Our Ultimate Guide to Australia Cruises

• Iconic Destinations: Discover the best Australian ports, from Sydney’s sparkling harbour to the tropical wonders of Cairns

• Coastal Adventures: Learn how cruising lets you explore the Great Barrier Reef, pristine beaches, and unique wildlife with ease

• Seamless Journeys: Find out how to plan your perfect Australian cruise, including shore excursions, cruise lines, and insider tips

Australia is a land of diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife.

Cruising along its vast coastline offers the perfect way to experience the country’s highlights while enjoying comfort and convenience on the water.

From the bustling harbours of Sydney and Melbourne to the remote beauty of the Kimberley region, an Australian cruise combines adventure, relaxation, and discovery.

Why Cruise Around Australia?

Cruising in Australia allows you to see more of the country without the hassle of frequent flights or long road trips.

Modern cruise ships offer all the amenities you need, including fine dining, entertainment, wellness facilities, and organised excursions.

Shore trips range from city sightseeing to nature adventures, making it simple to experience the country’s iconic attractions, wildlife, and hidden gems.

Australia’s coastline spans thousands of kilometres, so cruise itineraries cater to a wide range of preferences.

Whether you prefer short trips visiting one or two ports, or extended voyages exploring remote regions, there’s an Australian cruise to suit every traveller.

Top Ports and Destinations

Sydney

Home to the world-famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney is often the starting point for Australian cruises. Explore the city’s beaches, gardens, and vibrant neighbourhoods, or take a harbour cruise for a different perspective of the skyline.

Melbourne

Known for its arts, food, and coffee culture, Melbourne offers city tours, trips along the Great Ocean Road, and nearby wildlife experiences like Phillip Island’s penguin parade.

Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

Cruises to northern Australia often include Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkelling or diving among colourful coral and marine life is a highlight, along with rainforest excursions in the Daintree and Kuranda regions.

Brisbane and the Gold Coast

Queensland’s east coast offers sunny beaches, theme parks, and river tours. Brisbane is a lively city for culture and dining, while the Gold Coast is perfect for families or watersport enthusiasts.

Darwin and the Kimberley

Northern Australia is known for dramatic landscapes, remote wilderness, and Indigenous culture. Kimberley cruises reveal ancient gorges, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, often accessible only by sea.

Hobart and Tasmania

Southern cruises include Hobart, the gateway to Tasmania’s rugged beauty. Highlights include MONA, the island’s historic sites, and wilderness treks in national parks.

Things to Do on an Australian Cruise

Snorkel or Dive the Great Barrier Reef

Experience one of the world’s most iconic underwater ecosystems. Swim among vibrant coral gardens, colourful fish, sea turtles, and manta rays.

Many cruises offer guided reef tours, glass-bottom boat excursions, or scuba diving packages for both beginners and experienced divers.

Wildlife Encounters

Australia’s unique fauna including kangaroos, koalas, wombats, various birds and marine animals like dolphins, turtles and reef fish can be encountered near coastal or rural ports.

Some shore excursions include sanctuaries, guided nature walks or wildlife spotting cruises.

City Exploration

Cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane offer a rich mix of history, culture, food, shopping and urban attractions.

Cruise stopovers allow time to explore harbours, museums, local food scenes, city beaches and nightlife.

Scenic Coastal Drives and Tours

From the Great Ocean Road to rainforest tours near tropical ports, many shore excursions combine coastal landscapes with natural features. Guided tours often include historical or cultural insights.

Adventure and Hiking

For active travellers, remote destinations like parts of Western Australia, Tasmania or the Kimberley provide hiking, wilderness treks and rugged scenery. Some expedition cruises offer guided walking tours or adventure packages.

Island Hopping

Australia offers islands and coastal spots accessible only by sea. From tropical reef islands to secluded beaches, these stops provide a mix of relaxation, water activities and natural beauty.

Cruise Lines That Sail Around Australia

Several cruise lines offer Australian itineraries, catering to different styles of travel:

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers premium sailings along the Australian coastline and to New Zealand. Ships call at major cities, reef regions, and islands, often including overnight stays.

Onboard, passengers enjoy high quality dining, entertainment, and modern amenities. This line is ideal for travellers looking for a combination of comfort, city exploration, and nature adventures.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises offers a range of itineraries along the Australian coast, including extended voyages to northern and southern ports as well as combined Australia and New Zealand trips. Onboard, passengers enjoy comfortable cabins, fine dining, entertainment and well organised shore excursions.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean operates cruises along the east coast of Australia and to nearby islands. Ships combine city stops with natural highlights, including reef regions and beaches. Passengers can enjoy extensive onboard facilities, entertainment, dining options and a range of organised excursions for all ages.

Planning Your Australian Cruise

When planning an Australian cruise, consider the following:

• Season: Summer (December to February) is ideal for southern ports, while northern regions are best visited during the dry season (May to October).

• Itinerary: Decide whether you want a coastal hop visiting major cities or an adventure to remote regions like the Kimberley.

• Excursions: Pre-book guided shore trips for popular destinations to secure spots at attractions, reef tours, or wildlife experiences.

• Cruise Line: Choose a cruise operator that suits your style, whether family-friendly, small ship expedition, or full-service luxury.

An Australian cruise is an unforgettable way to experience the country’s most famous sights, remote natural wonders, and vibrant cities in one seamless journey.

From snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef to exploring iconic harbours and discovering secluded beaches, cruising makes it easy.

Speak to a cruise consultant today to plan your ideal Australian adventure and find the perfect itinerary for your next holiday.