Pacific from Sydney – Carnival Splendor – 3 March 2023
Australia Cruises
Australia is regularly voted one of the world’s top cruise destinations. Why? Some say it’s the endless summer weather or the oversupply of beaches. Others suggest it could be Sydney’s scenic, natural Harbor and iconic landmarks, including the opera house and Harbour Bridge.
Australia is also much more than just Sydney. Coastal cruises visit the other major port cities and open opportunities to venture inland to wineries, national parks, tourist attractions, and shopping precincts. Beyond the urban sprawl, there are vast mountain ranges, UNESCO World Heritage natural and historic sites, cultural and Indigenous attractions, and a world of fun for both adrenaline seekers and those who prefer a more relaxed or cultural experience
Best Time to Go
Australia is a year-round cruise destination, although the so-called “Wave Season” (October to April) is when Aussies go particularly cruise-crazy, and you’ll find the greatest choice of departures, vessels, and itineraries. While winters (June to August) in the southern states can be chilly, you won’t need snowshoes or thermal undies. Summers (December through February) can be hot — darned hot — so if you’re visiting over the Christmas period, be prepared with wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen, and water bottles for those days when temperatures get into the 30s Celsius (high 80s and 90s Fahrenheit).
The South Pacific. One of the most popular local choices is a cruise to or from an Australian homeport to the islands of the South Pacific. Departures are mostly from Sydney but also increasingly from Brisbane and Melbourne. Traditionally, the well-worn route pioneered by P&O across the Tasman to the South Pacific included Fiji, Noumea, Auckland, and Port Vila, but it has been expanded to include all of New Zealand, more of Vanuatu and New Caledonia, and some of Samoa, and Tonga, with occasional forays as far as French Polynesia and Hawaii.
