The wondrous white sands of the Whitsunday Islands and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Great Barrier Reef are among the natural highlights of this 10-night voyage sailing from Sydney.
Your ship: Queen Elizabeth
Join us on Queen Elizabeth and immerse yourself in her evocative art deco elegance. This stunning Queen exudes style and has an especially refined feel. Prepare yourself for a truly remarkable voyage.
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Jan 22, 2024
The stunning harbor city, Sydney, is Australia’s oldest and largest urban center. Gold mining and sheep breeding propelled Sydney’s development, and today it’s the largest port in the entire South Pacific. Mark Twain called it “the wonder of the world”.
Your port guide to Sydney.
Blessed with a natural harbor, countless golden beaches and world-class restaurants, Sydney is a dazzling metropolis and international gateway to Australia’s east coast. The city is famed for the quality of its outdoor living, yet a visit here offers more than a chance to soak up the sun. The Sydney Harbour Bridge, world-famous Opera House and the constant bustle of the harbor itself make Sydney one of the world’s most dynamic destinations. Venturing outside the capital of New South Wales unlocks mysterious protected coves, miles of sandy beaches and the dramatic landscape of the breath-taking Blue Mountains.
Exploring.
For spectacular 360-degree views, ascend Sydney Harbour Bridge’s south-east pylon from which Sydney Opera House and The Rocks – one of the city’s liveliest precincts and home to the Museum of Sydney and Museum of Contemporary Art – are visible. The Sydney Aquarium, National Maritime Museum and the Chinese Garden of Friendship can be found in Darling Harbour, with Chinatown also nearby. The Australian Museum, ranked one of the top five history museums in the world, is ideal for anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge of Australia’s aboriginal heritage. Alternatively, escape the city’s hustle at Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Incorporating Government House and the Conservatorium of Music, this sprawling parkland offers 24 hectares of native exotic trees.
Eating and drinking.
Those unfamiliar with Sydney may be surprised by the sophistication of the city’s culinary scene. Sydney offers myriad dining experiences drawing on both eastern and western influences, along with restaurants producing some of the most innovative nouveau cuisines in the world. Thai, Vietnamese, Indian and Korean restaurants are abundant in the city while Italian, Greek, Lebanese and the cuisines of central Europe are also popular. If you’re seeking a central spot to stop and grab a bite around lunchtime, Circular Quay – wedged between the Opera House and The Rocks – is a bustling precinct jammed with quality restaurants offering quayside dining.
Shopping.
Sydney offers an exciting shopping experience encompassing department stores, boutiques and designer emporiums, all located within the city center itself. Pitt Street Mall is perhaps the most renowned of Sydney’s shopping precincts, offering a blend of internationally renowned brands alongside some delightful native Australian names. Westfield and The Strand Arcade both branch off from here and you could easily fill a day browsing the variety of shops in this area alone. Alternatively, Queen Victoria Building, constructed in 1898, offers undercover shopping in a beautiful historic arcade while World Square is another excellent shopping option that combines dining and retail in one convenient location.
Beyond Sydney.
Sydney is ideally located to explore many of New South Wales’ most popular tourist attractions. The Blue Mountains, comprising four national parks, are located just 65km west of the city and feature a spectacular collection of broken ravines, towering cliffs and high forested plateaux. On the edge of the spectacular Jamison Valley, you’ll find the historic town of Katoomba, where you can ride Australia’s famous Scenic Railway. Also within easy reach of Sydney are the lovely gardens of the cool Southern Highlands, the family-friendly beaches of the Central Coast and the pretty Hunter Valley; Australia’s oldest commercial wine-growing district.
Jan 23, 2024
Jan 24, 2024
Arrives Early morning
Departs Early evening
The capital of Queensland is a wonder. The Brisbane River meanders through the heart of the city, past the elegant Georgian buildings of native sandstone and their neighboring towers of sleek glass.
Semi-tropical Brisbane is beautifully landscaped, with jacarandas, flame trees and bougainvillea thriving here. Tours from the city bring you face to face with koalas, kangaroos and wombats.
Jan 25, 2024
Jan 26, 2024
Arrives Early morning
Departs Afternoon
With waters that radiate turquoise intensity, sands as white as snow and forests the color of emeralds, the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays are the definition of paradise – so beautiful you’ll hesitate to leave.
Your guide to Airlie Beach (Whitsunday Islands).
Sandwiched between the coast of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday’s beaches rank among the best in the world. In Airlie Beach itself, you’ll find a laid-back coastal town with surf boutiques, charming souvenir markets and inviting bistros serving a plethora of seafood. Its star attraction, however, is a swimming lagoon of mirage-like proportions. Be sure to wear your swimmers or you’ll kick yourself when you see it.
Exploring.
Balancing tradition with modernity, Airlie Beach offers a diverse selection of cultural sites and experiences, both along the beautiful coast and inland. The section of the long Shute Harbour Road is the center of activity, with ticket agencies, information centers, restaurants, cafés and shops to entice you. Conway National Park, a short distance off the road to Shute Harbour, offers several scenic walks, while Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands are renowned for the opportunities to snorkel and scuba dive. The Whitsunday Islands can be reached by ferry from Airlie Beach in minutes and offer wonderful opportunities to see tropical fish and coral reefs up close.
Eating and Drinking.
Airlie Beach enjoys a diverse culinary scene anchored around flame-grilled steaks and fresh catch of the day while its ambient frontline bars offer cold drinks accompanied by ocean views. Seafood reigns supreme in The Whitsundays; coral trout is a local delicacy (considered to be one of the tastiest fish in Queensland) while shellfish features prominently on Airlie Beach menus. Shute Harbour Road and the Esplanade are where you’ll find a concentration of restaurants and cafés as well as informal street food outlets serving carry-out dishes. Look out for the few establishments designated BYO (Bring Your Own), allowing you to provide your own wine for a small corkage fee.
Shopping.
The stunning sands and warm waters of Airlie Beach are a haven for surfers, so it’s unsurprising that many shops cater to this nature of traveler. If you did forget your swimwear at home, Airlie Beach will be your salvation. The town is teeming with surf shops and fashion brands selling a range of holiday-wear suited to sunnier climes. If you’re looking for a keepsake from your time in The Whitsundays, Airlie Beach market – which opens on Saturdays and ship days – offers craft goods by local makers. On Shute Harbour Road you’ll also find shops selling semi-precious stones and aboriginal art.
Beyond Airlie Beach.
Airlie Beach is one of the most popular departure points for travelers visiting the Great Barrier Reef and The Whitsunday Islands. Of the latter, Hamilton Island offers magnificent beaches, excellent snorkeling and hiking trails that lead to incredible panoramic vistas. It can be easily reached from Airlie Beach by a ferry from the marina, with around 10 crossings each day. Alternatively, the historical town of Proserpine (famous for its sugar production) lies half an hour’s drive from Airlie Beach via Shute Harbour Road. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Proserpine Museum or take a boat trip down the Proserpine River in search of saltwater crocodiles.
Jan 27, 2024
Arrives Morning
Departs Early evening
Cairns port guide.
Laid-back Cairns is located in the tropical Far North of Queensland. It’s the remarkable gateway to the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, a spectacular location renowned for snorkeling and diving amongst kaleidoscopic marine life and coral.
A mecca for divers and a haven for lovers of the great outdoors, Cairns is a unique city and home to two World Heritage sites – the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree National Park. A visit to Cairns offers an ultimate tropical discovery.
Cairns’ cruise port is situated next to the vibrant city center. Here you’ll find extensive shopping and dining experiences, and direct access to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Tropical Rainforests.
Top landmarks and sights in Cairns.
Cairns boasts an array of waterfalls and untamed rainforests, combined with a bustling city center. There’s truly something to suit all tastes.
Be treated to a breathtaking bird’s eye view by taking to the sky in the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. The gondola cableway spans 5 miles over the lush UNESCO Wet Tropics of Queensland Rainforest connecting Cairns to Kuranda. It’s not only a unique experience and a fun way to immerse yourself in nature, but also an ideal way to witness the beauty of the world’s oldest rainforest ecosystem in the Barron Gorge National Park.
You could also take in the delights of the scenic, heritage-listed Cairns to Kuranda railway ride. The line, constructed in 1891, takes you from Cairns, over the Great Dividing Range, to the tranquil mountain village of Kuranda. Enjoy taking in the scenery of the Macalister Range, the suburbs of Stratford, Freshwater, and Redlynch, before stopping at a lookout point providing stunning views of Barron Falls.
Cairns is a haven for nature and wildlife lovers. Each year, visitors flock to the Great Barrier Reef, via Cairns, to swim, snorkel and dive with more than 1,500 marine species.
Cape Tribulation is where the rainforest meets the reef, known as the Final Frontier. Here you can see the start of where raw Australia begins. Offering an array of diverse natural beauty and unique flora and fauna – among the many species of birds, reptiles, mammals, and frogs – you’ll be immersed in wildlife in this lush natural haven.
Things to do in Cairns.
One of the city’s best-known landmarks is the famous lagoon. Conveniently located on the Cairns esplanade, you can easily access this hotspot while exploring the city center. The lagoon is roughly the size of an Olympic swimming pool, with a depth of around 5 feet. The 51,667 square foot saltwater pool is lined with parks, shady trees, boardwalks, and barbecues. Whether you are looking for a spot to swim or simply unwind, its central location and changing facilities make the Cairns esplanade lagoon an ideal and convenient place to visit.
Head down to Cairns Harbour, also known as Cairns Marlin Marina, and find a gateway to the city’s oceanic attractions. The marina boasts a modern architectural style, and its contemporary glass design will no doubt soon fill your camera roll. For a relaxed, slow-paced afternoon, why not meander along the marina and perhaps stop to enjoy a coffee, while you watch boats come and go?
The Cairns Museum, located in the heart of the city center, is well worth a visit to discover the history of Cairns and Far North Queensland. Offering a snapshot into the dynamic region and its people, past and present, the museum holds an eclectic mix of collections and stories celebrating local heritage.
Eating and drinking near Cairns cruise port.
Sample a wonderful variety of cuisine at Cairns Marlin Marina. The esplanade is home to some of the best restaurants that Cairns has to offer, and you’re sure to find dishes to suit your palate while enjoying the attractive backdrop of this modern marina. Perhaps try mouthwatering local seafood, or stop by one of the bistros for a spot of brunch and take in the waterside views.
When dining out in Cairns, the cuisine on offer is vibrant and eclectic. From celebrations of unique Australian cuisine including Kangaroo, Barramundi, Crocodile, and Emu, to international choices such as Asian, Greek, Italian, Mexican, and Japanese, you’ll be sure to find something to tempt.
Cairns celebrates its gateway to the Great Barrier Reef in part by serving up a delicious selection of fresh local catches and mouthwatering seafood. Plus, thanks to Cairns’ tropical climate, you’ll see an abundance of fresh fruit that is unique to the region, with many local restaurants incorporating these into stunning dishes. From dragon fruit to rambutan, Cairns is home to some delectable cuisine celebrating its tropical fresh fruit crops.
Shopping in Cairns.
Enjoy browsing Cairns Central’s array of 180 specialty shops, including everything from fashion to jewelry, and homeware to gifts. Unwind amid your shopping trip and enjoy a coffee in the center’s fully air-conditioned food court. Marlin Marina is also home to a host of local boutiques and designer stores, where you can pick up something unique.
Keen shoppers can also take to Cairns Central, the largest shopping center in Far North Queensland. The center is conveniently located in the city center and is home to a host of retail stores and a cinema.
If you’ll be lucky enough to stop in Cairns overnight on your cruise, find a unique shopping experience in the city’s night markets. Operating daily from 4:30 pm – 11:30 pm, at The Esplanade in central Cairns, enjoy browsing through the bustling retail outlets and sample a host of culinary options.
Getting around, Cairns transport.
Thanks to Cairns’ flat landscape, and city center amenities being conveniently located close together, Cairns is straightforward to get around.
Should you be looking to travel out and around of Cairns, there are many transport options to suit all budgets. One of the most convenient ways to get around is via the city’s inexpensive and efficient Sunbus service. This services Cairns city center, its suburbs, and the local beaches across its eight different routes. All routes start at the Cairns City Mall and offer a reliable and cost-effective way to get around.
You will also find numerous taxis available across the city, and there are usually taxis on hand outside the cruise port. You can pick up a taxi either at one of the many taxi ranks or by hailing one down in the street, which local drivers are accustomed to.
Cairns port facilities.
Visitors to Cairns port will benefit from an award-winning cruise terminal, situated in the heart of the city.
An easy and short walk to downtown Cairns, visitors can enjoy all the convenience of a central location and easy access to bars, restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets, almost as soon as they step on land.
Cairns quick tips.
Currency.
The currency used in Cairns, and throughout Australia, is the Australian Dollar. While most establishments will accept card payments, it can be useful to carry some cash if you’ll be visiting stalls or smaller shops. For this, you’ll find ATMs conveniently located across the city.
Weather.
Cairns experiences hot and humid summers (December – February) and mild, dry winters (June – August). The average summer temperatures in Cairns range from 74 – 89°F. The wet season starts to build up around December, with most of the region’s annual rainfall taking place during the summer months. There is less rainfall during Cairns’ winter months.
Jan 28, 2024
Arrives Early morning
Departs Early evening
Jan 29, 2024
Arrives Morning
Departs Morning
Marvel at the tranquil beauty of the wildlife-laden paradise of Willis Island. The only permanently inhabited island of the many tiny islands that make up the Coral Sea Islands Territory, Willis Island is a spectacular feat of nature that you’ll have the opportunity to witness as you gently cruise through the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef.
Although not a port of call, Willis Island remains a visual delight, one which no cruise to Australia would be complete without.
Willis Island port guide.
A tiny drop of sun-lit white sand rising from the shallows of the Great Barrier Reef, Willis Island stands 280 miles from the cosmopolitan city of Cairns. Just 1,600 feet from tip to tip, the island has a population of just five residents – experts from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology who man the island’s weather monitoring station.
First established on the island in 1921, the station helps to track cyclone activity in the area, relaying early warning signs to Queensland on the Australian mainland.
Wave from the deck as you take in the awe-inspiring backdrop of the island and enjoy the rich array of wildlife that also calls the island home.
Top landmarks and sights in Willis Island.
As part of the Great Barrier Reef, Willis Island plays host to some spectacular species of natural significance.
The island is a bird watcher’s paradise. Relax on deck as you try to spot many of the thousands of resident seabirds as they gracefully glide on a cooling breeze, or gently nest on the atoll – from gannets and high-flying frigates to boobies and wedge-tailed shearwaters.
Peek into the crystal-clear waters below at the dazzling display of exotic fish as they dart around the ship’s hull, including angelfish and clownfish as well as hammerhead and black-tipped reef sharks.
If you’re lucky, you may spot some of the magnificent green sea turtles who nest on the island annually.
Things to do on Willis Island.
Experience the beautiful wildlife and try and spot some of the rare species which call the island home. Grab your camera and binoculars, and from the deck, see which of the amazing birds you can see, whether that be gannets, kingfishers, boobies or migrating terns. Or try and spot the nesting green sea turtles on the shoreline, which can reach up to nearly 3 feet in length.
While you’re out on the deck, spot the weather station, which is the only structure on Willis Island. Established in the late 1920s, the Meteorological Bureau’s cyclone monitoring station is home to a small group of weathermen who unleash a weather balloon into the skies every day. The station itself is a stark contrast to the rest of the island’s sandy shores and acts as a cyclone and storm early warning system.
Jan 31, 2024
Feb 1, 2024
The stunning harbor city, Sydney, is Australia’s oldest and largest urban center. Gold mining and sheep breeding propelled Sydney’s development, and today it’s the largest port in the entire South Pacific. Mark Twain called it “the wonder of the world”.
Your port guide to Sydney.
Blessed with a natural harbor, countless golden beaches and world-class restaurants, Sydney is a dazzling metropolis and international gateway to Australia’s east coast. The city is famed for the quality of its outdoor living, yet a visit here offers more than a chance to soak up the sun. The Sydney Harbour Bridge, world-famous Opera House and the constant bustle of the harbor itself make Sydney one of the world’s most dynamic destinations. Venturing outside the capital of New South Wales unlocks mysterious protected coves, miles of sandy beaches and the dramatic landscape of the breath-taking Blue Mountains.
Exploring.
For spectacular 360-degree views, ascend Sydney Harbour Bridge’s south-east pylon from which Sydney Opera House and The Rocks – one of the city’s liveliest precincts and home to the Museum of Sydney and Museum of Contemporary Art – are visible. The Sydney Aquarium, National Maritime Museum and the Chinese Garden of Friendship can be found in Darling Harbour, with Chinatown also nearby. The Australian Museum, ranked one of the top five history museums in the world, is ideal for anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge of Australia’s aboriginal heritage. Alternatively, escape the city’s hustle at Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Incorporating Government House and the Conservatorium of Music, this sprawling parkland offers 24 hectares of native exotic trees.
Eating and drinking.
Those unfamiliar with Sydney may be surprised by the sophistication of the city’s culinary scene. Sydney offers myriad dining experiences drawing on both eastern and western influences, along with restaurants producing some of the most innovative nouveau cuisines in the world. Thai, Vietnamese, Indian and Korean restaurants are abundant in the city while Italian, Greek, Lebanese and the cuisines of central Europe are also popular. If you’re seeking a central spot to stop and grab a bite around lunchtime, Circular Quay – wedged between the Opera House and The Rocks – is a bustling precinct jammed with quality restaurants offering quayside dining.
Shopping.
Sydney offers an exciting shopping experience encompassing department stores, boutiques and designer emporiums, all located within the city center itself. Pitt Street Mall is perhaps the most renowned of Sydney’s shopping precincts, offering a blend of internationally renowned brands alongside some delightful native Australian names. Westfield and The Strand Arcade both branch off from here and you could easily fill a day browsing the variety of shops in this area alone. Alternatively, Queen Victoria Building, constructed in 1898, offers undercover shopping in a beautiful historic arcade while World Square is another excellent shopping option that combines dining and retail in one convenient location.
Beyond Sydney.
Sydney is ideally located to explore many of New South Wales’ most popular tourist attractions. The Blue Mountains, comprising four national parks, are located just 65km west of the city and feature a spectacular collection of broken ravines, towering cliffs and high forested plateaux. On the edge of the spectacular Jamison Valley, you’ll find the historic town of Katoomba, where you can ride Australia’s famous Scenic Railway. Also within easy reach of Sydney are the lovely gardens of the cool Southern Highlands, the family-friendly beaches of the Central Coast and the pretty Hunter Valley; Australia’s oldest commercial wine-growing district.
Itinerary was valid at time of posting.
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