No matter what your idea of a paradise holiday is, you don’t have to go far to find it all in Australia. With long white beaches, fascinating wildlife, sweeping open plains, and vibrant cities, our home nation does have it all.
When people think about our beautiful country, the Great Barrier Reef is often the first thing that springs to mind. Dipping beneath the azure waters reveals a whole other world thriving under the surface, with exotic fish winding between towering trees of brightly coloured coral.
Back on land, long stretches of white beach meet the lush greenery of the rainforest, alive with the calls of wild animals that can’t be found anywhere else on Earth. Elsewhere, there are bustling cities all across Australia, home to some of the most exciting food, culture, and art scenes around.
Whether you want to discover a beach paradise, be one with nature, or learn about the rich histories and cultures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, a cruise around Australia is the perfect way to discover everything this beautiful country has to offer. If you want some inspiration on where to visit and what to do or are simply curious about all that Australia has to offer, check out our comprehensive guide. Combining destination guides with all the highlights of food, wine, culture, and history across Australia, we’ve provided all the information you need to enjoy a trip around this amazing part of the world.
Destination Guides
Australia is more than just sandy beaches and long, sunny days, with each state boasting its shining personality. Here, we’ve provided a whistle-stop tour of all the best things to see and do on mainland Australia to help you get a real feel for the identity of each state. Just follow our guides and you won’t miss any of the highlights of a trip around Australia.
12 Hours in Brisbane: Top Things to Do and See
Australia’s third-largest city is often overlooked for its more stylish cousins, but there is plenty to discover in this relaxed, historic city. Home to the stunning Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens and a favourite of whale watchers thanks to its superb location on the coast, Brisbane is a surprisingly good place to discover Australia’s wildlife. It has the bonus of being home to some of Australia’s most exciting restaurants, which are taking local produce and reinventing them into tastebud-tingling dishes. Brisbane offers a city break experience like no other.
12 Hours in Sydney: Top Things to Do and See
Sydney is the undeniable iconic king of Australian cities, from the postcard-bothering opera house to the infamous Bondi Beach. Sydney is as charming as it is picturesque with the old town providing a tourist’s paradise of independent shops, cafés, and restaurants. Head out to the beach when the city hubbub gets a little too much and drink in the wonderful atmosphere of Sydney’s numerous sandy beaches. An unmissable experience for anyone travelling around Australia, whether for the first time or the thousandth.
12 Hours in Melbourne: Top Things to Do and See
Many often regard Melbourne as the cultural capital of Australia with its wealth of art, culture, and fantastic nightlife. The beautiful architecture alone is reason enough to visit this vibrant Australian city although you’ll be so busy having fun, you might forget to stop and take it all in. The historic tram is completely free and the perfect way to see all the amazing sights in Melbourne. With loads of amazing restaurants, historic streets, and exciting shopping districts, you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to do next in this beautiful city.
12 Hours in Perth: Top Things to Do and See
Nestled between the desert and the sweeping coast of the Indian Ocean, Perth is one of Australia’s foremost metropolises. Owing its rapid growth to the Gold Rush, Perth is a flourishing port city and a popular tourist destination. Steeped in history and surrounded by some of the best wine-growing countries in Australia, this city has an abundance of cultural highlights for visitors to discover. An influx of immigrant in the 19th century means that Perth also benefits from having an amazing restaurant scene, serving a wide range of national and international cuisines.
A Guide to Exploring the Great Barrier Reef
When people tour Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is often top of the to-do list. With sweeping stretches of pristine white beach edging an azure ocean that hides an entire world beneath its surface, this is the ultimate holiday destination. With everything from snorkelling and diving to exploring the surrounding rainforest, no matter how many times you visit the Great Barrier Reef, there will always be more to discover.
The Best Places to Connect with Aboriginal Art and Culture
The Aboriginal people have an incredibly rich cultural heritage stretching back thousands of years. There are places all over Australia where you can see incredible cave art, learn about how ancient people lived, and discover the contemporary art and culture of the Aboriginal people.
Embarking on a Wine Cruise around Australia
Australia’s wine is famous across the world for its variety and quality alike. The wine regions in each state produce different varieties of grape depending on climate. A trip to the Australian wine regions is a treat for all the senses. Against the backdrop of rolling green hills meeting the mountains in the distance, you’ll taste some of the world’s best wines on the vineyards where they were produced.
Looking to book a cruise around this our diverse and lively continent? Check out our full range of cruises to Australia or call our friendly team of Australia-based cruise experts on 1300 857 345 for more information.
