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Australia Small Ship Cruises

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Darwin
Take a glass-bottomed boat through the Great Barrier Reef.
Clava Cairns
Explore the wonder of coral reefs
Broome
Rock formations along the coast of Kimberly
Mitchell Falls
Nick Rains
Zodiak Cruising
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Discover the remote corners of Australia on a small ship cruise with Adventure Life. The cruises we feature are aboard small expedition ship engineered especially for cruises in Australia where you can snorkel from the ship accommodate less than 50 passengers, or larger luxury-class expedition ships that will take you beyond Australia. Your journey will give you the chance to snorkel in the world's biggest coral reef, the vibrant Great Barrier Reef, or witness the rugged landscapes of the Kimberley region of the country, home to the signature King George Falls. As you get to know the Outback, you will see Aboriginal rock art indigenous to the vast desert in Kakadu National Park. The untamed wilderness of Cape York or pristine islands like Tasmania are also staple parts of many Australian cruises. Contact us if you need help planning your trip.
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10 Best Small Ship Cruises to Australia for 2024-2025

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Waterfall in the Australian outback

Cape York & Arnhem Land

Cairns - Darwin
12 Days from $8,790
Join Coral Discoverer on its 12-day expedition that sails across the top of Northern Australia to explore the remote islands and ancient cultures from Cairns to Darwin and vice versa.
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Wineglass Bay in Tasmania

Coastal Wilds of Tasmania

Hobart to Hobart
11 Days from $6,035
Cruise to the edge of the world on a Tasmanian expedition cruise that teams wombats with wine, beaches with brie and convict ruins with craft beer in a palate-pleasing adventure cruise into Tasmania’s wild heart.
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Travelers learning how to scuba dive.

Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef

Cairns to Cairns
8 Days from $4,600
Explore exclusive private islands, tropical resort, and ancient rainforest trails on this 8-day Australian cruise aboard the Coral Expeditions II. Explore the Great Barrier Reef by snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, and glass bottom boat accompanied by an expert Marine Biologist. Depart from Cooktown exploring the best of the Great Barrier Reef.
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Nightcliff Jetty, Darwin, Australia

The Kimberley

11 Days from $8,655
Marvel at the natural beauty and some of the earliest known Indigenous art, the enigmatic Bradshaw drawings. Soak up the history and unique geology, view the wildlife, and experience the wonder of the Kimberley on this 11-day cruise on Coral adventurer.
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Abrolhos Islands & the Coral Coast

Fremantle to Broome
13 Days from $7,255
This 13-day expedition explores Western Australia’s wild and largely untouched coast, with its contrasting coastal palette of rich red sands and turquoise sea. Explore Ningaloo, Montebello & Abrolhos Islands aboard Coral Adventurer.
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Rock formations along the coast of Kimberly

Kimberley Explorer: Expedition Cruising Australia's Iconic Kimberley Coast

Darwin to Broome
11 Days from $6,995
Join Heritage Adventurer on this brand-new 11-day cruise expedition along Australia's world-renowned coast and Kimberley, one of the world's most pristine and unspoiled wildernesses. This tour highlights King George Falls, which cascades 80 meters down cliffs that are 2,000 million years old, Aboriginal rock art, World War II relics, and the history of early explorers.
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Colorful boats in Hobart Harbor, Tasmania

Circumnavigation of Tasmania

Hobart to Hobart
17 Days from $9,555
Circumnavigate around the island of Tasmania on a 17-day voyage aboard the Coral Discoverer cruise ship. Explore the World Heritage Area of Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour, hike Strzelecki National Park, visit Josef Chromy Vineyard, and more on this tour of Tasmania's beautiful coastal areas.
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Rock formations along the coast of Kimberly

Best of the Kimberley and Tiwi Islands

Darwin to Broome
11 Days from $8,010
Explore natural wonders of the Kimberley coast. Witness magnificent coastal vistas created by towering rock ridges, silent secluded gorges, plunging waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and massive tidal movements on this 11-day cruise aboard Coral Discoverer.
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Explore the wonder of coral reefs

Citizen Science on the Great Barrier Reef

Brisbane - Cairns
11 Days from $6,795
Set sail for an 11-day cruise on Coral Discoverer, departing from Brisbane, and exploring the vibrant Great Barrier Reef. Engage in conservation activities, snorkel, dive, and witness breathtaking marine life.
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Wineglass Bay in Tasmania

Coastal Treks of Tasmania

Hobart to Hobart
8 Days from $4,215
Embark on an 8-day Tasmania cruise aboard Coral Discoverer, exploring remote landscapes and natural wonders. Starting and ending in Hobart, this voyage covers exceptional destinations, including Port Davey’s untamed wilderness, Bruny Island’s iconic coastal cliffs, and the pink-hued mountains of Freycinet National Park.
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Our Favorite Small Cruise Ships Sailing Australia

Coral Adventurer

Coral Adventurer

This brand new 120-passenger ship cruises the stunning Kimberly Coast and New Guinea with expansive teak decking, spacious dining rooms and lounges, stylish interior and exterior teak furnishings and revitalized décor.
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L'Austral

L'Austral

The L'Austral, sister ship to the Le Boreal, is the fruit of Italian expertise and French sophistication. A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, the L'Austral links tradition and innovation, cruising to worldwide destinations in luxury.
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Top 10 Small Ship Cruises visiting Australia and New Zealand

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Cape York & Arnhem Land$879012Apr 1, 2025Join Coral Discoverer on its 12-day expedition that sails across the top of Northern Australia to explore the remote islands and ancient cultures …
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Coastal Wilds of Tasmania$603511Jan 28, 2025Cruise to the edge of the world on a Tasmanian expedition cruise that teams wombats with wine, beaches with brie and convict ruins with craft beer in …
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Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef$46008Nov 11, 2024Explore exclusive private islands, tropical resort, and ancient rainforest trails on this 8-day Australian cruise aboard the Coral Expeditions II. …
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The Kimberley$865511Apr 5, 2025Marvel at the natural beauty and some of the earliest known Indigenous art, the enigmatic Bradshaw drawings. Soak up the history and unique geology, …
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The best of New Zealand$696010Jan 16, 2025Embark on a 10-day cruise along New Zealand's coastline aboard Le Jacques Cartier. Explore the untamed natural beauty, cultural sites, and ancient …
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South Island & Fiords of New Zealand$727013Dec 24, 2024Embark on a 13-day expedition aboard Coral Adventurer to explore New Zealand's Fiordland and surrounding islands. Sail past Solander Island towards …
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Abrolhos Islands & the Coral Coast$725513Feb 27, 2025This 13-day expedition explores Western Australia’s wild and largely untouched coast, with its contrasting coastal palette of rich red sands and …
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Kimberley Explorer: Expedition Cruising Australia's Iconic Kimberley Coast$699511Jun 27, 2025Join Heritage Adventurer on this brand-new 11-day cruise expedition along Australia's world-renowned coast and Kimberley, one of the world's most …
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Circumnavigation of Tasmania$955517Jan 2, 2025Circumnavigate around the island of Tasmania on a 17-day voyage aboard the Coral Discoverer cruise ship. Explore the World Heritage Area of Port …
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Best of the Kimberley and Tiwi Islands$801011Jul 28, 2025Explore natural wonders of the Kimberley coast. Witness magnificent coastal vistas created by towering rock ridges, silent secluded gorges, plunging …
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Australia Travel Tips & Guide

Enjoy the wildlife at the Billabong Sanctuary in Australia

Australia Overview

A cruise to Australia can be an adventure, a relaxing holiday, or anything in between. Travelers to Australia can experience the majesty of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world and home to countless species of marine life. Those wishing to remain closer to land can enjoy one of the gorgeous beaches on Australia's continuous coastline. Australians are known for their friendliness, and the landscape is known for its wildness. Discover why Australia is such a popular destination for savvy travelers.
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Kangaroos on a tour of the Australian countryside

The Best Time to Visit Australia

The best time to visit Northern and Western Australia is between April and October during the dry season, while the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef in Northeastern Australia is a shorter window, during the summer and spring months between June and November.
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Fun Facts about Australia
You might know that Australia's nickname is the "Outback" and that it is full of kangaroos, but what else do you know about the "land down under"? Test your trivia knowledge here:

How many people live in Australia?
According to the 2012 census, 22 million.

What is the capital of Australia?
Canberra. Contrary to popular belief, Sydney is not the capital city, although it is the largest city.

How many cities are there in Australia?
Despite the fact that it is the world's 6th biggest country by land size, it only has 45 major cities (population over 30,000). 

What does the Latin word "australis" mean? 
Australis means literally means south in Latin.

What is the name of Australia's reef system (the biggest in the world)?
The Great Barrier Reef.
Highlights of Australia
Tucked between the Pacific and the Antarctic, Australia claims a unique geography both on land and in the water. Our tours highlight the tropical region of this country, offering explorers a diversity of adventurous opportunities to snorkel, hike, and share in the local culture that has developed on this island continent:
  • Explore the Kimberly region of Australia, including its expansive arid plains, where waterfalls and desert critters abound.
  • View well-preserved Aboriginal paintings at Raft Point and Bigge Island.
  • Snorkel in the rainbow of marine life of the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Hike through various national parks, like Kakadu National Park
  • Explore the famous and mighty Horizontal Waterfalls by zodiak. 
  • See the reefs from above in a glass-bottomed boat.
  • Meet local artisans.
  • See the animals of the area, like koalas, wallabies, and kangaroos.
Take a glass-bottomed boat through the Great Barrier Reef.

Top 15 Things to Do & See on an Australian Cruise - Top Activities & Experiences

Explore the top 15 activities and sights to enjoy while on a cruise to Australia.
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Snorkelers exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

Most Popular Ports to Visit in Australia

Australia’s popular ports include the Great Barrier Reef, the Dampier Archipelago, Sydney, and the Tiwi Islands. The country’s immense size and variety of terrain make it an expansive destination to discover the natural diversity of the terrain, a large variety of wildlife, and the cultural history of the land.
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Best Australia Small Ship Cruise Lines for 2024-2025
 
  • Ponant - operates 52 itineraries that sail to Australia, including the iconic Kimberley at the top of the list. Environmentally friendly, equipped with cutting-edge technology, and with lounges that are largely open to the exterior, the new and intimately sized yacht, Le Laperouse, offers a unique type of cruise experience.
  • Silversea Cruises - has a fleet of small, ultra-luxury cruise ships such as the Silver Explorer, which offers extensive coverage of the entire Australian region, with 79 cruises ranging from tracking Aboriginal art in the Kimberley to diving the Great Barrier Reef. 
  • Aurora Expeditions - has a 2022 maiden voyage to Raja Ampat and the West Papua Islands with Darwin, Australia as its disembarkation. The revolutionary ULSTEIN X-BOW® on the Sylvia Earle provides improved stability in rough seas, enhanced ship speed, and reduced environmental impact. 
  • Coral Expeditions - proudly sails under the Australian Flag. Coral Geographer discovers the hidden nooks and crannies of Australia's Kimberley, West, and South Coasts, and the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Heritage Expeditions - is a New Zealand-based family-owned and operated company, a pioneer in environmentally-responsible expedition travel, offering intimate group excursions to Australia's Subantarctic Islands. Heritage Adventurer combines the highest passenger ship ice-class rating (1A Super) with an impressive history of polar exploration.




 

Australia FAQs

Do I need a visa to travel to Australia?
You must have a valid passport and a visa or Electronic Travel Authority at the time of entry into Australia.
Is tipping customary in Australia?
For servers: 10-15 percent of the bill.
At hotels: Porters can get $1/bag; concierge can get $10-20 for favors; housekeeping might get $1/day.
Guides and drivers: $5-20 based on whether you got private service and how good it was. 
What is Internet access like in Australia?
Australia is a developed country with access to high-speed WiFi in the bigger cities that you will visit - especially in hotels and public spaces like restaurants or cafes - but if you are on a cruise on the open water or a camp or lodge in the outback area, don't count on having internet so isolated from the rest of modern Australia.
Can I use my cell phone while in Australia?
If you want to use your cell phone in Australia while you are in the more developed parts of the country, like major cities, then you can purchase a SIM chip that you can replace in your smartphone. However, do note that most of our itineraries spend days in the most isolated corners of the country where you will not get a signal
Do I need power adapters in Australia?
You will need plug adapters and step-down converters for your devices if they are 110v and not compatible with Australia's 220-240v. The outlets in Australia are three slanted flat prongs (AS-3112).
What are the toilets like in Australia?
Most of Australia and all of the cruise vessels of the area feature modern flushing toilets. If you are in the more remote rural areas, then you may have to use a latrine.
Are credit cards accepted in Australia? Will I be able to find ATMs?
Yes to both. While you are in the major cities (for at least several days on most tours) you will find businesses that accept cards and ATMs where you can withdraw money. In the backcountry where there are less available, there also aren't many things to buy. Our tours are all-inclusive so you only really need to budget for souvenir and before and after-trip expenses.
Should I purchase travel insurance?
You should always purchase travel insurance for vacations; it just might save you thousands of dollars. Check out TravelGuard's deals on the Once You're Booked page.
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Australia Travel Reviews & Stories

The Journey to the Great Barrier Reef!!

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Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island

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TrustScore 4.9 | 364 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
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Based on 364 reviews on
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23 hours ago
My travel consultant went out of her way to make sure everything went smoothly, everything from the flight reservations to the final booking.
johnw
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2 days ago
Angie was patient and very pleasant
Elizabeth Traxler
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2 days ago
Efficient and thorough.
IRWIN G
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2 days ago
Info was accurate and delivered quickly so that a decision could be made. This is my second trip with Adventure Life.
Bill BASLER
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3 days ago
Claudia does an excellent job of communicating. HOWEVER…you paperwork requirements are constipated — a real impediment to doing business. Fire the lawyers or accountants over that.
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