Australian Navigator

Perth, the sunniest capital city in Australia, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication. Start your day with a stroll through Kings Park and Botanic Garden, where you'll enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and the Swan River. The park's diverse flora and tranquil walking trails provide a refreshing escape from the bustling city.

Explore the Perth Cultural Centre, home to the Art Gallery of Western Australia and the Western Australian Museum, which showcase indigenous and contemporary art and artifacts. For a unique experience, visit the Swan Bells at Barrack Square, a set of 18 bells that you can ring yourself. End your day with a sunset visit to Cottesloe Beach, famous for its golden sands and clear waters.

Ships dock at the Fremantle Cruise Passenger Terminal, which is just a short 15-minute walk from the town centre and approximately a 30-minute drive from Perth. Discover the bustling Fremantle Markets, offering local crafts, fresh produce, and eclectic eateries, or stroll along the iconic Cappuccino Strip for a taste of the city's lively atmosphere. Explore the historic Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage site that received its first ship of convicts on 1 June 1850. For a scenic adventure, take a short ferry ride to Rottnest Island, home to adorable quokkas and pristine beaches.

The Margaret River Region, in Western Australia's southwest, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and exceptional gourmet offerings. Begin your day with a visit to one of the numerous vineyards that produce some of Australia's finest wines. A trip to the Margaret River Chocolate Factory promises a delightful indulgence in locally-made chocolates.

Nature enthusiasts can explore the rugged coastline at Prevelly Beach and the towering karri trees in Boranup Forest. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Mammoth Cave, a limestone marvel filled with ancient fossils. The quaint townships dotted throughout the region offer charming cafes and boutique shops, perfect for a relaxing afternoon of exploration.

Cruise ships visiting Busselton dock at the Busselton Jetty, a short walk from the town center. Busselton is renowned for its 1.8-kilometer (1.1-mile) jetty, the longest wooden pier in the southern hemisphere which features an underwater observatory at the end. This quaint town offers charming shops, cafes, and beautiful beaches. For those looking to explore further, Busselton is the gateway to the Margaret River region, famous for its wineries, gourmet food, and stunning coastline, about 50 kms (31 miles) away, with a travel time of roughly 45 minutes.

Western Australia’s oldest colonial settlement, Albany holds not only great historical significance but also immense natural beauty. Its spectacular rugged coastline befits its dramatic whaling, convict and settler history, and the city retells it in exceptional ways. Ships will dock at the Royal Princess Harbour.  

Top Things to Do in Albany:

• visit the National ANZAC Centre
• visit the whaling station
• enjoy a scenic boat cruise on King George Sound  
• explore Torndirrup National Park 

Adelaide combines the charm of a picturesque country town with lively cosmopolitan offerings. Downtown is compact and easily walkable, with wide, tree-lined boulevards, superb Victorian and Edwardian architecture, tranquil parks and the highest number of restaurants per capita of any city in Australia. Ships will dock at the Outer Harbor of Port Adelaide.

Top Things to Do in Adelaide:

• visit a Barossa Valley winery
• spend time in Historic Hahndorf
• take a Spirit Of The Coorong Cruise
• visit the Adelaide Central Market

Kangaroo Island is home to dramatic coastal cliffs, lush eucalyptus forests, rolling green hills and gorgeous beaches. It is a wildlife sanctuary where you get the unique opportunity to see an amazing range of animals up-close in their local habitat. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the pier.

Top Things to Do in Kangaroo Island:

• join an ocean cruise along the wild Kangaroo Island coastline
• spot sea lions at Seal Bay
• enjoy a wine tasting at Cape Willoughby
• explore Flinders Chase National Park

Portland, located on the southwest coast of Victoria, is a historic town known for its rich maritime heritage and natural beauty. As the site of Victoria's first European settlement, Portland boasts a wealth of historical attractions, including the Portland Maritime Discovery Centre, which offers insights into the town’s seafaring past.

The town is also surrounded by stunning coastal landscapes, such as the picturesque Portland Bay, where visitors can enjoy whale watching during migration season. The nearby Cape Nelson State Park features scenic trails and the iconic Cape Nelson Lighthouse. With its blend of history, natural beauty, and outdoor activities, Portland is a charming destination on Australia’s Great Ocean Road.

Phillip Island boasts wide sandy beaches, spectacular coastal scenery, excellent surfing and a world-famous Grand Prix circuit. However, its biggest attraction measures about one foot tall, the island is home to thousands of little penguins. The ships will anchor offshore and provide tenders to the jetty.

Top Things to Do on Phillip Island:

• watch the penguin parade
• take a scenic helicopter flight
• visit the world famous Grand Prix Circuit
• join a seal watching cruise
• kayak the wetlands

Melbourne’s vibrant character shines through its eclectic mix of architecture, culture, and green spaces. Stroll through Federation Square, where contemporary art and historic buildings collide, or explore the street art in hidden laneways like Hosier Lane. For a taste of local flavors, the Queen Victoria Market offers fresh produce and handmade goods. Don’t miss the Royal Botanic Gardens, a peaceful escape near the city’s core.

Located on the shores of Corio Bay, Geelong is the second-largest city in Victoria, on Australia’s southern coast. Its known for its vibrant waterfront with immaculate walkways, shops, restaurants and public artworks. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders will be provided to the pier.

Top Things to Do in Geelong:

• travel along the famous Great Ocean Road and visit the 12 Apostles
• visit a Bellarine Peninsula Winery
• learn about the world's oldest culture at Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre
• visit the Heights Historic House & Gardens

Burnie lies on the doorstep of scenic shores, rolling hills and pristine world heritage listed wilderness. This energetic seaside town offers a unique perspective on the world of industry. Once dependent on paper manufacturing, the inventive community has transformed its industry into a compelling art culture.

Top Things to Do in Burnie:

• visit Cradle Mountain National Park
• drive along the scenic Bass Highway
• descend into the limestone caverns of Gunns Plains Caves
• visit the Makers’ Workshop, where the work of local artists and craftspeople is shown

Set in Twofold Bay on the Sapphire Coast, Eden is known for the migrating whales that cruise through its waters between May and November. While the whales are now protected and cherished here, the town was initially founded as a whaling centre and has many fascinating stories to tell. Ships will anchor offshore and tenders are provided to the port.

Top Things to Do in Eden:

• bush walk through Ben Boyd National Park
• visit Eden Lookout for the best views of Twofold Bay
• visit the Eden Killer Whale Museum
• cruise Twofold Bay

Ships arriving into Sydney typically dock at Circular Quay, or the White Bay Cruise Terminal, slightly farther west. From Circular Quay, you can easily access the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Garden. Public transport options include trains, buses, and ferries. White Bay passengers can take a shuttle or taxi to reach key attractions like Darling Harbour and The Rocks, known for their shops, restaurants, and historical sites.