We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: We love small-ship cruising. It’s simply the best way to visit far-flung locales in the most authentic manner, places where you can dive into local culture and feel the nuances of a new destination without the maddening crowds of a mega-ship.

One of the best places in the world for small-ship sailing is Down Under, where expeditions like these reveal the local cultures, natural treasures and iconic wildlife of Australia, New Zealand, the Great Barrier Reef and even parts of East Asia. Smaller ships can take you to remote beaches and reef locations larger ships cannot access and allow more intimate explorations like hiking, sea kayaking, Zodiac excursions and more.

​
To whet your appetite for the delights Down Under, best accessed by small-ship cruising, here are some of our favorites:

The Great Barrier Reef and Beyond: Melbourne to Cairns, or Port Douglas to Auckland

  • Hold a koala in Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast, home of the late Steve Irwin’s family and the Australian Zoo they've been involved in.
  • Marvel at the tower trees and King ferns of Fraser Island and look for dingoes along 75-Mile Beach, an actual beach highway.
  • Visit Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park to learn about the Indigelous Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders.
  • Overnight in Sydney, with time to experience the famed Opera House and Sydney Harbor.
  • Sip Yarra Valley’s famous chardonnays and pinot noirs or shiraz wines made from Barossa Valley old vines.
  • Gape at Fiordland National Park’s steep coastlines.
  • Admire Maori artwork and watch Waiata performances in Wellington.

​
​The Call of the Outback: Cairns to Sydney

  • Swim in crystal-clear Mossman Gorge and watch for crocs on the Daintree River.
  • Explore the gorges, beaches and mountains of Daintree National Park.
  • Learn the traditional fishing techniques of the Kuku Yalanji tribe in the mangroves outside Port Douglas.
  • Tour Townsville, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics and the outback of Queensland.
  • Visit the foodie city of Brisbane and climb its impressive Story Bridge, explore the South Bank cultural center and browse the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art.
  • Make an exclusive wet landing on Middle Percy Island, exploring by kayak or Zodiac.

​
​Highlights of Australia & New Zealand: Auckland to Cairns

  • Soar to the top of Auckland’s 1,076-foot-tall Sky Tower and stroll along Ponsonby Street, known for its arts, cafes, culture and historic villas.
  • Ride bikes through Marlborough, New Zealand’s famous wine country.
  • Visit with yellow-eyed penguins and search for great albatross along the Otago Peninsula.
  • Cozy up to koalas, wombats and wallabies at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Tasmania.
  • Delve deep into the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and visit the movie sets of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
  • Birdwatch on Stewart Island, known for its kaka, parakeets, tui, kiwis and more.
  • Take one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks” to Maori Beach.

​

​
​East Asia & Australia Attractions: Tokyo to Cairns

  • Cruise to remote beaches and untouched villages throughout Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia and Australia.
  • Shop, dine and sightsee in Tokyo.
  • Visit the 3rd-century Ikuta Shrine in Kobe.
  • Soak in the outdoor hot springs of Arima Onsen.
  • Spend a day sailing Japan’s sparsely traveled Inland Sea, full of picturesque water towns.
  • Observe massive Komodo dragons one the shores of Komodo National Park.
  • Meet snow monkeys on the subtropical UNESCO island of Yakushima.
  • Island hop in Hundred Islands National Park, watching for dolphins and sea turtles.

The allure of Australia and New Zealand is famously strong. Heed the call and experience it all on a small-ship expedition. Let’s chat about the right fit for you. 

Your trusted adventure travel advisor