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Australia's East Coast, the Daintree & Great Barrier Reef - Cruise & Land Journey

16 Days Cairns to Sydney
Australia's East Coast, the Daintree & Great Barrier Reef - Cruise & Land Journey
Australia's East Coast, the Daintree & Great Barrier Reef - Cruise & Land Journey
Australia's East Coast, the Daintree & Great Barrier Reef - Cruise & Land Journey
New Release Group Cruise

Overview

Scenic
Cruise Operated By:
 (103) Reviews Total No. of Tours & Cruises 486
From rainforest serenity to ocean splendour, discover Australia at its most breathtaking. Begin at Silky Oaks Lodge, where luxury treehouse retreats, riverside tranquillity, and nature-filed adventures awaken the senses. Then, sail south aboard the ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yacht, exploring the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays, and Australia’s spectacular East coast.

Begin your journey in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest, retreating to the serene luxury of Silky Oaks Lodge. Here, elevated treehouse suites, gourmet dining, and gentle adventure create an intimate connection with nature. read more Wake to birdsong above the Mossman River, join guided walks and yoga beneath the ancient canopy, and deepen your understanding of Country on an Indigenous-led Dreamtime Walk. With river swims, spa rituals, and evenings beneath a canopy of stars, this tranquil escape invites you to slow down and reconnect.

From rainforest calm to ocean horizon, continue your adventure aboard an ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yacht, exploring Australia’s captivating east coast. From the tropical wonders of Cairns, where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Daintree, to the hidden coves of the Whitsundays and the vibrant cities of New South Wales, this Discovery Voyage blends natural beauty, local culture, and refined all-inclusive comfort.
Sold Out
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either the season has ended and new dates will be released soon, or the itinerary has been updated and isn’t operating this season.
Trip Length
Cruise Length

16 Days

Trip Starts
Cruise Starts

Cairns

Trip Ends
Cruise Ends

Sydney

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Cruise Shi
Cruise Ship
Scenic Eclipse II
Passengers
Passengers

228

Crew
Crew

176

Ship Launch
Launched

2023

Cruise Code
Cruise Code

OOC3-1

Itinerary

Your Silky Oaks experience begins the moment you arrive. A private transfer delivers you to the heart of the Daintree, where orchids line the riverbanks and the scent of tropical blooms fills the air. On arrival, you're welcomed with a refreshing elixir and guided through the lush grounds to your Treehouse Retreat, an elegant haven nestled above the Mossman River.

As afternoon light softens, settle in with your complimentary in-suite mini bar, replenished daily for your enjoyment. Tonight, savour a seasonal three-course dinner in the open-air Treehouse Restaurant, paired with selected premium wines. The evening unfolds beneath a canopy of stars, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the rainforest.

Awaken to the calls of native birds and enjoy a tropical à la carte breakfast, served with sweeping views across the treetops. Begin your day with gentle morning yoga by the river or embark on a guided walk-through ancient rainforest trail, learning the secrets of this 135-million-year-old ecosystem.

Return for an afternoon at leisure, with either a refreshing swim in the river, or a tranquil moment on your private balcony. As dusk approaches, enjoy signature evening drinks and snacks before dining on a thoughtfully curated menu where local ingredients shine in artful simplicity.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning invites a deeper connection with the land. Join an Indigenous guide on a Dreamtime Walk through moss-carpeted rainforest paths, discovering the Daintree's spiritual stories and plant lore. After returning to the lodge, indulge in a chef's lunch experience that reimagines local produce into a tropical feast.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy. Perhaps unwind with a spa treatment inspired by the healing waters of the river or take a leisurely paddle along its calm currents using the lodge's stand-up paddleboards. Evening brings another memorable dining experience, with signature cocktails and a tasting menu celebrating the flavours of Far North Queensland.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a tranquil morning at Silky Oaks Lodge, waking to the gentle sounds of the Daintree and lingering over breakfast in your Treehouse Retreat. After farewelling the rainforest serenity, a private transfer takes you to Cairns, where your ultra-luxury Scenic Discovery Yacht awaits.

Be welcomed on board with a glass of Champagne, settle into your spacious suite, and toast the beginning of your coastal voyage as you set sail along Australia's spectacular East coast.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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, staffed by a small team 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.

Before arrival, this morning offers an opportunity to unwind in the serene surroundings of the Senses Spa, where you can enjoy the complimentary thermal loungers and infrared saunas, or join a class in the PURE Yoga & Pilates Studio.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Two-thirds national park and surrounded by 23 secluded bays and soft sand beaches, Magnetic Island is renowned for its natural beauty and serenity. Explore an untouched haven of eucalyptus trees with sleeping koalas, hiking trails and open roads. Enjoy panoramic views from the lounge on Deck 10 or relax on your suite's verandah for views of the dramatic coastline. Look for native wildlife including rock wallabies, possums and over 100 different bird species. Visit Horseshoe Bay, on the sheltered north side of the island, and discover a thriving local community sprinkled with eclectic art galleries.

This evening, savour the flavours of Asia at Koko's Asian Fusion or enjoy steak and seafood at Elements., then ease into the night with live music and enriching entertainment in the state-of-the-art theatre or Scenic Lounge Bar.

Scenic Discovery: Weather and local approvals permitting, there may be an opportunity for a Zodiac beach landing, with time to enjoy activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or exploring beneath the surface with a Seabob. You may also choose to experience the landscape from above on an optional flightseeing excursion by helicopter^, or discover the marine environment below with the Scenic Neptune II submersible^.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Airlie Beach serves as the gateway to the iconic Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Fringed by palm-lined beaches and set in a tropical climate, the town exudes a relaxed charm that complements the natural beauty of the surrounding islands. From the esplanade to Airlie Beach Lagoon, visitors can enjoy scenic views, gentle sea breezes, and the laid-back rhythm of this coastal town, offering a perfect introduction to the serene beauty of the Whitsundays.

After a morning of exploring Airlie Beach enjoy an al fresco lunch today at the Yacht Club with your fellow voyagers and spend the afternoon nestled into one of the cabanas on Deck 10.

Scenic Discovery: Soar above the stunning lagoon on an optional flightseeing tour with one of the two onboard helicopters^. Alternatively, explore beneath the surface with the Scenic Neptune II submersible^.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Scenic Eclipse II's design and environmental credentials allow access to the remote Percy Isles, a rarely visited group of islands in the Coral Sea. Middle Percy rises as a densely wooded hilltop above the surrounding waters, offering dramatic natural scenery. On the island, West Beach features a unique collection of memorabilia left by past visitors. You may enjoy a walk to scenic viewpoints, swim or snorkel in the tropical lagoons, or, weather permitting, explore the surroundings by kayak or stand-up paddleboard~. Alternatively, relax on board in the temperature-controlled Vitality pool on Deck 10 whilst taking in the panoramic views. Later, treat yourself to an ESPA treatment# in the 550sqm Senses Spa, where holistic therapies promote deep relaxation.

Scenic Discovery: Today, weather conditions and local approvals permitting, you may enjoy exploring the underwater world with a Seabob, gliding across the waves on a stand-up paddleboard, or kayaking along the shore, all accessible from a Zodiac beach landing. Alternatively, admire the pristine eco-paradise from above on an optional flightseeing excursion on one of the two on board helicopters^, or explore beneath the surface with the Scenic Neptune II submersible^.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Great Keppel Island, often called Wop-pa, is a tropical island retreat surrounded by inviting coastal waters. Snorkel or swim from the yacht or the island's white sand beaches, where marine life such as turtles, dugongs, and a variety of fish can often be seen. Explore the island's natural beauty and learn about its rich Aboriginal heritage, whilst spotting native wildlife, including more than 90 bird species.

Later, relax on board with a cocktail in hand, taking in the island sunset from your private verandah, the Sky Bar, the Sky Deck's outdoor seating, or one of the cabanas, enjoying the serene coastal surroundings. As evening falls, dine at Elements, where Italian, steak and seafood dishes are prepared using locally sourced ingredients.

Scenic Discovery: Weather and local approvals permitting, you may enjoy a Zodiac landing that brings the beach to life, with endless ways to explore the sea: paddleboard across gentle bays, kayak along sun-dappled shores, snorkel amid colourful reefs, or dive beneath the surface with a Seabob for a closer look at marine life. Alternatively, admire the pristine eco-paradise from above on an optional flightseeing excursion on one of the two on board helicopters^, or explore beneath the surface with the Scenic Neptune II submersible^.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lady Elliot Island is your first stop at the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. This lush island paradise is known for its giant manta rays and turtles as well as its commitment to sustainability through the use of renewable energy, invasive species eradication and other notable environmental initiatives. Here, the glittering white beaches are made entirely of crushed coral. The highly protected ‘Green Zone' is a sanctuary for over 1,200 species of marine life and an extraordinary unspoilt coral reef. Walk around the island and take in the lush rainforest surroundings, the centre of the island's life force.

Return to your Scenic Discovery Yacht to enjoy the diverse dining experiences or savour a quiet moment at Azure Bar & Café with a light meal and ocean views, then visit the open bridge on Deck 7 to meet the Captain and navigational team and gain first-hand insight into a Scenic Discovery Yacht's state-of-the-art technology from one of the most inspiring vantage points on board.

Scenic Discovery: Today, weather and local approvals permitting, you may indulge in a range of exciting water sports, including snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or exploring the underwater realm with a Seabob. Alternatively, admire the pristine eco-paradise from above on an optional flightseeing excursion on one of the two on board helicopters^, or explore the marine life with the Scenic Neptune II submersible^.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

K'gari (Fraser Island) is the world's largest sand island and a World Heritage-listed destination celebrated for its remarkable landscapes and unique wildlife. Stretching over 120 kilometres, the island features ancient sand dunes, secluded beaches, freshwater lakes and creeks, and pockets of lush rainforest. Its diverse habitats support a wide variety of native flora and fauna, offering a rare glimpse into one of Australia's most extraordinary natural environments.

Check the Daily Wonder for Discovery Team lectures in the state-of-the-art theatre, where leading experts share rich insights into the wildlife, landscapes and culture of the region.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the late afternoon, Scenic Eclipse II arrives in Brisbane for an overnight stay, offering a chance to experience the city at a relaxed pace. Brisbane, Queensland's vibrant capital, is known for its modern architecture, lively riverside precincts, and diverse dining scene. Enjoy the atmosphere along the Brisbane River, admire the blend of contemporary and historic landmarks, or simply unwind on board as the city lights begin to illuminate the skyline.

Take advantage of the late evening to enjoy a relaxing drink at the Sky Bar on Deck 10 or explore the city's vibrant nightlife ashore.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a morning discovering more of Brisbane's highlights before Scenic Eclipse II departs later in the afternoon. From vibrant markets and cultural attractions to historic streetscapes and boutique shops, the city offers a harmonious blend of urban sophistication and relaxed Queensland charm. Take in the city's lively precincts, explore galleries or cafés, and soak up the unique character of Brisbane before setting sail along the coast.

As you depart, consider a refreshing session in the POWER: Gym or join a Pilates class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates Studio to rejuvenate after your city exploration.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Coffs Harbour is a laid-back coastal town set between the Great Dividing Range and the Pacific Ocean. Known for its expansive beaches and relaxed atmosphere, it offers a blend of scenic coastline, lush hinterlands, and local character. Explore the surrounding forests, enjoy the serene beaches, or discover the town's playful side at the iconic ‘Big Banana', a landmark that reflects the region's fun-loving spirit.

Return on board to unwind with in-suite dining from the 24-hour menu, then bring the day to a close with a nightcap in one of the eight bars or lounges.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Newcastle offers a compelling blend of coastal charm and cultural character, with sweeping ocean views, heritage architecture, and a growing contemporary arts scene. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours was founded in Newcastle, giving the city a special significance for the company. Explore relaxed beachfront promenades, discover vibrant street art and galleries, or enjoy the city's lively café and dining culture, all set against the backdrop of a beautiful natural coastline.

This evening, indulge in the Sushi & Saké Bar @ Koko's, or for one last time retreat to the Senses Spa for a deeply restorative experience.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your Discovery Voyage concludes this morning in Sydney, Australia's iconic harbour city. Enjoy a final breakfast on board, taking in the views from your suite or private verandah as the skyline comes into view.

Disembark and bid farewell to the Scenic Eclipse II crew and fellow guests, taking with you lasting memories of an exceptional voyage along Australia's east coast.

#Spa treatments and services at additional cost. Daily activities may be subject to change; please consult your Daily Wonder for updates.

+All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.

^Experiences on board our two helicopters and submersible are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather conditions.

~Kayak and stand-up paddleboard not available in all locations.

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.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Life On Board

Scenic
 (103) Reviews
Total No. of Tours & Cruises 486
Scenic is proudly an Australian founded company setting the global standard for all inclusive luxury travel. We have delighted guests for more than 36 years with memorable journeys to fascinating locations across the world, delivering unsurpassed excellence in service, product quality and exclusive experiences. The guest more is at the heart of everything we do, as we strive to provide continual innovation to enhance the guest experience in luxury river cruising, land tours and our state of the art expedition ocean cruising with Scenic Eclipse.

The Scenic difference is the details, the unwavering commitment to anticipate our guests every need, from butler services, quality dining, wellness, Scenic Enrich and Scenic FreeChoice experiences. That is why so many of our past guests choose to travel with Scenic many times, to destinations around the globe with family and friends, trusting Scenic to create memories that will last a lifetime. We welcome you to enjoy the portfolio of Scenic luxury products and feel the difference of Scenic’s dedicated staff, who will look after you to the nth degree.
Luxury Meets Discovery
Luxury Meets Discovery

Designed to deliver the ultimate experience of a lifetime the Scenic Eclipse II takes ocean cruising to a whole new level. Read more

On board Inclusions
On board Inclusions

Intimate and luxurious, with every amenity you could wish for, the Scenic Eclipse fleet has been designed with you in mind. Read more

Onshore Inclusions
Onshore Inclusions

Taking you beyond exploration to all-inclusive discovery is our fleet of Zodiacs, tandem kayaks, e-bikes, snorkel gear and snowshoes. Read more

All-Inclusive Dining
All-Inclusive Dining

Dining on board Scenic Eclipse promises to be a sensory delight. With an unrivalled choice of up to 10 dining experiences. Read more

All-Inclusive Beverages
All-Inclusive Beverages

Unlimited complimentary beverages*, full mini-bar restocked daily, still and sparkling water in-suite and an extensive range of specialty teas and coffees. Read more

Scenic Sixth Star Experience
Scenic Sixth Star Experience

Helicopter and submarine excursions, par for the course. Read more

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Scenic Expedition Voyages (2027-29) Brochure

Scenic Expedition Voyages (2027-29)

Scenic Expedition Voyages redefine ultra-luxury exploration with immersive journeys across all seven continents aboard their state-of-the-art Discovery Yachts. Combining expert-led expeditions, helicopters and submersible experiences with indulgent suites, world-class dining and personalised service, every voyage is designed to deliver unforgettable more discovery in complete comfort. From Antarctica and the Arctic to the Mediterranean and beyond, Scenic offers unrivalled access to some of the world’s most remote and remarkable destinations.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Scenic. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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