Since it is a giant island, one can imagine all of the opportunities available for cruising Australia. Australia cruises can range from simple day-trip experiences to see the reef, or do some whale watching, to multiple-day, or multiple country, sightseeing adventures. Here’s a brief run-down of the options available for cruising Australia.
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Sydney – Sydney Harbour Cruises
A Sydney Harbour cruise gives you the opportunity to sit back and relax while taking in glorious views of the famous Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Cruises vary from simple rides to those with full dinners and even live shows. It is a popular day-trip activity from Sydney.
Cairns – Great Barrier Reef Cruises
Cairns is the most popular location to catch a ride to the Great Barrier Reef. Cruises can be a simple day excursion for diving and snorkeling, or even multiple-day diving adventures. You can read about my trip to the reef with a Sunlover Reef Cruise.
Airlie Beach – Sailing the Whitsundays
The Whitsunday Islands are a favorite location to sail or cruise for both Aussies and tourists alike. You can go sailing for just a day-trip, but to see more of the islands, it is best to stay for a few. Read more about sailing the Whitsundays.
Hervey Bay – Whale Watching Cruises
Hervey Bay is a very hot spot to go humpback whale watching from the late fall to the late spring months. You can simply do a whale watching tour, or combine that activity with a Fraser Island getaway.
P&O Cruises offers travelers the opportunity to cruise around Australia (New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific Islands as well) while stopping at many ports of call along the way. You can partake in quick 2 day runs from Sydney to Newcastle, or take an epic 17 day tour around the top of Australia. Visit site >>
Coral Princess Cruises offers travelers a chance to experience the Great Barrier Reef, the Top End and the Kimberley in Australia on multiple-day tours. This company also operates cruises to New Zealand and some pacific islands. Visit site >>
CruiseDirect.com is a great place to search for discount cruises that have Australia as a destination. These can include both national and international cruises that have Australia as a departure point, destination or simple stopover in the middle.
Discount fares always seem to pop up, either as last-minute or off-season deals. Checking your preferred cruise line from time to time can never hurt, and it might save you a bit of cash.
As always, be sure to double check what comes with the cruise (meals, drinks, entertainment, port fees, etc) in order to ensure you know how much you are looking to spend in advance. You don’t want to be stuck on-board and not have the funds to produce the best time possible.
Prices will also vary depending on your choice of accommodation. If you’re seeking a room with a nice view, then that will obviously cost a lot more than choosing a room inside the ship with multiple other people.
