Anchors Away for an Australian Cruise!

When you think of traveling to Australia, chances are you think about touring the Outback in an open-top Jeep or exploring the landmarks of Sydney. Despite the fact that Australia is an island, most people do not consider it a cruise destination, opting instead for destinations in the Caribbean, Europe or Alaska.

Yet Australia, with its dozens of coastal cities and ports, stunning beaches and comfortable winter temperatures is an ideal cruise destination. Taking an Australian cruise gives you the chance to see multiple parts of the country while traveling in style and comfort.

Types of Cruises

You can choose a cruise that begins and ends in Australia or a repositioning cruise from Southeast Asia. Bear in mind that repositioning cruises tend to be one-way trips. Since the cruise season varies throughout the year in different parts of the world, the cruise lines move their ships from one area to another and allow passengers to come along for the ride. Repositioning cruises tend to be longer and involve more days at sea, but they are a unique way to travel to (or depart) Australia for some land-based exploring.

If you have less time or want to see more of Australia, then take a cruise that visits various Australian ports (and sometimes New Zealand). Keep in mind that most Australian cruises are not round trip, meaning that you’ll fly into one city and fly home from another. Also, when you take an Australian cruise, you’ll spend most of your time visiting the coastal cities and ports and have less of an opportunity to see the interior of Australia, such as the legendary Outback and Bush country.

Another option for cruise lovers is a South Pacific cruise that departs from Australia. Several Australian cruise lines sail to the South Pacific islands like Fiji on a regular basis. If you want a tropical vacation and the chance to spend a few days exploring the land down under, this might be a good option for you.

Sydney Cruises

If you’re not sure you’ll like cruising, or you have limited time and funds, consider taking a cruise of Sydney Harbour. Day cruises are always available, but short overnight trips are also worth taking. Spend a night on a luxury ship with views of the Sydney Opera House or a weekend exploring all that Sydney Harbour has to offer.

Great Barrier Reef Cruises

One of Australia’s biggest attractions is the Great Barrier Reef, a series of coral reefs and tiny islands off the coast of Queensland teeming with some of the most amazing sea life in the world. Snorkelers and scuba divers from around the globe flock to the Reef, and one of the best ways to spend plenty of time there is on a small cruise ship. Several Australian cruise lines offer short trips of a few days to the Reef, giving you abundant time to explore the waters and the islands. Ships that cruise the Great Barrier Reef tend to be smaller, allowing better access to the area.

River Cruises

Ocean cruises aren’t the only option for a shipboard Australian adventure. The Murray River flows through the country, and a cruise on the paddleboat PS Murray Princess gives you the chance to see the diverse landscape and indigenous cultures of Australia. The luxury cruise offers comfortable accommodations with stunning views and one-of-a-kind experiences. Another option is a cruise along the Tamar River is Tasmania, which offers an up-close view of Cataract Gorge.

Kimberley Cruises

While a traditional cruise might limit the amount of time you get to spend seeing the more rugged and remote parts of Australia, there is one exception. Cruising along the coast of the Kimberly region gives you the opportunity to view the rocky coastline and access some parts of the Kimberley region that might be difficult via the mainland.

When to Go

Because of Australia’s location in the southern hemisphere, the summer months of November through March are the prime cruising time. Most of the larger cruise lines and ships operate down under during these months, making it an ideal time to escape the frigid winter temperatures in North America. If you’re considering a repositioning cruise, they mostly take place at the beginning and end of each cruising season.

What to Bring

Packing for an Australian cruise depends on the ship and the itinerary. Some trips offer the chance to take day excursions to the interior, more rugged parts of the country, so you’ll need sturdy outdoor wear in addition to clothing for onboard activities. If you’re taking a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, most ships will provide snorkeling or SCUBA gear, but double-check to make sure you have everything you need.

Cruising Australia is an ideal way to see a wide variety of Australia’s treasures. With ships ranging from small, 60-passenger vessels to huge mega-ships with onboard waterparks and live entertainment, there’s a cruise to fit every taste and budget.

This guest post article was written and provided by Erica Gustafson who is an avid Australia traveler, freelance writer and digital media consultant for Expedia. When traveling to Australia she enjoys staying at the Novotel Canberra hotel.