Australia’s
major cruise ship port, Sydney, is included in many a world cruise and South
Pacific itinerary. But if you really want to explore Australia, take a look at
the coastal cruises that visit multiple ports around this vast island. These
itineraries provide excellent opportunities for you to enjoy excursions to
Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, national parks, historic communities,
wineries, beaches, and many other attractions.
Cruises
of coastal Australia often focus on a certain portion of continent. For
example, some will take you to the sunny, beach-strewn shores of Queensland in northeastern
Australia, also known as the Sunshine Coast. Port calls may include Newcastle,
Brisbane, Cairns, and Moreton Island, as well as emerging destinations like Mooloolaba,
the Whitsunday Islands, and Port Douglas, adjacent to the Daintree
Rainforest.
Cairns
is a base for excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest and
most spectacular coral reef. If you would like to spend more than a day or two
exploring this natural wonder, there are seven-day cruises of the reef that
offer a more immersive experience. These cruises offer multiple opportunities
to take guided snorkel or glass-bottom boat tours along the reef, and to visit
some of the beautiful nearby islands.
Cruises
of Southern Australia begin in Sydney, Melbourne, or occasionally in the
western capital of Perth. Popular ports along the southern coast include
Adelaide and Port Margaret, which are both gateways to Australian wine regions
and aboriginal culture sites. There’s also Kangaroo Island, which is occupied
by lots of kangaroos, koalas and other wildlife, as well as artists, artisans
and winemakers.
Another
choice for Australian cruising is a voyage that focuses on Tasmania, where you
can tour historic Port Arthur, formerly an infamous penal colony; and explore
the historic waterfront of Hobart. Your best opportunity to see the endangered
Tasmanian devil may be an excursion to the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo,
a conservation park where the marsupials – which are very cute, but known for
aggressive behavior – live in safety.
For
the ultimate Australian cruise, you can also circumnavigate the continent. Circumnavigation
cruises are very popular with both visitors and Australians, so they tend to
sell out well in advance.
To
explore all of your options for a cruise around part of all of Australia, talk
with Anita, your Cruise Holidays personal travel expert.
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