From Coles Bay: Wineglass Bay Cruise with Lunch

Wineglass Bay looks different from the water. This 270-minute cruise gives you front-row views of Freycinet’s pink granite cliffs, sea caves, sheltered coves, and turquoise water, with a Ploughman’s lunch served on board. I especially like the chance to see parts of the coast that are hard to reach on foot, and the crew’s warm, attentive service, praised again and again for helping passengers with mobility needs and seasickness.

The wildlife can be a real bonus. You might see dolphins circling the boat, fur seals on rocky islands, albatross, sea eagles, penguins, or migrating whales. The main consideration is the weather: rough seas can make the ride bumpy, and poor conditions may change the route or prevent the boat from reaching Wineglass Bay.

The cruise costs $141 per person, which is not a cheap outing, but it covers four and a half hours on the water, the cruise, commentary, and lunch. If you want a comfortable, guided look at Freycinet National Park without a long hike, I think it offers solid value.

Key points before you book

• Wineglass Bay from the water: See the famous beach, Hazards mountains, granite cliffs, and coves from a viewpoint you cannot get on land.
• Wildlife is a major bonus: Dolphins, seals, whales, albatross, eagles, penguins, and other birds have all been spotted.
• Schouten Passage II has indoor comfort: The Vista Lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows, heating, air-conditioning, toilets, seating, and viewing decks.
• Lunch is simple but satisfying: The bento-style Ploughman’s box includes meat, cheese, and other picnic-style foods, with Tasmanian products included.
• Weather controls the day: The route can change, and the cruise is subject to availability and sea conditions.
• Good support for many passengers: The boat is wheelchair accessible, and the crew has received strong praise for practical assistance.

Coles Bay is the right place to start

You check in at Wineglass Bay Cruises, at the corner of Jetty Road and the Esplanade in Coles Bay. This is not a Hobart pickup. From Hobart, allow roughly two and a half to three hours by car, so this cruise works best as part of a Freycinet stay or a wider road trip through eastern Tasmania.

That distance matters. Trying to drive from Hobart, take the cruise, and return the same day would make for a very long outing. I would stay nearby, arrive without a rush, and give yourself time to enjoy Coles Bay before or after sailing.

The cruise departs aboard Schouten Passage II. The boat has seating on both levels, toilets, heating, air-conditioning, fully stocked bars, and viewing decks. The Vista Lounge is particularly useful when the weather turns cold or wet, since you can keep watching the coast through floor-to-ceiling windows without standing outside for the whole trip.

There is also a Sky Lounge for passengers aged 18 and over. Families and mixed-age groups should note that this is an adults-only area, while the rest of the boat provides shared seating for everyone.

Sailing past Freycinet’s granite coast

The first part of the cruise takes you from the gentle waters of Coles Bay along the Freycinet coast. This is where the boat earns its keep. From the water, the granite formations reveal colors and angles that are easy to miss from a road or walking track.

You pass sheer cliffs, sea caves, rocky points, beaches, and coves. The exact route depends on conditions, but the crew uses the journey to point out local landmarks, geology, wildlife, and the story of the area. The commentary is informative without needing to fill every second with chatter.

I like that the boat gives you several ways to watch. You can sit inside with a clear view, move out to a viewing deck, or head toward the front when conditions allow. Flat, comfortable shoes are best, since you may be walking between areas of the boat and the deck can become wet.

The sea can be calm, but it can also turn lumpy once the boat reaches more exposed water. One outing may pass from sunshine to rain, and from smooth water to a noticeable swell. Pack warm clothing even if Coles Bay feels mild when you leave. Tasmania’s weather changes quickly, and the wind on the water can make a pleasant day feel cold.

Wildlife spotting is part of the fun

This is not a dedicated wildlife safari with guaranteed sightings. It is a scenic coastal cruise where wildlife often becomes the highlight. The crew keeps watch and points out animals when they appear, which makes the experience more rewarding than simply staring at the horizon.

Dolphins are among the most memorable possibilities. Groups have been seen approaching the boat and circling it, sometimes with smaller dolphins among them. A pod appearing beside the vessel can turn a scenic cruise into a genuinely exciting wildlife moment.

Seals are another common sight. You might see them resting on rocks, moving through the water, or gathering around offshore islands. One cruise passed an island covered with hundreds of fur seals, while another had passengers watching seals play and squabble near the boat.

Whales are seasonal and never guaranteed, but sightings have included breaching humpbacks. Other wildlife seen on different trips has included albatross, gannets, sea eagles, penguins, flying fish, and other birdlife. Keep your eyes moving. A whale may appear in the distance, while a seal or dolphin could surface much closer to the boat.

The crew’s role matters here. The skipper and staff do more than drive the boat. They scan the water, explain what you are seeing, and help you understand the animals without treating them like a staged performance. That respectful approach is important, especially when wildlife appears only briefly.

Wineglass Bay is the visual centerpiece

Wineglass Bay is the reason most people book this cruise, and the approach is impressive. The famous curve of pale sand and turquoise water sits below the Hazards mountain range, framed by the rugged Freycinet coast.

Seeing it from the boat gives you a broad view. You are not confined to a single lookout or beach access point. Instead, you watch the bay open up as the vessel moves along the coast, with the scale of the granite headlands becoming clearer from the water.

The bay is also a good place to slow down and eat lunch. This is not a restaurant meal with table service. You receive a bento-style Ploughman’s lunch, generally built around picnic foods such as meat, cheese, and accompaniments. Most passengers find it tasty and well prepared, though one person felt the meat portion was a little light.

That is a fair way to think about the meal. It is a convenient, good-quality lunch for a sightseeing boat, not a reason to book the cruise by itself. Drinks are not included, but you can buy them from the bar. If you have dietary needs, tell the operator in advance, since dietary requirements have been catered for on past departures.

Lunch is not included for infants. Families should also know that babies and young children can come aboard, and baby-changing facilities are available.

What the onboard commentary adds

A scenic cruise can become a long photo session if nobody explains what you are seeing. Here, the commentary gives the coast some shape. You hear about local landmarks, wildlife, geology, and history while the boat moves between viewpoints.

The best commentary is often the kind that leaves room for quiet. That seems to be the approach here. The narration has been described as informative and reasonably unobtrusive, while the crew on the front deck can answer questions and add detail when you want more.

Skipper Noah has received particular praise for his humor, enthusiasm, and ability to make small details interesting. One passenger singled out his explanation of lichen, which says something about his style. He appears to combine local knowledge with a relaxed manner rather than delivering a stiff lecture.

The crew also plays a practical role. They remind passengers to keep three points of contact when moving around the boat, assist people who feel unwell, and help passengers who need support getting around. That steady attention can make a big difference on a moving vessel.

Comfort, accessibility, and the ride itself

The boat is wheelchair accessible, and the strongest service praise has come from passengers using wheelchairs or travelling with someone who does. Staff have helped with boarding, movement around the boat, and general comfort without making the process feel like an inconvenience.

That does not mean every part of the boat will suit every mobility need. If you require specific assistance, contact the operator before booking and confirm the arrangements. The supplied information confirms accessibility, but it does not give detailed measurements or a full access plan.

For everyone else, comfort depends largely on the weather. Indoor seating, heating, air-conditioning, toilets, and the Vista Lounge make this much easier than an open boat trip. Still, the outside decks are where you get the strongest sense of speed, spray, wind, and scale.

If you are prone to seasickness, take the possibility seriously. The crew has assisted passengers with troublesome stomachs, but staff support cannot make a rough sea smooth. Eat sensibly, dress warmly, and choose an indoor seat when conditions become uncomfortable.

The trip can be thrilling when the boat cuts through larger waves. That is part of the appeal for some people and a drawback for others. I would choose this cruise over a smaller open vessel if comfort is important, but I would not book it expecting a perfectly calm ride every day.

Is $141 a fair price?

At $141 per person, this is a mid-to-high priced half-day activity. You are paying for more than a short boat transfer. The fare includes the cruise, live English commentary, access to indoor and outdoor viewing areas, and the Ploughman’s lunch.

The value is strongest if you want to see Freycinet from several angles and prefer not to spend the day hiking. You also get a guided interpretation of the coastline, plus a chance at wildlife sightings that would be difficult to arrange independently.

The value is weaker if you only want to reach Wineglass Bay beach. A walking visit is a different experience and may suit you better if your priority is time on the sand or a longer land-based outing. This cruise is about the coast as a whole, not simply checking off the bay.

Drinks cost extra, and there are no concession prices for students or seniors. Keep those details in mind when adding up the day’s cost. The cruise also does not include transfers from Hobart, so you must arrange your own transport to Coles Bay.

With an overall rating of 4.8 from 539 ratings, the experience has a strong record. The most consistent praise focuses on the crew, the scenery, the lunch, the commentary, and the care shown to passengers. Those are exactly the areas that determine whether a boat trip feels worth its price.

When weather changes the plan

The cruise is subject to weather and availability. That is not a minor footnote in Freycinet. The coast is exposed, and conditions can decide which route is safe and enjoyable.

Some departures have reached Wineglass Bay in fine weather, while others have followed an alternative route around Oyster Bay or nearby coastal areas. That change can be disappointing if Wineglass Bay is your only goal, but the alternative may bring more wildlife, different cliff formations, waterfalls, seals, or calmer water.

One departure did not reach Wineglass Bay because of bad weather but still included dolphins, gannets, albatross, and an eagle. Another cruise found that mist and rain added atmosphere, with waterfalls and seals becoming special moments of the day.

I would book this as a coastal nature experience with Wineglass Bay as the main target, not as a guaranteed route. Keep your plans flexible if possible. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, which is useful when the forecast looks uncertain.

The cruise does not operate with the stated options on Christmas Day. Check availability and starting times when you book, since departure times are not fixed in the information provided.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I think this is a strong choice for first-time visitors to Freycinet, families, older passengers, and anyone who wants a broad coastal view without committing to a demanding walk. The indoor lounge and attentive crew make it easier for mixed-age groups to share the same outing.

It also suits photographers, birdwatchers, and people who enjoy geology. The water-level view exposes cliff colors, sea caves, and rock shapes that land-based viewpoints cannot show in the same way.

It may be less suitable if you dislike boats, become seasick easily, or want complete control over the itinerary. The route can change, the sea can become rough, and wildlife sightings depend on nature.

Bring warm layers and comfortable flat shoes. You do not need to dress for an expedition, but a light jacket alone may not be enough on a cool or windy day. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the entire cruise looking through a screen. Dolphins and whales do not wait for the perfect setting.

Should you book the Wineglass Bay Cruise?

I would book it if you have enough time to stay in the Freycinet area and want a comfortable, well-guided look at the coast. The combination of granite cliffs, Wineglass Bay, wildlife, lunch, and strong crew service makes the $141 fare reasonable for a four-and-a-half-hour outing.

I would think twice if you are making a rushed Hobart day trip, need guaranteed calm water, or mainly want to walk on Wineglass Bay beach. For everyone else, especially families and passengers who value good assistance, this is one of the more practical ways to experience Freycinet from the sea.

FAQ

How long does the Wineglass Bay Cruise take?

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

Where does the cruise depart from?

You check in at Wineglass Bay Cruises at the corner of Jetty Road and the Esplanade in Coles Bay, Tasmania.

How far is Coles Bay from Hobart?

The meeting point is approximately a two-and-a-half to three-hour drive from Hobart.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The cruise includes a bento box Ploughman’s-style lunch. Lunch is not included for infants.

Are drinks included?

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

What wildlife might I see?

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

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. The cruise is subject to weather conditions and availability. Poor conditions may prevent the boat from reaching Wineglass Bay and lead to an alternative route.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. The crew has also provided assistance to passengers using wheelchairs. Contact the operator before booking if you need specific access arrangements.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable flat shoes and warm clothing. Tasmania’s weather can change quickly, and it may feel colder on the water than at the meeting point.