Wineglass Bay Cruise
the Wineglass Bay Cruises tour is a 4.5-hour cruise from Coles Bay to Wineglass Bay on Tasmania’s East Coast. The cruise follows the waterways around Freycinet National Park and gives guests views of the Hazards range, Schouten Island, Cooks Beach, Bryans Beach and Wineglass Bay from the water.
The route includes coastline, beaches, sea caves, blowholes, waterfalls and granite cliffs. Guests can look for wildlife including dolphins, sea eagles, cormorants, little penguins, shearwaters, Australian fur seals and migrating whales during the right seasons.
Features
- 4.5-hour cruise
- Return cruise from Coles Bay
- Views of Wineglass Bay from the water
- Freycinet National Park coastline
- Schouten Island passage
- Cooks Beach and Bryans Beach views
- Sea caves, blowholes and waterfalls
- Wildlife spotting opportunities
- Vista Lounge ticket options
- Sky Lounge adults-only ticket option
- Licensed bar and cafe in Vista Lounge
- Lunch options available
Itinerary
Wineglass Bay Cruises Booking Office
Guests check in at the Wineglass Bay Cruises Booking Office at 61 Jetty Road, Coles Bay. The cruise departs from Coles Bay and returns to the same location at the end of the tour.
Coles Bay and Great Oyster Bay
The cruise begins in Coles Bay and travels through the waterways surrounding Freycinet National Park. Guests can see the granite coastline and the Hazards range as the vessel moves away from Coles Bay.
Cooks Beach and Bryans Beach
The route passes beaches including Cooks Beach and Bryans Beach. These beaches are reached by water or by a full-day bushwalk, so the cruise gives guests a way to view this part of the Freycinet Peninsula coastline from the vessel.
Schouten Island Passage
The cruise explores the inner passage near Schouten Island. This area is home to seabirds including little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters. Guests may also see cormorants on the rocks and other birdlife around the passage.
Tasman Sea Coastline
The vessel continues towards the Tasman Sea and the coastline leading to Wineglass Bay. Along this section, guests can look for sea caves, blowholes, waterfalls and granite cliffs. Wildlife sightings may include dolphins, sea eagles, cormorants and Australian fur seals.
Wineglass Bay
The cruise reaches Wineglass Bay, where guests can view the beach and bay from the water. This gives a different view of one of Freycinet National Park’s known locations, with the white sand beach and clear water seen from the vessel.
Wildlife Viewing
The waters around Freycinet National Park support a range of wildlife. Guests may see dolphins, sea eagles, cormorants, albatross, shearwaters, diving gannets, little penguins and Australian fur seals. Humpback whales and southern right whales may be seen during migration periods from May to July and September to December.
Ticket Options
Vista Lounge
The Vista Lounge is located on board Schouten Passage II, a Tasmanian-built 150-seat catamaran. It has floor-to-ceiling windows, seating inside, access to outdoor decks, a licensed bar and cafe, and three restrooms, including one accessible restroom.
Vista Lounge Including Lunch
This ticket includes a ploughman’s-style lunch with smoked meats, salad, cheeses, a locally baked bread roll, fruit and a sweet treat. Guests should advise dietary requirements when booking.
Vista Lounge Bring Your Own Food
This ticket allows guests to bring their own lunch and snacks while travelling in the Vista Lounge.
Sky Lounge
The Sky Lounge is an adults-only lounge on the upper deck of Schouten Passage II. It has banquette-style seating for up to 30 passengers, access to the captain’s bridge and a private viewing deck. Morning tea, lunch and beverages are included. Food and drink may include local oysters, smoked meats, breads, cheeses, salad, East Coast wines and artisan brews. There are two restrooms on the upper deck.
Meeting Point & Times
Meeting Point
Wineglass Bay Cruises Booking Office
61 Jetty Road
Coles Bay TAS 7215
Departure Information
Cruise duration is 4.5 hours
Operates daily, except Christmas Day
Departs and returns to the Wineglass Bay Cruises Booking Office
Annual Maintenance
Wineglass Bay Cruises will not operate from 16 August 2026 to 22 August 2026 due to annual vessel maintenance.
Driving Times To Coles Bay
From Hobart: 185 kilometres via the Tasman A3 Highway, about 2.5 hours
From Launceston: via National Highway 1 and Lake Leake B34 Highway, about 2 hours
What To Bring
- Warm clothing
- Camera
- Lunch and snacks if booking the bring-your-own-food ticket
- Any required medication
- Sun protection
Additional Information
The cruise operates on Schouten Passage II, a Tasmanian-built 150-seat catamaran with two enclosed, air-conditioned lounge areas.
There are no age or height restrictions for the Vista Lounge.
The Sky Lounge is adults only.
The vessel is enclosed, but guests should dress warmly as conditions can change on the water.
Vista Lounge has three restrooms, including one fully accessible restroom.
The operator reserves the right to cancel or vary any trip without liability.
Bookings are not cancelled due to low numbers.
If weather conditions prevent the vessel from safely reaching Wineglass Bay, guests can choose not to travel and receive a full refund. The operator may offer an alternative route around the Schouten Island Group, including coastline and Australian fur seal viewing. In very bad weather, the cruise may be cancelled, with a full refund or alternative travel date offered if available.
Instant Booking & Mobile-Friendly Tickets
Check availability & book here to secure your Wineglass Bay Cruises
Pre-booking is essential. Please do not turn up on the day without a booking.
If you require hotel transfers, please have your hotel name ready when booking so we can send you a pick-up time with your confirmation.
Special Child & Family Rates
We offer special rates for families. Please check the booking for form for up-to-date family pricing.
