Discover a must-see cruising odyssey along Australia's breathtaking East Coast aboard the Crown Princess. From the vibrant city of Darwin to the iconic sights of Sydney with exciting port calls along the way; every moment promises an unforgettable experience. This incredible journey doesn't stop there, with the unique opportunity to enhance your expedition with an iconic journey through the heart of Australia on The Ghan. Discover why this amazing escape is a must for your bucket list.
Luxury at Sea: Life Aboard the Crown Princess
Step into a world where comfort meets adventure aboard Crown Princess. As you sail from Darwin to Sydney, you'll be enveloped in comfort and elegance. The ship boasts an array of exquisite dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants, ensuring a culinary journey as diverse and flavourful as the Australian coastline itself. Entertainment and relaxation are at your fingertips, with state-of-the-art facilities including theatres, spas, and pools. Crown Princess is not just a mode of travel but a destination in itself, offering a vibrant onboard atmosphere that caters to every age and interest.
Learn more about the Crown Princess here
Darwin to Sydney: A Journey of Discovery
This one-way cruise adventure distinguishes itself from your everyday roundtrip cruise, offering an exceptional opportunity to spend more time at your destination to dive deeper and discover more. On this journey, experience the vibrant city of Darwin, a destination rich with history, from the Bombing of Darwin, oil storage tunnels of WWII, to the devastation of Cyclone Tracy. The city also serves as a gateway to a plethora of National Parks including the natural wonders of Litchfield, adorned with cascading waterfalls, towering termite mounds, and relaxing plunge pools offering a glimpse into Australia's rugged beauty. On the other end of your voyage is Australia's metropolitan hub of Sydney, packed full of national landmarks and sites. Even for those who have been to Sydney before, the unique perspective of sailing into the iconic harbour is a must-do experience.
Cairns: Gateway to Natural Wonders
Cairns, a jewel in the crown of Australia's East Coast, offers an unparalleled gateway to the world's largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef. Here, you can dive into an underwater wonderland, snorkelling or diving among vibrant coral gardens and exotic marine life. The city also serves as a launchpad to the ancient Daintree Rainforest, where the rainforest meets the reef. Cairns encapsulates the essence of tropical Queensland, with its laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural attractions. You can explore this tropical paradise your way, with the option to enhance your experience with some of the incredible shore experiences offered by Princess Cruises, including:
• Kuranda & Skyrail Rainforest Cableway - Encompassing over 2,200 acres of mostly tropical rainforest, the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest is truly a sight to see. Behold its beauty from the treetops aboard the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, voted Australia's Best Major Tourist Attraction.
• Green Island Eco Adventure - Renowned as one of the "Seven Natural Wonders of the World," Green Island is a picture-perfect paradise located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park World Heritage Area. Not only is it filled with not-to-be-missed activities but it's an ideal place for family memory-making.
• Local Connections: The Great Barrier Reef - Discover the wonders down under the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site noted for its "superlative natural beauty above and below the water, (providing) some of the most spectacular scenery on earth".
Scenic Cruising: Willis Island
Amidst the Coral Sea, beyond the majestic Great Barrier Reef, lies the tiny yet significant Willis Island. Spanning just under 500m in length and 150m in width, it stands as the Coral Sea Islands Territory’s only permanently inhabited island, housing a vital weather monitoring station operated by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Despite its lack of conventional habitation, Willis Island plays a crucial role in the ecosystem. It’s surrounded by thriving reefs, home to a plethora of marine life. The island itself is a sanctuary for thousands of seabirds, including Masked, Brown, and Red-footed Boobies, whose calls resonate day and night. So bring your binoculars for some wildlife spotting! Additionally, it serves as an important nesting ground for turtles, making it a fascinating point of interest for those cruising past this secluded outpost. The experience of sailing by Willis Island offers a unique opportunity to witness the interaction of natural beauty and scientific endeavour in one of the planet's most remote locations.
Brisbane: City of Sunlit Splendours
Brisbane, Queensland's vibrant capital, blends sophisticated urban experiences with sublime natural wonders. The city's lively arts scene, bustling markets, and lush parks offer a cultural feast, while nearby, the Gold Coast beckons with its famous beaches and surf breaks. Brisbane is a city that invites exploration, from its riverside life to its mountainous hinterland. While here, you may want to enhance your exploration with some of Princess Cruises shore excursions including:
• Elite Collection- Mount Tamborine Rainforest Adventure - A real mountain adventure to Mount Tamborine plateau, Rainforest walk to a waterfall, 'Gallery Walk' arts & crafts village, local Winery, panoramic views and nature experiences.
• CRIKEY! It's Australia Zoo - Travel to Queensland's Sunshine Coast and pay a visit to Australia Zoo, founded by the late Steve Irwin. Enjoy free time to explore the complex and attend a dramatic animal performance.
• Sirromet Winery, Glow Worms & Rainforest Skywalk - Begin your adventure on a spectacular elevated walkway through the beautiful middle and upper canopies of the rainforest. Take time out at Cedar Creek Estate for lunch and a guided walk through a private Glow Worm Cave. Lastly, partake in the ultimate wine experience that you'll remember long after the last glass.
The Ghan: A Rail Adventure from Adelaide to Darwin
Before embarking on your cruise, you might want to consider adding an extraordinary rail journey aboard The Ghan on a signature Holidays of Australia & the World 'Cruise and Rail' package. With this addition you will travel from Adelaide through the heart of the Australian continent to Darwin, experiencing the vastness and diversity of the landscape. This all-inclusive journey includes not just drinks and dining, but Off Train Experiences at iconic stops along the way, like Alice Springs and Katherine, where you can explore natural wonders and Aboriginal culture. The Ghan offers a luxurious and immersive way to witness Australia's interior beauty before you set sail along its stunning coastline.
We invite you to experience an East Coast journey like no other on this seamless expedition for your next holiday. Crown Princess offers an unforgettable experience at sea, as this travelling resort delivers you to each amazing port, delivering lifelong memories. The exclusive 1-way itinerary enables a unique chance to explore your destinations in depth and flexibility to add on an epic rail journey! Don't wait for this opportunity to pass you by, make your adventure a reality today!
Click here to view amazing East Coast cruises, or get in touch with one of our travel experts!
1300 854 897 | holidays@holidaysofaustralia.com.au
Images courtesy of Princess Cruises, Tourism NT, Destination NSW, and Tourism and Events QLD.
