Tour Departs: 18 December 2023  |  Tour Length: 19 Days
Price From: $14,350.00pp for twin share  |  $22,350.00pp for single

 

Embark on an unparalleled adventure along Australia’s picturesque coastlines aboard the lavish Azamara Journey ship. Indulge in exquisite cuisine & breathtaking vistas during this 14-night cruise, a truly unforgettable experience. Discover the untamed wonders of the Great Australian Bight, including the wildlife sanctuary of Kangaroo Island. Welcome the New Year in grandeur as you sail into Sydney’s harbour, with its iconic skyline as the perfect backdrop.

Down Under’s festive Christmas wonders!

Celebrate Christmas in style and join us on an exciting 19 day tour over the holiday period. Cruising in Australia has become very popular in recent years, so why not experience a cruise close to home, visiting some of Australia’s best scenic destinations. We begin the tour with a 3-night stay in Perth, followed by a 14-night cruise on board the luxury Azamara Journey ship. We’ll cross the Great Australian Bight, visiting nine ports, culminating in an unforgettable New Year’s celebration in Sydney.  Concluding the cruise in Melbourne, we disembark and enjoy an overnight stay before returning home. If you wish, you may also stay on in Melbourne for further independent travel.

Azamara Journey:

A luxurious boutique hotel at sea, the Azamara Journey is a mid-sized ship with a deck plan that’s intimate but never crowded, and offers everything modern voyagers are looking for—plus some unexpected extras.

Other tour highlights:

• Perth for 3 nights
• Adelaide
• Kangaroo Island
• Sydney for New Years Eve
• Melbourne

Itinerary 

Monday 18 December                                         Auckland – Perth       

Today, tour members fly to Perth. On arrival, we transfer to our central city accommodation for a 3-night stay. We enjoy dinner together this evening.

Tuesday 19 December                                         Perth                                                                   

This morning we have a short sightseeing tour of the city before we make our way by ferry to Rottnest Island. Here, we enjoy a special tour highlight and join a half day Luxe Island 7-Course Seafood Cruise. The 4-hour cruise begins on Rottnest’s waterfront, among luxury boats moored in Thomson Bay. We are welcomed with a cocktail on arrival, before setting off into crystal clear waters for an unforgettable afternoon. As we sip on chilled drinks and enjoy the first of our lunch courses, we cruise past the famous Bathurst Lighthouse on our way offshore, in search of Western Rock Lobster. Lobster pots are hauled in and then we travel further along the Island’s coastline to find the most beautiful bay on the day (Longreach or Parakeet Bay), where we anchor close to shore. Nestled in paradise, we can relax on deck or swim and unwind on a float mat. Then, it’s seated white tablecloth dining for main courses and dessert. Following our feast, we pull-up anchor and journey back to Thomson Bay. We join the ferry back to Perth and the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Wednesday 20 December                                    Perth                      

A free day to relax, or head into town for some shopping.  There is plenty to do and see in Perth, the choice is yours.

Thursday 21 December                                       Commence 14 Night Azamara Cruise                    A leisurely start this morning, before we embark on our 14-night Australia Intensive Voyage, on board the Azamara Journey. Our ship departs Perth at 6.00pm.

Friday 22 December                                            Busselton                                   

“The capital of the Margaret River region.” “The gateway to Margaret River wine country.” “The events capital of Western Australia.” Whatever you want to call it, the coastal playground of Busselton sure does have a lot of monikers — and even more things to do. Get ready to explore a bustling waterfront, fantastic national parks, eclectic historic sites, and some of the best wineries in the world.  Arrives: 7.30am, Departs: 5.30pm

Saturday 23 December                                        Albany                                                                       

Set along a rugged coastline, Albany provides a look at the colourful history of Western Australia’s settlers as well as whale watching fun.  Arrives: 11.30am, Departs: 6.00pm

Sunday 24 December                                           Esperance                   

Beaches beckon in this western port town. Dig your toes into Australia’s whitest sand beach and gaze out at over 100 islands in the archipelago. Hikers will be left stunned by the incredible views on the Cape Le Grand Coastal Trail, while animal lovers will make memories as they get up-close and personal with penguins, sea lions, dolphins, and more on Woody Island.  Arrives: 9.00am, Departs: 5.00pm.

Monday 25 December                                         At Sea 

Merry Christmas! Spend the day sailing in style aboard our boutique hotel at sea. Indulge in a treatment at Sanctum Spa, or lounge the day away on our sunny pool deck. In the evening, savour inspired Italian cuisine at Aqualina, or relish in a classic steakhouse experience at Prime C. Plus, you’ll find plenty of exciting evening entertainment, from thrilling shows at Cabaret Lounge to intimate performances in the Living Room.

Tuesday 26 December                                         At Sea                                                      

Another day for you to enjoy the ship’s facilities.

Wednesday 27 December                                    Adelaide             

This laid-back city is your gateway to adventure in the Outback and is the heart of Australia’s wine country. The cosmopolitan capital of Southern Australia boasts a vibrant culinary scene, the most restaurants per capita of any Australian city, and a beltway of gorgeous parkland surrounding the downtown core.  Arrives: 8.00am, Departs: 10.00pm.

Thursday 28 December                                       Kangaroo Island                                       

You’ll find more than just kangaroos on Kangaroo Island. There are also koalas, platypus, ring-tailed possums, birds, and 45 plant species found nowhere else on Earth. Watch penguins, pelicans, whales, and sea lions at Seal Bay Conservation Park, and see more sheep than people, at a ratio of about 136 to one. Be sure to sample the island’s famous cheeses, honey, and inspired wines.  Arrives: 7.00am, Departs: 2.00pm.

Friday 29 December                                           At Sea                                                                         (B,L,D)

Saturday 30 December                                        Eden                            

Nestled on the shores of the Sapphire Coast, Eden is a rugged paradise on Earth that lives up to its name. Discover the rugged hinterland of Ben Boyd National Park, share an order of authentic Australian oysters, and explore the unbelievable story of the Killers of Eden, a pod of killer whales who joined forces with whalers to help them hunt. You’ll even have the chance to see the skeletal remains of Old Tom, the leader of the Killers of Eden, at the Eden Killer Whale Museum.  Arrives: 10.00am, Departs: 4.00pm.

Sunday 31 December – Tuesday 02 January       Sydney                                                                  

One of the Southern Hemisphere’s most spectacular cities. Discover a city where water is the way to travel, and explore intriguing convict history, expansive green spaces, and trendy districts.  Arrives: 8.00am, Departs: 4.00pm.

Wednesday 03 January                                       At Sea                                                              

Thursday 04 January                                           Melbourne                 

We arrive in Melbourne this morning and farewell our ship. The day is yours to explore Melbourne.

Located at the mouth of the Yarra River, Melbourne was founded by free settlers in 1835, 47 years after the first European settlement in Australia. Transformed rapidly into a major metropolis by the Victorian gold rush in the 1850s, Melbourne became Australia’s largest and most important city, and by 1865 was the second largest city in the British Empire. Today, Melbourne is a major centre of commerce, industry and cultural activity, and is consistently ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world. We enjoy a final dinner together this evening.

Friday 05 January                                               Melbourne – Auckland             

This morning we are transferred to the airport for our flights back home.

 

 

Images courtesy of Maher Tours