Australia is a traveller’s dream; rays of sunshine beam down to illuminate the miles of golden coastline, waves lap against sandy beaches and an enormous living, breathing city of coral thrives beneath the surf!
Perhaps Australia’s most iconic city, Sydney is in the southeast and is as vibrant as it is beautiful, teeming with life and excitement. There is such cultural diversity and so much to see and do on a cruise to Sydney that you’ll wish you had more time. You’ll find free tours, fabulous wide-open parks, stunning botanical gardens, world-class museums and restaurants and, of course, the harbour - the jewel in the city’s crown. Sydney Harbour is a colourful and trendy place filled with incredible sights, both natural and manmade. As beautiful and impressive as all the pictures that you’ve no doubt seen of Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge are, you’ll still want to take a few of your own.
Raw natural beauty meets urban cool in Perth. One of the most geographically isolated cities in the world, Perth is the capital of Western Australia. Located along the Swan River, Perth is home to the Swan Bell Tower, a pointy glass spire which is fronted by copper sails. The tower holds the royal bells of London’s St Martin-in-the-Fields which were gifted by the British government in 1988. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Perth.
Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne boasts stunning art, a vibrant music scene and excellent food, wine and coffee. Unsurprisingly, it regularly tops the rankings as the most liveable city. Melbourne has an extensive public transport network, meaning you can see as many iconic landmarks as time permits. Dart into the city centre and take in the sights at Federation Square, which represents the meeting point of stunning old and new architecture in the midst of Melbourne’s central business district. Look out for Flinder’s Street station, St Paul’s Cathedral and the ultra-modern, glass-covered Deakin Edge theatre.
You may also have the chance to encounter the most impressive of all natural phenomena, the Great Barrier Reef. The reef is a captivating, colourful galaxy full of the most remarkable wildlife featuring over 1,500 species of fish, including clownfish, coral trout, snappers and blue tangs. The bursts of neon-coloured coral and weirdly wonderful fish will mesmerise you on your cruise to Australia.
A cruise to New Zealand is an unforgettable experience. The rugged and wonderful landscape may have been brought to the attention of the world by the big screen version of The Lord of the Rings but witnessing the marvellous terrain first-hand is pure pleasure. Peaks above, volcanic rumblings below and rushing waters tearing across the panorama are enough to leave you breathless.
Stretched over a volcanic field on New Zealand’s North Island is multicultural Auckland. One of only seven atmospheric theatres remaining in the world, Civic Theatre is a mighty fine survivor from cinema’s Golden Age. The auditorium has lavish Moorish decorations and a starlit southern-hemisphere night sky in the ceiling, complete with cloud projections and shooting stars. While the foyer is an Indian indulgence with elephants and monkeys hanging from every possible area.
Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound are remote splendour on New Zealand’s rugged coastline. The most famous fjords of New Zealand, the Sounds were named after Wales’ Milford Haven by British migrant John Grono in 1812. One of the wettest inhabited places in the world, the Sounds have an annual rainfall of 6.8 metres over almost 200 days. One of the best ways to see the Sounds is by kayak - get out on the water and view this magnificent fjord from a different perspective. Alternatively, head below water on a scuba diving excursion and plunge amid black coral and 150 species of fish.
Experience true tropical remoteness on the Cook Islands. Halfway between tropical Hawaii and scenic New Zealand lies the sprawling paradise of the Cook Islands. There are many lagoons dotted around the Cook Islands but perhaps one of the most beautiful is Aitutaki Lagoon. Filled with fascinating marine life and circled by 15 palm-covered islets, this lagoon is a true South Pacific treasure. Close by is the wreck of cargo freighter Alexander, which ran around in the 1930s. A great location to snorkel or scuba dive.
Which cruise lines sail to Australia and New Zealand?
