Australia's Great Southern Coastline

Board the Coral Adventurer at 4:00pm at Outer East Station Pier, Port of Melbourne, and settle into your stateroom before our 5:00pm departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard before joining your fellow explorers on the Sun Deck for Captain’s Welcome Drinks.

Spend the morning exploring Port Fairy at your leisure. Walk the heritage trail to view grand public buildings which sit side by side with restored whalers’ cottages and Georgian-styled merchant homes. Or visit Griffiths Island: with its colony of shearwater seabirds, winding pathways, and the spectacular lighthouse at the eastern tip, it is a great place to explore. Continue to the infamous Shipwreck Coast. This stretch of coastline is a graveyard of around 700 submerged wrecks, leaving behind their fascinating stories. Captain Matthew Flinders notably said he had never seen a ‘more fearful section of coastline’

Spend time today in the historic and picturesque town of Robe. Located on the Limestone Coast, it offers incredible views and unique food, drink and shopping opportunities. One of Australia’s most character-filled small towns, Robe is known for its cottage industries. Spend your day exploring through the quaint shops and craft breweries or relax on the beach and watch surfers catching a wave.

Located on the south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, Victor Harbor lies in the traditional lands of the Ngarrindjeri people. Rich in history, nearby Encounter Bay was so called by Captain Matthew Flinders after he and Nicolas Baudin both sheltered their vessels here and compared notes on their expeditions in 1802. Take in the natural beauty of this coastline on a train ride from Goolwa, and later follow the Kaiki Trail on Granite Island for spectacular views of Encounter Bay and the Bluff.

Kangaroo island is Australia’s third largest and was once part of the Australian mainland before rising see levels separated it some 10,000 years ago. Also known as Karta Pintingga, or ‘Island of the Dead’ in the local indigenous language, the island was later named Kangaroo Island by British explorer Matthew Flinders in 1802. 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.

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.

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.

Our crossing of the Great Australian Bight is an exciting moment for those who love the sea. This iconic marine area includes the Great Australian Bight Marine Park, which protects an area of global importance for endangered southern right whales. These waters also support important populations of the endangered Australian sea lion, with up to 80% of the population found here. Spend two days crossing bight to Western Australia, with time to relax and reflect ahead of the next leg of your expedition.

After a morning cruising through the Recherche Archipelago, 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. Bird lovers will have the opportunity to observe a variety of species.

Along quiet Lucky Bay, kangaroos are known to laze on the whitest sand in Australia. Enjoy time on the beach meeting the friendly wildlife and the turquoise water is wonderful for a quick 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. 

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.

Spend two days visiting the highlights of the Margaret River Region. Over two days we will visit its key attractions, including the breathtaking Jewel Cave and Australia’s tallest lighthouse at Cape Leeuwin. See stingrays and eagle rays swim in the shallows at Hamelin Bay, and walk under towering Karri trees in the Boranup
Forest. Finally enjoy some of Margaret River’s best drops at the award winning Leeuwin estate. Spend two days visiting the highlights of the Margaret River Region. Over two days we will visit its key attractions, including the breathtaking Jewel Cave and Australia’s tallest lighthouse at Cape Leeuwin. See stingrays and eagle rays swim in the shallows at Hamelin Bay, and walk under towering Karri trees in the Boranup Forest. Finally enjoy some of Margaret River’s best drops at the award winning Leeuwin estate. 

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 day exploring these walking trails, with options to suit all levels. In the afternoon we visit the stunning Meelup Beach, ahead of Captain’s Farewell Drinks looking out to a Western Australian sunset.

Arrive in Fremantle as we say goodbye to fellow travellers and crew before a 8:00am disembarkation. A complimentary post-cruise transfer to the airport or Perth/Fremantle CBDs will be available.