From Coles Bay: Wineglass Bay Cruise with Lunch

Wineglass Bay is even more striking from the water, where you can see the pale curve of the beach beneath Freycinet’s pink granite peaks. I like the close views of cliffs, caves, and coves, and I like that the crew keeps an eye out for dolphins, seals, whales, and seabirds rather than simply pointing the boat toward the bay.

The Ploughman’s-style lunch is a useful touch, especially on a five-hour cruise, and the commentary adds context without taking over the day. The main consideration is weather: rough seas can alter the route, and you may not reach Wineglass Bay itself, though an alternative trip can bring better wildlife sightings.

Key points at a glance

• Schouten Passage II: Cruise aboard a purpose-built vessel with indoor seating, viewing decks, toilets, heating, and air-conditioning.
• Wildlife is a real part of the trip: Dolphins, fur seals, whales, albatross, sea eagles, penguins, and other birdlife have all been spotted.
• Wineglass Bay from sea level: See the famous beach, granite cliffs, and Hazards Range from an angle you cannot get on the usual land viewpoints.
• Lunch included: The bento-style Ploughman’s box includes meat, cheese, and other accompaniments, with drinks sold separately.
• Good crew care: Staff assist with mobility, watch for slippery or moving conditions, and help passengers who feel seasick.
• Plan for the drive: Coles Bay is about 2.5 to 3 hours from Hobart, so this works best as part of a Freycinet stay or a long day out.

Why the view from Coles Bay is worth the boat trip

Freycinet National Park is famous for Wineglass Bay, but the usual land viewpoints show only part of the story. From the boat, you approach the coast at water level, looking up at granite walls and into sea caves. The changing angle lets you see colours and rock shapes that are easy to miss from a trail or lookout.

The cruise begins at Coles Bay, on the corner of Jetty Road and the Esplanade. After check-in, you board Schouten Passage II and settle into the Vista Lounge or head outside to one of the viewing decks. The indoor lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can stay warm while still watching the coast slide past.

I would not treat this as a simple ride to one beach. It is a broad tour of the Freycinet coast, with the captain adjusting the route to suit conditions and wildlife. The crew points out local landmarks, geology, animals, and stories connected with the area. On some departures, skipper Noah has been praised for mixing useful facts with a light sense of humour, even making subjects such as lichen interesting.

Cruising past cliffs, caves, and quiet coves

The first part of the cruise gives you time to settle in and understand the shape of the coast. Freycinet’s granite cliffs rise sharply from the sea, with small coves and beaches appearing between larger rock formations. The Hazards mountain range provides a memorable backdrop, especially when the light picks out warm colours in the stone.

Sea caves are one of the advantages of seeing this coast from a boat. You approach formations that are not accessible by road or walking track, and the crew can explain how the sea has worked on the rock. Rain can even improve the scenery, with waterfalls appearing on the cliffs. A misty day is not automatically a bad day here.

The boat can feel lively once it reaches more exposed water. Several people have described calm conditions, while others have found the sea lumpy or the ride exhilarating. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the crew advises, keep your movements careful, and use the indoor areas when needed. The staff are attentive to passengers with unsettled stomachs, but the ocean remains the ocean.

Wineglass Bay from the water

Wineglass Bay is the cruise’s headline view, and it earns the attention. The curve of pale sand, clear water, and granite peaks creates one of Tasmania’s most recognisable scenes. Seeing it from the boat gives you a wide view of the beach and surrounding headlands without the climb required to reach the land lookout.

You do not step ashore during this cruise. The reward is a moving coastal viewpoint, followed by time to sit with lunch and take in the bay. The boat may pause or slow in the area, giving you a chance to photograph the beach and the surrounding cliffs.

There is an important catch. The route depends on weather and sea conditions, so the captain may not be able to reach Wineglass Bay. On one altered trip, the boat travelled around Oyster Bay instead and found large groups of dolphins and hundreds of fur seals. That is a fair trade if the captain is making the safer choice, but you should not book this expecting a guaranteed arrival at the bay in every forecast.

The alternative route can still be rewarding. Rain may reveal waterfalls, rougher seas can make the ride feel more adventurous, and different parts of the coast may offer better wildlife. If Wineglass Bay is your only goal, check the conditions before departure and keep your plans flexible.

Wildlife sightings depend on luck and timing

Wildlife is treated as part of the cruise, not a guaranteed show. The crew scans the water and cliffs, and the boat may slow when animals appear. Dolphins are among the most memorable possibilities. Sightings have included pods circling the vessel, common dolphins approaching closely, and young dolphins travelling with the group.

Fur seals are another strong possibility, particularly around rocky islands and sheltered points. You might see them basking on rocks, arguing for space, or slipping into the water. Whales have also been seen, including humpbacks breaching at a distance. The chance is seasonal and unpredictable, so bring binoculars if you have them, though the crew’s eyes often find animals before you do.

Birdlife adds variety between larger sightings. Albatross, gannets, sea eagles, and other birds have appeared during the cruise. Penguins are listed among the possible wildlife, but no animal sighting is promised. The best approach is to enjoy the coast first and regard wildlife as an excellent bonus.

I also like that the commentary includes respect for the animals. The crew can be enthusiastic without treating wildlife as a prop. That matters in a national park where a responsible distance is part of a good experience.

A practical lunch break on board

The included meal is a bento-style Ploughman’s lunch. Expect a simple spread built around meat, cheese, and accompaniments, with Tasmanian products included on some boxes. It is not a restaurant meal, but it suits the setting and gives you something substantial during a 270-minute cruise.

The lunch has generally been described as fresh, tasty, and good value. One person found the meat portion a little light, so very hungry eaters may want a snack before boarding. Drinks are not included, but the boat has fully stocked bars where you can buy beverages. Coffee is also available, and it has received a better-than-expected mention.

The timing of lunch is part of the pleasure. Eating while looking across Wineglass Bay or another section of the Freycinet coast turns a basic boxed meal into a memorable pause. Dietary needs have been accommodated on at least some departures, but you should make any requirement clear when booking rather than relying on a last-minute request.

Infants do not receive an included lunch. That is a small but useful detail for families budgeting the day.

What the boat is like for families and mobility needs

Schouten Passage II has seating on both levels, indoor heating, air-conditioning, toilets, and outdoor viewing areas. The Vista Lounge is the main indoor option, with large windows that let you watch the scenery without standing outside for the entire trip. Baby-changing facilities are available.

The Sky Lounge is reserved for adults aged 18 and over. If you are travelling with children, plan to use the general seating and viewing decks instead. Families have taken babies and young children on the cruise, and the facilities make that more manageable than an open-deck-only boat trip.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, and staff have received strong praise for helping passengers who use wheelchairs or need extra assistance. Crew members have helped people move around the boat and have paid attention to safety when conditions are uneven. Still, a boat is a moving environment, so contact the operator ahead of time if you have specific mobility needs.

Wear flat, comfortable shoes. Warm clothing is essential even on a sunny day because the weather changes quickly and the exposed decks can feel cold. A waterproof layer is sensible too, although the supplied information specifically stresses warm clothes and comfortable footwear.

Commentary that adds more than place names

The onboard commentary covers local landmarks, wildlife, geology, and history. I prefer this kind of guiding to a constant stream of facts because it gives you a reason to look at each section of coast. You learn why the cliffs look different, where animals gather, and how the park fits together.

The crew also works outside on the front deck, where they can answer questions and help with wildlife spotting. Staff have been praised for being friendly, funny, and attentive, while still keeping safety in view. That balance is valuable on a long boat trip. You want information, but you also want time to listen to the water and take photographs.

The commentary is in English. If you enjoy a lively guide, departures led by Noah may be especially appealing, but the specific skipper and crew can vary.

The real cost at $141

At $141 per person, this is not a cheap sightseeing boat ride. The price includes 270 minutes on the water, the cruise itself, live English commentary, and lunch. You also get access to indoor seating, viewing decks, toilets, heating, and air-conditioning, which makes the cost easier to justify in Tasmania’s changeable weather.

The strongest value comes from combining several activities into one outing: coastal scenery, wildlife watching, a guided national park experience, and a meal. If you were already planning a Freycinet stay, the cruise adds a different view of the park rather than repeating a walking route.

The value is weaker if you want a guaranteed Wineglass Bay visit or a quiet, short boat ride. Weather can change the route, and drinks cost extra. There are no student or senior concession prices, and Hobart transfers are not included. You must also account for the drive to Coles Bay, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours from Hobart.

For that reason, I would avoid squeezing this into a rushed Hobart day unless you are comfortable with a very long day on the road. Staying near Freycinet lets you arrive rested and gives you a better chance of adjusting your cruise date if the forecast is poor.

Who should book this cruise

I would recommend it to you if you want to see Freycinet without committing to a long walk, or if you want a fuller view of the coast than a lookout provides. It suits couples, families, older visitors, and people who want wildlife and scenery in the same outing.

It is also a good choice for anyone who values attentive staff. The crew’s help with wheelchairs, children, sea sickness, and general movement around the boat has been one of the strongest parts of the experience. That practical care can make a big difference on a moving vessel.

You may prefer a land-based visit if you need complete control over your schedule, dislike open water, or care only about standing on Wineglass Bay beach. This cruise does not include a shore stop, and the route can change.

Booking and day-of-trip advice

Check in at Wineglass Bay Cruises at the corner of Jetty Road and the Esplanade in Coles Bay. Allow time to arrive before departure, especially if you are driving from outside the area.

Bring warm clothing, flat shoes, and a camera. Keep your plans flexible because the cruise is subject to weather and availability. If conditions are unsuitable, the captain may choose another route, and that decision is part of safe coastal travel rather than a failure of the experience.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Neither option is available on Christmas Day. The cruise is not offered on Christmas Day, so check dates carefully before building it into your Freycinet plans.

Should you book the Wineglass Bay Cruise?

Yes, if you want the coast, wildlife, and commentary in one well-organised half-day outing. The crew care and wildlife spotting add real value, while the lunch removes the need to organise food during a five-hour cruise.

Book with the right expectation: you are buying a scenic Freycinet cruise, not a guaranteed trip to a beach. If weather sends you toward Oyster Bay or another route, you could still see dolphins, seals, whales, birds, caves, and waterfalls. For most people staying near Coles Bay, $141 is a fair price for that broad view of the park, provided you dress warmly and accept the sea’s changing plans.

FAQ

How long is the Wineglass Bay cruise?

The cruise lasts 270 minutes, or four and a half hours.

Where does the cruise depart?

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

How far is Coles Bay from Hobart?

The meeting point is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by car from Hobart.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A bento box Ploughman’s-style lunch is included. Lunch is not included for infants.

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are available to purchase from the onboard bars.

Will the cruise always reach Wineglass Bay?

No. The route depends on weather and sea conditions. The captain may choose an alternative route when conditions prevent travel to Wineglass Bay.

What wildlife might I see?

Possible sightings include penguins, dolphins, fur seals, whales, albatross, sea eagles, gannets, and other birdlife. Sightings are not guaranteed.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the cruise is wheelchair accessible. Staff can assist passengers who need help moving around the boat.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable, flat shoes and warm clothing. Tasmania’s weather can change quickly, and the water may feel cold.

Is there an adults-only area?

Yes. The Sky Lounge is for adults aged 18 and over. Seating is also available in other areas of the boat.

Is the cruise available on Christmas Day?

No. The cruise is not available on Christmas Day.

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.