Whether you prefer to snorkel or witness vibrant marine life from the comfort of a glass bottom boat, dive into your Eastern Australian adventure at the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef—accessible from Cairns and Port Douglas. Watch for wedge-tailed shearwaters, sooty terns, and noodies as we pass Willis Island, and fall in love with Whitehaven Beach. Feel the rich maritime history the minute you step onto remote Middle Percy Island and experience rugged Fraser Island with a dip in picturesque Lake McKenzie or a drive on 75 Mile Beach, a veritable beach highway home to dingoes and birds of prey. Cuddle a koala at the Australia Zoo in Mooloolaba where the family of the late Steve Irwin, Crocodile Hunter, preserves his memory today. An overnight in Sydney brings opportunities to explore the famed Opera House, bustling Sydney Harbour, iconic Bondi Beach, and The Rocks, the birthplace of modern Sydney. Wake up and take in Melbourne and its insatiable thirst for artisan coffees, boutique gin and whisky distilleries, and the Yarra Valley’s famous Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wine.

The capital and most populated city of the state of Victoria, Melbourne is located on the large natural bay of Port Philip. The abundance of parks and gardens here has resulted in Melbourne being referred to as Australia’s “Garden City.”  The Story of the Kelly Gang, the world's first feature film, was shot in Melbourne in 1906 and On the Beach was filmed here in 1959. The city’s delightful mix of architecture includes the UNESCO-listed Royal Exhibition building, the Venetian-gothic style Old Stock Exchange, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Flinders Street Station.

Best known for its distinctive harbor-front Opera House, which is a UNESCO site, Sydney is viewed as not only one of the most expensive cities in the world, but also one of the most livable. The metropolis surrounds the world’s largest natural harbor and covers about 44 miles. Sydney’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk offers a 360 degree view of the city and surrounding area. Other sites to see include the Royal National Park, the Royal Botanic Garden, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Best known for its distinctive harbor-front Opera House, which is a UNESCO site, Sydney is viewed as not only one of the most expensive cities in the world, but also one of the most livable. The metropolis surrounds the world’s largest natural harbor and covers about 44 miles. Sydney’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk offers a 360 degree view of the city and surrounding area. Other sites to see include the Royal National Park, the Royal Botanic Garden, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge

This is the home of the Crocodile Hunter’s family and the Australian Zoo they have been involved in. This is where you can have the opportunity to hold a koala. The lush rainforest here is perfect for a walk to the waterfall. Located on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, a walk along the Mooloolaba Beachfront Esplanade will take you past outdoor cafes, juice bars, alfresco restaurant and chic fashion boutiques.

There are many activities to do on this former logging station island full of towering trees. Stroll along the Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk with its King ferns and freshwater flowing across the sand. Look for birds of prey above and dingoes along 75-Mile Beach, float down Eli Creek or take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Makenzie.

Tiny Middle Percy Island is well-known in yachting circles for its long-standing tradition of hospitality and is one of the few places left in Australia where seafarers can freely go ashore and explore. The first structure in sight is an A-frame covered in signs and souvenirs from passing boats. Note: this call includes a wet landing. No other cruise line comes to this beach and we’re able to work with local operators to make this special event come to life. Sign up ahead of time for a Signature Expedition to explore this area with our onboard experts by kayak or Zodiac.

Located on the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach is also home to the well-known Whitsunday islands. This relaxed resort town is also home to one of the most famous beaches in the world – Whitehaven Beach, only accessible by sea or air. Find the Airlie Beach Lagoon or the award-winning Fish D’Vine & the Rum Bar.

A brief stop with no debarkation will be made at Willis Island, the only permanently inhabited island of the Coral Sea Islands Territory. The weather monitoring station here was established in 1921 to provide cyclone early warnings for Queensland. Birds seen here include wedge-tailed shearwaters, sooty terns and noodies. Be on the lookout for the birds as we cruise by.

Here is the gateway to see the Great Barrier Reef and no one should miss it if you’ve come this far, so plan to expand your stay here. Other highlights of Cairns include the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park with stories of the indigenous aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, the beautiful gorges, beaches and mountainous rainforest of Daintree National Park and the Cairns Esplanade full of local flavor in its bars and restaurants.