They say that the cruise ship is the destination. But for the majority of cruisers half the fun of a cruise is going ashore when you reach a port of call. If at all possible, and your mobility requirements allow you - Don’t miss these great experiences in Aussie ports.
Discover A Truly Original Museum
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart is Australia’s biggest privately funded museum and has a captivating and extensive collection of works not like anything else you’ll find in the country. And once you’ve had your fill of arts, there’s also a winery and brewery onsite for refreshments.
Expedition Underneath The Earth
The Margaret River, just south of Perth, is best known for its wine but venture below ground and you’ll find yourself in some of the country’s most remarkable subversive caves. The air is cool and the stillness quite eerie, and you’ll be compensated with ancient stalactites, stalagmites, helicities and shawl rock formations.
Take A Trip Back In Time at Mossman Gorge
Make your way through some of the ancient rainforest on the planet in the Mossman Gorge, close to Port Douglas in Far North Queensland. Local directors from the indigenous Kuku Yalanji tribe lead informative walks through the ancient forest, subsequent to a cruise along the Mossman River to spot crocodiles.
Unwind In The Hunter Region
As more cruise ships add Newcastle to their schedules, the famed vineyards of the Hunter Valley are now within reach. Many of the wineries date back to the 1800s and harvest some of the country’s best wine, together with the region’s signature Semillon.
Snorkel the Frankland Islands
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the big draw cards for cruises calling at Cairns, yet a journey to the reef can take up to two hours each way. As an alternative, take the 20-minute journey to the Frankland Islands and snorkel on a immaculate reef surrounded by tropical fish and turtles. There are even semi-submersible tours for those who prefer to stay dry.
Climb The Sydney Harbour Bridge
It seems evident, but an astonishing sum of Aussies have never attempted to climb up our most famous landmark. Countless cruises depart from or call at Sydney, stopping right beside the Harbour Bridge. The whole experience takes around 3.5 hours (including briefing, tuition and the climb itself) and the view from the top is almighty, extending all the way to the Blue Mountains.
Ride A Camel Along Cable Beach
Outback Australia is home to at least one million wild camels, initially brought here more than 150 years ago as working animals. Ride one of these ‘ships of the desert’ along Broome’s famed Cable Beach, a 22-kilometre strip of unadulterated white sand on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Sunset is the best time for the ride so you can watch the sun dip right into the water.
Embrace A Koala
Don’t miss the chance to come head to see Australia’s national icons. The Healesville Sanctuary is just outside of Melbourne and is the place to snuggle a koala, hand feed a kangaroo or pat a gigantic python. The sanctuary is also involved in vital conservation work, which you can learn about at the on-site rehabilitation centre.
Indulge In The Gourmet Delights Of Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island, just 15 kilometres off the coast of South Australia, is attaining the reputation as a regional cruise port and it also happens to be one of the country’s leading gourmet destinations. Spend the day touring the island and tasting honey, native spices, marron, artisan cheese, small batch gin, sheep’s milk yoghurt, oysters and local wines.
Have you ever cruised in Australia? What was your favourite part? Let us know in the comments.
