Explore Australia by Sea and River
Australia offers an extraordinary cruising canvas of sweeping coastlines, vibrant metropolises, rugged outback rivers, pristine reefs, and secluded tropical islands. From grand ocean voyages calling into Sydney Harbour to intimate river expeditions up the majestic Murray or coastal forays along the Kimberley, this destination combines land, water, and culture in ways unmatched anywhere in the world.
Top Ocean Cruise Ports in Australia
- Sydney – Iconic harbour skyline, famed Opera House, coastal walks, and buzzing marina precincts.
- Brisbane – Gateway to the southern Great Barrier Reef and Sunshine Coast escapes.
- Cairns – Launch point for Great Barrier Reef adventures and tropical rainforest excursions.
- Darwin – Cultural experiences, national parks, Indigenous heritage and access to Arnhem Land.
- Melbourne – Culinary scene, the Great Ocean Road, portside art and history.
River & Inland Cruise Experiences
- Murray River Cruises – Glide past red gum forests, historic paddle steamers, homesteads and vineyards.
- Kimberley Coast Explorations – Remote tidal river channels, dramatic gorges and Indigenous rock art.
- Inland Estuary Voyages – Coastal estuaries near Cairns and Brisbane promoting leisure sailing and nature observation.
Must-See Highlights & Shore Excursions
- Dive or snorkel the vibrant Great Barrier Reef reefs of coral and tropical marine life.
- Watch sunrise over the Sydney Harbour Bridge or take coastal walks in Bondi and Manly.
- Cruise forty thousand island waterways in Kakadu or wander through waterfalls in Top End.
- Savor Melbourne’s laneway cafes, upscale food markets and cultural venues.
- Enrich your journey with indigenous cultural performances near Darwin, Broome or Alice Springs.
Popular Cruise Itineraries in Australia
- East Coast Discovery – Sydney to Cairns with reef, rainforest and coastal beach stops.
- Outback River Cruise – Classic Murray River itinerary with history, nature and wine immersion.
- Top End Safari – Darwin coastal and river deltas, Kakadu and Arnhem Land.
- Great Ocean Route – Melbourne to Adelaide with the 12 Apostles, wine regions, and rugged cliffs.
Best Time to Cruise Australia
Australia's geography spans temperate to tropical zones; generally, October through April suits the north (Darwin, Cairns) while September through December favors southern itineraries (Sydney to Melbourne). Murray River experiences the most temperate cruising in autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November), avoiding extreme heat and flooding.
Why Choose Australia Cruises?
From ocean to river, our expert knowledge of Australia’s coastline and waterways equips you with seamless itineraries that highlight its exceptional biodiversity, heritage, and scenery. Whether reef diving, city touring, or remote river exploring, we curate unforgettable routes tailored to your interests.
Why book with the experts at Official Cruise Directory?
They are true experts, they know all the tricks, have all the tools, they will save you time, they will often save you money, and they will never charge you for their services!
