Western Australia Cruises

Relax on deck for a day at sea, with onboard presentations from the guest lecturers, plus workshops and demonstrations.

No two western Australia cruises are the same. Throughout the expedition, allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Below is a selection of the key destinations visited.

Dampier Archipelago

Consisting of 42 islands and islets, 25 of which are nature reserves, the iron-red islands of the Dampier Archipelago stand in bright contrast to the turquoise waters which surround them. The archipelago not only offers exceptional natural beauty but significant sites for Aboriginal and European Heritage, many of which are in National Heritage Listed Areas. Named after English explorer William Dampier who first visited the islands aboard the Cygnet in 1699; the islands’ earliest inhabitants were the Yaburara people, as is evidenced by the thousands of rock engravings, shell middens and stone arrangements scattered across the area. There will be ample opportunity to explore the area’s historical and cultural sites before taking to the azure waters for swimming and kayaking. Birdwatchers will have the opportunity to see several species of migratory waders as well as sea eagles and ospreys. With luck, possibly even see the elusive Rothschild’s rock wallaby. **Please note viewing of aboriginal petroglyphs is subject to approval and guidance by traditional owners of the area, and cannot be guaranteed**

Montebello Islands

The Montebello Islands, or Montes, are an archipelago of more than 250 limestone islands and islets off the coast of the Pilbara. A delight for birdwatchers, the islands are considered an Important Bird Area, as they support over 1% of the world populations of fairy and roseate terns, as well as sooty oystercatchers. The Montes have an explosive past. Alpha and Trimouille Islands were the site of three British atomic weapons tests in the 1950s. Relics of the military operation can still be found on the islands today. Visit the plinth, which marks Ground Zero at Trimouille Island, now a haven for wildlife, including the rufous hare wallaby. A fascinating maritime history surrounds the Montebello Island. Survivors of the Dutch vessel “Tryall” swam here after their ship was wrecked in 1622, therefore being the first Europeans to land on the islands. Spend a full day exploring this island group, including wildlife spotting opportunities and beautiful beach walks. Keep watch for the rare rufous hare wallaby and lagoon rays while exploring amazing vistas.

Muiron Islands & Serrurier Island

The Muiron Islands are located approximately 10 nautical miles off the North West Cape. The Islands are well known for their incredible reef, colorful soft corals, an abundance of turtles, schools of fish and even sightings of manta rays! A variety of dive sites are on offer at this destination, including swim-throughs and ledges where nudibranchs, eels and angelfish hide. With fantastic bommies and protected reef, snorkelers will appreciate the variety of soft corals and gorgonians as well the incredible fish life. Birdlife is abundant onshore—see if you can spot wedge-tail shearwaters, roseate terns, osprey and black-shouldered kites (just to name a few).

Serrurier Island is located a further 20 nautical miles northeast of the Muirons. Here, experience great coral competition and seagrass beds that feed the local dugongs. The World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is the turquoise jewel in the crown of the Western Australian coastline. Spanning nearly 2,000 square miles, this is one of the largest fringing reefs in the world. Its inner and outer reefs create a diverse range of habitats for vibrant corals and more than 500 species of fish. This is also where mega marine life come to feed during their migrations, including humpback whales, giant manta rays and the majestic whale shark. It is also a coastline with a fascinating heritage, where lonely whalers battled it out against the elements. After in-water activities, stretch the legs on a stroll down the beach on these untouched islands.

Exmouth & Cape Range National Park (Ningaloo Reef)

One of the longest and most pristine fringing reefs in the world, Ningaloo Reef has an unusually narrow continental shelf. The deep oceanic waters, reef and coastline communities are close in proximity, resulting in a huge array of significant and healthy marine life coexisting in one area. The Ningaloo Coast is also one of the most important turtle nesting rookeries in the Indian Ocean, with a significant maritime history from explorers, traders, pearl luggers, whaling and fishing. Spend the day at Cape Range National Park with options to snorkel at Turquoise Bay, visit Yardie Creek via a 0.75-mile nature walk, head up to the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse or visit the Ningaloo Center. There will also be some free time to explore Exmouth.

Cruising The Ningaloo Coast

The remote and well-hidden Bateman’s Bay, just north of Coral Bay, is a much more remote and untouched landscape in comparison with beautiful sand beaches. Weather permitting, make a short landing on the remote Ningaloo coast between Northwest Cape and Shark Bay, for a swim and a beachcomb.

Shark Bay World Heritage Area

Explore the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, the first location in Western Australia to receive UNESCO World Heritage status, in 1991. This is a region of colorful landscapes, rare flora and fauna, and home to a staggering 35% of all of Australia’s bird species. Explore Francois Peron National Park, named after the naturalist on explorer Nicholas Baudin’s expeditions. Cruise past historic Cape Inscription, the site of Dirk Hartog’s landing in 1616, and time permitting, enjoy a refreshing swim off the sandy remote beach.

The Abrolhos Islands

The Abrolhos Islands consist of 122 islands, clustered into three main groups: the Wallabi, Easter and Pelsaert Groups. Lying in the stream of the southward flowing Leeuwin current, the marine environment here is a meeting place for tropical and temperate sea life. Common marine mammals include Australian sea lions and bottlenose dolphins, and over 90 species of seabirds have been identified. The treacherous reefs around these islands have claimed many wrecks over the centuries, the most famous being the Batavia in 1629—whose Dutch crew swam ashore only to experience a brutal mutiny. The Abrolhos islands offer a near-pristine natural environment with a diverse range of marine and terrestrial fauna and flora. This area also offers a rich history including shipwrecks and remnants of early colonial industries such as guano mining and commercial fishing. The Australian sea lions love to swim and play with snorkelers and divers here.

Wallabi Group

Today snorkel off picturesque Turtle Bay and take a short walk along the beach where Tamar wallabies, skinks and the endemic Abrolhos dwarf bearded dragons may be seen. Cruise past the Pidgeon islands, the wealthiest of the crayfishing islands. Birdwatch for ospreys, white-bellied sea eagles and Caspian terns amongst other birdlife. Conditions permitting, visit Beacon Island, also known as the Island of Angry Ghosts, where 126 men, women and children were massacred by the blood thirsty mutineers of this area over 400 years ago. This is home to fantastic bird life, as well as the Batavia Memorial cairn and the coral pits—still evident from where Jeronimus Cornelisz (the mutiny ring leader) was held prior to his trial and execution.

Easter Group

At the Easter Group, visit the Sea Lion colony at Little Sandy Island, home to the largest colony of Sea Lions in the Abrolhos. Later, snorkel the vibrant coral reefs at locations such as Squid Hole, the Anemone Lump or Morley Island. Also enjoy the opportunity to bird watch at Wooded Island. Activities will be subject to weather and tides as this area is known to be very tidal and windy.

Pelsaert (Southern) Group

At the Pelsaert (Southern) group, visit Liddon Pearl Farm and Crayfishing operations on Post Office Island. Learn what is involved with growing the pearls, learning the different shells and pearl categories, and how the different types of pearls are set. Also have insights into the renowned cray fishing industry of the island, from the family who has been in the Abrolhos for four generations. Later is the opportunity to snorkel the blue holes from the jetty.

If weather conditions allow, this morning enjoy snorkeling at one of the Pelsaert groups outer reefs before a relaxing day at sea cruising to Fremantle. This evening, celebrate the end of the voyage with fellow passengers and crew at the captain’s farewell drinks.

Arrive and disembark in Fremantle at 7:30am. A post-cruise transfer to the central business district or the airport is included.

No two western Australia cruises are the same. Throughout the expedition, allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Below is a selection of the key destinations visited.

Rowley Shoals

At the edge of the continental shelf, 170 nautical miles offshore, lie the Rowley Shoals, a chain of three coral atolls including Clerke, Mermaid and Imperieuse Reefs. The shoals, named by Captain Phillip Parker King, offer some of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities in the world. Their shallow lagoons are inhabited by myriad coral species and marine life, including giant potato cod, Maori wrasse, at least 233 species of coral and 688 species of fish—many of which are not found on other coral reefs. Diving along the outside edge of the shoals one can view colorful soft corals, hammerheads and pelagic fish. Water clarity here is absolutely unparalleled, making for superb underwater photography opportunities.

Conditions permitting, spend 1-2 days at Clerke and perhaps Mermaid or Imperieuse reefs, with ample time for snorkeling and diving opportunities. With each atoll covering approximately 35 square miles, there will be plenty to see! Guided by the onboard marine biologist, snorkel away the day in the coral gardens of the Aquarium at Clerke Reef, or dive along the sheer vertical walls and through coral canyons. Try a drift snorkel in the channel, or beachcomb on Bedwell Island, keeping an eye out for the red-tailed tropicbird that roosts there.

Dampier Archipelago

Consisting of 42 islands and islets, 25 of which are nature reserves, the iron-red islands of the Dampier Archipelago stand in bright contrast to the turquoise waters which surround them. The archipelago not only offers exceptional natural beauty but significant sites for Aboriginal and European Heritage, many of which are in National Heritage Listed Areas. Named after English explorer William Dampier who first visited the islands aboard the Cygnet in 1699; the islands’ earliest inhabitants were the Yaburara people, as is evidenced by the thousands of rock engravings, shell middens and stone arrangements scattered across the area. There will be ample opportunity to explore the area’s historical and cultural sites before taking to the azure waters for swimming and kayaking. Birdwatchers will have the opportunity to see several species of migratory waders as well as sea eagles and ospreys. With luck, possibly even see the elusive Rothschild’s rock wallaby. **Please note viewing of aboriginal petroglyphs is subject to approval and guidance by traditional owners of the area, and cannot be guaranteed**

Pilbara Inshore Islands

The Pilbara inshore islands are made up of 170 islands, islets and rocks between Exmouth Gulf and Cape Preston. These remote islands are an important refuge for threatened species and their surrounding reefs are rarely visited. In addition to the more well known Muiron Islands, possibly also visit Thevenard and Serrurier Islands. At Thevenard Island walk the Eco Trail around the island and snorkel the fringing reefs and bommies from Xplorer. The coral competition at Serrurier Island is fierce, and sea-grass beds feed dugongs and several species of marine turtle.

Ningaloo Reef & Cape Range National Park

The World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is the turquoise jewel in the crown of the Western Australian coastline. Spanning roughly 2,000 square miles, this is one of the largest fringing reefs in the world. Its inner and outer reefs create a diverse range of habitats for vibrant corals and more than 500 species of fish. This is also where marine life comes to feed during their migrations, including humpback whales and giant manta rays. It is also a coastline with a fascinating heritage, where lonely whalers battled it out against the elements. Spend 2 days exploring this stunning coastline from Exmouth to Coral Bay and its underwater playground. From Exmouth, take a coach tour to discover Cape Range National Park, enjoy a nature walk at Yardie Creek and visit the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse. A visit to the educational Ningaloo Center prepares all for an incredible experience of snorkeling from the beach at Turquoise Bay and a boat charter with a local operator to discover the outer reef, with the opportunity to snorkel with manta rays and turtles. There may be an opportunity for advanced divers to discover the Navy Pier dive, depending on tides. While cruising the Humpback Highway down the coast, enjoy the opportunity to watch the majestic whales breach close by.

Muiron Islands

Located approximately 10 nautical miles off the North West Cape, the waters surrounding the uninhabited Muiron Islands are teeming with marine life. A variety of dive sites are on offer, including swim-throughs and ledges where nudibranchs, eels and angelfish hide. Snorkelers will appreciate the fantastic bommies, protected reefs, variety of soft corals and gorgonians as well the incredible fish life. After in-water activities, stretch the legs on a stroll down the beach on these untouched islands.

Montebello Islands

The Montebello Islands, or Montes, are an archipelago of more than 250 limestone islands and islets off the coast of the Pilbara. A twitcher’s delight, the islands are considered an Important Bird Area, as they support over 1% of the world populations of fairy and roseate terns, as well as sooty oystercatchers. The islands also have a fascinating maritime history. The survivors of the Dutch vessel Trial swam here after their ship was wrecked in 1622, being the first Europeans to land on the islands. The Montes have an explosive past—Alpha and Trimouille Islands were the site of three British atomic weapons tests in the 1950s. Relics of the military operation can still be found on the islands today. Spend a full day exploring this island group, with wildlife spotting opportunities and many beautiful beaches to swim at. Many rufous hare-wallabies and lagoon stingrays have been spotted here during past expeditions.

The incredible adventure concludes in Broome this morning as the ship arrives and disembarks at 8:00am. Bid farewell to new-found friends, the captain and crew. A post-cruise transfer to Broome central business district hotels or the airport is included.

No two western Australia cruises are the same. Throughout the expedition, allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Below is a selection of the key destinations visited.

Bunbury

Located 110 mile south of Perth, Bunbury is situated at the original mouth of the Preston River. For approximately 45,000 years, the Noongar people, indigenous to the Southwest region, have gathered in this area. Throughout history, Bunbury was shaped by Dutch, French, American and British seafarers, who arrived due to various circumstances such as exploration, trade and settlement aspirations.

Take a guided tour with descendants of the original inhabitants of the Bunbury Geographe area, the Noongar people, along the 3.3-mile Mangrove walk. Learn about the bush foods and medicine used in this area as well as Dreaming stories of the region. This evening, enjoy wine tasting on board while cruising around Cape Naturaliste at sunset.

Hamelin Bay

Hamelin Bay beach was a tiny port that serviced timber mills all over the southwest between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin. However, people soon came to realize that the waters were far too difficult to navigate and travel with a plethora of wrecks in this area just off the coast.

This morning, spend time exploring this vast expanse of bright white sand and turquoise waters filled with marine life. The combination of the friendly stingrays, and interesting fish and plant life in the bay make it a great snorkeling spot. After there is the opportunity to walk part of Cape-to-Cape trail to Cozy Corner (3.1 miles–Easy to Moderate) or Deepdene Beach to view the Elephant Rocks (4.9 miles– Moderate to Difficult). With a great biodiversity in the area there will be a plethora of native wildflowers throughout both walks including the chance to see native rose, hovea, old mans beard, pink fairy orchid and more. These trails involve some sand/beach terrain and some uneven, rocky sections.

Denmark (Koorabup)

This morning, arrive in Denmark and take an Xplorer transfer to Madfish Bay, a hidden wonderland of pools and bays in the William Bay National Park. At low tide it is possible to walk directly across to the small island in Madfish Bay, but at high tide the island is completely cut off from the mainland. From here, take a short coach transfer to Ducketts Mill Winery. Established in 1996 by Ross & Dallas Lewis with the first planting of Riesling and Cabernet, Ducketts Mill Winery is housed in a unique pine-slabbed farmhouse. Enjoy a wine flight tasting accompanied by house-made cheeses with platters of local produce as the dedicated team share their knowledge and pairing suggestions.

Point Ann & Ravensthorpe

Today cruise into Point Ann, one of the two places in Australia (the other being Head of the Bight in South Australia), where southern right whales come to calve in large numbers in the calm waters of the beautiful bay. Throughout the morning, anchor in this area and enjoy morning tea on board while keeping eyes on the ocean in hope of spotting these incredible creatures.

This afternoon arrive at Hopetoun to journey through the community art trail at Ravensthorpe. After a short bus ride, explore a section of the trail which was created by local farmers using old machinery and scrap metal to produce large-scale sculptures depicting the region’s diverse range of wildflowers and local surroundings. In the heart of the Western Australian wheatbelt region, this expression of art has transformed the economy of these small towns.

Esperance (Kepa Kurl)

This morning wake up at Esperance in the goldfield’s region of Western Australia. After a short Xplorer ride to Twilight Beach or Blue Haven Beach, explore the Wildflower Ocean Walk with options for varied fitness levels. Enjoy the spectacular Esperance coastline from the main esplanade all the way to Twilight Beach. This headland is home to an abundance of birds, wildlife and wildflowers.

For lunch today enjoy the freshest of fish with locally sourced fish from Esperance served as a classic fish & chips on board. Next visit Lucky Bay in Cape le Grand National Park, voted #1 beach in the world, for a swim and chance to see the local wildlife, including kangaroos.

Albany (Kinjarling)

Western Australia’s oldest colonial settlement lies on the northern shore of Princess Royal Harbor, King George Sound. The area was inhabited by the Mineng Noongar Aboriginal people for some 18,000 years before it was first encountered by Europeans.

Explore the Quaranup Indigenous Walk which follows the paths walked by the Mineng people to Quaranup (Kwooranup–place of brush tail wallaby) with opportunity to see ancient stone structures, waterholes, artifacts, engravings, and flora and fauna. Then travel around the coast of Kinjarling (Albany), to the Quaranup Cultural Site. Walk along the beach or dunes to ancient engravings and tool quarry sites. Tides permitting, there may be a chance to beachcomb and look for shellfish amongst the rocks.

Augusta & Flinders Bay Reserve

This morning arrive in the waters of Flinders Bay where there will be opportunity for whale watching from the Vista Deck. The ship will be passing through Flinders Bay around 6:00am, a great time to for an opportunity to see whales in a location they frequent.

After lunch enjoy a short Xplorer transfer to Flinders Bay Reserve at Augusta for freshly shucked Margaret River Oysters and complimentary wines. After this beachside tasting experience there will be an optional Coastal Walk (1 mile, easy) following the Blackwood River and Augusta coastline. Along this section of the trail, you will be rewarded with stunning views of Flinders Bay and the Great Southern Ocean, and the chance to climb down and explore among the rocky pools and sandy beaches.

Dunsborough (Quedjinup) – Signature Event

The Southwest region of Australia, within which Dunsborough sits, is recognized as one of the oldest continually occupied human habitats anywhere on Earth, with archaeology dating back approximately 40,000 years. Dunsborough itself shares in this history, with multiple sites of Aboriginal importance in and around the town.

This morning take a short coach transfer from Dunsborough to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to explore the tip of Cape Naturaliste–Kwirreejeenungup (surrounded by ocean on three fronts) and partake in coastal foraging. A local Wadandi (forest people by the sea) guide will join, interpreting the landscape and teaching on how the Noongar seasonal calendar influences the knowledge of food sources available throughout the year. Enjoy morning tea including native food tastings.

Signature Dinner Event at Leeuwin Estate
Family-owned Leeuwin Estate is one of five founding wineries of the now famous Margaret River district of Western Australia, under the direction of two generations who work with a team of highly skilled winemakers to consistently produce wines ranking alongside the world’s finest. With sweeping views overlooking the majestic karri forest, this evening travel to Leeuwin Estate for a six-course combination of exceptional seasonal West Australian produce, focusing on flavor, texture and aromas, with current Leeuwin Estate wines.

Dunsborough (Quedjinup)

After a relaxing morning on board, spend the afternoon at Ambergate Reserve, a 185-acre regional park which protects the remnants of scrubland and woodlands once common along the coastal plains of Busselton. Over 360 plant species have been recorded here, from tall trees and shrubs such as marri, jarrah, peppermints and banksia, to creepers and ground covers–and 26 species of orchid. Many animal species also inhabit the reserve, including kangaroos, quendas, brush-tailed possums, wallabies and echidnas. Plus, an enormous variety of birds including tree martins, rainbow bee-eaters, falcons and tawny frogmouths.

Alternatively, there will be the opportunity to explore the town of Dunsborough or take a stroll along the coastal walk from Geographe Bay to Meelup (2.5 miles one way, Easy) with the opportunity to spot many native wildflowers.

This morning arrive into the Port of Fremantle, C Berth, at 7:00am before disembarking at 8:00am. A post-cruise transfer to the airport or central business district hotels of Fremantle and Perth is included.