trip specifics

price

Our East coast expedition will embark in Sydney sailing down the coast into the beauty of Jervis Bay and the surrounding natural bush land. Orion's small ship cruise will continue south stopping at Phillip Island with its famous Little Penguins and arrive in Melbourne for the first time ever.

Day 1 - Sydney, New South Wales

The oldest, largest and (some say) most beautiful city in Australia is memorable for far more than its famous landmarks. Created around one of the world's most dazzling harbors, the Opera House and Harbor Bridge are the city's icons. Visitors love the first class restaurants, sparkling beaches, colonial precincts, fantastic shopping and relaxed outdoor lifestyle which results in an endless choice of things to do. Where else but Sydney could you catch a ferry to visit a zoo where the animals enjoy million-dollar harbor views?

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: dinner

Days 2 & 3 - Hukisson & Hyams Beach (Jervis Bay)

Jervis Bay National Park offers much to the visitor. It is one of the true gems of the NSW south east region and its value to Australia has been recognized by its National Park status. It's breathtaking beauty, rich cultural and natural significance have long been recognized and appreciated by locals and by domestic and overseas visitors. Jervis Bay is reputed to have the clearest waters and whitest sands in not only this country but also in the world. These beautiful blue waters are home to many dolphins and the opportunity to sight these graceful locals is one of the major features that make this area a magnet for lovers of nature. Whale sighting is also frequent in Jervis Bay and the choices of water sports here are wide. Many people come to dive, fish and explore these famous waters. None go home disappointed.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 4 - Montague Island

Now a major commercial fishing center, Eden's past was built on whaling and the Killer Whale Museum evidences the town's unique history by tracing the days when men and killer whales worked together to herd other gentle giants to shore. The history and traditions of the sea are still the lifeblood of Eden so take the chance to sample some of the fresh seafood being landed in the harbor. A short stroll around the township reveals galleries, craft shops and the historic Sea Horse Inn.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Eden

Orion will take position at Orion Reef affording guests a unique and spectacular opportunity for a swim, one that stay with you for the rest of your life. You will be landed ashore by Zodiacs onto a white sand spit. From here you can swim and snorkel over a pristine and seldom visited section of the reef alive with corals and teeming with myriads of tropical fish.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Sealers Cove, Wilsons Promontory

In the heart of Wilsons Promontory National Park sits the long white sand beach of Sealers Cove. Accessible essentially only by foot, for those not fortunate enough to arrive from the sea that is, it takes the average person around 3 hours over a rough and sometimes narrow track to reach the beach, the very same beach our Zodiacs will land you on. The sea levels have risen and dropped again, to give us this fabulous natural paradise that exists today. Join our expedition team on a walk on the beaches and boardwalks of Sealers Cove, through groves of giant tree ferns and over gently flowing streams. Take a refreshing dip in the ocean or take a solitary stroll along the length of this secluded beach.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 7 - Phillip Island

Nature's island right in Victoria's Westernport, a place of tranquil beauty and unique wildlife, Phillip Island has much to offer. Koalas, seals, penguins and sea-birds all call Philip Island home. A range of optional tours will be available to visit such places as the Koala Conservation Center or take a local cruise boat to view massive seal colonies. Orion will stay at the island into the evening to allow us to view the nightly Penguin Parade, probably the single most famous attraction on the island, where dozens of Little Penguins also called Fairy Penguins parade across the sand every evening. In contrast to this natural beauty, Phillip Island is also home to one of Australia's great motor racing circuits, home to the Australian Motorbike Grand Prix as well as V-8 Supercars and World Super Bike circuits. Together with nearby Churchill Island, George Bass and Matthew Flinders "discovered" Phillip Island in 1798, and within three years the first European settlement in Victoria was born on Churchill Island, growing wheat and corn and building several small cottages. Bass named the island Snapper Island, the name being changed to honor the colonial Governor Phillip in the early 1800's. Of course for 1000's of years before Bass and Flinders made landfall, the local Aborigines, the Bunurong people, had roamed through the area as they moved seasonally between the coast and islands and the inland regions of the nearby mainland. The area has been protected as a Nature Reserve since the mid-1990's. As Orion edges closer to the Melbourne metropolis, what more could we ask for than to have such a historic and naturally special island at our doorstep waiting for us to explore.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Melbourne, Victoria

Melbourne is notable for its distinct blend of Victorian and contemporary architecture, expansive parks and gardens and multicultural society. It is recognized as Australia's 'cultural and sporting capital' and is home to some of the nation's most significant cultural and sporting institutions. This will be Orion's inaugural visit to this great city.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast


Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of cruising unique.

Single, Triple and Quad Travelers: Single travelers may reserve sole occupancy of a twin occupancy stateroom for 25% less than the regular stateroom (twin occupancy) fare in categories JS, A and B. Subject to availability. Some staterooms accommodate a third or fourth person. Adults age 16 years and over pay 50% (children ages 2-15 years pay 25%) of the applicable stateroom category fare when sharing the room with two full-fare guests

Cost Includes: Included in your cruise fare are accommodations as booked, cruise transportation, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programmes, use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities, port & handling charges, Zodiac excursions and tender transfers, access to the ship's library, Govt. Fees & Taxes. Fares also include the services of 75 experienced crew.

Not Included: Fares do not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to: travel and medical insurance, laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hair dressing and massage treatments, optional shore experiences, medical treatment, telephone and internet charges.

Deposit and Final Payment: To secure your reservation a deposit of 25% of the fare is required. The deposit must be accompanied by a completed and signed Guest Booking Form and is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment must be received no later than 90 days before sailing. Separate conditions apply to the Cancellation Protection Plan.

Cancellation Policy: The following cancellation fees will apply to all reservations. The day on which written notice is received will determine the applicable penalties.
Day on Which Notice is received Penalty
121 days and over - 50% of deposit
120 - 91 days prior 100% of deposit
90 days or less 100% of fare
No show - no written notice 100% of fare

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Shoreside Expeditions: We include a number of complimentary shore experiences utilising our Zodiacs. In addition we offer an exciting and diverse selection of optional shore experiences which can be either booked for in advance or reserved onboard and charged to your onboard account. Due to limited numbers on some experiences we recommend you pre-register to avoid disappointment. Details will be provided with your ticket.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to AdventureSmith Explorations when a request for accommodation is made. On every Orion voyage extensive use of the ship’s Zodiacs will be made transporting guests between ship and shore. It is anticipated this travel may be physically demanding from time to time. In order for the crew to determine if safe passage can be offered, guests may be asked to provide additional information, such as a medical assessment of their fitness for expeditionary travel. All guests must sign a disclaimer onboard to participate in offship activities. Guests should be sure to bring onboard sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms & Conditions:. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

return to top of page

AdventureSmith Explorations

Travel Specialists  |  Contact Us