Australia’s best cruise and boating experiences for 2024
Warm spring days are fast approaching, heralding the best seasons in which to explore Australia’s breathtaking coastline.
Adrenaline-pumping deep sea angling adventures, luxurious stateroom stays and breathtaking encounters with aquatic creatures draw millions of visitors to Australia’s unique coastline every year. From small boat tours to luxury cruise ships, we’ve found some of the country’s must-do water vessel experiences available for 2023 and 2024.
North Queensland cruising
Considering it’s one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, exploring the Great Barrier Reef by boat is something every Australian should do in their lifetime. While the Reef’s beauty can be appreciated even over the side of a skiff, waking up to views of the aquamarine Coral Sea from a private deck on Ponant’s luxury vessel Le Lapérouse only adds to its visual enchantment. The prestige liner’s nine-day expedition will take guests around the many islands and marine parks found in the coastal waters of Northern Queensland as it sails from Cairns to Brisbane.
The Ponant Queensland’s islands and reefs cruise sails from November 5-13 2023 and is priced from $6500 per person twin share.
Hamilton Island Race Week
Every Winter a collective of sailors, celebrities and society types descend on Hamilton Island for its prestigious annual sailing event, which is taking place from August 19-26. Many visitors will book themselves in to one of the island’s resorts, but for those wanting to get right up close to the offshore regatta action, and possibly a pod of migrating humpback whales - it’s worth chartering a yacht. There are numerous charter companies in the region offering vessels for overnight use including Whitsunday Luxury Yacht Charters, Ricochet Private Charters and Alani Charters. It’s worth spending some time on the island too, with hospitality packages offering invitations to exclusive dining events such as the Charles Heidsieck Champagne lunch, Mecca beauty activations and accommodation at the island’s five-star luxury resort, Qualia.
Tasmania’s waters and wilderness
With just six cabins, there’s an element of intimacy on On Board Expeditions’ Odalisque III which can’t be replicated by larger cruise vessels. The luxury catamaran, which entered service in January, takes passengers to scenic, secluded coastal corners of southwest Tasmania including Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour. With panoramic picture windows in each cabin offering unencumbered views of the region’s dramatic coastlines, it’s tempting to laze inside, but guided walks and boating adventures offer plenty of incentives to get out and explore. Port Davey Expeditions, which run from December to May, are priced from $11,600 per person twin share.
West Coast island-hopping
There are thousands of islands off West Australian coastline, many uninhabited and bounded by aquamarine waters teeming with marine life. The best way to explore them is by boat, and Silversea’s expedition ship, Silver Cloud, is a very luxurious choice of craft on which to do so. The hybrid ship’s 17-day Fremantle to Darwin exhibition cruise will explore the Abrolhos Islands, North Muiron Island (a snorkeler's paradise) and Montebello Islands as it travels north along the coast towards the Kimberley and Hunter River Region, covering 14 ports before its arrival into Darwin on September 11.
The all-inclusive Silversea port to port cruise is priced from $24,750 per person.
Winery tour by sea
‘Resort at sea’ Celebrity Edge is heading to Australia for the first time this year, offering an exciting list of domestic itineraries including one inspired by Australia’s southern wine regions. Setting sail from Sydney in April 2024, the nine-night all-inclusive cruise will dock in Melbourne before heading to Kangaroo Island, Hobart and South Australia to explore the Adelaide Hills and its exceptional wines. For an ultra-luxe experience, book a suite within The Retreat, which offers exclusive access to a private sundeck, lounge and restaurant.
Prices for the Celebrity Edge Australia Wine cruise start from $2002 per person twin share.
Fishing Bligh Reef
If the idea of fishing for 100 kilo tuna on one of Australia’s most pristine and remote reefs with a group of friends sounds like a dream, this experience might be for you.
East Coast Angling coordinates seven-night fishing adventures around Bligh Reef, home to some of the world’s best – and biggest – eating fish. Nights are enjoyed on-board the luxury MV Savannah while days are spent fishing the aquamarine coral sea for giant trevally, wahoo, sailfish and monstrous dogtooth and yellowfin tuna. The best time to book is around late spring and early summer, with transfers available from Cairns.