Tasmania's Sheltered Waterways
Hobart · Bruny Island · Cygnet · Huon Valley · Port Arthur
Early bird from $2,990 pp
Book Your Place →Most visitors to Tasmania see it by road. They miss the point. The real grandeur of this island — the dolerite cliffs that rise hundreds of metres from the sea, the mountains that loom over hidden coves, the valleys that open suddenly around a headland — is a perspective only available from the water.
This is not a Bass Strait crossing. There is no ocean swell, no overnight passage, no tick-box sailing. Tasmania's sheltered southern waterways are calm, protected, and strikingly beautiful at every turn. Sail the D'Entrecasteaux Channel at a pace that lets it sink in.
January is Tasmania's finest month — long, warm days, clear skies, and the channel at its most inviting. With just four to six guests aboard Persephone, this is an intimate adventure through one of Australia's least-known and most beautiful sailing grounds.
What Awaits
Every stop on this cruise is worth the trip on its own. Together, they make for one of the most memorable weeks in Australia.
Day 1–2 · First night at anchor
Bruny Island
Our first anchorage is the Duckpond at Barnes Bay — sheltered, quiet, and immediately remote. The next day ashore: The Neck lookout with its sweeping views across the isthmus, white wallabies at Adventure Bay, and a long lunch at Bruny Island Premium Wines — Australia's most southerly vineyard, a 20-minute walk from the anchorage.
Weather permitting
Port Arthur
The Tasman Peninsula opens up beyond the main channel, and Port Arthur is best approached from the sea — just as every arrival once was. The scale of the ruins, the extraordinary beauty of the setting, and the weight of the history make this one of the most remarkable places in Australia. Entry fee not included.
Mid-voyage
Cygnet & the Huon Valley
Cygnet is one of Tasmania's most beautiful historic towns, tucked into Port Cygnet with the hills of the Huon Valley rising behind it. Time ashore for galleries, cafes, and a genuinely unhurried pace. Nearby Franklin is home to the renowned Australian Wooden Boat Centre — one of the finest craft institutions in the country.
Weather permitting
Recherche Bay
At the southern tip of the channel lies Recherche Bay — one of the most remote and beautiful anchorages in Australia. Named by the French explorer Bruni d'Entrecasteaux in 1792, it is flanked by dense rainforest and complete wilderness. On days when Port Arthur is not achievable, this is where we go instead. Not a consolation — just a different kind of extraordinary.
The Journey
The exact route always depends on conditions. Your skipper will make the most of every day — there is no bad option on these waters.
Hobart to Bruny Island
Duckpond Anchorage, Barnes Bay
Board Persephone in Hobart and sail south into the D'Entrecasteaux Channel. Our first anchorage is the Duckpond at Barnes Bay on Bruny Island — sheltered and quiet as the channel settles into the evening. Sundowners on deck as the Hartz Mountains catch the last light.
Port Arthur — or Bruny Island Ashore
Tasman Peninsula / South Bruny
If the weather is favourable, we make an early departure for Port Arthur — sailing around South Bruny and approaching this extraordinary convict settlement from the sea. If conditions call for it, we spend the day on Bruny: The Neck lookout, white wallabies at Adventure Bay, and lunch at Bruny Island Premium Wines, Australia's most southerly vineyard.
Cygnet
Port Cygnet, Huon Valley
Sail further down the channel into the sheltered arm of Port Cygnet. Time ashore in one of Tasmania's most beautiful historic towns — galleries, cafes, and a genuinely unhurried pace, with the orchards and vineyards of the Huon Valley rising behind.
Huonville & the Wooden Boat Centre — or Port Arthur
Franklin / Tasman Peninsula
If Port Arthur wasn't possible on Day 2, today we make for the Tasman Peninsula instead. Otherwise, we sail to Franklin for the Wooden Boat Centre — walk the workshop floors, explore the waterfront, and take in Huonville before an evening at anchor.
Recherche Bay
Southern Tasmania
Named by the French explorer Bruni d'Entrecasteaux in 1792, Recherche Bay is flanked by dense rainforest and complete wilderness — one of the most remote and peaceful anchorages in Australia. A full day to swim, walk the beach, and exist somewhere very beautiful.
A day to breathe
At anchor
A secluded bay, a swim, books in the cockpit. Or another stop ashore if the crew has a favourite. This day belongs to whatever the trip calls for.
Return north
Channel anchorage
Sail back up the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, stopping at a favourite anchorage for a last night aboard. Dinner under the stars and a toast to the week.
Return to Hobart
Hobart
Morning sail back into Hobart. Farewells by midday — and, for most people, a strong urge to come back.
The exact itinerary is subject to weather and conditions. Your skipper will always choose the best available option — on these waters, there are no disappointing days.
Choose Your Cabin
All berths include 7 nights aboard and all onboard meals. Alcohol is not included — you're welcome to bring your own to enjoy at anchor.
Master Cabin
Twin share · 2 people
Fully private cabin with double bed. Best comfort and space on board — ideal for two travelling together who want their own sanctuary.
V-Berth Cabin
1 or 2 people
Private cabin in the bow with door, hatch, and storage. Bed tapers from full-size aft to narrower forward — suits a solo traveller or a smaller couple.
$4,490sole occupancy
Semi-Private Sea Berth
1 person
Cosy bunk with privacy curtain, tucked starboard-aft. About the size of a single bed — comfortable and secure at sea. A proper sailor's berth.
Saloon Berth
1 person
Single berth in the communal saloon with shelf storage. The most economical option — well suited to easy sleepers who spend most of their time on deck.
Early bird pricing applies to bookings made before 1 September 2026, subject to availability. A $500 deposit secures your place — balance due 60 days prior to departure.
Secure Your Place
With just 4–6 guests per departure, berths go quickly. Questions first? Get in touch — we're happy to help.