Brisbane, Australia - Australia & New Zealand Cruises

Your experience will begin with a visit to Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. A brief tour of the facilities will provide a behind the scenes insight into the work of a dedicated rescue team who collect sick, injured and orphaned koalas and other native wildlife.

Nearby to the hospital is Australia Zoo which was established by the late ‘Crocodile Hunter’, Steve Irwin and is still run by his enthusiastic family. It is one of Australia’s leading environmental organisations, committed to the preservation of Australian wildlife and their habitat. You will have around three hours to explore the many enclosures at your own leisure. Discover the large numbers of native animals including freshwater and saltwater crocodiles, kangaroos, elephants, tigers and wombats. You will have the chance to meet the cuddly koalas, view majestic birds of prey and feed kangaroos, elephants or camels (food at your own expense).

The Zoo’s latest addition is their totally wild Africa exhibit. The open-plains are home to giraffe, zebra and rhinos. You’ll have the opportunity to watch these fascinating animals from onboard the special Africa Safari Shuttle. There will also be daily animal presentations. The highlight is the live crocodile show, where the crocodiles launch a strike from the water’s edge in the purpose built ‘Crocoseum’. A truly unforgettable day out.


This excursion will operate by coach. Please check on arrival at the zoo for details of the crocodile show, animal talks, feeding times and presentation schedules. The tour is unguided therefore walking is at guests' own discretion. The terrain is mostly flat pavement and there is a trolley train which runs continuously around the zoo. Guests with limited mobility can rent a motorized scooter for AUD$25 (payable on arrival). The zoo is fully wheelchair accessible.

Embark on a drive through some of the outer suburbs of Brisbane before crossing the iconic Story Bridge with its amazing views of the city.

At the boat pier, you will board the grand timber Mississippi style paddle steamer for a cruise along Brisbane River, through the heart of Brisbane and the Wharf Area. Listen to the informative commentary that will introduce you to the city’s landmarks, its culture and people. View the multimillion-dollar mansions on the river at Norman Park, the historic building of Shafston House at Kangaroo Point and the Story Bridge. Marvel at the eclectic mix of historic and modern architecture, and travel past the extensive South Bank Parklands, developed on the site of 1988 World Expo. Savour a light morning tea as you experience the ambience and atmosphere aboard this majestic paddle steamer.
Before returning to the ship, a brief coach tour of Brisbane’s in-land sights will complete your overview of this fascinating city.


This excursion will operate by coach and paddle steamer. There is a walk of 500 yards from the coach to the paddle steamer and approximately three steps to board the vessel. If you wish to access the sun deck a further ten steps will need to be negotiated.

The Gold Coast is a major tourist destination with its sunny subtropical climate, surfing beaches, canal and waterway systems, its high-rise dominated skyline and rainforest hinterland.

You will have approximately five hours at your leisure to discover the Gold Coast district of Surfers Paradise. Browse through the many shops and designer arcades, enjoy a luncheon of Aussie fish and chips or sit in one of the many chic beachside restaurants. Soak up the sun's rays as you relax on the famous dazzling beach and enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea.

After a day of discovering the magic of the Gold Coast the coach will be waiting to bring you back to the ship.


BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach. The journey to the Gold Coast takes approximately 1½ hours. Walking is at guests’ own discretion. The transfer service to and from the ship is included but any other costs will be at guests’ own expense. Please remember to bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen and local currency. Guests who wish to swim must stay within the flagged area. Independent suppliers on the beach may offer watersports, these are provided by parties unconnected to Cunard and are payable direct.

Brisbane has the look of a city that has recently grown-up. Much of the old and unsightly has been bulldozed and replaced with glittering glass and concrete towers, hotels and paved shopping malls.

On this leisurely drive around the cosmopolitan and lively City of Brisbane, you will have the opportunity to see many sights including the historical buildings of Parliament House, the Treasury Building, Customs House and the City Hall.

Continuing on to Mount Coot-tha look-out, you will be able to enjoy an unequalled panoramic view over the city’s modern, sleek skyscrapers and picturesque suburb. On a clear day you can see as far as the Glass House Mountains to the North, the Gold Coast Hinterland to the South and Moreton and Stradbroke Islands to the East.

Your journey will take you past South Bank Parklands, a 42-acre sub-tropical park built on the site of the 1988 World Expo, to Kangaroo Point Cliffs. A brief stop here will provide a vista of the city skyline with the meandering Brisbane River below.

The unusual blend of historic buildings, modern architecture and lush inner city parks make this a city not to be missed.


This excursion will operate by coach. All sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach with photography stops along the way.

Board your River Cruiser for a relaxing cruise along the sunny shores and canals of the Gold Coast.

Enjoy refreshments of a delicious Devonshire tea as you pass the beautiful sites of the Gold Coast Waterway canal system and broadwater. You will see Marina Mirage, Seaworld and Palazzo Versace, Australia's only six star hotel. View some of the world's most beautiful high-rise apartments and the ever-changing Surfers Paradise skyline from the comfort of an air-conditioned canal cruiser.

On arrival at Surfers Paradise, there will be approximately 1½ hours of free time to enable you to discover the famous resort your own leisure. There is plenty to see and do, you may wish to browse through the many shops and designer arcades, take a dip in the refreshing sea or relax and soak up the sun at this premier beach location.


BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach and motor-cruiser. There are a few steps to negotiate to board the canal boat and ten steps to access the upper deck. The cruise lasts approximately 1½ hours and is not exclusive to Cunard. The return journey by coach takes 1½ hours. Luncheon is not included to allow maximum flexibility – there are many cafés and restaurants at Surfers Paradise. Guests are reminded to swim between the flags on the beach, to take swimwear, a towel and sunscreen. There are limited changing facilities available.

Take a leisurely drive through the city, where you will pass the Botanical Gardens, the historic Parliament House, the Treasury Building, City Hall and Old Customs House. See the South Bank Parklands and Cultural Centre, which combine the State's Art Gallery, Performing Arts Complex, Museum and Library in a splendid riverside setting. Before arriving at the Koala Sanctuary, stop at Mt Coot-tha Lookout to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, founded in 1927, is the world's oldest and largest Koala Sanctuary and contains over 130 koalas. Set in beautiful, natural surroundings, the sanctuary is also home to many other species of native Australian wildlife including Kangaroos, Tasmanian Devils, Wombats, Echidnas, Kookaburras, Emus, Cassowarys, various species of Reptiles and a Platypus.

You may wish to hold and have your photograph taken cuddling a Koala (additional expense payable locally), or hand feed the kangaroos and wallabies that roam freely around the grounds. There are daily talks, shows and presentations given throughout the visit to teach you more about these unusual animals.


This excursion will operate by coach. The visit to the Sanctuary is unguided therefore walking is at guests' own discretion. The terrain consists of pavements, a slated wooden boardwalk and compacted gravel/turf. Guests with colds or flu are advised not to handle the koalas. Please check on arrival at the sanctuary for the times of the daily shows.

From Brisbane you will head south to the famous Gold Coast, where you will find Q1 Resort, one of the world’s tallest residential towers. A stop will be made to allow you to take the elevator up 77 floors to the Skypoint, Australia's only beachside observation deck, located at the top. Rising a sheer 755 feet into the sky you will be able to take in the 360 degree views of the Gold Coast that extend from the surf to the hinterland and beyond. After the amazing views from above, rejoin your coach and listen as your guide points out many of the interesting city sights before arriving at the Palazzo Versace.

Palazzo Versace is the evolution of the Versace lifestyle, a place of Renaissance splendour and elegance in a location of breathtaking beauty. In a spectacular waterfront setting, every aspect of architecture, ambience, furnishings and ornamentation reflects the level of opulence once confined to the grand hotels of Europe. Enjoy a delicious high tea of scones with jam and cream, selected cakes and finger sandwiches together with your choice of tea or coffee in one of the hotel’s stylish rooms.

After your high tea, you will have free time to explore the boutique shopping strip of Marina Mirage, which is located next to Palazzo Versace. Alternatively you may take a stroll along the beautiful beach front.


This excursion will operate by coach. Walking is at guests' own discretion. There will be approximately 45 minutes of free time at Marina Mirage. This excursion is not recommended for guests who do not like heights.