There has never been a better time to book cruises from Australia. In the eyes of the cruise industry, Australia is a growing market, so more cruise ships are departing from the country than ever. Cruise lines are offering Australian passengers a wider range of itineraries. The most well-renowned cruise lines are now dedicating more of their most popular ships to our corner of the world than ever before. These modern cruise ships are outfitted with only the most state-of-the-art facilities and features. Regardless of your budget or special requirements, you will surely find your dream cruises if you take a look at our extensive collection of wanderlust-satisfying cruise deals.
Naturally, you can hop on a cruise at the wonderful ports in Australia’s major cities, like Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Hobart. However, you can also embark on a cruise departing from regional ports. That means you don’t necessarily have to drive to a major city to kick off your cruise holiday. If you book a pre-packaged Cruise1st cruise deal with inclusive return flights and hotel stays, everything will already be taken care of from beginning to end. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your cruise holiday.
Cruising from Australia’s ports
Floating in the Pacific Ocean along with Tasmania and several other smaller islands, Australia boasts picturesque landscapes, sunny beaches, charming harbours, bustling cities, and so much more! Cruise1st offers cruises from Australia that will excite and inspire you. Our unbeatable cruise deals will transport you to the hottest destinations around the country and also give you the unique opportunity to explore the more untouched areas of Australia home to isolated landscapes and amazing wildlife. The Australian coast is surrounded by departure ports – both international and regional, and each port has its own history, culture, and atmosphere that will put you in the perfect mood to cruise! No matter where you start your cruise, Cruise1st has a wide selection of cruise deals that will take you all around the world!
Australia Highlights
The Land Down Under is full of stunning coastlines, vibrant cities, gorgeous landscapes, and fascinating cultures, and cruises from Australia are the best way to discover it all! Whether you’re a local or a tourist from abroad, Australia promises to deliver a magical experience with unparalleled natural beauty, balmy weather, laidback vibe, and beaches known around the world!
Cruising from Australia really does brings along a host of highlights that are renowed the world over. Climb the iconic Sydney harbour bridge for a birds eye view of the Sydney Opera House before you set sail. Did you know that Tasmania is home to the world’s last remaining temperate rain forest? If you’re sailing from Perth (Fremantle) make sure you visit the Margaret river and sample some of the finest wines on the planet. For cruises from Brisbane the Great Barrier Reef is a must see!
Whether Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth, embark on your cruise journey in Australia and sail around the country or head off to our neighbours in New Zealand with its incredible Fjordland National Park; faraway destinations in Asia, such as Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, or Vietnam; or tropical islands in the South Pacific like Fiji, Vanuatu, or New Caledonia. You can sail even farther out because Australia has also become a popular port for long-haul cruises to Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East.
Best time to cruise
The best time to take a cruise in Australia is always the summer months. During this time there are a lot more ships from various cruise lines down under sailing from all the major ports of call. As there are so many ships here around the summer months this creates competition and the cruise liners will usually drop prices enabling you grab yourself a bargain. Obviously another factor of cruising in summer is the weather, with weeks and weeks of sizzling sunshine! If you prefer cooler temperatures, then you have P&O Australia and Princess who have ships here year round, during winter the temperatures will be cooler and the generally the itineraries are longer allowing more time for exploration.
Cruise lines sailing from Australia
Sydney: Australia’s iconic harbour city
Head to the capital of New South Wales to experience a city of exceptional natural beauty. Wander through the bustling streets and take a moment (or two) to appreciate the blending of old and new since Sydney showcases a mixture of architecture styles – some of which dates back more than 200 years.
Among the most contemporary architectural pieces in the city is the Sydney Opera House. Drawing in millions of visitors every year from all around the globe, the multi-purpose venue is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. In addition to the more than 1,500 performances that take place in the distinctly designed building every year, the Sydney Opera House is also home to shops, eateries, cafés, bars, and a recording studio.
Sydney is also famous for its coastal beaches. Head to Bondi, Palm Beach, and Bronte if you want to hang ten, catch some ray, or just relax. You don’t have to wait for your cruise to begin to enjoy Sydney’s highlights; choose Sydney as your starting port and start your adventure on land.
Melbourne: Australia’s “melting pot” city
Cruisers who start their holidays in Melbourne will be in for a treat as the city offers a one-of-a-kind sightseeing experience. Since gold was discovered in the 19th century, Melbourne’s economy continues to thrive. Melbourne’s fascinating history has inspired exhibitions in its many museums. The Old Melbourne Gaol is one of the city’s oldest surviving buildings and was once the site where some of Australia’s most notorious criminals were imprisoned. The city’s Victorian architecture juxtaposed with towering skyscrapers blends the past and present perfectly.
Melbourne offers its visitors an ever-changing retail industry, various eclectic bars, and an atmosphere of cultural diversity. The city also plays host to some of the country’s most iconic events: the Australian Open, the Melbourne Cup, Melbourne Fashion Week, and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival just to name a few. This exciting city would never offer a dull moment, and if you cruise from Melbourne, you will surely start your holiday with a bang!
Brisbane: A city full of life
See the wide open spaces, chat with the friendly locals, and enjoy the lively atmosphere all under the Queensland sun. Brisbane has plenty to offer. Sip a coffee from one of the many excellent cafés while you take a stroll down the South Bank. Or indulge in some retail therapy and rejoice in some of the best shopping in Australia.
Head over to Streets Beach to cool off in the clear blue waters. It’s the only Australian beach located right in the middle of a city. The port in Brisbane acts as a gateway, offering local cruises around the Australian coast and to New Zealand as well as Asian voyages to the Philippines, Japan, and China.
Perth (Fremantle): Australia’s western port
Just 30 minutes outside of Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is the port city of Fremantle. The city will not disappoint regardless of if you’re there a few days before your cruise’s departure or if it’s a short stopover.
Fremantle boasts a unique vibe due to its hordes of alternative and arty locals. Cappuccino Strip, stretching from South Terrace and Wray Avenue, is the place to be if you’re searching for an eclectic mix of dining and entertainment options. This neighbourhood is known for the best cafés and microbreweries in the state.
If you make the short trip to Perth, you will discover a city that blends modern art and nature. Perth is a beautiful city with one of the world’s largest city parks. You can also learn about Aboriginal history by wandering along the bushland trails and through urban villages.