Beautiful landscapes, idyllic beaches and barrier reefs forming a backdrop to sophisticated cities filled with culture and history are just a few of the reasons Australia is on everyone’s bucket list. With a country that is larger than Europe, capturing all that there is to see and do in the Land of Oz can be daunting – that’s why our new Circumnavigation of Australia Grand Voyage is just the ticket for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Starting and ending in Sydney, guests can cruise for 36-nights to the major cities and regions of Australia, plus enjoy a FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay with Dinner in Sydney, an Exclusive New Year’s Eve Party in Bali, an Exclusive Shoreside Experience, plus additional bespoke amenities.
Australia is a country of stunning capital cities, each one graciously different than the rest. As the state capital of New South Wales and the most populated city in the country, Sydney ranks as one of the top favorites. Surrounded by the world’s largest natural harbor (hence the nickname “Harbor City”), Sydney offers a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural activities.
Home to the Sydney Opera House, the modern architectural wonder features up to 1600 performances every year. And even if there is no concert or ballet, the tour of the building is well worth the visit. Garden lovers will enjoy a visit to the Royal Botanic Gardens, known as one of the oldest public gardens in the world. Home to an incredible variety of floral and fauna on 174 acres, place the Palace Rose Garden (1800 roses) and Latitude 23 (over 300 species of palms) on your list. And be sure to check out the colony of grey-headed flying foxes otherwise known as fruit bats!
For the more adventurous, a climb on the Sydney Harbor Bridge (not for the faint of heart) is well worth the experience as well as the views. And speaking of views, The Taronga Zoo has some of the best panoramas of the harbor in addition to unusual animals such as pygmy hippos, koalas and the occasional komodo dragon.
Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is a different type of city experience. Heralded as one of the richest and most livable cities in the country, Perth also boasts some of the most beautiful beaches. Surfers will enjoy the breaks at Trigg Point and Scarborough while families will favor Cottesloe and City Beaches. Hip wine bars and cafes, burgeoning art galleries and eclectic neighborhoods filled with colonial architecture make Perth a popular seaside destination.
Victoria’s state capital of Melbourne is most notable as a haven for art aficionados, film buffs, foodies and sports fanatics. The National Gallery of Victoria houses more than 70,000 works (be sure to catch the “House of Dior” exhibit) while the Australian Centre for the Moving Image features exhibits on film and television. Melbourne is also the home of the Australian Football League and the Melbourne Cup. Dubbed as a mix of Paris and New York, the cosmopolitan city has an adventurous side as well, with visits to the rainforest, 12 Apostles ocean rock formation, mountain biking, surfing and bushwalking on the top of the list.
Ready to explore? View the itinerary on this alluring 36-Night Grand Voyage setting sail on December 15, 2018.
LUXURY GOES EXPLORING® 
Ida and I are circumnavigators to be and look very forward to joining our fellow circumnavigators, first at the Four Seasons during dinner Dec 14th next year, then boarding the newly refurbished Christmas decorated Mariner the next day.