Cruising in Australia

For travellers and cruise enthusiasts wanting a bucket-listed cruise adventure without venturing too far from home, a cruise around the stunning coastline of Australia promises an unparalleled journey of discovery.

It is always a treat to marvel at the iconic sights of Sydney Harbour, and explore the rugged splendour of the Kimberley region, which offer nothing but the best that delight even the most seasoned travellers. Whether you seek the thrill of urban exploration or the serenity of pristine natural gems, an Australian cruise has something to captivate every guest’s taste and preference.

Moreover, Australia’s coastal cities offer a peculiar blend of cosmopolitan flair and laid-back charm. Get to explore the vibrant streets of Melbourne, where cutting-edge fashion and world-class dining collide, or immerse yourself in the rich Aboriginal culture and stunning landscapes of the Northern Territory. Furthermore, the Great Barrier Reef unveils an underwater paradise teeming with vibrant marine life, while the untamed beauty of Tasmania’s rugged wilderness invites you to reconnect with nature in its purest form.

---

New South Wales

Sydney

Whether you are plunging into the surf at Bondi Beach, talking to the animals at Taronga Zoo, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge or sipping cocktails at the Opera House it’s hard to resist Sydney. The Harbour City is the perfect combination of natural good looks, glamour and indulgence. Celebrated for both its world-class cuisine and its outdoor lifestyle, Sydney also has a rich cultural life, with plenty of theatre, opera, ballet, live music and contemporary dance performance. Despite its 21st Century image, the city has preserved much of its early European and colonial heritage. Visitors can easily sidestep Sydney’s fast-paced energy by sailing (or kayaking) on the harbour, taking a bushwalk or learning to surf.

Cruisers like

Sydney’s hit parade includes art galleries, national parks, mountain ranges, beaches and bridges. First stop is the Sydney Opera House, Joern Utzon’s architectural masterpiece, which is the venue for performances of all kinds – guided tours are available. On the other side of Circular Quay is the Sydney Harbour Bridge – join an organised climb across this famous 1932 engineering marvel. For something completely different jump aboard the cross-harbour ferry to Manly, a delightful English style seaside resort. Beach lovers will be spoilt for choice. Apart from Bondi Beach, Australia’s most photographed stretch of sand, swimmers, snorkelers and surfers will enjoy nearby Tamarama, Bronte and Coogee.

What is this destination best for?

• Couples
• young families
• older cruisers
• culture vultures
• food lovers
• history buffs

Which lines go there?

• Azamara
• Carnival
• Celebrity
• Cunard
• Disney
• Hapag-Lloyd
• HAL
• NCL
• Oceania
• Princess
• P&O
• Royal Caribbean
• Seabourn
• Silversea
• Viking
• Virgin Voyages

Newcastle

Newcastle, two hours north of Sydney, has great restaurants, cafes, bars and art precincts and is famous for its surf beaches. There are interesting walking tours around town and some beautiful trails and hikes nearby, including the Great North Walk. It’s also within an hour’s drive of the Hunter Valley wine region.

What is this destination best for?

• All ages

Which lines go there?

• Celebrity
• Oceania
• Princess
• Regent
• Royal Caribbean
• Silversea
• Viking

Eden

Eden is one of the prettiest coastal townships on the NSW south coast. Apart from the annual migration of southern right and humpback whale from May to November, Eden has a busy fishing harbour, a lively dining scene and some magnificent colonial architecture. Surrounded by high cliffs and natural bushland, the town is also a magnet for outdoors types. Beach walking, biking, whale-watching, snorkelling, golf and deep sea fishing are just some of the many activities available —guided tours, cruises and fishing charters can also be organized. Complete your visit with a meal or a chilled glass of something at the Snug Cove fishing wharf, which is also home to the family-friendly, and informative, Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre.

What is this destination best for?

• Older cruisers
• history buffs
• surfers
• beachgoers

What do cruisers like?

xplore the region’s fascinating and often colourful history at the Eden Killer Whale Museum. Afterwards you can slip down to the fishing port at Snug Cove to watch the catch of the day being landed. The Sapphire Coast is one of Australia’s major seafood producers, so visitors will find several good restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the local oysters. Eden is surrounded by many impressive nature reserves, including Ben Boyd National Park, Bournda National Park, Wadbilliga National Park, Mimosa Rocks National Park and Mount Imlay National Park, while beach lovers will find miles of crowd-free fine sand beaches to enjoy.

Which lines go there?

• Azamara
• Celebrity
• Cunard
• Disney
• NCL
• P&O
• Regent
• Seabourn
• Silversea
• Viking
• Windstar

---

Queensland

Brisbane

Australia’s fastest growing capital city has thrown off its country cousin image with a number of exciting new developments that are rapidly transforming the city’s the skyline. Proudly re-branded ‘BrisVegas’ by its residents, the Queensland capital offers visitors an intoxicating mix of cultural attractions, unique wildlife encounters and a dynamic restaurant and bar scene. Brisbane hosts an impressive range of music festivals, special gastronomic events and big sporting contests. Thanks to its tropical climate, the city is a mecca for outdoor types who can go kayaking, cycling, jogging – or even climb the Story Bridge. Brisbane also makes a great base for trips to the Gold Coast and inland attractions such as the Scenic Rim, Somerset and the Lockyer Valley.

What do cruisers like?

With some 80 vineyards within driving distance of Adelaide, wine-tasting is one of a major drawcards. Apart from some of Australia’s most celebrated names, such as Penfolds, Yalumba and Wolf Blass, wine lovers will be able to discover many boutique producers in the Adelaide Hills, Barossa and McLaren Vale. Adelaide itself is a very pleasant city to explore, offering wide streets, neo-classical buildings and fine city squares. Despite its compact size, Adelaide has some impressive museums, art galleries and other cultural spaces, plus a vibrant culinary scene – the West End is now packed with small bars, laneway restaurants, tiny music venues.

What is this destination best for?

• Shopaholics
• foodies
• Queenslanders who prefer to drive to board the ship

Which lines go there?

• Carnival
• Cunard
• Disney
• Hapag-Lloyd
• Lindblad Expeditions
• MSC
• NYK
• P&O
• Princess
• Norwegian
• Celebrity
• Azamara
• Regent
• Royal Caribbean
• Oceania
• Holland America
• Viking

Tangalooma

Tangalooma Island Resort is just off the coast of Brisbane on Moreton Island, which boasts world-class snorkelling over more than 100 shipwrecks, great bushwalking and adrenaline-raising activities such as quad-biking, parasailing and kayaking. Wildlife is abundant and you can feed wild dolphins from the resort.

What is this destination best for?

• Adventure seekers
• first-time cruisers
• families

Which lines go there?

• Carnival
• HAL
• P&O
• Princess
• Seabourn

Mooloolaba

Cruisers arriving in this Sunshine Coast town are transported by tender into the centre of Mooloolaba’s action. Its attractions include white sandy beaches, boutiques, markets and the Sea Life aquarium, as well as being within reach of Australia Zoo. If you cruise during winter, book on a whale-watching trip.

What is this destination best for?

• Beach bums
• families
• couples

Which lines go there?

• Azamara
• Oceania
• Regent
• Silversea
• Seabourn
• Windstar

Airlie Beach

Known as the ‘gateway to the Whitsundays’, Airlie Beach began life as a ramshackle coastal settlement but has now morphed into a bustling holiday destination known for its water sports and lively restaurant and bar scene. A number of new developments, such as the Abel Point Marina and Marina Village, have transformed this once sleepy backwater into a dynamic tourism hub with plenty of shopping, eating and touring options. Airlie Beach is a mecca for outdoor types. Hiking, sea kayaking, horse riding, parasailing, skydiving and, of course, sailing are all available. Airlie Beach also offers a good range of fashion boutiques, local markets and outdoor cafes. And don’t miss the free Sunday afternoon entertainment on the Esplanade.

What do cruisers like?

Long known as a beachside haunt for backpackers Airlie Beach is now going upmarket with several ritzy developments, but retains its laid-back vibe. Most people are here to explore the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, but Airlie Beach offers a vibrant shopping, dining and night life scene. Some of the best restaurants, bars and cafes are clustered along Shute Harbour Road, while bargain hunters should check out the local market held on the beachfront on Saturday mornings – this is a great place to pick up locally made jewellery, clothing and unique souvenirs. The village’s other major attraction is Airlie Beach Lagoon, which is ideal for a spot of swimming and sunbathing.

What is this destination best for?

• Watersports enthusiasts
• thrill seekers
• nature lovers

Which lines go there?

• Carnival
• Cunard
• Celebrity
• HAL
• Royal Caribbean
• Princess
• P&O
• Oceania
• Regent
• Seabourn
• Silversea
• Viking
• Virgin Voyages
• Windstar

Fraser Island

Like nothing else on Earth, this huge sand island is the largest on the planet and the only place where rainforest grows directly from the sand. Picture dunes, freshwater lakes and lots of unique wildlife on the island. Fraser Island has no sealed roads and transport is via 4WD on the sand beaches.

What is this destination best for?

• Adventure seekers
• nature lovers

Which lines go there?

• Ponant
• Silversea
• Windstar 

Townsville

Townsville has over 300 dry, sunny days a year and boasts a casino and museums. There is also a wide range of activities available, including white-water rafting, horse riding, golf and fishing. The Port of Townsville cruise terminal is a 5-10 minute taxi ride to the town centre. From Townsville, cruisers can visit Magnetic or Hinchinbrook islands and the former Gold Rush town of Charters Towers.

What is this destination best for?

• Sunseekers
• history buffs
• seafood lovers

Which lines go there?

• Oceania
• Seabourn
• Silversea
• Seabourn
• Viking

Cairns

Known principally as a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is now a global tourism destination with a vibrant culinary scene, good shopping and plenty of outdoor adventure – from scuba diving to bungee jumping. There are a myriad of reef tours leaving from the Cairns on a daily basis. Parents will find plenty of things to keep the kids amused, both in and out of the water. But Cairns really swings into top gear when the sun goes down. The party-loving city has a lively pub and nightclub scene. For something a little more genteel, book a table at one of the many waterfront restaurants, tuck into some local fare and soak up the tropical atmosphere.

What is this destination best for?

• Snorkellers
• Divers
• foodies
• bushwalkers

What do cruisers like?

Good shopping, outdoors dining, lively bars, good restaurants and a balmy climate are just some of the drawcards here. Cairns also offers a dazzling range of things to see and do – whether you are snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef or taking a gondola across the rainforest. Just about every outdoor adventure imaginable is on the menu – from hiking to white-water rafting and bungee jumping. There are plenty of child-friendly attractions, too, including the man-made lagoon on the Esplanade, the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Muddy’s Playground. To learn more about the region’s pre-European history visit Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park which stages music, dance and storytelling performances.

Which lines go there?

• Azamara
• Carnival
• Celebrity
• Coral Expeditions
• Cunard
• HAL
• Princess
• P&O
• Royal Caribbean
• MSC
• NCL
• North Star
• Oceania
• Ponant
• Regent
• Seabourn
• Silversea
• Viking
• Virgin Voyages

Port Douglas

An hour further north, Port Douglas has the same splendid assortment of natural attractions as Cairns,  but also Four Mile Beach, a yacht harbour and tempting local food, boutiques and art galleries. Its several luxurious resorts also attract Hollywood celebrities. Passengers arrive at the Reef Marina; from here, town is just a short walk or taxi ride away.

What is this destination best for?

• Celeb spotting
• shopping
• outdoor adventures

Which lines go there?

• Carnival
• Celebrity
• P&O
• Princess
• Royal Caribbean
• Silversea
• Windstar

Thursday Island

In the Torres Strait, 39 kilometres from the very tip of Australia, tiny Thursday Island hosts a range of cultural activities and a museum where you can learn more about the Torres Strait Islander people. It is easy to walk around the island but taxis and rental cars are available.

What is this destination best for?

• Culture vultures
• nature enthusiasts

Which lines go there?

• Coral Expeditions
• Azamara
• Paul Gauguin Cruises
• Ponant
• Regent
• Silversea
• Viking
• Windstar

---

South Australia

Adelaide (Port Adelaide)

Founded in 1836, Adelaide is the smallest state capital in Australia and one of the prettiest, with tree-lined boulevards, elegant buildings, manicured gardens and a pleasant Mediterranean climate. Thanks to its compact size, lack of congestion and ample public transport Adelaide is often called ‘the 20-minute city’ – locals say you should be able to reach any part of the metropolis within this timeframe. Wedged between the Mount Lofty Ranges and the St Vincent Gulf, Adelaide provides easy access to national parks, vineyards, ocean beaches and historic settlements in the Adelaide Hills. Highlights include the Central Market, Adelaide Oval, Botanic Garden, the Art Gallery of South Australia, Glenelg and the Adelaide Zoo, home to celebrity pandas Wang Wang and Fu Ni.

What do cruisers like?

With some 80 vineyards within driving distance of Adelaide, wine-tasting is one of a major drawcards. Apart from some of Australia’s most celebrated names, such as Penfolds, Yalumba and Wolf Blass, wine lovers will be able to discover many boutique producers in the Adelaide Hills, Barossa and McLaren Vale. Adelaide itself is a very pleasant city to explore, offering wide streets, neo-classical buildings and fine city squares. Despite its compact size, Adelaide has some impressive museums, art galleries and other cultural spaces, plus a vibrant culinary scene – the West End is now packed with small bars, laneway restaurants, tiny music venues.

What is this destination best for?

• Families

Which lines go there?

• Azamara
• Celebrity
• Coral Expeditions
• Cunard
• HAL
• Hapag-Lloyd
• Oceania
• P&O
• Princess
• Regent
• Royal Caribbean
• Seabourn
• Silversea
• Viking

Port Lincoln

At the base of the Eyre Peninsula, Port Lincoln is known for its fishing industry and seafood. It is also a good spot to swim with sea lions and tuna, or get the adrenalin pumping by diving with great white sharks in a cage. Visit an oyster farm at Coffin Bay to try oysters straight from the sea, or sample wine at a vineyard overlooking Boston Bay.

What is this destination best for?

• Adventure lovers

Which lines go there?

• P&O
• Princess
• Regent
• Seabourn

Kangaroo Island (Penneshaw)

Cruise ships stop at Penneshaw and tender passengers to the pier, which is an easy walk from the village. There are free shuttle buses to the beach and Kingscote, the biggest town on the island. At Seal Bay, walk along the beach and watch sea lions dozing in the sun after feeding at sea. For the more adventurous, take a guided quad-bike tour of the bushland to see wildlife up close.

What is this destination best for?

• Intrepid travellers

Which lines go there?

• Azamara
• Cunard
• Oceania
• P&O
• Princess
• Royal Caribbean
• Seabourn
• Silversea

Tasmania

Hobart

The charming Tasmanian capital revolves around its harbour and the waterfront is bustling. Cruisers arriving in Hobart can visit the waterside Salamanca precinct, which holds an eclectic market and has historic sandstone warehouses which are now home to galleries, bars and eateries. Out of the city, explore the convict village of Richmond, and see Tasmanian devils at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

What is this destination best for?

• All ages

Which lines go there?

• Azamara
• Carnival
• Celebrity
• Cunard
• Disney
• Hapag-Lloyd
• HAL
• P&O
• Ponant
• Princess
• Regent
• Royal Caribbean
• Silversea
• Viking
• Virgin Voyages

Burnie

The most westerly city in Tasmania, Burnie produces premium milk and some of the island’s best brie. You can also pick up fresh produce at the farm gate or sip whisky at the cellar door. Burnie is the gateway to Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair National Park with its walking tracks that take in Tasmania’s highest peak and deepest lake.

What is this destination best for?

• Nature lovers

Which lines go there?

• Hapag-Lloyd
• HAL
• NCL
• Regent
• P&O
• Princess
• Silversea
• Viking

Port Arthur

A tour of the historic site of Port Arthur is a must and for those brave enough a visit at night is memorable. Take a wilderness cruise with a local operator to see the spectacular rock formations, waterfalls and caves of the Tasman Peninsula. Bird-watchers will be rewarded with sightings of sea eagles, albatross, peregrine falcons and cormorants.

What is this destination best for?

• Families
• friends

Which lines go there?

• Azamara
• Carnival
• Celebrity
• Coral Expeditions
• Cunard
• HAL
• Hapag-Lloyd
• Oceania
• P&O
• Princess
• Silversea

---

Victoria

Port Melbourne

The Port of Melbourne is one of the three main cruise terminals in Victoria, along with Geelong and Portland, and is close to the city. There’s a lot to do and see in Melbourne with its labyrinthine laneways, foodie culture and fashion boutiques. The city also has impressive art galleries, quirky bars and great music venues. Cruisers who don’t want to head into the city can relax at Port Melbourne beach, play beach tennis or take a stroll along the waterfront.

What is this destination best for?

• Families with kids

Which lines go there?

• Azamara
• Carnival
• Celebrity
• Coral Expeditions
• Cunard
• Disney
• HAL
• Hapag-Lloyd
• NCL
• Oceania
• P&O
• Princess
• Regent
• Royal Caribbean
• Seabourn
• Silversea
• Viking
• Virgin Voyages

Geelong

Cruise itineraries also visit the regional city of Geelong where the Waterfront esplanade has charming cafes and restaurants and restored art-deco-style sea baths. Be sure to have a seafood feast at a waterfront restaurant overlooking the water. The port is considered the gateway to the Great Ocean Road. 

What is this destination best for?

• Couples
• families

Which lines go there?

• Oceania
• Regent
• Seabourn
• Viking

---

Western Australia

Fremantle (Perth)

Established by British in 1829, port of Fremantle is one of Australia’s best-preserved colonial port cities with a wealth of convict-era public buildings, Victorian villas and imposing boulevards. Just 20kms from the state capital of Perth, this atmospheric old port is much more easygoing. Apart from the famous fishing harbor, still the best place for fish and chips in Western Australia, Fremantle has some excellent restaurants, plenty of pavement cafes, microbreweries and produce markets. For history buffs the city offers several important colonial sites, including the Fremantle Prison, Fremantle Arts Centre and the Round House, while outdoor types can catch the ferry to nearby Rottnest Island, which is a haven for swimming, cycling, sailing and just snoozing in the sun.

What is this destination best for?

• Families
• kids

What do cruisers like?

Vestiges of Fremantle’s seafaring and colonial past are everywhere to be seen. Begin your tour with a visit to the Western Australian Maritime Museum, an astonishing collection of historic water craft, followed by a tour of the World Heritage listed Fremantle Prison; a number of guided tours, including one by boat through the prison’s tunnels, are available. Shopaholics should drop into the Fremantle Markets, which are packed with fresh local produce, street fashion and craftwork – the city’s famous Cappuccino Strip is next door. Fans of craft beer should check out the Little Creatures brewhouse, which is adjacent to the new-look Fishing Boat Harbour.

Which lines go there?

• Azamara
• Cunard
• Hapag-Lloyd
• HAL
• Regent
• Royal Caribbean
• Oceania
• P&O
• Ponant
• Princess
• Silversea
• Viking

Albany

The southern coastal city has beautiful beaches, award-winning wines and fresh produce including yabbies, freshly shucked oysters and boutique goat’s cheese. You can spot migrating humpbacks and blue whales from the shore or on a whale-watching cruise.

What is this destination best for?

• Families
• kids

Which lines go there?

• Azamara
• Cunard
• Hapag-Lloyd
• Oceania
• P&O
• Ponant
• Princess
• Seabourn
• Silversea
• Viking

Broome

On the Coral Coast, cruisers enjoy Broome where the 22-kilometre-long Cable Beach provides a dramatic backdrop for sunset camel rides. The town’s historic Chinatown overlooks Roebuck Bay and is a jumping-off point for cruises to the local pearl farms.

What is this destination best for?

• Fun-loving couples

Which lines go there?

• APT
• Coral Expeditions
• Oceania
• P&O
• Ponant
• Princess
• Seabourn
• Silversea

Esperance

This hideaway on the far southeast coast allows you to explore some of the state’s best beaches and golden outback. The landscape is filled with wildflowers in spring. Visitors can explore the rugged Cape Le Grand National Park or snorkel from Blue Haven or Twilight beaches. Passengers are tendered to the pier, where there is a free shuttle bus into town.

What is this destination best for?

• Families

Which lines go there?

• Azamara
• Cunard
• Hapag-Lloyd
• HAL
• Princess
• Ponant
• Regent
• Royal Caribbean

Exmouth

Swimming with whale sharks in Ningaloo Marine Park on the Coral Coast is a highlight for cruise-ship visitors from late March to late July. Snorkelling over the reef straight from the beach is also a must. The surrounding Exmouth Cape Range National Park is renowned for its red rocky gorges and sheer cliffs.

What is this destination best for?

• Families and kids

Which lines go there?

• Azamara
• HAL
• Hapag-Lloyd
• Oceania
• P&O
• Princess
• Regent
• Seabourn
• Silversea

Northern Territory

Darwin

Australia’s most northerly city is an exotic mixture of Aboriginal, European and South-East Asian influences. The result is a modern, cosmopolitan and fast-changing tropical outpost which still carries vestiges of its colonial past. While travellers have traditionally transited through Darwin en route to places such as Kakadu, the Kimberley, Litchfield National Park and the Tiwi Island, the city is now viewed as a destination in its own right, with night markets, art galleries, museums, boisterous pubs and a refreshing dining scene. There are many fun things to do in Darwin – from touring the city’s World War 2 defences to sailing on Darwin harbour or relaxing in the popular wave lagoon pool – plus many other attractions on its doorstep.

What is this destination best for?

• Couples
• families

What do cruisers like?

Buying exquisite pearls, tucking into a croc burger, wandering through a night market or watching the sun set over the Arafura Sea are just some of the many attractions of Darwin, a city which defies all expectations. Highlights include the Museum and Art Gallery, Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, Adelaide River War Cemetery, Crocodylus Park, Darwin Waterfront and the Territory Wildlife Park. History buffs can learn more about Darwin’s wartime experiences, while wildlife lovers get up close and personal with a deadly predator at Crocosaurus Cove – the very brave can climb into the Cage of Death for a face-to-face encounter with a giant saltwater crocodile.

Which lines go there?

• Windstar Cruises
• Azamara
• Celebrity
• Coral Expeditions
• Cunard
• HAL
• MSC
• Oceania
• P&O
• Ponant
• Princess
• Regent
• Seabourn
• Silversea
• Viking
• Virgin Voyages