Grand Australian Sojourn: Newcastle to Broome

Embark Scenic Eclipse in Newcastle, a lively city known for its stunning beaches, waterfront bars and restaurants and historic sites such as Fort Scratchley and a convict-built ocean bath called Bogey Hole. Please book your flight to arrive into Newcastle prior to 02:00 PM.

Settle into yacht life and enjoy the services and activities onboard. Indulge in the Senses Spa, cool off in the pool, or relax with a drink as we spend a leisurely day sailing north. (B/L/D)

Stretching 123km long, this World Heritage site is the largest sand island in the world. Anchoring near Kingfisher Bay Jetty, we will be joined by local indigenous guides on our fleet of Zodiacs for a natural culture expedition along the western side of Fraser Island and through the marine reserve of the Great Sandy Strait. Visit the historic Central Station, where you can walk along the peaceful banks of Wanggoolba Creek as it flows through the rainforest. Stroll along the foreshore or swim in the clear waters of Lake McKenzie, famous for its pure white silica sand.

Freechoice: In this World Heritage-listed wilderness, discover ancient rainforest, the history of Central Station and one of Australia’s most stunning lakes, where freshwater streams over the sand. Join an experienced ranger on a bush tucker and medicine walk for hands-on learning about the ingredients used by the Butchulla people for the past 5,000 years. Alternatively, cruise along the western coast of the island and explore the Great Sandy Biosphere, which is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, bird species and rare flora. (B/L/D)

Gladstone is the southern gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the world. Today is Anzac Day, which marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. Join the Scenic Discovery team at the Dawn Service to pay your respects to the troops, a poignant and moving experience. Sailing north, marvel at the natural beauty of the secluded coves, islands and beaches on the way to the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. (B/L/D)

Only accessible by light plane or ship, the Percy Islands are known for the isolated anchorages surrounded by forest. On Middle Percy, the A-frame hut beneath the coconut palms at West Beach hosts an eclectic collection of flotsam and jetsam donated by visiting sailors. Have fun browsing the boat name plaques, flags, buoys and driftwood. Discovery: At your leisure, explore the islands’ clear blue waters in a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or relax on one of the beautiful beaches. (B/L/D)

The gateway to the Whitsundays and the Great Barreir Reef, Airlie Beach is a coastal town with palm-fringed beaches, eternal summer and a laid-back vibe. It is an essential stop on any east-coast voyage. Enrich: Enjoy the ultimate experience of Whitehaven Beach — a gourmet BBQ set up on the dazzling white silica sand. Indulge in an unforgettable afternoon of swimming, hiking or simply basking in the beauty of one of the world’s most spectacular beaches. (B/L/D)

Enjoy the many scenic trails, including the Forts Walk, to almost certainly spot a koala resting in the trees overhead. For a more relaxed pace, spend the afternoon at Horseshoe Bay, with ample time to soak up the sun on the beach and visit the local art galleries. Freechoice: Explore the history and wildlife of ‘Maggie’ with your local guide or go snorkelling to reveal the remarkable marine life in secluded bays with fringing reefs. (B/L/D)

The Coral Sea Islands Territory extends east and south from the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, covering 51 islets and cays, alongside 30 separate reefs and atolls. Willis Island is the only permanently inhabited island, with four staff employed at the weather monitoring station, which was established in 1921 to provide a cyclone early warning service for Queenslanders. Coral Sea Marine Park, one of the world’s largest marine parks, protects 16 different seafloors, 15,000 km² of reef systems and an abundance of corals, fish, sea stars, clams and sea cucumbers.

Discovery: Explore this fascinating island, the southernmost of the Willis Islets, on a Zodiac tour. Alternatively, at your leisure, go kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or snorkelling in the reef’s crystal-clear waters. (B/L/D)

Welcome to Cairns, the only place on Earth where two World Heritage sites collide – Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. (B/L/D)

The Coral Sea Islands Territory extends east and south from the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, covering 51 islets and cays, alongside 30 separate reefs and atolls. Willis Island is the only permanently inhabited island, with four staff employed at the weather monitoring station, which was established in 1921 to provide a cyclone early warning service for Queenslanders. Coral Sea Marine Park, one of the world’s largest marine parks, protects 16 different seafloors, 15,000 km² of reef systems and an abundance of corals, fish, sea stars, clams and sea cucumbers.

Discovery: Explore this fascinating island on a Zodiac tour. Alternatively, at your leisure, go kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or snorkelling in the reef’s crystal-clear waters. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a leisurely day to take advantage of the luxurious onboard facilities of your Discovery Yacht. Relax on your private verandah; indulge at the Senses Spa with a massage or yoga class; or learn about Australia’s history, flora and fauna from your expert Discovery Team’s enrichment programs. (B/L/D)

Lizard Island, the northern most island resort on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, is uniquely placed at the centre of the inner and outer reef systems as well as fringing reefs. An amazing range of marine animal and plant life can be found within this extraordinary eco-system. Discovery: Snorkel with your Discovery team to see the Clam Gardens, home to many different types of clams, or stand-up paddleboard in the tranquil waters of Anchor Bay. Alternatively, follow in the footsteps of Captain Cook to Cook’s Look, the highest vantage point on the island. (B/L/D)

Creech Reef, on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, is 60 kilometres from the mainland of Queensland’s Far North. Coral reefs spread 40 kilometres wide, comprising some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth. The secluded Sandy Cay is like your own private, tiny island in the middle of the Coral Sea. Discovery: Go kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or snorkelling around this unforgettable reef. (B/L/D)

At the Gab Titui Cultural Centre, see indigenous art exhibitions, shop for authentic souvenirs and enjoy a cultural performance by the local children. As we sail towards Horn Island, hear about the significance of the Torres Strait Islands during World War II from a Discovery Team expert. Join a tour of Thursday Island, home to indigenous Torres Strait Islanders, whose culture is distinctly different and fascinating. Learn about the history of British settlement and the region’s pearling fleets. Reaching the northernmost part of the mainland, Cape York, witness a sunset at the ‘tip of Australia’ from the deck of your ultra-luxury yacht. (B/L/D)

With another day at sea, it’s the perfect opportunity to relax at one of our bars, where premium beverages are included; or take in the ocean view through the Swarovski telescopes in the Observation Lounge. (B/L/D)

Pass the picturesque Wessel Island and sail through ‘The Hole in the Wall’, a narrow channel north of Arnhem Land, to the port of Nhulunbuy (Gove). (B/L/D)

Arrive at the remote Cobourg Peninsula, in the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, the site of three failed attempts by the British to settle north Australia. Walking inland, our Discovery Team experts and rangers will interpret the history of the eerie stone ruins, now largely reclaimed by nature. Visit the Ranger’s Interpretation Centre at Black Point to learn about the region’s indigenous heritage, its Macassan traders and European pioneers. (B/L/D)

The area of more than 1000 hectares is part of a national park and borders a marine park. Visitors leave nothing behind except perhaps a few footprints on the shell-strewn sandy beaches. They only look and take in the rare beauty of this wild part of the Cobourg Peninsula. Walking inland, our Discovery Team experts and rangers will interpret the history of the eerie stone ruins, now largely reclaimed by nature. Visit the Ranger’s Interpretation Centre at Black Point to learn about the region’s indigenous heritage, its Macassan traders and European pioneers.

Freechoice: Over the next two days, join your experienced local guides to learn about the bush tucker found in the coastal estuaries and mangroves, which are ideal for mud crabbing, or explore the remains of Victoria Settlement, where a group of British soldiers arrived with their families in 1838 and spent 11 years at Port Essington. Alternatively, explore the rugged Cobourg Peninsula by open back 4WD safari, including visits to Rainbow Beach, Vashon Head and Nipa Palm Gallery. Garig Gunak Barlu National Park is a protected Ramsar conservation site and a unique wetland of biological diversity. More than 200 species of bird populate the marshes and forests and make for incredible birdwatching.

Discovery: The National Park consists of a mosaic of sandy beaches, dunes and associated coastal grasslands. Explore the flora and fauna of this World Heritage Listed habitat on guided nature walks. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Darwin, Northern Territory’s multicultural capital city, in the ‘Top End’ of Australia, distinguished by its friendly, laidback lifestyle. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a leisurely day at sea to take advantage of the luxurious onboard facilities. Relax on your private terrace or verandah and enjoy personalised butler service, revitalise your mind, body and soul in the luxurious Senses Spa with a massage, or learn about Australia’s history, flora and fauna from your expert Discovery Team who will be sharing their unrivalled expertise through enrichment programs. Scenic Eclipse will be stopping at Pulau Meatimiarang for technical clearance. There will be no opportunity for guests to go ashore. (B/L/D)

With another day at sea, it’s the perfect opportunity to meet new friends at one of the many bars, soak in a Scandinavian-inspired outdoor vitality pool, take in the view through the Swarovski telescopes in the Observation Lounge, and savour culinary delights with up to 10 all-inclusive world-class dining experiences. (B/L/D)

At 112 kilometres long and with a sheer drop of 100 metres, the thundering twin falls of King George River is an unforgettable experience. Make your way along the river’s tranquil waters, through towering gorges – home to Brahminy kites, egrets, and kingfishers. The river is of high cultural significance to the Balangagarra people, with the falls representing the male and female Wunkurr rainbow serpent. Discovery: If tides are favourable, a Zodiac discovery excursion of the river may be available. (B/L/D)

Located in Prince Regent National Park, the Hunter River is flanked by pockets of rainforest, vast swathes of mangroves and soaring red cliffs. Explore this magical waterway, which is said to have the highest proportion of saltwater crocodiles in the Kimberley. Later you’ll have the opportunity to venture further into the outback to Mitchell Falls, a dramatic four-tiered waterfall that has been carved out over millennia. Its deep emerald pools contrast with the rugged red sandstone of the Mitchell Plateau, creating a mesmerising oasis. (B/L/D)

Bigge Island is a haunting place of great silence where you’ll gain a true sense of the antiquity of our country. Rise early this morning to see the renowned Wandjina (Kaiara or Sea Wandjina) spirit paintings whose origins remain shrouded in mystery and controversy. Time and weather permitting, you can walk to the far side of the island to view the unique Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings. (B/L/D)

Magically rising out of the sea at low tide, Montgomery Reef is a transient landscape of coral reef and waterfalls rich with marine life. Green turtles often swim in the narrow corridors of coral around the edge of the reef, so keep your eyes peeled. Discovery: Take a Zodiac cruise with your expert Discovery Team around the waterfalls and try to spot manta rays, dolphins, black-tipped reef sharks or dugongs. You will also visit Raft Point, an imposing bluff in the middle of Doubtful Bay, home to an impressive indigenous rock art gallery. (B/L/D)

Talbot Bay’s spectacular Horizontal Waterfalls is a natural wonder to tick off your Australian bucket list. This phenomenon is caused by a unique combination of geology and massive tidal surges. Discovery: If time and tides permit, your expert Discovery Team may be able to take you through these fascinating falls and around the narrow waterways of Talbot Bay in a Zodiac. Later, choose to embark on a challenging 9.5 kilometre walk into the Kimberley’s remote wilderness. (B/L/D)

Overnight, your Discovery Yacht will cruise across the mouth of King Sound into the Buccaneer Archipelago. This spectacular maze of more than 800 islands is jaw-dropping for its vivid colours: iron-rich red rock, green pockets of lush rainforest, striking turquoise ocean and pristine white beaches. Enjoy the picturesque scenery while you relax onboard in ultra-luxury. (B/L/D)

The stunning coast of Lacepede Islands Nature Reserve was named by French explorer Baudin in 1801 to commemorate his naturalist compatriot, Count Lacepede. In the past, Macassan boats used for fishing trepang (sea cucumbers) frequented these islands, but today they are an important nesting site for green turtles, and home to large colonies of lesser frigate birds and brown boobies. Discovery: Your expert Discovery Team will take you on an exhilarating Zodiac discovery excursion, weather permitting. (B/L/D)

Your unforgettable Discovery Voyage comes to an end today. Bid farewell to your friendly crew and new friends. Please book your flight to depart out of Broome after 12:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.