Southern Australia Explorer

Perth, the sunniest capital city in Australia, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Start your day with a stroll through Kings Park and Botanic Garden, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and the Swan River. The park's diverse flora and tranquil walking trails provide a refreshing escape from the bustling city.

Explore the Perth Cultural Centre, home to the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Western Australian Museum, which showcase indigenous and contemporary art and artifacts. For a unique experience, visit the Swan Bells at Barrack Square, a set of 18 bells that you can ring yourself. End your day with a sunset visit to Cottesloe Beach, famous for its golden sands and clear waters.

Ships dock at the Fremantle Cruise Passenger Terminal, which is just a short 15-minute walk from the town centre and approximately a 30-minute drive from Perth. Discover the bustling Fremantle Markets, offering local crafts, fresh produce, and eclectic eateries, or stroll along the iconic Cappuccino Strip for a taste of the city's lively atmosphere. Explore the historic Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage site that received its first ship of convicts on 1 June 1850. For a scenic adventure, take a short ferry ride to Rottnest Island, home to adorable quokkas and pristine beaches.

The Margaret River Region, in Western Australia's southwest, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and exceptional gourmet offerings. Begin your day with a visit to one of the numerous vineyards that produce some of Australia's finest wines. A trip to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory promises a delightful indulgence in locally-made chocolates.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the rugged coastline at Prevelly Beach and the towering karri trees in Boranup Forest. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Mammoth Cave, a limestone marvel filled with ancient fossils. The quaint townships dotted throughout the region offer charming cafes and boutique shops, perfect for a relaxing afternoon of exploration.

Cruise ships visiting Busselton dock at the Busselton Jetty, a short walk from the town center. Busselton is renowned for its 1.8-kilometer (1.1-mile) jetty, the longest wooden pier in the southern hemisphere which features an underwater observatory at the end. This quaint town offers charming shops, cafes, and beautiful beaches. For those looking to explore further, Busselton is the gateway to the Margaret River region, famous for its wineries, gourmet food, and stunning coastline, about 50 kms (31 miles) away, with a travel time of roughly 45 minutes.

Western Australia’s oldest colonial settlement, Albany holds not only great historical significance but also immense natural beauty. Its spectacular rugged coastline befits its dramatic whaling, convict and settler history, and the city retells it in exceptional ways. Ships will dock at the Royal Princess Harbour.  

Top Things to Do in Albany:

• visit the National ANZAC Centre
• visit the whaling station
• enjoy a scenic boat cruise on King George Sound  
• explore Torndirrup National Park 

Love Sabatini’s? (Or really good Italian dinners?) You’ll be happy to hear this popular specialty restaurant has returned to its roots. Think traditional Italian comfort cuisine. Our new menu embraces the old: tried-and-true family recipes our chefs brought with them from Italy, plus exquisite Italian wines and cocktails. You can even enjoy some shareable plates exclusively at Sabatini’s Trattoria.

Adelaide combines the charm of a picturesque country town with lively cosmopolitan offerings. Downtown is compact and easily walkable, with wide, tree-lined boulevards, superb Victorian and Edwardian architecture, tranquil parks and the highest number of restaurants per capita of any city in Australia. Ships will dock at the Outer Harbor of Port Adelaide.

Top Things to Do in Adelaide:

• visit a Barossa Valley winery
• spend time in Historic Hahndorf
• take a Spirit Of The Coorong Cruise
• visit the Adelaide Central Market

Even if you’re not sailing to Naples (this time), you can still enjoy one of their greatest contributions to the culinary world. Alfredo’s / Gigi’s Pizzeria serves up certified authentic Neapolitan pizza made to order from scratch in a cheery restaurant named after our very own executive chef and inspired by the colors and landscapes of the Amalfi coast.

Phillip Island boasts wide sandy beaches, spectacular coastal scenery, excellent surfing and a world-famous Grand Prix circuit. However, its biggest attraction measures about one foot tall, the island is home to thousands of little penguins. The ships will anchor offshore and provide tenders to the jetty.

Top Things to Do on Phillip Island:

• watch the penguin parade
• take a scenic helicopter flight
• visit the world famous Grand Prix Circuit
• join a seal watching cruise
• kayak the wetlands

Melbourne’s vibrant character shines through its eclectic mix of architecture, culture, and green spaces. Stroll through Federation Square, where contemporary art and historic buildings collide, or explore the street art in hidden laneways like Hosier Lane. For a taste of local flavors, the Queen Victoria Market offers fresh produce and handmade goods. Don’t miss the Royal Botanic Gardens, a peaceful escape near the city’s core.

Prefer to dine on your balcony or while catching a sunset on the top deck? It’s easy with OceanNow®. Order your favorite food and drinks on your smart device or directly through a crew member, and we’ll bring them right to you! Guests with the Princess Plus® and Princess Premier® packages enjoy OceanNow and room service delivery with no charge. Sit back, relax and enjoy not having to stand in line or deal with crowds.​

Set in Twofold Bay on the Sapphire Coast, Eden is known for the migrating whales that cruise through its waters between May and November. While the whales are now protected and cherished here, the town was initially founded as a whaling centre and has many fascinating stories to tell. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders are provided to the port.

Top Things to Do in Eden:

• bush walk through Ben Boyd National Park
• visit Eden Lookout for the best views of Twofold Bay
• visit the Eden Killer Whale Museum
• cruise Twofold Bay

As your ship passes Harbour Heads, you are presented with the shimmering skyline of Sydney - hailed by many seafarers as "the most beautiful harbor in the world." Two prominent landmarks, Harbour Bridge and the sail-like curves of the Sydney Opera House, grace the backdrop of this picturesque harbor. There is a wealth of adventure waiting in Sydney - from its cosmopolitan city center to miles of beautiful beaches and the Blue Mountains.

Original musicals, dazzling magic shows, feature films, top comedians, and nightclubs that get your feet movin' and groovin' - there’s something happening around every corner, and you have a whole cruise of days and nights to experience it all.

If you're heading home or continuing to explore more of Australia, Brisbane's Portside Cruise Terminal is just 7kms from the domestic and international airport. Brisbane's city centre is just 10-15 mins away if you're planning to explore the city.