Australia Cruises

History & Culture

Australia is a bucket-list destination filled with unique treasures, no wonder it is extremely popular among travellers all over the world. Boasting some of the most unique wildlife on Earth, get up close and personal with a koala, or see a kangaroo in its natural habitat on an exciting shore excursion. Scuba divers won't want to miss a dive to the Great Barrier Reef, and water lovers will enjoy swimming, snorkelling and surfing along the luscious sandy beaches. It is the world’s smallest continent and at the very same time the world’s biggest Island. Australia is full of surprises and contrasts. It has magical aboriginal sites, vibrant cities and oh so many natural wonders to explore. Cruising to Australia is an extraordinary experience of falling into a friendly multicultural atmosphere in a faraway land down under.

Food & Drink

As we mentioned above Australia is a multicultural land and its food is a given proof of that. Some people may think that the iconic Australian food somehow involves kangaroos or crocodiles. But, in fact, Australian cuisine was pretty much influenced by the immigrants from Asia and Europe. So while on a cruise you better prepare yourself for dishes like Fish and Chips, chicken parmigiana, meat pies and BBQ snags. If you are looking for something special try roasted lamb, probably the best lamb of your life, or barramundi, which is a local fish. And if you love a great dessert, you should never miss the Pavlova.   

Sydney

Sydney probably - the most iconic and diverse city in Australia is definitely one of the major cruise ports. It has so much to offer every guest: learn more about the history of the city and explore its museums; enjoy the superb beaches; try some outstanding restaurants; fall into vibrant city nightlife, or simply spend the day shopping. We recommend you visit such Sydney attractions as the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Fish Market and Bondi Beach.

Melbourne

Melbourne is a beautiful metropolitan city considered to be the cultural capital of Australia. It is an extremely stylish city full of gourmet eateries and cool bars. It also has lots to see and try. Visit numerous art galleries, explore amazing museums, and enjoy the music scene of the city. Another must-try in Melbourne is coffee. Rumours have it, the city is home to the best coffee in the world, and you are to try it and let us know if that’s true or not. 

Hobart

Tasmania is a beautiful Australian island and one of the best places on earth to explore natural wonders and wildlife. What do we recommend seeing in Hobart? Hobart’s Waterfront – a fantastic place to feel the city vibe and taste some local food. Salamanca Markets – one of the largest outdoor markets in the country, working on Saturdays only, full of antiques, jewellery, woodwork, flowers, music and some incredible Tasmanian food. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens – a popular place nearby Hobart’s city centre, a great place to explore the endemics. Mount Wellington – Hobart’s must-visit for those who love to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Great Barrier Reef

The largest Coral Reef in the World, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and probably one of the most famous attractions of Australia – the Great Barrier Reef is an amazing treasure everyone should try and see. It is located on the northeast coast of Australia and the best place to start your visit would be Cairns. There are many options to explore the reef marine life: you can snorkel and visit it on a glass-bottom boat, but the best way is, of course, diving.  

The Gold Coast

Splendid beaches, fantastic shopping, vibrant nightlife, amazing culinary scene – are the main reasons to visit the famous Gold Coast. It is a region located on the east coast of Australia, nearby Brisbane, that is super popular among tourists of all ages. The top attractions of the Gold Coast are golden beaches, surfing camps, skydiving, theme parks, golf clubs and national parks.

Uluru

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site we recommend visiting while in Australia is Uluru or Ayres Rock. It is a red-colour monolith formation you probably have seen in many photos located in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Tourists from all over the world travel to see the most famous Australian rock. In the National Park, you’ll be able to learn more about the history and traditions of the local aboriginal people - the Anangu people. And if you have more than one day, you should stay there for dinner with a view of the magical sunset and fabulous natural light show.     

Currency considerations

The local Australian currency is the Australian dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted around the country, but if you are heading to some small towns or parks, we recommend you have some cash, you can exchange it in any Australian bank, as there are plenty of them in the country. Another note we want you to know is that tipping is not a common practice within the country. You can tip someone if you want to, but no one is expecting you to.

Customs and traditions to be aware of 

All foreign travellers must have a visa in order to enter Australia. If you are not planning to spend there more than 3 months you can apply online for an eVisitor Visa.

Another important thing to know before your cruise to Australia is the quarantine laws, which we recommend you familiarize yourself with. Australia takes those very seriously, so you need to declare all plant, food and animal products you are having.

Making the most use of short durations in port

If you want to make the most of your cruise to Australia, you should plan your visit wisely. Research the best sites to explore, book the excursions you are interested in, make a list of the restaurants you’d love to try, learn some Aussie slang, so you can understand the locals better and make sure to take the best sunscreen and a cover-up, since the ozone layer is thin, which makes the sun pretty harsh.

Transport

Gather the information about the cities you are to see, and the best transport options available there as all the states have different public transport systems. For example, in Sydney for busses, trains and ferries you can use the Opal card; while in Melbourne there’s a Myke card. For those not interested in public transport, taxis are widely available in big cities.

We have put together the following FAQs. We hope that you will be able to find an answer to your question below, but if you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team. 

• When is the best time to cruise to Australia?

Cruise ships sail to Australia from November till the end of March, letting you enjoy the best of the summer season in Australia.

• Do I need to have a visa to cruise to Australia?

Yes, all guests arriving in Australia by plane or cruise ship need to have a visa. For holidays that do not last more than 3 months, you can apply online for an eVisitor Visa.

• What are the main cruise ports in Australia?

Sydney cruise port is the biggest Australian port of call. Other popular cruise destinations are Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Fremantle (Perth) and Hobart.

• Can you cruise from Australia to New Zeeland?

Yes, there are plenty of cruise deals for you to travel from Australia to New Zeeland and vice versa.