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Around Australia in 60 Days

An Australian Circumnavigation

An Epic Exploration of Australia’s Coastal legend

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CAIRNS TO CAIRNS | 17 OCTOBER 2025

Join us onboard Coral Adventurer in October 2025 on a legendary adventure as we circumnavigate the Australian coastline over 60 days and discover our homeland “girt by sea”.

Be one of only 112 guests to undertake the expedition of a lifetime connecting with the legendary people and places along the way. Discover pristine and powerful shores, life changing natural encounters, significant heritage sites and the stories of the people who have shaped Australia.

Our expert crew and guides will lead the way as we traverse the country with 48 days filled with excursion activities, a rich onboard program guided by our expert crew and the highlights of 3 signature “special events” including an Island Cultural Festival in the Torres Straits, a Winemakers Lunch at Leeuwin Estate in the Margaret River and a charter flight to an Outback Homestead in Longreach.

Join me on this rare journey

“I invite you to join me on this extraordinary journey with Coral Expeditions as we circumnavigate the magnificent coasts of Australia. Together, we’ll explore the hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes of our great land, from the remote shores to the vibrant marine life, all while sharing in the spirit of adventure and discovery. This is an experience like no other—one that will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper connection to Australia’s natural beauty and rich heritage”.

Matthew Fryer | Master | Coral Adventurer

3 Signature Events

48 Excursion Days
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Across the Top

Cairns to the Rowley Shoals: Days 1–19
17 Excursion Days, 2 Sea Days
Guest Lecturers: Ian Morris, Goyma Gondarra
Let us immerse you in the ancient traditional cultures and unique saltwater landscapes of Australia’s top end. Step ashore with ease at some of our most remote shores as we head westward from Cairns all the way to the north-western Continental Shelf – Rowley Shoals. Explore the offshore islands of the Great Barrier Reef, remote Cape York and Arnhem Land, the vibrant cultural communities of the Torres Straits and Tiwi islands, and the vast and magnificent landscapes of the Kimberley. Savor wild barramundi, mud crab, and Davidson bush plum as you encounter rare birdlife, marine species like whales, crocodiles, and turtles, and witness powerful tides carving the landscapes. Share drinks and stories at day’s end with spectacular sunsets and newfound friends.

Island Outposts of Western Australia

Rowley Shoals to Albany: Days 20–29
10 Excursion Days, 0 Sea Days

Guest Lecturer: Howard Gray
Explore the extraordinary beauty of Western Australia’s marine environment, accessible only by sea. Visit remote reefs and islands teeming with rare seabirds and fascinating marine life. Witness the annual whale migration, offering daily chances to see these majestic creatures with their young. Learn about the pioneering life of local fishermen, blending ancient and modern practices. Our onboard experts will provide insights into early explorers and shipwrecks in these untamed waters. Along the way, savor the flavors of Western Australia with fresh crayfish, scallops, and exceptional regional wines and craft spirits.

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Crossing the Great Southern Ocean

Albany to Launceston: Days 30-41
9 Excursion Days, 3 Sea Days

Guest Lecturers: Quentin Chester, Dale Arnott
Journey east across the Great Australian Bight, where powerful oceans meet the rugged, remote shores of southern Australia. Explore untouched regions and the small islands of the Recherche Archipelago, with opportunities to see orca at Bremer Bay. Experience close encounters with dolphins riding the swells, and colonies of seals and sea lions on rocky beaches. Discover native Australian wildlife, including kangaroos and wallabies, at Kangaroo Island and Lucky Bay. Cruise past the spectacular Bunda Cliffs and the iconic 12 Apostles. Visit small coastal communities, immerse in their way of life, and savor wild abalone and Coffin Bay oysters, paired with the finest South Australian and Tasmanian wines.

Homeward bound up the Pacific East Coast

Launceston to Cairns: Days 42 – 60
10 Excursion Days, 7 Sea Days

Guest Lecturer: Sandra Reimer
The final leg of our grand circumnavigation showcases the beauty of Australia’s Pacific shores. Begin with a sunrise sail into Sydney Harbour, explore historic Trial Bay, and snorkel the wrecks at Tangalooma. Spend a day on the World Heritage-listed K’Gari (Fraser Island), known for its white sandy beaches, freshwater lakes, towering rainforests, and rich traditional culture. Taste fresh Coral Trout and Barramundi as you dive and snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef, visiting remote Scawfell Island and the stunning Whitsundays. Conclude with a fly-in/out visit to Longreach in Queensland’s outback, then celebrate with sunset drinks on Sudbury Cay followed by a Gala dinner onboard.

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 Selection of 17 highlight locations

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Lizard Island (Dyigurra)

Rise with the sun at Lizard Island and embark on a serene hike, following in the footsteps of James Cook as he climbed Cook’s Look, seeking a way through the perilous Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel among vibrant giant clam gardens and watch turtles graze on seagrass in Watson’s Bay. Unwind on the pure white silica sands beneath the shade of she-oak trees, and discover the poignant tale of Mary Watson.

Australia’s Northern Tip: Pajinka

Stand at the northernmost tip of Australia—Cape York—and toast with a glass of sparkling as the sun sets over the Gulf of Carpentaria. Explore the rich history of Somerset, Possession Island, and Albany Island on this unforgettable journey.

Tiwi Islands

Experience a warm welcome to the Tiwi Islands with a smoking ceremony, dancing, and a traditional afternoon tea of homemade damper and billy tea. Guided by local Tiwi, immerse yourself in their unique culture, explore the art centre, and witness a captivating cultural performance with demonstrations of painting or basket weaving.

Careening Bay (Wunbung-gu)

Lt. Phillip Parker King christened Careening Bay after beaching the leaking HMC Mermaid for vital repairs. Stranded for 17 days, the ship’s carpenter carved ‘HMC Mermaid 1820’ into a nearby boab tree. Two centuries on, the majestic Mermaid Boab Tree, now with a 12-meter girth and split into two towering trunks, stands proudly on the National Register of Big Trees. The historic inscription endures, nearly as tall as a person, a testament to a time long past.

Horizontal Falls (Garaanngaddim)

The Horizontal Falls, a breathtaking Kimberley marvel, reveal the dramatic power of the region’s 11-meter tides. Hailed by naturalist David Attenborough as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world,” this awe-inspiring phenomenon occurs as ocean waters surge through a narrow gorge in the McLarty Ranges, creating a stunning horizontal waterfall. Tidal forces push the water through this bottleneck, forming powerful, swiftly flowing cascades. Experiencing these rapids aboard our Zodiac inflatable tenders is an unforgettable highlight of our Kimberley expedition cruises.

Montgomery Reef (Yowjab)

Montgomery Reef, named by Phillip Parker King, spans over 300 sq km and emerges twice daily with the retreating 11-meter tides. As the sea withdraws, the reef reveals itself in a breathtaking display of rock pools and rivulets, cascading water in a mesmerizing spectacle. Our Xplorer and Zodiac tenders bring us close to witness this natural wonder, while our Expedition Team unravels the reef’s formation and vibrant wildlife. Birds, turtles, dolphins, dugongs, and sawfish gather at the exposed reef, until the tide shifts and the reef is once again submerged.

Ningaloo Reef

The World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef is the dazzling turquoise jewel of the Western Australian coastline. Stretching over 5,000 square kilometers, it ranks among the world’s largest fringing reefs. Its diverse inner and outer reefs shelter vibrant corals and over 500 fish species. Here, marine giants like humpback whales and giant manta rays gather during their migrations. The coastline also holds a captivating heritage, where intrepid whalers once faced the harsh elements in their quests.

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Houtman Abrolhos Islands

The Abrolhos Islands, a stunning archipelago of 122 islands in three groups—Wallabi, Easter, and Pelsaert—are cradled by the Leeuwin current, where tropical and temperate sea life converge. This vibrant marine world is home to Australian sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, and over 90 seabird species. The islands’ treacherous reefs have claimed many ships, most famously the Batavia in 1629, where the Dutch crew, after swimming ashore, endured a harrowing mutiny in the aftermath of their wreck.

Albany

Albany, the oldest colonial settlement in Western Australia, predates Perth and Fremantle by over two years. Once the colony’s sole deep-water port, it was a key hub for ships traveling between Britain and its Australian colonies. Albany holds a special place in the ANZAC legend as the final departure point for troop ships carrying infantry and cavalry horses from Australia during the First World War.

Bunda Cliffs

Crossing the Great Australian Bight, we’ll encounter the stunning Bunda Cliffs. Stretching 100 km along the Bight, these 120-meter-tall white chalk cliffs are remnants of an ancient seabed, forming the Nullarbor Plain. This 300-meter-thick limestone slab extends inland, with layers rich in fossils. Conditions permitting, we’ll cruise along the cliffs, offering a rare and spectacular vantage point from the sea.

Flinders Island

Flinders Island, located 35 kilometers off the Eyre Peninsula coast, has been home to the Woolford family since 1979. Here, Tobin and Jonas Woolford fish for abalone and are dedicated to creating a safe haven for vulnerable native species. On Front Beach, you’ll meet the Woolfords and learn about the island’s rich history and ongoing conservation efforts. Delight in the unique opportunity to taste freshly pan-seared abalone and explore the historic shearing sheds. Discover the remarkable blend of heritage and conservation on Flinders Island, where the Woolford family’s commitment brings nature and history together in harmony.
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Coffin Bay

Nestled between sea and National Parks, Coffin Bay is a breathtaking haven of pristine waters brimming with dolphins, sea lions, seals, and seabirds. Emus and kangaroos wander freely amidst turquoise seas, white sand dunes, and a radiant blue sky. Experience a guided tour of a local oyster farm, where a seasoned farmer unveils the rich history and premium production of Coffin Bay oysters. Master the art of shucking oysters and savour them fresh, then immerse yourself in the beauty of the bay’s unspoiled beaches.

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island, Australia’s third largest, was a part of the mainland until rising sea levels created its separation 10,000 years ago. Originally known as Karta Pintingga, or ‘Island of the Dead,’ it was renamed by British explorer Matthew Flinders in 1802. Immerse yourself in a remarkable wildlife adventure at Seal Bay, home to the third largest colony of endangered Australian sea lions. Walk among these majestic creatures, watching playful pups, powerful bulls, and nurturing mothers on their natural beach.

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The 12 Apostles

Apollo Bay, a delightful seaside town nestled at the base of the Otway Ranges on the Great Ocean Road, was named by Captain Loutit in 1845 after his ship. Originally frequented by sailors, whalers, and timber cutters, it began to settle in 1849. Savor local flavors at the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse or embark on a guided walk at a nearby wildlife sanctuary. Marvel at the dramatic 12 Apostles, towering limestone cliffs sculpted by erosion into breathtaking formations along Victoria’s coast.

Launceston & Tamar Valley

Embark on a two-day journey along the breathtaking Tamar River, a tidal estuary crafted by the North and South Esk rivers. The riverbanks are adorned with picturesque reserves, historic estates, and acclaimed vineyards. Uncover the heritage of the Low Head pilot station, wander through the enchanting city of Launceston, and indulge in local delights at our exclusive food and wine event at Josef Chromy Vineyard.

K’gari (Fraser Island)

K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), the world’s largest sand island, is celebrated for its natural splendor and became a World Heritage Area in 1992. Traditionally owned by the Butchulla people, this island invites you to a 4WD adventure from Kingfisher Lodge. Discover the crystal-clear waters of Boorangoora (Lake Mackenzie) and the historic Central Station, once a timber base. Swim in the lake’s refreshing waters, wander along Wanggoolba Creek, and immerse yourself in the rainforest with a nature walk or Bush-Tucker Experience.

Whitehaven Beach

In the Whitsundays, be captivated by the breathtaking Whitehaven Beach, where powdery white silica sands meet iridescent aqua waters. Dive into the crystal-clear waves and bask in the unrivaled beauty of this world-renowned paradise. Experience the sheer magic of this pristine beach, where every moment is a testament to nature’s splendor.

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Onboard with Coral Expeditions

Watch our new 10-minute video, showcasing our three purpose-built ships.
Take an inside look at the ship layouts, onboard experience, and our friendly crew.
Discover more about Coral Expeditions and see what makes us stand out from the rest.

Fares from $900 per person daily.
All inclusive of:

  • Daily excursions and activities led by expert guides
  • Special hosts delivering interpretive program
  • All meals chef prepared daily
  • Premium wines, beers, spirits, and soft drinks 11am-10pm daily
  • 24 hour barista-style coffee and tea
  • Commemorative expedition jacket in your size
  • Pre-cruise accommodation
  • Pre- and post-cruise transfers (CBD and Airport)
  • Return charter flight between Townsville and Longreach
  • Premium Wi-Fi
  • Laundry (restrictions apply)
  • Voyage log and image collection
  • All fees for ports, parks, and traditional land access

Not Included:

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