An Aussie Exploration - Bali to Sydney Cruise

Day 1 - Benoa, Bali

Arrive: Wed 04 December 2024

Bali is an Indonesian island known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. The island is home to religious sites such as cliffside Uluwatu Temple. To the south, the beachside city of Kuta has lively bars, while Seminyak, Sanur and Nusa Dua are popular resort towns. The island is also known for its yoga and meditation retreats.

Day 2 - Benoa, Bali

Depart: Thu 05 December 2024 at 18:00

Bali is an Indonesian island known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. The island is home to religious sites such as cliffside Uluwatu Temple. To the south, the beachside city of Kuta has lively bars, while Seminyak, Sanur and Nusa Dua are popular resort towns. The island is also known for its yoga and meditation retreats.

Day 3 - Lombok

Arrive: Fri 06 December 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Fri 06 December 2024 at 19:00

Lombok is an Indonesian island east of Bali and west of Sumbawa, part of the Lesser Sunda Island chain. It's known for beaches and surfing spots, particularly at Kuta and Banko Banko (in south Lombok). The motor-vehicle-free Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno), off Lombok’s west coast, offer more beaches, reefs for diving and snorkeling, and a sea turtle hatchery.

Day 4 - Komodo Island

Arrive: Sat 07 December 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Sat 07 December 2024 at 17:00

Indonesia’s isolated Komodo Island is a natural wonder of tropical savanna and scrubland, home to the famed pre-historic Komodo dragon. Komodo National Park is the only place on earth that they can be found in the wild. The island of Komodo itself is about 60 squares miles in area with dramatic landscapes of 2,000 foot craggy mountains, canyons, Savannas and monsoon rain forests in the valleys. Human habitation is therefore limited to only one settlement in Slawi Bay.

Day 5 - Cruising the Timor Sea

Day 6 - Darwin, Australia

Arrive: Mon 09 December 2024 at 06:00 / Depart: Mon 09 December 2024 at 17:00

Along the coast of the Northern Territory lies Darwin, a city isolated by the vast Australian desert. The area was sought by the French, Dutch and British, and was established as the town of Darwin in 1869. In 1942, the city was under the threat of a Japanese attack, so a major Australian military base was established. Today Darwin is the largest city of the Northern Territory, offering sights from its colonial past and excellent shopping and dining opportunities.

Day 7 - Cruising the Arafura Sea

Day 8 - At Sea

Day 9 - Cooktown

Arrive: Thu 12 December 2024 at 11:00 / Depart: Thu 12 December 2024 at 20:00

This quaint frontier town, scenically located on Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, Cooktown is the site of Australia’s first European settlement. The town is named after the famous South Seas explorer Captain Cook, and Cook’s Pillar marks the spot where his ship, the Endeavour landed ashore in 1770. Grassy Hill offers a 360° panorama of the countryside and pristine beaches. The area remains a near-wilderness offering dramatic mountains, eucalypts, mangroves and rainforests, heathlands, grasslands, and rivers for the adventurous traveler.

Day 10 - Cairns

Arrive: Fri 13 December 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Fri 13 December 2024 at 19:00

Cairns is the capital of Far North Queensland, and its east coastal cities rest along the Great Barrier Reef. The state of Queensland occupies a vast 667,000 square miles and much of the land remains uninhabited, covered with miles of rainforest where Australian teak, hopp, pine and fig trees abound. Before 1879, when the city of Cairns was established, the only inhabitants of this region were the Aborigines, the culture for which Australia is perhaps best known.

Day 11 - Townsville

Arrive: Sat 14 December 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Sat 14 December 2024 at 19:00

Head out to the Great Barrier Reef to dive or snorkel, or discover the local beaches and enjoy the tropical scenery, the seafront promenade, galleries and shops. Venture out to stunning Magnetic Island with its national park, miles of walking trails, wildlife and magnificent coral reefs. Take home local artwork, crafts, jewelry and souvenirs. Savor fresh seafood along with a wide variety of international cuisines, perhaps a cold beer or a glass of fine wine.

Day 12 - Airlie Beach

Arrive: Sun 15 December 2024 at 07:00 / Depart: Sun 15 December 2024 at 17:00

Day 13 - Cruising the Coral Sea

Day 14 - Cruising the Tasman Sea

Day 15 - Newcastle, NSW, Australia

Arrive: Wed 18 December 2024 at 08:00 / Depart: Wed 18 December 2024 at 19:00

Newcastle is a harbour city in the Australian state of New South Wales. Its plentiful beaches are linked by the Bathers Way, a coastal walk stretching between Nobbys Beach and Merewether Beach. The walk provides access to Bogey Hole, a convict-built ocean bath from the colonial period. Also on the path is the 1880s Fort Scratchley, a historic site and a viewpoint for spotting migrating whales.

Day 16 - Sydney

Arrive: Thu 19 December 2024 at 08:00

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia's largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Day 17 - Sydney

Depart: Fri 20 December 2024

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia's largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.