This morning Cardwells will
take you down to the Cruise Terminal in Melbourne. Go through formalities and
then sit back and relax on the Luxury Cruise liner Queen Elizabeth. Britain’s
high-end cruise line and is known for luxury and its links to royalty. The
Queen Mother, Princess Diana, and Queen Elizabeth II all visited Cunard ships
over the years, and the Queen Elizabeth ship was even named after the royal
herself.
At Sea
The stunning harbour city,
Sydney, is Australia’s oldest and largest urban centre. Gold mining and sheep
breeding propelled Sydney’s development, and today it’s the largest port in the
entire South Pacific. Mark Twain called it "the wonder of the world”. Blessed
with a natural harbour, countless golden beaches and world-class restaurants,
Sydney is a dazzling metropolis and international gateway to Australia’s east
coast. The city is famed for the quality of its outdoor living, yet a visit
here offers more than a chance to soak up the sun. The Sydney Harbour Bridge,
world-famous Opera House and the constant bustle of the harbour itself make
Sydney one of the world’s most dynamic destinations. Venturing outside the
capital of New South Wales unlocks mysterious protected coves, miles of sandy
beaches and the dramatic landscape of the breath-taking Blue Mountains. For
spectacular 360-degree views, ascend Sydney Harbour Bridge’s south-east pylon
from which Sydney Opera House and The Rocks - one of the city’s liveliest
precincts and home to the Museum of Sydney and Museum of Contemporary Art - are
visible. The Sydney Aquarium, National Maritime Museum and the Chinese Garden
of Friendship can be found in Darling Harbour, with Chinatown also nearby. The
Australian Museum, ranked one of the top five history museums in the world, is
ideal for anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge of Australia’s aboriginal
heritage. Alternatively, escape the city’s hustle at Sydney’s Royal Botanic
Gardens. Incorporating Government House and the Conservatorium of Music, this
sprawling parkland offers 24 hectares of native exotic trees. Those unfamiliar
with Sydney may be surprised by the sophistication of the city’s culinary
scene. Sydney offers myriad dining experiences drawing on both eastern and
western influences, along with restaurants producing some of the most
innovative nouveau cuisine in the world. Thai, Vietnamese, Indian and Korean
restaurants are abundant in the city while Italian, Greek, Lebanese and the
cuisines of central Europe are also popular. If you’re seeking a central spot
to stop and grab a bite around lunchtime, Circular Quay - wedged between the
Opera House and The Rocks - is a bustling precinct jammed with quality
restaurants offering quayside dining.
At Sea
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. Your
guide to Airlie Beach (Whitsunday Islands).Sandwiched between the coast of
Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday’s beaches rank among the
best in the world. In Airlie Beach itself, you’ll find a laid-back coastal town
with surf boutiques, charming souvenir markets and inviting bistros serving a
plethora of seafood. Its star attraction, however, is a swimming lagoon of
mirage-like proportions. Be sure to wear your swimmers or you’ll kick yourself
when you see it. Balancing tradition with modernity, Airlie Beach offers a
diverse selection of cultural sites and experiences, both along the beautiful
coast and inland. The section of the long Shute Harbour Road is the centre of
activity, with ticket agencies, information centres, restaurants, cafés and
shops to entice you. Conway National Park, a short distance off the road to
Shute Harbour, offers several scenic walks, while Airlie Beach and the
Whitsunday Islands are renowned for the opportunities to snorkel and scuba
dive. The Whitsunday Islands can be reached by ferry from Airlie Beach in
minutes and offer wonderful opportunities to see tropical fish and coral reefs
up close.
Laid-back Cairns is located in
the tropical Far North of Queensland. It’s the remarkable gateway to the World
Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, a spectacular location renowned for
snorkelling and diving amongst kaleidoscopic marine life and coral. A mecca for
divers and a haven for lovers of the great outdoors, Cairns is a unique city
and home to two World Heritage sites – the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree
National Park. A visit to Cairns offers an ultimate tropical discovery. Cairns’
cruise port is situated next to the vibrant city centre. Here you’ll find
extensive shopping and dining experiences, and direct access to the Great
Barrier Reef and World Heritage Tropical Rainforests. Top landmarks and sights
in Cairns. Cairns boasts an array of waterfalls and untamed rainforests,
combined with a bustling city centre. There’s truly something to suit all
tastes. Be treated to a breathtaking bird's eye view by taking to the sky in
the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The gondola cableway spans 7.5 kilometres over
the lush UNESCO Wet Tropics of Queensland Rainforest connecting Cairns to
Kuranda. It’s not only a unique experience and a fun way to immerse yourself in
nature, but also an ideal way to witness the beauty of the world’s oldest
rainforest ecosystem in the Barron Gorge National Park. You could also take in
the delights of the scenic, heritage-listed Cairns to Kuranda railway ride. The
line, constructed in 1891, takes you from Cairns, over the Great Dividing
Range, to the tranquil mountain village of Kuranda. Enjoy taking in the scenery
of the Macalister Range, the suburbs of Stratford, Freshwater, and Redlynch,
before stopping at a lookout point providing stunning views of Barron Falls.
Cairns is a haven for nature and wildlife lovers. Each year, visitors flock to
the Great Barrier Reef, via Cairns, to swim, snorkel and dive with more than
1,500 marine species.Cape Tribulation is where the rainforest meets the reef,
known as the Final Frontier. Here you can see the start of where raw Australia
begins. Offering an array of diverse natural beauty and unique flora and fauna
- among the many species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and frogs – you’ll be
immersed in wildlife in this lush natural haven. Things to do in Cairns. One of
the city’s best-known landmarks is the famous lagoon. Conveniently located on
the Cairns esplanade, you can easily access this hotspot while exploring the
city centre. The lagoon is roughly the size of an Olympic swimming pool, with a
depth of around 1.6 metres. The 4,800 square metre saltwater pool is lined with
parks, shady trees, boardwalks, and barbecues. Whether you are looking for a
spot to swim or simply unwind, its central location and changing facilities
make the Cairns esplanade lagoon an ideal and convenient place to visit. Head down to Cairns Harbour, also known as
Cairns Marlin Marina, and find a gateway to the city’s oceanic attractions. The
marina boasts a modern architectural style, and its contemporary glass design
will no doubt soon fill your camera roll. For a relaxed, slow-paced afternoon,
why not meander along the marina and perhaps stop to enjoy a coffee, while you
watch boats come and go?The Cairns Museum, located in the heart of the city
centre, is well worth a visit to discover the history of Cairns and Far North
Queensland. Offering a snapshot into the dynamic region and its people, past
and present, the museum holds an eclectic mix of collections and stories
celebrating local heritage.
At Sea
Situated on the remote
northern shores of Australia’s ‘Top End,’ balmy Darwin has matured from its
early days as a true frontier settlement to become a welcoming, lively and
multicultural modern city. Darwin is a thriving, multifaceted city and capital
of Australia's Northern Territory - one of the most remote and sparsely
populated regions in the country. Built on the Timor Sea, the city is the
gateway to some of Northern Australia’s most striking natural scenery, while
its proximity to South East Asia has fuelled Darwin’s status as a bridge
between the country and neighbouring Indonesia. Colossal mountains, verdant
grasslands and sprawling national parks surround Darwin’s bustling urban
centre, while characterful taverns, unique cultural attractions and a fabulous
assortment of fresh fish restaurants reinforce the city’s welcoming, congenial
feel. With fascinating museums, illuminating history and expansive parks,
there’s a wealth to entertain visitors on a port call to this beautiful part of
Northern Australia. Find inspiration in the indigenous art at the Museum of
Northern Territory or venture into the subterranean WWII Oil Storage Tunnels at
Darwin waterfront. The Darwin Military Museum recounts historical events using
captivating, multimedia exhibits, while George B. Darwin Botanic Gardens is an
oasis of native tropical fauna that can’t fail to invigorate the senses.
Finally, when the tide gets high, don’t miss the chance to hand-feed hundreds
of fish at Aquascene on Darwin’s Doctors Gully.
At Sea
Bali is a vision of ethereal
beauty, where ribbons of pale sand unravel along an azure sea, emerald rice
terraces and stone-carved temples pierce the landscape. The Indonesian island of Bali delights visitors with its
white sandy beaches, vibrant rice paddies and sacred Hindu temples. From
Tanjung Benoa, where your Bali cruise calls, it’s just a short drive to the
fishing port of Jimbaran Bay or the sublime beaches of upmarket Nusa Dua.
Enjoying a warm year-round climate, Bali is a popular retreat for surfers,
stand-up paddle boarders and reef divers. While those who prefer to relax find
themselves quickly unwinding in this spiritual land where serenity seems to
infuse the air. Savour freshly barbequed seafood while looking out to sea and
delight in the opportunity to slow down and just be. Whether you’re seeking
rest and relaxation, authentic Southeast Asian cuisine or action and adventure,
you’ll find it in Bali. Cruises call at Tanjung Benoa on the south of the
island, an area known for its excellent water sports. You’ll find everything
from jet skiing and parasailing to snorkelling on offer, with the waters around
Tanjung Benoa both pleasantly warm and calm. If high-adrenaline activities
don’t appeal, a glass-bottomed boat ride will give you a look at local marine
life without getting wet, while the temples of Pura Dalem Ning and Pura Taman
Beji offer a serene insight into the spiritual side of Balinese culture.
At Sea
Nestled on the north coast of
Western Australia is the small but mighty town of Broome, renowned for its
striking natural coastline and prosperity in the 20th century pearl trade.
Broome is where visitors are invited to feel at once at home and on holiday.
It’s where different cultures live together harmoniously. It’s where the
tempting turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean meet vibrant red beaches. You
could spend a slow-paced afternoon on the beach, perhaps cooling down every so
often by dipping your toes in the warm surf. For a more active experience,
maybe you’d prefer to spend time exploring the town’s museums and historical
sites. This tropical port town brings opportunities for a glimpse into
Australia’s interesting past, while at the same time offering many fresh and
innovative experiences.
At Sea
The largest city north of
Perth, Geraldton’s ultra-white sands and Mediterranean climate are a magnet for
sunseekers, while its coast attracts anglers and water sports enthusiasts from
miles around. The largest city north of Perth, Geraldton’s ultra-white sands
and Mediterranean climate are a magnet for sunseekers, while its coast attracts
anglers and water sports enthusiasts from miles around. The city is one of
Western Australia’s most picturesque; its streets liberally lined with murals,
statues, and sculptures. Take a scenic wander along the city’s foreshore,
savour the sweetness of a freshly caught rock lobster (a Geraldton specialty),
or take a step back in time, exploring the relics of shipwrecks past; just one
of many insightful displays at Museum of Geraldton.
Perth’s spectacular growth in
recent times makes the old historic port of Fremantle seem tiny in comparison.
Eighty per cent of Western Australia’s population lives in or around this sunny
metropolis. They say you can’t please everyone, but Perth may prove to be the
exception to that rule. The city’s urban sprawl is awash with fusion flavours,
fashionable boutiques and innovative museums but Western Australia’s capital
impresses in other ways too. Its Kings Park and Botanic Garden are one of the
largest inner-city green spaces; eclipsing even New York’s Central Park.
Outstanding beaches decorate Perth’s coastline, while verdant wineries surround
its inland fringes. Throw in the world’s largest gold coin (one of Perth’s many
novel claims to fame) and you begin to appreciate why the city is so many
things to so many people.
At Sea
On the southern tip of Western
Australia’s coast, the port city of Albany preserves a rich convict and settler
history alongside a number of cultural attractions including museums,
galleries, and colonial buildings. What was once a whaling town now showcases
its idyllic turquoise seas, unique forests, and rocky coast edge, attracting
thousands of visitors each year. Established in 1826, the port of Albany is the
oldest colonial settlement in Western Australia. Originally playing a key role
in facilitating trade in the region, today Albany port is also a thriving hub
for tourism. When you step on shore at Albany Port, you’ll follow in the
footsteps of the first European settlers that reached Western Australia. With
centuries of colonial history, this city proudly displays a skyline that
includes historic buildings and sites visible on arrival. Here’s our guide on
everything you need to know about exploring the port city of Albany.
At Sea
A charming city serving
exceptional views, the port of Adelaide boasts a charismatic coastline and
plenty of vast, open green space. Upon arrival in Port Adelaide, you’ll see the
Port Adelaide River. Here, if you’re lucky, you might witness a magical performance
courtesy of the resident population of bottlenose dolphins. This seaport suburb
is situated northwest of mainland Adelaide and north of the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Port Adelaide serves as a gateway to culinary delicacies, a captivating art
scene, and native wildlife, and brings plenty of opportunities to make
unforgettable memories. Founded by the first harbourmaster, Captain Thomas
Lipson, Port Adelaide has operated as a hub of entry to Australia for over 185
years. It’s a place whose people rightly pride themselves on their rich
historical and cultural background. Feel at once at home in this inviting land,
indulge in local food markets, learn about maritime history, and admire
beautiful 19th-century buildings. Here’s our guide to everything you need to know
about exploring the delightful port town of
Adelaide.
At Sea
On arrival into Melbourne
Cardwells will be waiting to transfer you back to your original locations.
After a very memorable and rare experience of Circumnavigating Australia.