Across the Great Australian Bight

Make your way to Fremantle: Berth D/E for boarding at 4:00pm, where there is time to settle into your stateroom. As dusk falls meet your fellow travellers, the Captain and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.

Rottnest Island is well known for its turquoise waters, fascinating history, and, of course, the adorable marsupial, the quokka. We will visit this normally bustling island during the quieter time of the season, when humpback whales are known to be cruising past. Land on one of the island’s more remote central and western beaches, walk sections of the Wadjemup Bidi to view spectacular coastal headlands, and take to the clear waters for snorkeling opportunities.

Enjoy free time in the charming seaside town of Busselton. Stroll its heritage listed jetty, extending almost 2 km over the protected waters of Geographe Bay, or take the jetty train to visit the underwater observatory. Spend the afternoon savoring a wine tasting at the award-winning Leeuwin Winery, with time to view the art gallery and walk the grounds of this picturesque Estate.

In 1801, French navigator Nicolas Baudin stopped here during his explorations of Australia and left his mark on the region at Geographe Bay, named after his flagship Geographe and Cape Naturaliste, after the ship Naturaliste.

Cape Naturaliste is the northernmost point of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, located on the western edge of Geographe Bay. As part of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, the Cape is known for its spectacular coastal scenery and some of the best walking tracks in the Margaret River Region.

Today we will spend the morning exploring these walking trails, with options to suit all levels. Spend time at the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse grounds, or walk along the boardwalk to Sugarloaf Rock. In the afternoon we visit the stunning Meelup Beach, one of the few places in Western Australia where you can watch the moon rise over the ocean and is most attractive on a full moon!

Augusta is the most south-western town in Australia and is nearby to the towering karri timber of Boranup Forest and spectacular Jewel Cave.  The south west coast was first seen by explorers in 1622 from the Dutch ship Leeuwin. Then expeditions by French explorers De Freycinet, D’Entrecasteaux, Baudin and Hamelin sighted the coast in the late 18th to early 19th century.

Captain Matthew Flinders charted the south west coast from 1801 to 1803 and proved that Cape Leeuwin was part of the mainland.  With the arrival of settlers, Augusta was founded in 1830. The subsequent increase in ship traffic over the next few decades led to the construction of the impressive Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse 1896.

Here, we will climb Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia overlooking the point where the mighty Southern and Indian Oceans collide.  We will also visit Jewel Cave, an awe-inspiring and extremely well decorated cave, containing many beautiful examples of delicate helictites, cave coral, pendulites, a very large stalagmite called ‘The Karri Forest’, and beautiful examples of flowstone such as ‘The Frozen Waterfall’ and ‘the Organ-pipes’.  Remarkably, fossilised remains of several Tasmanian Tigers have been discovered within Jewel Cave, more than 3000 years after the thylacine became extinct on mainland Australia.

This afternoon visit Hamelin Bay to see sting rays swimming in the shallows, with an option of a walk under the towering karri trees in Boranup Forst.

Albany is the oldest colonial settlement in Western Australia, predating Perth and Fremantle by over two years. For many years, it was the colony’s only deep-water port, having a place of eminence on shipping services between Britain and its Australian colonies. The town has a role in the ANZAC legend, being the last port of call for troop ships departing with infantry and cavalry horses from Australia in the First World War.

Today guests will have the opportunity to visit the National ANZAC centre or Albany’s Whaling Station, exploring an intact whale processing factory and whale chasing ship, fully restored and ready to discover. Guests also have the option to enjoy free time in Albany, with opportunity to view the Museum of the Great Southern.

Today we will explore Woody Island. Located just 15km off the coast of Esperance, Woody Island’s stands of tall trees have given it its name. Surrounded by pristine, clear waters, you will have the opportunity to experience the snorkel trail in Shearwater Bay. The cool southern waters provide excellent visibility for your journey of discovery.

There are several beautiful walks on the island, from easy to moderate, and you will appreciate the spectacular views across the archipelago along the way.  For the bird lovers, a wide variety of bird life is sighted on the island, from land dwellers to those dependent on the sea. While along the walk trails catch a glimpse of the golden whistlers, brown quails, spotted pardalotes, brush bronzewings, raptors and fan tailed cuckoo.

Along quiet Lucky Bay, kangaroos are known to laze on the whitest sand in Australia. Enjoy time on the beach meeting the friendly wildlife; the turquoise water is wonderful for an invigorating swim! If time permits, enjoy a walk to Thistle Cove, taking in the peaceful beauty of the national park, which is home to pygmy possums, western grey kangaroos and many colourful native wildflowers.

Spend two days crossing the mighty Great Australian Bight. About halfway through our voyage, the Bunda Cliffs will come into view.

For 100km along the Great Australian Bight run these awe-inspiring 120m tall white chalky Bunda Cliffs. This 300m thick limestone slab was once part of an ancient seabed and now forms the Nullarbor Plain, extending far inland with many layers containing many fossils. Depending on sea conditions we will cruise along the cliffs and enjoy a vantage point from sea very rarely experienced.

Located around 35kms from the Eyre Peninsula Coast, Flinders Island has a long history of sealing, whaling and farming. Owned by the Woolford family since 1979, they run an established sheep farm, abalone harvesting business and are working to establish a safe haven for vulnerable native species. Meet the Woolford family to learn about the history and conservation projects on the island.

Visit the Kapara shipwreck at Bryant’s Bay, and stroll through the shearing sheds at the farm. Taste fresh abalone at Eyrewoolf Abalone.

Bordered by sea and National Parks, Coffin Bay is a stunning destination. The pristine waters of the bays in this area are home to numerous pods of dolphins, sea lions, seals, and many seabirds. Emus and kangaroos roam and the natural beauty of the turquoise sea, white sand dunes, and bright blue sky is a wonderful backdrop to our day’s adventures.

Join a guided tour of a local oyster farm surrounded by crystal-clear water brimming with wildlife. A veteran oyster farmer will share with you the history of oyster farming, and describe how premium Coffin Bay oysters are produced & how the pure Coffin Bay waterways create world-renowned oysters. You’ll also be taught how to shuck like a pro and enjoy fresh oysters straight from the source. Later this afternoon there is time for walks ashore at one of the many pristine beaches of the bay.

A headland at the most northerly part of the Jussieu Peninsula on the east coast of Eyre Peninsula, Cape Donington is a great spot to enjoy refreshing sea views and rocky coastline. Take a dip at Cape Donington Beach before heading along the 2km trail over to September Beach. Keep an eye out for western grey kangaroos, emus or goannas near the Cape Donington lighthouse, or head out to Donington Island to view long-nosed fur seals or Australian sea lions from the Xplorer.

Today enjoy a truly unforgettable wildlife experience at Seal Bay. After traversing the scenic interior of Kangaroo Island by coach from American River, we will visit the heart of the third largest colony of endangered Australian Sea lion, and share the beach with these magnificent animals. This is the only place in the world you can see Australian sea lions at close quarters and walk on a beach where pups frolic, bulls battle for supremacy and resting mothers suckle their young.

Arrive at the outer harbour of Port Adelaide at 7:00am for disembarkation at 8:00am. Complimentary post-cruise transfers to Adelaide CBD or airport will be available, organised onboard with the Purser.