What to expect on an Australian cruise

During a cruise to Australia, you’ll encounter unique wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and opportunities for adventure around every corner.

Why choose Australia for a cruise?

Many of Australia’s top sites and cities lie along its picturesque coastline, meaning a cruise to Australia is a perfect way to sample the best of what the country has to offer. From cosmopolitan cities to awe-inspiring natural beauty, Australia is a land packed with regions, each one shaped by the cultural heritage and history of the country.

Landscape

Australia cruise history

Cruises to Australia began in what many refer to as the ‘Golden Age of Cruising,’ in the 1950s. While once an experience reserved for the rich and famous, or a chance for a new life for immigrants from the UK after World War II, as more and more cruise lines emerged, cruises to Australia became a popular holiday option for all manner of guests. Cunard ships have been visiting Australia for decades, and today Queen Elizabeth's visits are a popular sight for many locals on the Australian coast.

Australian cruise ports

Sydney

The largest city in Australia, Sydney is iconic with its harbour-front, scenic mountain vistas, white sandy beaches, and exquisite food, it's easy to see why Sydney is such a popular destination.

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Airlie Beach

With waters that radiate turquoise intensity, sands as white as snow and forests the colour of emeralds, the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays are the definition of paradise - so beautiful you’ll hesitate to leave.

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Brisbane

Brisbane is a large but charming city. Here you'll have the opportunity to meet some of the weird and wonderful creatures at Australia Zoo or simply relax on the postcard- perfect beaches of the Gold Coast.

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Australia cruise sights

The Great Barrier Reef

Sydney Opera House

Tasmania

Australia cruise highlights

Circumnavigation

Australia cruises throughout the year

Australia boasts some of the most stunning natural topography that Mother Nature has to offer, and a visit from November to March will provide pleasant weather if a little interchangeable in the summer months. 

 

Summer - December, January and February

 

The Australian summer, these months are filled with sunny, warm days - ideal for spending time lounging on the soft white sands. The tropical north can see some heavy rain during the wet season (November to April).

 

Spring - March, April and May

 

See the landscape transform from lush green to brilliant hues of orange, sapphire red, and shimmering gold as the temperatures cool. It can be a little wet in the tropical north, but the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, and the Sunshine coast still boast plenty of dazzling sun. 

 

Winter - June, July and August

 

During the winter, the south brings ample opportunities for skiing in the Australian Alps while the northern parts of the country offer warm days with low humidity and excellent water temperatures – ideal for exploring. 

 

Autumn - September, October and November

 

Sunny days and cool nights characterise Australian spring, with wildflowers in full bloom, creating a spectacular display of colour across the country. 

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