairs, support passengers who feel unwell, and remind everyone to keep three points of contact when moving around the boat.

That level of care is especially useful for older passengers, families, and anyone with limited mobility. The cruise is wheelchair accessible, though you should still discuss your needs with the operator before arrival if you require specific assistance.

The commentary is delivered in English. It covers local landmarks, wildlife, geology, and history, with the captain and crew adding observations from the route. Noah’s style has been described as funny and engaging, while still respectful toward wildlife and the environment.

The Sky Lounge is an adults-only area for people aged 18 and over. Families can use the other seating and viewing spaces, and baby-changing facilities are available. A baby and a four-year-old have both enjoyed the trip, but parents should remember that the boat, not a playground, is the main setting.

Is $141 good value?

At $141 per person, this is not a cheap add-on, but the price covers 4.5 hours aboard a purpose-built sightseeing boat, the cruise route, onboard commentary, and a Ploughman’s lunch. You are paying for access to the coast from the water, not merely transport between two points.

I think the value is strongest if you want several experiences in one outing: a close look at Freycinet’s cliffs, a chance to see wildlife, a view of Wineglass Bay, and a meal without arranging lunch yourself. The crew’s care and the comfortable indoor facilities also matter when conditions are cool or unsettled.

The value is less clear if you are already planning a long land-based visit and mainly want to stand on Wineglass Bay Beach. You will not disembark here, and the route can change in poor weather. In that case, compare this cruise with the cost and time of a walk or lookout visit, then decide if seeing the coast from the sea adds enough.

There are no student or senior concession prices. Infants do not receive lunch as part of the booking, and drinks are extra. The tour is not available on Christmas Day.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to anyone who wants a broad view of Freycinet National Park without committing to a long hike. It suits couples, families, older visitors, photographers, and people who want to combine scenery with wildlife spotting.

It is also a good option for visitors who prefer a guided experience. The crew keeps the trip moving, explains what you are seeing, and handles the route and safety details. You can sit back rather than study a map or plan every viewpoint yourself.

The cruise may be less suitable if you dislike boat motion, need complete control over the schedule, or want to spend time ashore at Wineglass Bay. A 270-minute outing is long enough for changing conditions to matter, so pack warm clothing and choose a day when you can remain flexible.

From Hobart, the distance is the main practical issue. The meeting point is roughly 2.5 to 3 hours away by car. I would stay near Coles Bay or Freycinet National Park, especially if you want to avoid turning this into an exhausting drive-and-cruise day.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear comfortable, flat shoes with a secure sole. You will have access to indoor seating, but the best wildlife sightings and photographs may happen on deck.

Pack warm layers regardless of the forecast. Add a waterproof jacket if rain is possible, since the local weather is highly changeable. You should also keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole cruise looking through a screen. The cliffs and wildlife can appear for only a few seconds.

Arrive at the corner of Jetty Road and the Esplanade for check-in. The cruise operates subject to availability and weather conditions, so keep some flexibility in your itinerary. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later if that suits your planning.

Should you book the Wineglass Bay cruise?

Yes, if you want to see the Freycinet coast from its most revealing angle. The combination of granite cliffs, sea caves, wildlife, Wineglass Bay views, useful commentary, and a good picnic lunch makes the $141 fare reasonable for a half-day outing.

Book it with realistic expectations. Wildlife cannot be guaranteed, Wineglass Bay may be missed in rough weather, and the open water can feel cold or bumpy. If you can accept those limits, this is one of the strongest ways to experience Freycinet without spending the day on foot.

FAQ

How long does the Wineglass Bay cruise last?

The cruise lasts 270 minutes, or 4.5 hours.

Where does the cruise depart from?

Check in at Wineglass Bay Cruises, at the corner of Jetty Road and the Esplanade in Coles Bay.

Is transport from Hobart included?

No. Transfers from Hobart are not included. The meeting point is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by car from Hobart.

Is lunch included?

A bento box Ploughman’s lunch is included for standard passengers. Lunch is not included for infants.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks, including beverages from the onboard bar, are available to purchase.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible. Seating, toilets, heating, and air-conditioning are available on both levels.

Can I see wildlife on the cruise?

You may see dolphins, fur seals, penguins, whales, albatross, gannets, sea eagles, and other birdlife. Sightings depend on wildlife activity and weather conditions.