Perth, Western Australia to Darwin

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.

Due to the delicate nature of the environment, ships visiting the Abrolhos Islands typically anchor off the coast. Access to the islands is usually via tender boats. These islands provide a perfect opportunity for an immersive nature experience, close yet a world apart from everyday life.

Cape Peron, located in the heart of Shark Bay, Western Australia, is distinguished by its striking red cliffs that contrast dramatically against the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. This cape is part of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, recognized for its extraordinary natural features and biodiversity, including stromatolites, some of the oldest life forms on Earth.

Visitors can explore the Francois Peron National Park, accessible from the cape, which offers a rare glimpse into Australia's native wildlife and ecosystems. The area is also known for its excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially dolphins, dugongs, and manta rays. The combination of stunning landscapes and rich marine life makes Cape Peron a captivating destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.

A spectacular collision of colour spills across the seabed around North Muiron Island. Immerse yourself in this underwater universe as tiny fish flit between the corals, and elegant rays sweep gracefully past. Sitting off the North West Cape, the two utterly unspoiled Muiron Islands are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site listed Ningaloo Coast.

Warm Indian Ocean waters collide with the cooler waters of the West Australian Current here, forming a remarkable biological hot spot that thrives with rich life and incredible diversity. These unique conditions form masses of plankton for gentle giants of the ocean to graze upon - even luring groups of the ocean’s biggest fish - colossal whale sharks. From March to July, the cows of the sea carefully vacuum the sea bed for their food. Other massive mammals, like dugongs, dolphins, and pilot whales, also drop in throughout the year.

Montebello is Italian for ‘beautiful mountain’, however these islands are low, flat and arid. Named by French Explorer Nicolas Baudin in 1801, the British also used the islands for three nuclear bomb tests in the 1950s. Today visitors must avoid two radioactive islands. Two endangered mammals - the Mala (Rufous Hare-Wallaby) and the Djoongari (Shark Bay Mouse) - thrive here. The 170 islands are 120 kilometres (75 miles) off mainland Australia.

The islands are an important seabird breeding colony, with Roseate and Greater Crested Terns, Sooty Oystercatchers and Beach Stone-curlews calling the island home. Coral reefs and lagoons surround the islands in the Montebello Marine Park, with 150 species of hard coral, 450 species of fish and 170 species of echinoderms (sea stars, sea urchins and sea cucumbers) keeping snorkellers happy. Green, Hawksbill and Flatback Turtles nest on the beaches and provide highlights when seen in the water.

The Dampier Archipelago, located off the northwest coast of Western Australia, is a stunning collection of 42 islands known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine life. The archipelago is a paradise for snorkelling, diving, and boating, offering vibrant coral reefs and opportunities to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and various fish species.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the ancient Aboriginal rock art scattered across the islands, some of which dates back thousands of years. The nearby town of Dampier provides access to amenities and serves as a gateway to this natural wonder.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Adele Island in the Kimberley region of Australia is a small, uninhabited atoll known for its significant bird and marine life. This remote sanctuary is encircled by vibrant coral reefs and serves as a breeding ground for various seabird species and a resting spot for migratory birds. The surrounding waters are also rich with marine biodiversity, including turtles and reef sharks, making it a prime spot for wildlife enthusiasts.

As a protected nature reserve, Adele Island is accessible only by permission, and is coordinated by your cruise hosts to focus on ecological exploration. Visitors get a rare opportunity to observe untouched natural habitats and marine ecosystems up close, making it an exceptional destination for those looking to connect with nature’s pristine beauty.

The Buccaneer Archipelago, located off the northern coast of Western Australia, is a hidden gem comprising over 800 rugged islands.

This secluded paradise is famed for its dramatic red rock formations and pristine white sand beaches, set against the vivid turquoise of the Indian Ocean. The archipelago is relatively untouched, offering a sense of seclusion and raw natural beauty that is hard to find elsewhere.

Accessible primarily by boat, the region is a hotspot for adventurous travellers looking to explore its secluded bays and secret waterways. The tidal phenomenon known as the Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay is a highlight, where rushing water creates a breathtaking natural spectacle.

Hunter River in Western Australia’s remote Kimberley region offers an extraordinary blend of rugged beauty and rich wildlife. This secluded area, accessible mainly by sea, features towering sandstone cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The river's tranquil waters are perfect for leisurely cruises, providing opportunities to spot saltwater crocodiles and an array of bird species.

Explore the ancient Indigenous rock art sites that dot the landscape, offering a glimpse into the region’s deep cultural heritage. The surrounding wilderness is home to diverse flora and fauna, making guided bushwalks a must for nature enthusiasts. Hunter River promises a captivating experience, combining breathtaking scenery with fascinating wildlife and cultural insights.

Ashmore Reef, a remote coral atoll in the Timor Sea off the northwest coast of Australia, is a protected marine park renowned for its biodiversity and significance as a breeding ground for seabirds and marine life. This isolated reef complex comprises several sand cays surrounded by vibrant coral gardens that teem with an array of sea creatures including turtles, reef sharks, and countless species of tropical fish.

Access to Ashmore Reef is highly regulated to protect its delicate ecosystems, with visits typically by Zodiac excursion. Experience a unique opportunity to view the natural beauty and marine diversity of the reef without disturbing the habitat; a pristine example of marine conservation in action.

Swift Bay, located in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and ancient Aboriginal rock art. The bay's rugged coastline, with dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches, offers a pristine escape from the modern world. A key attraction of Swift Bay is its remarkable collection of Aboriginal rock art, depicting animals, human figures, and traditional symbols. These ancient artworks provide valuable insights into the lives of the Indigenous people who have inhabited the area for thousands of years.

Accessible primarily by boat, Swift Bay remains largely untouched, allowing visitors to experience the raw, unspoiled beauty of the Kimberley. Its combination of cultural heritage and natural splendour makes Swift Bay a unique destination in Western Australia.

The King George River, located in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia, is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and pristine wilderness. The river is famous for the towering King George Falls, one of Australia's tallest waterfalls, where twin cascades plunge 80 meters into a gorge. A boat tour or scenic flight offers breathtaking views of this natural spectacle.

The river’s untouched environment is home to diverse wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and numerous bird species. Exploring the river by boat allows visitors to appreciate the stunning red sandstone cliffs and lush vegetation.

Australia's only tropical capital city, Darwin is rich in culture and ethnically diverse. While the Northern Territory boasts some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet, the city's museums celebrate the city's past and the galleries showcase the region's rich indigenous art. Ships will dock at Fort Hill Wharf.

Top Things to Do in Darwin:

• cruise the Darwin Harbour
• explore Litchfield or Kakadu National Park
• visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
• take a Jumping Crocodile Cruise
• visit the Darwin Botanic Gardens

Australia's only tropical capital city, Darwin is rich in culture and ethnically diverse. While the Northern Territory boasts some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet, the city's museums celebrate the city's past and the galleries showcase the region's rich indigenous art. Ships will dock at Fort Hill Wharf.

Top Things to Do in Darwin:

• cruise the Darwin Harbour
• explore Litchfield or Kakadu National Park
• visit the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
• take a Jumping Crocodile Cruise
• visit the Darwin Botanic Gardens