Call us or email us if you have any questions.
Scenic shores & island heritage

Sydney, Australia / Sydney, Australia
2026 Sailings in February and December
* Please check with us for dates & pricing
Cruise fare from $19,499.00 per person
* Please check with us for dates & pricing

Sydney, Australia
Embark your ship and settle into your stateroom. Sydney was founded as a penal colony in 1788 and is celebrated for its magnificent natural harbor. It has grown into the major cultural center of Australia, beloved for its all-embracing, free-spirited nature. The cultural jewel in its crown is the iconic Sydney Opera House, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled harborside like a gleaming white bird taking wing. Adjacent, the Royal Botanic Garden displays one of the world’s most important horticultural collections across its 70 acres of flora-lined pathways.
Sail the Australian Coast
Trace the scenic Australian coastline, indigenous people inhabited the continent for 60,000 years prior to European discovery. Enjoy the amenities of your ship as you sail. Perhaps take a breath of fresh air on a brisk walk around the Promenade or begin your day with a workout in the well-equipped Fitness Center.
Brisbane, Australia
The capital of Queensland, Brisbane is situated on its namesake river and spreads over picturesque hills rising from Moreton Bay. One of the oldest cities in Australia, its first European settlers were the secondary offenders from the Sydney penal colony. In addition to its riverside skyscrapers, the city is host to some decidedly less dramatic architecture: the quaint Queenslander homes characterized by their terraces and raised living spaces. Art galleries, museums and beloved musical venues also make the city one of Australia’s most vibrant and active cultural centers.
Shore Excursions – Panoramic Brisbane
Duration: 3 hours
Delight in the many sights of Brisbane and its surrounding areas during a scenic motor coach drive. The capital of Queensland, Australia’s third-largest city is also the state’s historic and cultural mecca, and a major seaport. The winding Brisbane River, lush inner-city parks and eclectic blend of distinctive Queenslander and modern architecture combine to make Brisbane a vibrant city. Your expansive tour will take you past historic Parliament House, the Treasury Building, the old Customs House, the Victorian-era Botanic Gardens and more. Venture beyond the metropolitan and urban areas for an ascent up picturesque Mt. Coot-tha (“Honey Mountain” in the local Aboriginal language). Enjoy panoramic views as Brisbane and its surrounding suburbs spread out 755 feet below you. After time to soak in the sights and take photos, you will return to your awaiting ship.
Sail the Australian Coast
Follow the route of English explorer James Cook, who famously laid eyes on Australia’s “Sunshine Coast” from the deck of the HMS Endeavour. As you sail, take advantage of the array of delicious cuisine offered on board. You may visit Mamsen’s, our casual gourmet deli, any time from early morning to late at night for a taste of traditional Norwegian fare. Or, dine at Manfredi’s and savor an authentic Italian meal, with options ranging from Milanese risotto to Tuscan inspired classics.
Whitsunday Islands, Australia
The Whitsunday archipelago emerges from the Coral Sea amid the Great Barrier Reef. The seafaring Ngaro people called this paradise home until 1870 and hunted these waters in bark canoes. Nature’s brushstrokes are astonishing here: pure-white sands meet cerulean waters, swirling together at sandbars to merge into a palette of turquoise, cream and emerald-green hills. Glassy, invigorating and impossibly blue, the waters provide the ideal oasis for relaxing and idling away a few hours on the beach.
Shore Excursions – Sailing The Whitsundays
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Enjoy a scenic cruise through the Whitsunday Islands on board a chartered catamaran. Board your air-conditioned vessel and settle into your seat as you set out for a journey through the Whitsundays. Based on the weather and water conditions at the time of your visit, your knowledgeable skipper will plot the best course to showcase all the islands have to offer. You will pass iconic resorts and stunning natural scenery, as well as the fringe reefs found around some of the region’s 74 islands. Sip on a complimentary fruit punch while listening to your knowledgeable crew point out historic sites, secluded inlets and impressive rock formations. Keep watch for local wildlife sightings as you learn more about the history and heritage of the islands. At the end of your cruise, you will return to your awaiting ship.
Townsville, Australia
Townsville is the unofficial capital of North Queensland and a favorite cultural center. The city’s location on the banks of the Ross River and along the shores of Cleveland Bay hints at the local love of outdoor life. Riverway, a path-lined green park that traces the Ross, leads walkers and joggers past scenic views and the city’s original wharves and ports. Nearby, The Strand, a tranquil walkway, follows the long tropical beach. And no matter which corner of Townsville you are exploring, the red sandstone monolith of Castle Hill is always in view.
Shore Excursions – Townsville Orientation
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Get to know this culturally rich city on Australia’s northeastern coast—North Queensland’s unofficial capital. Meet your knowledgeable guide and drive through Townsville, admiring its mix of old and new architecture along the way. Arrive at Castle Hill viewpoint, a pink granite monolith that dominates the city’s skyline. Here, enjoy sweeping vistas of the city before heading back into Townsville. Continue your panoramic sightseeing drive, passing city landmarks such as the Strand, a popular 1½-mile-long shoreline development lined with walkways, restaurants and cafés. Enjoy free time for independent exploration at the Strand, whose long strip of tropical beach and lush gardens make it a favorite place for locals to walk and jog, before returning to your awaiting ship.
Shore Excursions – Museum of Tropical Queensland
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Gain insight into North Queensland’s natural splendor and history at the Museum of Tropical Queensland. Surrounded by biodiversity, Townsville sits between the tropical islands of the Great Barrier Reef, lush rainforests and UNESCO World Heritage-listed national parks. You will depart the pier for a short scenic drive to the museum, located in the heart of Townsville. Upon arrival, you will receive a brief orientation, then enjoy free time to explore the galleries and collections at your own pace. You may choose to explore the extensive coral collection and the exhibits that document the region’s development from prehistory to the present day. You can also learn about the local wildlife, as well as the captivating tale of the HMS Pandora, the ill-fated ship sent to capture the HMS Bounty and her mutinous crew. At the end of your visit, you will return to your ship.
Cairns, Australia
Queensland’s seaside resort town, Cairns is the gateway to a rich array of natural beauty onshore and off. Catamarans take marine lovers to the Great Barrier Reef; stretching for 1,400 miles, it is the largest continuous coral reef system on Earth. Inland, the wet tropics have given rise to Daintree and Kuranda National Parks, vast rainforest systems of extraordinary biodiversity and a profusion of birdlife. For all its appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, Cairns’ thriving culture is a pleasure to absorb from the outdoor cafés or along the scenic waterfront promenade.
Shore Excursions – Cairns Aquarium
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Explore the Great Barrier Reef without having to get wet during a visit to the Cairns Aquarium. A world-class venue for observing and interacting with the vast array of flora, fauna and habitats that are endemic to Australia’s wet tropical region, the aquarium’s mission is to protect the biodiversity of the Daintree and Great Barrier Reef ecosystems. Upon arrival at the aquarium, receive a short orientation, then enjoy free time for independent exploration. Expert educators will be positioned throughout the premises to help you learn about the amazing creatures housed here. As part of your tour, Viking is contributing funds to the Turtle Rehabilitation Center and the world’s first living coral biobank, part of the aquarium’s efforts to safeguard all 400 species of Great Barrier Reef hard coral. Afterward, you return to your ship by coach or on foot along the esplanade.
Sail the Coral Sea
Traverse the mineral-rich waters of the Coral Sea, where the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef welcomes divers to explore its spectacular marine life. As you sail today, savor a range of international cuisine on board. Choose from a variety of international flavors at the World Café, enjoy al fresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace, or regional specialties in The Restaurant.
Sail the Arafura Sea
Trace the route of early civilizations as you sail the Arafura Sea. During the Ice Age, entire populations were once able to walk between continents, exchanging languages and customs. As you sail, explore our well-curated Library, tucked in a private alcove of the Living Room, and select from a broad range of titles. Read a book by the Main Pool, a calming oasis in any weather with its retractable roof, allowing for year-round swimming.
Sail the Timor Sea
Follow in the footsteps of Indonesia’s indigenous people and sail the Timor Sea. This stretch of water shares its name with the independent state of East Timor, which lies to its north. Meet fellow guests and listen to the soothing sounds of classical music in the Living Room, an ideal setting for relaxation. Enjoy a cup of coffee or sip on a refreshing cocktail.
Darwin, Australia
Darwin is the cultural hub of the continent’s northernmost region. The laid-back city got its name after the HMS Beagle sailed into the harbor during a surveying expedition in 1839. The famed naturalist Charles Darwin was so esteemed that its captain named this newest discovery for him. Today, it is the largest city in the thinly populated Northern Territory state. It boasts a rich and lively arts and culture scene, much of it centered on the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Its collection of art and artifacts reflects the region and its indigenous people.
Shore Excursions – Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
Duration: 2 hours
Enjoy a panoramic tour of one of Australia’s most successful and engaging multicultural cities. The largest city in the continent’s thinly populated Northern Territory, Darwin is a modern tropical capital with an intimate feel, set on a harbor twice the size of Sydney’s. Its colorful past will enrich your understanding of the Aussie spirit. Meet your guide and drive to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Here, you will enjoy free time to independently explore a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase Darwin’s history. Learn about Aboriginal culture and wildlife as well as the role the town played during World War II. Discover the story behind the devastating cyclone that struck Darwin in the 1970s, and how this event shaped the future of the museum that stands here today. After your visit, you will return to your awaiting ship.
Sail the Timor Sea
Measuring approximately 300 miles wide and reaching a maximum depth of almost 11,000 feet in the Timor Trough, the Timor Sea is home to numerous reefs, uninhabited islands and important underwater deposits of oil and gas. As you sail today, attend an informative lecture or watch a film in our state-of-the-art theater. A range of insightful TED Talks and destination-inspired seminars are offered daily.
Komodo National Park (Slawi Bay), Indonesia
Komodo is one of the world’s most unique and prehistoric-feeling national parks with a magnificent menagerie of wildlife. Its most famous denizen is the legendary Komodo dragon, the largest lizard in the world. These breathtaking creatures can grow up to ten feet long and typically weigh about 150 pounds. Gentler-looking animals also roam, including the island’s graceful Timor deer, beautiful wild horses and stout little boars. Resident giant fruit bats, also known as flying foxes, are a sight to behold with their jet-black capes.
Shore Excursions – Komodo National Park
Duration: 2 hours
Encounter the rare and fearsome Komodo dragon in its natural habitat during this trek on Komodo Island. This National Park, encompassing 26 islands, is home to about 5,700 of these legendary creatures that exist nowhere else on Earth. Relatives of the dinosaur, they are the world’s largest reptiles, able to reach lengths of over ten feet and typically weighing about 150 pounds. Learn about the behavior of these dappled giants, whose tails are as long as their bodies, as you trek among the tamarind and palm trees of the Tamarind Woods. After, browse for mementos before returning to your ship. Note: Guests who have any open wounds or are on their menstrual cycle must inform the guide before departing on the tour. Komodo dragons have an exceptional sense of smell, and although the risk to guests is minimal, the park ranger may request that you stay by their side for the duration of the tour.
Bali (Benoa), Indonesia
With a thriving arts scene, lush beauty and magnificent seaside vistas, Bali has long beckoned travelers in search of ultimate beauty. The island’s rich Hindu culture has forever held that gods live in all things natural—from mountains to streams to pebbles on the beach—lending the island a peaceful air. Denpasar is the island’s thriving capital. Founded as a market town, it still bustles with colorful stalls and vast emporiums selling bright sarongs and intricately patterned batik.
Shore Excursions – Balinese Dance & Hindu Temple
Duration: 4 hours
Explore the rich history and culture of Bali during a dance performance and temple visit. Meet your guide and drive to Denpasar, capital of the province of Bali. Your excursion begins with an exclusive performance of the Barong and Kris Dance, a vivid depiction of the eternal battle between good and evil, told through dazzling costumes, dynamic movements and traditional gamelan music. Next, you will continue to the Bali Museum and browse galleries featuring local art and history. Further your cultural exploration at the 14th-century Pura Maospahit, one of Denpasar’s oldest temples. Here, you will view its red-brick architecture and intricate carvings, a rare example of the Majapahit style that once flourished across Bali. After, return to your motor coach and journey to your awaiting ship.
Bali (Benoa), Indonesia
With its distinct flavors and traditions, Bali’s food culture stands apart from that of the rest of Indonesia. Indigenous ingredients, recipes and techniques blend with influences from the island’s Chinese and Indian heritages to create dishes found nowhere else. For many, a daily ritual may involve shopping for ginger, turmeric and kaffir lime in spice markets or for fruits, vegetables and meats in a pasar pagi. Traditional warungs, tiny family-owned food stands, often specialize in a particular dish, such as babi guling (suckling pig) or bebek betutu (crispy duck).
Shore Excursions – Balinese Dance & Hindu Temple
Duration: 4 hours
Explore the rich history and culture of Bali during a dance performance and temple visit. Meet your guide and drive to Denpasar, capital of the province of Bali. Your excursion begins with an exclusive performance of the Barong and Kris Dance, a vivid depiction of the eternal battle between good and evil, told through dazzling costumes, dynamic movements and traditional gamelan music. Next, you will continue to the Bali Museum and browse galleries featuring local art and history. Further your cultural exploration at the 14th-century Pura Maospahit, one of Denpasar’s oldest temples. Here, you will view its red-brick architecture and intricate carvings, a rare example of the Majapahit style that once flourished across Bali. After, return to your motor coach and journey to your awaiting ship.
Sail the Indian Ocean
Sail the calm waters of the Indian Ocean, used to transport gold, myrrh, pottery, grain, dates and countless other products for more than 7,000 years. Renew your body, mind and spirit in our Scandinavian-inspired Spa, a Nordic sanctuary of holistic wellness, today while at sea. Whether you unwind in the Sauna, refresh in the Snow Grotto or take a dip in the Thermal Pool, you will feel recharged and revitalized.
Perth (Fremantle), Australia
Culture-rich Perth is located along the banks of the Swan River just before it flows into the Indian Ocean. While other settlements were established as penal outposts, Perth was founded as a true British colony. The city’s 19th century gold rush days were followed by the completion of the continental railroad, opening new economic opportunity. Today, Perth is home to one of the largest city parks in the world, Kings Park and Botanic Garden. This massive swath of green space covers almost 1,000 acres, hosting planned gardens, untamed bushland and 80 species of birds.
Shore Excursions – Snapshots of Perth & Fremantle
Duration: 4 hours
Enjoy a panoramic drive through Fremantle and Perth and a leisurely stroll through a stunning botanical garden. Travel comfortably by coach through the bustling, dynamic port city of Fremantle, known for its lively food and art scene, nautical ties and proud working-class roots. Visit Perth, the capital of Western Australia, anchored by the broad Swan River flowing past the city’s skyscrapers and out to the Indian Ocean. Enjoy free time to explore one of the world’s largest inner-city parks and the jewel in the city’s crown, Kings Park and Botanic Garden. Overlooking Perth, the park showcases an outstanding collection of Western Australian flora, including a mighty 750-year-old boab tree. With almost 100 acres of both cultivated gardens and untamed bushland containing 319 species of native plants and around 80 bird species, it is a place of relaxation, recreation and natural wonder.
Shore Excursions – Fremantle on Foot & the Maritime Museum
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Stroll through Fremantle and visit the coastal city’s renowned museum for Western Australia’s seafaring history. Travel to Perth’s sister city, where you will meet your guide and walk through streets lined with historic buildings, quaint cafes and vibrant street art. Once a bustling whaling port and gateway for mass immigration, Fremantle has become a celebrated haven of culture and history. Learn about the UNESCO Site, Fremantle Prison, built by nearly 10,000 men exiled from Britain and Ireland. Stop at the renowned, sail-shaped Maritime Museum overlooking the Indian Ocean. Here you can delve into Fremantle’s maritime history through exhibits featuring some of the most awe-inspiring vessels in maritime history, including the famous America’s Cup-winning yacht, Australia II, and an Oberon-class submarine. Afterward, you will return to your awaiting ship.
Perth (Fremantle), Australia
Perth is a food and wine lover’s paradise. With the fertile Swan Valley and the Perth Hills nearby, the city’s eateries serve fresh, locally sourced ingredients year-round. The region’s Mediterranean-like climate and Indian Ocean breezes provide ideal conditions for prolific farming. And the boutique shops of Perth have the best of the bounty on offer: gourmet cheeses, chocolates, nuts, coffees and fine wines ranging from a bold Shiraz to a fruity Verdelho. Artisanal brews are also available as the continent’s western reaches were the birthplace of the craft beer scene.
Shore Excursions – Snapshots of Perth & Fremantle
Duration: 4 hours
Enjoy a panoramic drive through Fremantle and Perth and a leisurely stroll through a stunning botanical garden. Travel comfortably by coach through the bustling, dynamic port city of Fremantle, known for its lively food and art scene, nautical ties and proud working-class roots. Visit Perth, the capital of Western Australia, anchored by the broad Swan River flowing past the city’s skyscrapers and out to the Indian Ocean. Enjoy free time to explore one of the world’s largest inner-city parks and the jewel in the city’s crown, Kings Park and Botanic Garden. Overlooking Perth, the park showcases an outstanding collection of Western Australian flora, including a mighty 750-year-old boab tree. With almost 100 acres of both cultivated gardens and untamed bushland containing 319 species of native plants and around 80 bird species, it is a place of relaxation, recreation and natural wonder.
Shore Excursions – Fremantle on Foot & the Maritime Museum
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Stroll through Fremantle and visit the coastal city’s renowned museum for Western Australia’s seafaring history. Travel to Perth’s sister city, where you will meet your guide and walk through streets lined with historic buildings, quaint cafes and vibrant street art. Once a bustling whaling port and gateway for mass immigration, Fremantle has become a celebrated haven of culture and history. Learn about the UNESCO Site, Fremantle Prison, built by nearly 10,000 men exiled from Britain and Ireland. Stop at the renowned, sail-shaped Maritime Museum overlooking the Indian Ocean. Here you can delve into Fremantle’s maritime history through exhibits featuring some of the most awe-inspiring vessels in maritime history, including the famous America’s Cup-winning yacht, Australia II, and an Oberon-class submarine. Afterward, you will return to your awaiting ship.
Busselton, Australia
Located on the south shore of Geographe Bay, Busselton was settled by the Bussell family during the early 1830s. Traditionally focused on agriculture and cattle ranching, the city is also a popular resort destination, renowned for its sheltered beaches, mild climate and the nearby Margaret River wine region. Its charming beachfront features the 19th-century Busselton Jetty; the longest wooden pier in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching 6,000 feet into the bay and culminating at the Underwater Observatory, where visitors can view a vibrant coral reef.
Shore Excursions – Busselton Jetty
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Discover life beneath the waves during a guided tour of the Busselton Jetty Underwater Observatory. Board your jetty train for the transfer along the longest wooden pier in the Southern Hemisphere; it stretches 6,000 feet into Geographe Bay. Upon arrival at the Underwater Observatory, descend more than 25 feet below the water’s surface for 360-degree views of a vibrant coral reef. Admire the brightly colored corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates in their natural habitat through the 11 viewing windows of the observation chamber. Learn how life here changes with the seasons and listen to the sound of crashing waves through an underwater microphone. At the end of your tour, you can walk back across the jetty or board the Stocker Preston Express electric jetty train to return to your ship.
Shore Excursions – Marine Discovery Center & Busselton Museum
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Learn about local marine life and heritage during visits to a marine education center and the Busselton Museum. Meet your guide and set out on foot for the Marine Discovery Centre, an education space dedicated to Western Australia’s oceans. Step inside to explore multimedia exhibits, listen to ambient whale song and gain insight into Geographe Bay’s diverse ecosystems as you view underwater footage. After, continue to the Busselton Museum, housed in the heritage-listed Old Butter Factory Complex beside the Vasse River. Here, nine themed rooms showcase Busselton’s development through photographs, artifacts and machinery from the dairy, timber and maritime industries. Explore the exhibits with your guide, including a reconstructed settler’s cottage, a schoolhouse and a replica of the Busselton Jetty Rotunda. After time to discover more on your own, return to your awaiting ship on foot.
Sail the Indian Ocean
Long before the Portuguese, the Greeks and Romans sailed the Indian Ocean to establish trade with southern India. The Tamils exported spices, silk and exotic animals, which can be seen in the mosaics of ancient Roman villas. As you sail today, relax in the Explorers’ Lounge, inspired by epic journeys of discovery. Marvel at the views through the two-story panoramic windows as you share a cocktail with friends, or settle down to read a book.
Albany, Australia
Western Australia’s southernmost city, Albany was the first settlement in the state of Western Australia. The city was established in 1826 as a military garrison to defend against possible French encroachment on the Crown’s new colonies. Before long, it also served as a penal colony. Throughout its first 70 years, Albany enjoyed prosperity as home to the colony’s only deepwater port. As other ports opened, agriculture, timber and whaling sustained the city. Stone churches and other public buildings exude a distinctly British charm, many boasting English garden landscaping.
Shore Excursions – Explore Albany
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Stroll through Western Australia’s southernmost city and discover its history in the local museums. Perched on Princess Royal Harbor, Albany is steeped in fascinating stories of its Aboriginal owners—and later, convicts, sailors and whalers. Overlooking the harbor, the Museum of the Great Southern explores the history of the indigenous Noongar people, tales of the early settlers and the region’s unique natural landscape, flora and fauna. The Albany Convict Jail and museum also offers you an intriguing glimpse into Albany’s past. This complex was originally built in 1852 for imperial convicts shipped to Western Australia as artisans and skilled laborers. Cells, wardens’ quarters and the Great Hall hold exhibits illustrating the varied uses of the facility throughout its history—from a colonial prison to a police lockup during the Great Depression. Finally, learn how local residents are harnessing eco-friendly energy at a wind farm. Gaze upon these enormous engineering marvels, powered by the Indian Ocean breezes.
Sail the Great Australian Bight
Australia’s south-central coast boasts dramatic vistas of the wide Nullarbor Plain and towering oceanside cliffs. From the sea, the striated limestone walls seem to stand guard like sentries watching over the Great Australian Bight, the massive open bay that stretches some 720 miles along the continent’s southern shore. This is one of the largest bights in the world. Today, much of this rich marine ecosystem comprises the Great Australian Bight Marine National Park, designated to protect the calving grounds of the southern right whale and the Australian sea lion. Admire the views as you sail today and enjoy an al fresco dining experience. The Aquavit Terrace serves a range of International fare and casual dining favorites, as well as a range of superb cocktails inspired by our destinations.
Adelaide, Australia
The oldest European settlement on the mainland and one of the continent’s few cities without a penal past, Adelaide is Australia’s unsung center of high culture, history and beauty. Often called a “city within a park,” almost half of Adelaide comprises green spaces, from the lush flora and gurgling fountains of the Adelaide Botanic Garden to the Japanese-style retreat at Adelaide Himeji Garden. The surrounding Mount Lofty Ranges enhance the city’s close-to-nature atmosphere, and its progressive politics contribute to its oft-cited standing as Australia’s most livable city.
Shore Excursions – Panoramas of Adelaide
Duration: 4 hours
Journey through South Australia’s cosmopolitan coastal capital and visit the mainland’s oldest European settlement. With a burgeoning entertainment scene, world-class art and music, and a festival calendar that rivals those of other Aussie cities, Adelaide is not to be missed. Enjoy a panoramic drive past some of the city’s renowned landmarks, including the University of Adelaide, the famed Adelaide Botanic Garden, the Adelaide Festival Center and historic St. Peter’s Cathedral. Then, enjoy free time at Rundle Mall, a vibrant pedestrian shopping precinct with more than 1,000 retailers and service providers for fashion, beauty and food. Later, depart for the beach town of Glenelg. Established in 1836 and named after Lord Glenelg, British Secretary of State for War and the Colonies, this village on the shores of Holdfast Bay is the oldest European settlement on mainland South Australia.
Scenic Sailing: Bass Strait
Separating mainland Australia from the island of Tasmania, the Bass Strait was discovered by British explorers George Bass and Matthew Flinders in 1799. This discovery allowed merchants and explorers to cut 700 miles off their journeys from Europe or India. The largest archipelago in the waterway’s eastern reaches, the Furneaux Islands, once formed a land bridge between Tasmania and Australia. In the strait’s western region, King Island hosts several settlements and is on the migration route of several bird species.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne has been called the world’s most livable city. It enjoys a scenic setting on the large bay of Port Phillip. Soon after Queen Victoria declared it a city of the Crown in 1847, the rush to find gold in its rivers made it one of the world’s largest and wealthiest cities. Today, it is celebrated as the country’s cultural capital of the arts and exudes a rich and lively British flair, from its narrow shopping lanes to the fanciful Victorian buildings along Collins Street. A literal slice of England can be found within 64 acres of beautiful blooms at Fitzroy Gardens.
Shore Excursions – Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria & Shrine of Remembrance
Duration: 4 hours
Explore two of Melbourne’s most important sights and admire the city’s beauty, culture and history. You will visit the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, a striking green oasis in the heart of Melbourne. Covering 38 hectares, it features more than 31 collections of plants presented as living works of art. Take a guided tour, then enjoy free time to explore on your own. Cross the street to pay your respects at the revered Shrine of Remembrance, one of the city’s most stunning landmarks. Discover the real-life stories of Australians in wartime and view breathtaking vistas of the memorial gardens and the city. Afterward, set out on a scenic drive through Melbourne. Pass magnificent buildings, such as the fortress-like Old Treasury Building and Parliament House, and the marvelous string of High Victorian Gothic buildings along Collins Street while en route to your ship.
Burnie, Australia
Burnie sits on Emu Bay, an inlet of the Bass Strait, at the mouth of the Emu River. Founded in 1827, it was later named after William Burnie, the director of Van Diemen’s Land Company. One of Tasmania’s largest cities, its deepwater harbor makes it an important commercial center. The city is also a gateway to Tasmania’s rugged natural beauty, including Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Part of the Tasmanian World Heritage Wilderness Area, the park is a breathtaking landscape of trails, streams, ancient pines and wildlife set in the shadow of jagged Cradle Mountain.
Shore Excursions – Scenic Coastline of Tasmania
Duration: 3 hours
Admire stunning views of Tasmania’s northern coastline during a panoramic drive. Board your motor coach with your guide and set out along the coastal Bass Highway. Take in the sights, including rugged cliffs and beautiful beaches, as your guide shares stories about living in this remote part of Tasmania. Learn about the fertile lands that surround Burnie, which make it an ideal location for growing a variety of crops, including potatoes and poppies. Depending on the time of your visit, you may see fields of white poppies stretching off into the distance. Gaze out at the picturesque landscape during a stop at Table Cape Lighthouse Lookout, where you will have an opportunity to take unforgettable photos. At the end of your excursion, you will return to your ship.
Sail the Gippsland Coast
Trace one of Australia’s most scenic regions along the southeastern shore of the continent on the Bass Strait. Spend a relaxing day at sea to unwind and admire the vistas from your stateroom veranda.
Eden, Australia
Eden was an important port for Australia’s powerful whaling industry for more than a century. The whalers who operated out of Eden had an advantage over their competitors. In a unique example of mutualism, a local pod of orcas, apocryphally led by Old Tom, would assist in the hunt by herding the whales into nearby bays for easy dispatching by the whalers, in exchange for an easy meal. Today, the town’s focus is on whale conservation, but its intriguing whaling history is on display at the Eden Killer Whale Museum, including the skeleton of Old Tom.
Shore Excursions – Scenery of the Sapphire Coast
Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes
Visit Eden and its surrounding villages that lie along the scenic Sapphire Coast. Meet your guide and set out on a drive along some of Australia’s best coastal districts. These sheltered waters are home to the award-winning oysters of the Sapphire Coast. During a stroll through the streets of Pambula, explore the history of the town and witness the colonial-era buildings that line the main street. At the Eden Killer Whale Museum, learn more about the town’s heritage and how Eden is now leading the way to protect local marine life. Hear the story of Old Tom, Eden’s most famous orca, and how he established a unique arrangement with human whalers. To alert them of the presence of baleen whales in the bay, he would breach and slap his tail at the mouth of the Towamba River. Old Tom’s skeleton is now on display at the museum.
Sydney, Australia
Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of our extensions.
*14 Guided Tours: One shore excursion included per port; all others available at an extra charge.