Legendary Australia Circumnavigation

Sydney, Australia

5:00 PM (Embark)

If you want a snapshot of Australia's appeal, look no further than Sydney: The idyllic lifestyle, friendly locals and drop-dead natural beauty of this approachable metropolis and its attractions explain why the country tops so many travelers' wish lists. But Sydney is more than just the embodiment of classic antipodean cool—the city is in a constant state of evolution. A list of what to do in Sydney might start with the white-hot nightlife, with its new cocktail bars and idiosyncratic mixology dens. Inventive restaurants helmed by high-caliber chefs are dishing up everything from posh pan-Asian to Argentine street food, while the famous dining temples that put Sydney on the gastronomic map are still going strong too.

The famed harbor is among the top sights—home to twin icons the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is the stepping-off point for some of the city's best cultural attractions and sightseeing. In one day you can sail around the harbor, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the opera house and climb the bridge, with time to spare for people-watching over a flat white at a waterfront café.

Speaking of water, when you plan what to do in Sydney, you will want to include the iconic beaches, where surfers, office workers and tourists alike converge on some of the most gorgeous shoreline scenery anywhere. Bondi, Bronte and Clovelly are all within easy reach of the Central Business District, as is Manly, a charming seaside town located a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. Beyond the city you'll discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the chance to encounter Australia's cuddliest wildlife—a perfect way to round out your envy-inducing Sydney photo collection.

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM
Departs: 11:59 AM

Brisbane, Australia

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 05:00 PM

Queensland’s capital, tucked between the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, is often overlooked in favor of its stylish sister, Sydney, and its cultured cousin, Melbourne. But Brisbane, or "Brissy" for short, has recently come out of the shadows to show off its own variety of sun-drenched cool. Brisbane may be a contender for Australia’s hippest city, thanks to its clutch of crafty bars, eclectic restaurants and homegrown fashion. The city's subtropical climate brings joggers and cyclists to the banks of the Brisbane River year round; jacarandas and frangipani bloom in the spring. This is one of the country's fastest-expanding areas in terms of population and employment: People flock here for the affordable lifestyle, the booming economy and the laid-back attitude. When newcomers arrive, creativity follows, as evidenced by the museums and theaters of South Bank and the revived districts such as Fortitude Valley. Fortitude is a good word for Brisbane—a hardworking city on its way to fame and fortune.

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM
Departs: 11:29 AM

Alotau, Papua New Guinea

Arrives: 08:00 Am
Departs: 05:00 PM

The sprawling town of Alotau, spectacularly located on Papua New Guinea’s southeastern tip, is an ideal introduction to the relaxed charms of the region. The capital of Milne Bay Province, Alotau is also the main port for the 600 islands that encompass the area.

The buzzing harbor, just a short walk from town, is a hive of activity, with ships, boats and canoes transporting passengers and plying their trades.The town was the site of the 1942 Battle of Milne Bay, resulting in Japan's first defeat in the Pacific during World War II. Milne Bay was a major Allied base, and some of the war’s fiercest fighting took place in Papua New Guinea. Although there’s not much to see now, a fascinating Battle of Milne Bay tour combines historic war stories with locals’ tales of how modern warfare changed their world.

More broadly, Alotau is an excellent place to gain insight into Papua New Guinea's cultures and traditions; don’t miss the Cultural Festival excursion in which you’ll see everything from warrior dances to gospel choirs to traditional drumming. For even more local flavor, wander through Alotau Market with its mounds of betel nuts, which many islanders chew.

Kiriwina Island, Papua New Guinea

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 05:00 PM

Located in Papua New Guinea’s Milne Bay Province, Kiriwina is the largest of the Trobriand Islands and home to the majority of their 12,000-strong indigenous population. The picturesque island is steeped in history and is famous to many as a site of U.S. occupation during World War II. In fact, various relics of the war, including the remains of an American plane, can still be seen on the island. But Kiriwina is home to far more than history. Here, you’ll find an idyllic traditional lifestyle, incredibly friendly locals and a fascinating social structure that’s based on matrilineal clans, with unique marriage and courtship rituals. Many aspects of life revolve around the cultivation and exchange of yams.There’s also mesmerizing scenery, from crystal-clear waters to jungle-covered cliffs. Hire a dugout canoe, hike to the burial caves, peruse exquisite carvings and explore the coral-filled offshore islands. Be sure to stop and watch a game of Trobriand cricket, an innovative spin on the game. Whatever you choose to do, it’s bound to be an eye-opening experience.

Conflict Islands (Panawal Group), Papua New Guinea

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 05:00 PM

Papua New Guinea is quickly becoming a favorite destination for cruise passengers, and it’s easy to see why when you visit the Conflict Islands. Although the name might not sound inviting (don’t worry, they're named after a British naval ship, not a war), these 21 islands are like paradise on earth: Tropical islets encircle an enormous turquoise lagoon formed by the rim of a sunken volcano, with vibrant coral reefs and rainbow schools of fish below the water. Located about 160 kilometers (97 miles) east of Papua New Guinea in the Coral Sea, the island group is owned by Australian businessman and conservationist Ian Gowrie-Smith, who is dedicated to protecting the ecosystem of the islands (he has an eco-resort on one island; the rest are uninhabited).Just as Papua New Guinea is one of the wildest and most diverse places on the planet, the seas here offer some of the world’s most extensive biodiversity and coral reefs, making for unparalleled kayaking, diving and snorkeling. There are hundreds of coral species and thousands of species of fish and invertebrates such as the sea cucumber. If you ever get bored with watching manta rays float past, lie back on the white sand, look up at the palm trees blowing in warm trade winds or watch the sun set over the lagoon, and dream of owning your own chain of tropical islands.

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM
Departs: 11:29 AM

Cairns, Australia

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 07:00 PM

The gateway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the tropical north of the country, Cairns sits on the east coast of the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland. This laid-back city is popular with travelers who depart from here for days of sailing, diving, snorkeling and trekking through nearby parks—a celebrated launching pad especially for those who want to explore the reef, the Daintree Rain Forest and other attractions of this part of Queensland. And what better place to start one's adventure? The residents of Cairns are welcoming, the beach life fantastic and the climate consistently sunny and warm.

Wend your way due east of Cairns, and you'll find yourself on the Great Barrier Reef, the world's longest coral reef and also the world's largest living organism. Famously visible from outer space, it's often been described as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a different sort of wonder—an engineering marvel from the 19th century that passes through rain forests on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites before reaching the village of Kuranda. Green Island, a 6,000-year-old coral cay, is an easy day trip from Cairns with opportunities to snorkel and swim; Port Douglas, an hour north of Cairns, is a favorite with visitors thanks to its top-notch restaurants, art galleries and boutiques. Finally, hop on a six-person cable car known as the Skyway Rainforest Cableway for a bird's-eye view of the stunning natural appeal of the region.

Townsville, Australia

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 05:00 PM

The Townsville region in North Queensland, Australia is a bustling and vibrant destination boasting diversity in landscape, lifestyle and experiences. Experience barra fishing in the Burdekin or Hinchinbrook, snorkeling fringing reefs around Magnetic Island, scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef, bird watching at the surrounding wetlands, skydiving The Strand in Townsville, or taking a wagon ride in Charters Towers. With reef, rainforest, outback and wetlands all within easy traveling distance of Townsville, Australia’s spectacular natural wonders await your exploration.  

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM
Departs: 11:29 AM

Scenic Cruising Torres Strait

Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula stretches northward like a long arm, with the Great Barrier Reef running parallel to the east. Cape York, at the end of the peninsula, is the northernmost point of the Australian mainland. Past the cape, the Torres Strait Islands continue onward toward Papua New Guinea, creating a maze of tropical islands and reefs that divide the Coral Sea from the Arafura Sea. Only 14 of the strait's 274 islands are inhabited. The languages and customs vary from island to island—the people have largely maintained their indigenous cultures, a mix of Australian Aboriginal, Melanesian and others from Papua New Guinea. 

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM
Departs: 11:29 AM

Darwin, Australia

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 05:00 PM

Surrounded on three sides by the turquoise Timor Sea, the Northern Territory’s capital is closer in both distance and temperament to Southeast Asia than it is to most of Australia’s major cities. The lifestyle here is tropical, which means a relaxed atmosphere, balmy weather, fabulous fusion food and vibrant outdoor markets.

This cosmopolitan city has fewer than 140,000 residents, but they include some 50 nationalities. After heavy bombing in World War II and a disastrous cyclone in 1974, Darwin has been largely rebuilt, and it's modern and well planned. In the downtown area you'll find everything from great shopping to a crocodile park. You can trace the region's dramatic history at innovative museums and gallery-hop to see indigenous art. After your sightseeing stroll, have a late lunch at one of the many excellent restaurants. The food options range from authentic Malaysian dishes like laksa, a spicy noodle soup, to a plethora of fresh seafood—mud crab, barramundi and more.

You may find it hard to leave this laid-back lifestyle, but there's much more to see close by. Darwin is the gateway to two famous national parks, Kakadu and Litchfield, as well as the spectacular Aboriginal-owned Tiwi Islands. Make sure you take the time to "go bush," as they say in Australia—that is, get out of town and relax. There's no better place to do it than this glorious part of the country.

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM
Departs: 11:59 AM

Broome, Western Australia, Australia

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 05:00 PM

Built on the traditional lands of the Yawuru people, Broome is a center for the pearling industry, a vacation destination and an internationally significant habitat for millions of migrating birds. 

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM
Departs: 11:29 AM

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM
Departs: 11:59 AM

Fremantle (Perth), Australia

Arrives: 10: 00 AM
Departs: 06:00 PM

Despite being one of the most isolated capital cities in the world, Perth keeps up with the times and trends, but it often paves its own way when it comes to food, fashion and art. Perth and its port, Fremantle, were first settled in 1829 by the Swan River colonists as free colonies, in contrast to the country's penal colonies. Historical relics abound, from the Fremantle Prison and the Round House to the Fremantle Market Hall, where shoppers once arrived by horse and carriage. These sights now share the spotlight with art galleries, breweries and designer boutiques. In the city center, the modern towers of mining and financial firms also contain inventive restaurants such as Greenhouse and rooftop bars like the Mechanics Institute. Nearby are Perth institutions like the Art Gallery of Western Australia and Kings Park and Botanic Garden, as well as the creative neighborhoods of Subiaco, Leederville and Mount Lawley. And with the Swan River at its heart and kilometers of Indian Ocean shoreline at its edge, Perth is an ideal city for a stroll, a bike ride or a sundowner on the water.

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM
Departs: 11:59 AM

Albany, Western Australia, Australia

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 06:00 PM

Established in 1826, Albany was the first European settlement in Western Australia and quickly grew into a bustling commercial hub. Its historic heart has a certain faded grandeur, while the modern waterfront is undergoing major redevelopment. The area’s most striking features, however, predate the original settlement. Its natural wonders include stunning coastline stretching from Torndirrup National Park’s majestic cliffs to the tranquil bay at King George Sound. In the interior, the peaks of the Stirling Range reach heights of more than 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) and offer opportunities for day hikes with breathtaking views. 

During the 19th century, Albany played an important role as a center of shipping between Britain and its Australian colonies, as it was long the only deepwater port on the continent. It was through Albany that some 40,000 Anzac troops departed for Europe, an event that is being recognized through 2018 with a series of events marking the centennial of World War I.

The Whaling Station here, which did not cease operations until 1978, has been converted to a fascinating museum on the history of the industry. It has the distinction of being the last operating station in both the Southern Hemisphere and the English-speaking world. Humpback, southern right and blue whales continue to be pursued here, though now by curious sightseers on whale-watching cruises during the annual whale season from June to October.

Today, “Amazing Albany” earns the adjective the city has bestowed upon itself, as it draws travelers eager to explore an unexpected and amazing corner of Australia.

At Sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM
Departs: 11:59 AM

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 11:00 PM

With a burgeoning creative class, top-notch wining and dining, and a pace of life that feels distinctly more leisurely than high-profile siblings Melbourne and Sydney, Adelaide has evolved into a must-visit destination. The biggest buzz is going on in the city's Central Business District, which has become the hub for artists, designers and restaurateurs, all breathing new life into a once-sleepy capital. Not everything changes though: The town's reputation as a genteel, leafy haven is still justified, and Adelaideans' love of sport—particularly Australian Rules football and cricket—continues unabated. You'll also soon notice that the citizens of Adelaide are devoted to fine wine and great food, and they're particularly proud of the world-class vintages being produced in the famous Barossa Valley wine region, another must-see when visiting South Australia. Even if you can't make it to the source, the city's excellent restaurants and bars showcase local wines, many of which—like the country's most famous red, Grange Hermitage—are worth traveling across the world for.

Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island, Australia

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 06:00 PM

The Australian continent’s third-largest island—Kangaroo—enchants visitors with its mellow rhythms, which seem to be coming from a quieter and much simpler time. Even Penneshaw, its main ferry port, has a population of less than 300 people, and farmers sometimes still advertise for spouses on bulletin boards.

Long roads run arrow-straight through the fields, scrub and dense gum forests of this spectacular unspoiled destination. It remains one of the best places to see Australian marsupials in the wild. Almost half the island remains bushland or national park, sheltering koalas, echidnas and a million or so tammar wallabies. Weighing just five to seven kilograms (11 to 15 pounds), these mini-roos flourish here, thanks to a dearth of foxes and other mainland predators. (Despite this strong population, the species, Macropus eugenii, remains on the endangered list.) Marine mammals also make a healthy showing on Kangaroo Island. Visitors can walk through one of the country's largest sea lion colonies and watch for rare southern right whales offshore.

At sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM
Departs: 11:59 AM

Melbourne, Australia

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 11:00 PM

Melbourne is consistently voted one of the world's most livable cities—and for good reason. This is Australia’s cosmopolitan heart with cutting-edge art and architecture, historic galleries, attractions and museums, plus a dizzying range of restaurants, bistros, markets and bars. It's renowned for its sporting culture, home to the esteemed Melbourne Cricket Ground and Australian rules football teams.
 
The famous laneways of Melbourne bustle with hidden bars and eateries, while myriad beaches and parks allow for the ultimate outdoor lifestyle and active things to do. It’s a melting pot of cultures and a city of gourmands who demand excellent food and find it everywhere—from modern Australian cuisine and delicious Asian fusion fare to low-key cafés serving the best coffee you’ve ever tasted.

If you want to leave the city, Melbourne is the gateway to Victoria's world-class wineries and spectacular coastline sights. Visit the famous penguins at nearby Phillip Island or feast on local produce in the picture-perfect Yarra Valley. Wherever you go in and around Melbourne, you’ll be sure to understand why so many choose to call this beautiful corner of the world home. 

Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 11:00 PM

Just 87 miles south-southeast of Melbourne, lies Phillip Island, ancestral home of the Bunurong people, among the first indigenous people to encounter Europeans. Wildlife is abundant here, including little penguins, fairy penguins and Pacific gulls; as well as wallabies and kangaroos.

At sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM
Departs: 11:59 AM

Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Arrives: 08:00 AM
Departs: 06:00 AM

Tasmania, once the butt of many jokes, is finally cool. The little Australian island is home to stunning landscapes, old-growth forests and exceptional local produce. Lording over all this goodness is Hobart, the island’s creative capital. Although its remoteness might once have made it feel provincial, the city has truly come into its own in recent years. It’s got one of the world’s best museums of contemporary art, vibrant markets, a cosmopolitan dining scene and eclectic music festivals. It’s also achingly beautiful, with a natural harbor setting and rugged Mount Wellington looming in the background.

The city is compact enough to easily explore on foot. Start at the sandstone area of Salamanca Place with its hip galleries, artist studios and bustling cafés and bars, and then roam the quaint streets of Battery Point, one of Hobart’s oldest neighborhoods. Immerse yourself in nature at the gorgeous Botanical Gardens or head out of town to learn more about Tasmania’s dark—but fascinating—past. Fuel up on the freshest seafood straight from the Southern Ocean down at the waterfront, or feast on gourmet Tassie produce at one of the many excellent restaurants in town. Whatever you choose to do, we promise you won’t be bored.

Port Arthur, Australia

Arrives: 10:00 AM
Departs: 06:00 PM

The very small town of Port Arthur offers a fascinating introduction into the history and culture of Tasmania—indeed, of Australia as a whole. About a 100-kilometer (62-mile) drive southeast of Hobart, Tasmania's capital, Port Arthur is best known for its past as a penal colony. The Port Arthur convict settlement, which spreads over 40 hectares (100 acres), operated from the 1830s until 1877. Today its stone buildings make up one of several UNESCO-designated Australian Convict Sites on Tasmania. The whalers, miners, farmers and bushrangers who once lived in this region have given way to artists, foodies and rock climbers. The dramatic landscape ties it all together, infusing the identity of the people as well as the incredible food, drink and culture scene, for which Tasmania has become renowned. From the towering sea cliffs around Port Arthur to Hobart's historic Salamanca Place, southeast Tasmania holds much appeal for adventurous travelers. Add in artisan wineries and distilleries—and possibly one of the world's strangest museums—and you have a destination that’s easy to fall in love with.

At sea

Arrives: 12:00 PM
Departs: 11:59 AM

Sydney, Australia

Arrives: 07:00 AM

If you want a snapshot of Australia's appeal, look no further than Sydney: The idyllic lifestyle, friendly locals and drop-dead natural beauty of this approachable metropolis and its attractions explain why the country tops so many travelers' wish lists. But Sydney is more than just the embodiment of classic antipodean cool—the city is in a constant state of evolution. A list of what to do in Sydney might start with the white-hot nightlife, with its new cocktail bars and idiosyncratic mixology dens. Inventive restaurants helmed by high-caliber chefs are dishing up everything from posh pan-Asian to Argentine street food, while the famous dining temples that put Sydney on the gastronomic map are still going strong too.

The famed harbor is among the top sights—home to twin icons the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is the stepping-off point for some of the city's best cultural attractions and sightseeing. In one day you can sail around the harbor, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the opera house and climb the bridge, with time to spare for people-watching over a flat white at a waterfront café.

Speaking of water, when you plan what to do in Sydney, you will want to include the iconic beaches, where surfers, office workers and tourists alike converge on some of the most gorgeous shoreline scenery anywhere. Bondi, Bronte and Clovelly are all within easy reach of the Central Business District, as is Manly, a charming seaside town located a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. Beyond the city you'll discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the chance to encounter Australia's cuddliest wildlife—a perfect way to round out your envy-inducing Sydney photo collection.