Edge of the Outback – Cairns to Sydney

Day1: Cairns

Here is the gateway to see the Great Barrier Reef and no one should miss it if you’ve come this far, so plan to expand your stay here. Other highlights of Cairns include the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park with stories of the indigenous aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders, the beautiful gorges, beaches and mountainous rainforest of Daintree National Park and the Cairns Esplanade full of local flavour in its bars and restaurants.

Day 2 & 3: Port Douglas

Port Douglas is known for sitting adjacent to two UNESCO sites, the world’s largest reef system, Great Barrier Reef and the biodiverse Daintree Rainforest. It has delightful beach resorts and popular Macrossan Street, lined with boutique shops and restaurants. Swim in crystal-clear Mossman Gorge, crocodile watch at Daintree River, relax on the palm-fringed golden sands of Four Mile Beach or snorkel the Low Isles and the outer reef.

Day 4: At Sea

Day 5: Townsville

Townsville is a popular gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics and the outback of Queensland. Sights to see here include the Reef Aquarium with marine life and coral from the Great Barrier Reef, the Strand Esplanade with its water park, and the Billabong Sanctuary Wildlife Park, home to koalas, wombats and crocodiles.

Day 6: Airlie Beach

Located on the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach is also home to the well-known Whitsunday islands. This relaxed resort town is also home to one of the most famous beaches in the world – Whitehaven Beach, only accessible by sea or air. Find the Airlie Beach Lagoon or the award-winning Fish D’Vine & the Rum Bar.

Day 7: Middle Percy Island

Tiny Middle Percy Island is well-known in yachting circles for its long-standing tradition of hospitality and is one of the few places left in Australia where seafarers can freely go ashore and explore. The first structure in sight is an A-frame covered in signs and souvenirs from passing boats. Note: this call includes a wet landing. No other cruise line comes to this beach and we’re able to work with local operators to make this special event come to life. Sign up ahead of time for a Signature Expedition to explore this area with our onboard experts by kayak or Zodiac.

Day 8: Fraser Island

There are many activities to do on this former logging station island full of towering trees. Stroll along the Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk with its King ferns and freshwater flowing across the sand. Look for birds of prey above and dingoes along 75-Mile Beach, float down Eli Creek or take a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Makenzie.

Day 9 & 10: Brisbane

Located on the Brisbane River, the capital of Queensland offers idyllic subtropical weather all year round. Climb Brisbane’s Story Bridge for impressive panoramic views. Explore the South Bank cultural centere and visit the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, among Australia’s major art museums with more than 17,000 works of art. It’s also a foodie’s delight as Brisbane chefs proudly emphasise Queensland local produce.

Day 11: At Sea

Day 12 & 13: Sydney

Best known for its distinctive harbour-front Opera House, which is a UNESCO site, Sydney is viewed as not only one of the most expensive cities in the world, but also one of the most liveable. The metropolis surrounds the world’s largest natural harbour and covers about 44 miles. Sydney’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk offers a 360 degree view of the city and surrounding area. Other sites to see include the Royal National Park, the Royal Botanic Garden, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.