Australia Cruises

Australia cruises showcase rainforests in the north and stunning beaches and cosmopolitan cities in the south, which give way to a vast interior and huge ranches. New Zealand boasts towering mountains and verdant valleys, washed by tumbling waterfalls. Certain cruises extend out into the sparkling Pacific to reveal idyllic South Seas islands.

Akaroa, meaning long harbour in Maori, certainly lives up to its name. Set on a beautiful, sheltered harbour, Akaroa is now a popular resort. Seek out the best spots for dolphin watching with tours from the harbour or relax on land at one of the welcoming bars or restaurants. Alternatively take a tour to Christchurch.

Australia cruises showcase rainforests in the north and stunning beaches and cosmopolitan cities in the south, which give way to a vast interior and huge ranches. New Zealand boasts towering mountains and verdant valleys, washed by tumbling waterfalls. Certain cruises extend out into the sparkling Pacific to reveal idyllic South Seas islands.

Apia is the capital of Samoa, located on the northern coast of Upolu Island. It is the nation's major port and only city. Discover the delights of this island, its lush interiors, beautiful beaches, waterfalls and friendly locals.

Prepare for a breathtaking vision of South Pacific beauty. The dark green silhouette of Mount Otemanu presides proudly over flawless beaches, all set in a lagoon swirled with luminous shades of green and blue. Stand in crystalline waters where graceful manta rays flock, or browse local stores for the region's famed black pearls.

The Brisbane River meanders through the heart of the city. Elegant Georgian buildings of native sandstone stand next to sleek glass towers. Brisbane is also a superbly landscaped city with jacarandas, flame trees, and bougainvilleas thriving in its semi-tropical climate. Come face to face with koalas, kangaroos and wombats on tours from this laid-back city.

Perched on the Northwest edge of Western Australia, Broome was once an isolated gem, reachable only by a rugged dirt road until the mid-1980s. The town is nestled on a narrow peninsula, encircled by the crystal-clear sapphire waters of the Indian Ocean and the tranquil expanse of Roebuck Bay.

Sitting on a beautiful stretch of Tasmania's North West Coast, port city Burnie may have industrial roots, but it has since reinvented itself as a creative enclave and the state's fourth largest city. With about 40 per cent of Tasmania designated as a World Heritage Area of national parks and reserves, you can enjoy a wide range of wilderness experiences available from this laid-back market town.

Long beaches and rocky outcrops define the shore, while venturing inland reveals over 100 premium wineries. The area is also known for its dramatic limestone caves whose incredible formations are tied to Aboriginal mythology. Margaret River is a beautiful natural setting in Australia’s southwest corner. Busselton has grown into one of Western Australia’s most popular tourist destinations. Circled by swathes of wetlands and bordered by tranquil Geographe Bay, where scores of humpbacks and blue whales seek respite on their migrations, Busselton’s white beaches and calm blue waters offer visitors unparalleled swimming. Rocky outcrops and tall forests rise from the water’s edge, while great granite buttresses shield the beaches from the Indian Ocean’s swell. In the heart of the town, Busselton’s beloved jetty stretches out over the turquoise surf, its observatory offering breath-taking views of the reef below.

Laid-back Cairns is your gateway to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, a spectacular location for snorkelling and diving among kaleidoscopic marine life and coral. Follow Foreshore Promenade around the lagoon filled with pleasure craft or take a scenic railway ride to the tranquil mountain village of Kuranda.

Akaroa means ‘long harbour’ in Maori, and the town certainly lives up to its name. Overlooked by a dormant volcano on its thin peninsula, the sheltered Akaroa is a popular resort with stunning views. Akaroa harbour provides boat tours that feature the South Island’s diminutive dolphins – and the town has several welcoming bars or restaurants. Christchurch is 52 miles away by road.

Nestling on the lower slopes of a steep sided extinct volcano, the historic port town of Lyttelton is overflowing with trendy cafés and quirky shops. It’s also the gateway to nearby Christchurch.

On the remote northern shores of Australia's Top End', balmy Darwin has grown from frontier settlement into a multicultural modern city. Discover the region's dramatic history from Aboriginal heritage to World War II air raids and the devastating Cyclone Tracey in the museums and galleries.

Dunedin is the second-largest city in the South of New Zealand and the principal of the region of Otago. In 1865 it became one of the largest cities for the influx of new settlers from Ireland, Italy, France, Germany and China due to the discovery of Gold. Sites not to be missed are the outstanding Dunedin Railway Station and a ride on the world famous Taieri Gorge Train.

Exmouth's unspoiled beaches, pristine deep blue ocean, and dramatic red ochre coastline are an unrivaled sight to behold. Located 1,270 kilometers north of Perth, this remote gem only emerged in 1964 as a support town for the United States Naval Communications Centre.

As you sail through parts of Fiordland National Park, you will appreciate how it has mesmerised and intrigued travellers and tourists over the centuries, with its graceful and mostly untouched beauty. Amongst and beyond the glacier-carved fjords of Doubtful and Milford Sound, stand impressive snow-capped peaks, luscious green slopes and forests that are home to unusual and unique species.

Short overview here about Fremantle.

Wave goodbye to any preconceptions you may have of Australia, as you say hello to wonderful Hobart on the southeastern coast of Tasmania. Revel in the capital's splendid heritage, scenery and culture. Hobart has a distinctly European look and feel, and a unique local character. Capital of Australia’s Island State, with Mt. Wellington as its backdrop, it has plenty to offer the adventurous and the inquisitive.

There's far more than simply Kangaroos waiting to welcome you onto the rustically beautiful Kangaroo Island. The third largest Australian island boasts incredible natural beauty, unspoiled beaches and a truly unique opportunity to see an amazing range of animals in their local habitat. As you would expect there is a healthy kangaroo population, along with wallabies, koalas, seals, sea lions, and goannas, a type of lizard that grows up to a metre long.

Kuri Bay, situated on the remote northwestern coast of Western Australia, is a place of pristine and untouched wilderness. This secluded bay is renowned for its rugged, untouched beauty, where ancient red cliffs meet the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

There is a chance to capture the essence of Fijian life here. Past the avenue of Royal Palms along the main street, the ornate Sikh and Krishna temples and mosques give away the presence of a large Indian population.

Margaret River is a beautiful natural setting in Australia’s southwest corner that has inspired many artists here over the years. Or perhaps they just came for the seemingly endless fertile vineyards. Long beaches and rocky outcrops define Margaret River’s shores, while over 100 premium wineries lie inland. Don’t miss the dramatic limestone caves that link to Aboriginal mythology.

Originally part of New South Wales, Victoria became a colony in its own right in 1851. The discovery of gold and the development of agriculture propelled Melbourne’s rise to prominence and prosperity. Melbourne is a green and welcoming city, teeming with cultural institutions as well as cafés, bars and restaurants serving a spectrum of international cuisine. Melbourne is also an event city, home to the Australian Open Tennis, the Melbourne Cup and numerous other sporting occasions. Anyone who gets to know the city finds it has a kaleidoscopic character. Signs of Melbourne’s heritage are everywhere, and yet the city bears the glass and steel hallmarks of a modern metropolis. A visit here guarantees myriad experiences, most within easy walking range, and others a short ride aboard one of the historic trams that criss-cross the city.

Spectacular scenery awaits as you cruise by Milford Sound in the south-west tip of New Zealand.

Napier is New Zealand's art deco city. Following a massive earthquake in 1931, large swathes were reconstructed in the flamboyant style of the day with a superb collection of Deco, Spanish mission, and classical Revival buildings.

Newcastle is the second oldest city in Australia and welcomes you with a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, providing the incredible beaches and surfing culture that Australia is famous for. Primarily known in the past for its coal exportation this reputation is now being quickly overtaken by its eclectic and pioneering arts scene.

In nearly 250 years since Captain Cook named then the Friendly Islands, little has changed. It remains the last kingdom in the South Pacific, colourful coral gardens are still untouched and the pleasure of sipping cool coconut milk fresh from the shell is as strong as it ever was.

Nestled upon the picturesque Dudley Peninsula, Penneshaw stands as Kangaroo Island's second-largest town and gateway to a wildlife realm renowned for its colony of adorable and diminutive Little Blue Penguins. Follow the road less traveled and discover unique wildlife, mouth-watering food and wine, breathtaking scenery and a laid-back lifestyle.

Perth’s explosive growth in recent decades has engulfed the old historic port of Fremantle. Eighty-percent of Western Australia’s population lives in and around Perth. This bustling port, known as “Freo” to the locals, sits on the Indian Ocean and offers a romantic, artsy ambiance to residents and visitors alike. The city’s urban sprawl is awash with fusion flavours, fashionable boutiques and innovative museums but Western Australia’s capital impresses in other ways too. Perth is famously isolated; a cosmopolitan drop in the ocean that is Australia’s outback. Stroll along the banks of the Swan River where you’ll find countless spots to sit and watch kayakers paddle by.

No call at Port Arthur is complete without visiting its once-feared and ever-infamous prison colony, a UNESCO historical site. Explore the fascinating ruins, once booming dockyard and restored houses.

Port Vila is the capital of Vanuatu, a nation comprising around 80 islands in the South Pacific. The capital is found on Efate island, which is home to the majority of the country’s residents. With plenty of rambling streets, cafes, and beaches to explore, Port Vila is a compact yet energetic port town.

Steeped in heritage and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, this charming coastal town offers an unparalleled mix of nature, history, and maritime allure. From the playful antics of migrating Southern Right Whales and Humpback Whales to the art installations and sculptures that line the picturesque foreshore, Portland is a uniquely vibrant escape.

Rabaul means mangrove'. The Germans built Rabaul on a mangrove swamp when New Britain was a German colony. Papua New Guinea showcases extraordinary wildernesses, a land of tiny tree kangaroos and giant butterflies.

Delve into the stories of its First Nations heritage and marvel at the ancient rock art found throughout Talbot Bay, where extreme natural wonders await exploration. Explore its rocky shores and steep cliffs, comprised of deformed quartz sandstones blended with volcanic rock.

It may be Fiji’s capital with 85,000 inhabitants, but Suva’s laid-back atmosphere, spectacular scenery and village-style hospitality is something of an antidote to the typical perception of city life. What’s more, it may be on Fiji’s famed coast, but it’s not a beach resort. Suva is lined by mangroves, giving it a lush backdrop. The closest beach is 25 miles away, but there’s plenty to enjoy here. A city of some 85,000 residents, the harbour town of Suva is perched on a peninsula that juts out from the coast of Viti Levu, the most populated of Fiji’s 332 islands. When Suva was established, it covered just one square mile, and in 1952 it was expanded to reach eight square miles. In this same year, Suva became Fiji’s first official city. Most of Suva’s residents are indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians, but there are many minority cultures in the city, which gives it a multicultural feel. Visitors to Suva are welcomed heartily by Fijians, who are known for their friendly hospitality. Wandering around Suva’s streets reveals an intriguing blend of colonial and modern architecture, painting a picture of the city’s history. Government House was once the home of Fiji’s colonial governors, but it is now the Presidential palace. Built in 1882, the building was destroyed by lightning in 1921 and was rebuilt seven years later. Although the public cannot see inside the palace, you may be lucky enough to catch the monthly changing of the guard ceremony, featuring vividly coloured uniforms. For a glimpse of traditional Fijian culture, Suva cruise passengers should pay a visit to The Fiji Museum in Thurston Gardens. One of the city’s 78 green spaces, this garden was opened in the early 20th century and boasts colourful plants and flowers, as well as the city’s museum. It is here that you can examine the largest Fijian artefact collection in the world, with some items dating back as far as 3,700 years. There are plenty of shopping options in vibrant Suva where you can find gifts and souvenirs to remind you of your trip. Cumming Street and Victoria Parade are known for their modern shops and malls, where duty-free bargains can often be discovered. For a shopping trip with a little more local flavour, try one of Suva’s lively markets, such as the Suva Municipal Market. Overflowing with fresh produce, clothing and handicrafts, residents and tourists alike can be found scouring the colourful marketplace for treasures. To slow down the pace, enjoy a walk along Queen Elizabeth Drive, which lines the city’s shoreline. Venturing a little way out of the city will take you to natural attractions such as Colo-i- Suva Forest Park, which is known for its waterfalls, natural rock pools and tranquil rainforest walks. The tropical climate means that temperatures in Suva remain constant throughout the year, with an average low of 22°C and average highs of 28°C. There is not really a dry season here, so it is best to pack some light, waterproof clothing to be prepared for rain and humidity.

Australia’s oldest and largest city was born in 1788 with the arrival of the "First Fleet" that transported 760 British convicts. Gold and sheep breeding propelled Sydney’s development; today it is the largest port in the entire South Pacific. Mark Twain called it “the wonder of the world”. James Michener wrote, “It is a thing of beauty, a fairy-tale body of water”.

New Zealand's capital and cruise port Wellington, is blessed with a wonderful setting, overlooking a glittering harbour filled with bobbing sailing boats. Behind the gleaming modern skyscrapers of its centre, you will find the city's history well preserved in some outstanding old buildings. Visit the second-largest wooden building in the world, the old Government Building which was built in 1876. To see New Zealand's story brought most vividly to life, visit the Te Papa Museum, a multi-level extravaganza of hands-on learning where you can explore a Maori meeting house, take a virtual reality bungee jump or even experience an earthquake.

Sandwiched between the coast of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday’s beaches rank among the best in the world. In Airlie Beach itself, you’ll find a laid-back coastal town with surf boutiques, charming souvenir markets and inviting bistros serving a plethora of seafood.

With such a wonderfully evocative name, it's little wonder to find a connection with Yorkshire; that capital of eccentric place names. Yorkeys Knob sits on a headland north of Cairns, in an area of stunning natural beauty, situated as it is on the glorious Half Moon Bay and within touching distance of the Great Barrier Reef.