NOV 17 - DEC 22, 2024 - HOLLAND AMERICA ms WESTERDAM
35 Days Roundtrip Sydney
A Sydney roundtrip filled with marvels. Cruise the astonishing Great Barrier Reef, see islands scattered across the Torres Strait. Relax on Fremantle (Perth) and Hobart overnights.
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Experience the essence of Australia's stunning coastal beauty on an unforgettable journey aboard Holland America's beautiful ms Westerdam that explores its major cities and the breathtaking wonder of the Great Barrier Reef. This coastal odyssey will take you on a captivating adventure, where you'll immerse yourself in vibrant urban life, discover iconic landmarks, and delve into the mesmerizing underwater world of the world's largest coral reef system. Get ready to embark on a voyage that combines the allure of cosmopolitan cities with the awe-inspiring marvels of one of the planet's most cherished natural wonders, all in one extraordinary itinerary.
Day By Day Itinerary
Days 1 & 2 - Sydney and Newcastle
If you want a snapshot of Australia's appeal, look no further than Sydney: The idyllic lifestyle, friendly locals and drop-dead natural beauty of this approachable metropolis and its attractions explain why the country tops so many travelers' wish lists.
New South Wales, the country’s southeastern state, is home to vibrant Sydney and its many iconic attractions. But there’s much to see (and taste) just beyond the big city environs. Visitors are treated to an endless reel of pristine, sun-bleached shores caressed by jewel-blue waters. These nutrient-rich seas draw an abundance of whales, bottlenose dolphins, seals and penguins. Go inland to the Blue Mountains to gaze at staggering ridges cloaked in native shrubbery and to encounter the world’s most adorable creatures, like kangaroo and koalas. All of that, and New South Wales has a remarkable food scene.
Day 3 is spent at sea enjoying your ship.
Day 4 – Brisbane
Brisbane, or 'Brissy' for short, has recently come out of the shadows to show off its own variety of sun-drenched cool. Brisbane may be a contender for Australia’s hippest city, thanks to its clutch of crafty bars, eclectic restaurants and homegrown fashion. The city's subtropical climate brings joggers and cyclists to the banks of the Brisbane River year round; jacarandas and frangipani bloom in the spring.
Day 5 is another leisure day at sea.
Day 6 - Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach serves as the entryway to a quintessential Australian paradise. While this Queensland town offers the delights of palm-fringed beaches, a vast man-made lagoon, and open-air dining, it primarily serves as the launchpad for the stunning Whitsunday Islands, a collection of islands celebrated for their timeless natural beauty, pristine sandy shores, and crystalline waters. Your options are boundless here, from chartering a boat to cruise the archipelago, to snorkeling or scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, or capturing the perfect beach selfie at the exquisite Whitehaven Beach, a perennial inclusion in the world's top beach rankings. There are plenty of activities nearer to the shore, such as kayaking and glass-bottom boat excursions. Additionally, for those who prefer to stay grounded, there are opportunities to hike through the lush tropical rainforests in Conway National Park.
Spend Day 7 at sea relaxing and recharging for the next part of your journey.
Days 8 & 9 – Cairns and Great Barrier Reef
Cairns, the doorway to Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the tropical wonders of the northern region, graces the eastern shores of the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland. This relaxed city is a magnet for travelers embarking on sailing, diving, snorkeling, and hiking expeditions to nearby parks. It's a renowned starting point, especially for those keen on discovering the reef, the Daintree Rain Forest, and the other enthralling attractions this part of Queensland offers. Cairns is indeed an ideal launchpad for adventure, with its friendly locals, superb beachfront ambiance, and the dependable, sun-soaked, and warm climate.
The Great Barrier Reef offers a sanctuary for an incredible array of plants and creatures. Immerse yourself in this exceptionally diverse ecosystem through activities like diving, snorkeling, and swimming amidst the brilliant coral structures and the fascinating marine life. Don't forget to explore the lush botanical and animal treasures that adorn the islands' pristine beaches.
Day 10 – Far North Region and Torres Straight
New Zealand's northernmost region, known as Northland, exudes a sense of remoteness and unspoiled beauty, almost as if it were the edge of the world. Remarkably, Northland is New Zealand's sole subtropical area. Travelers fortunate enough to venture past Auckland and Coromandel to explore Northland by sea will be treated to a medley of picturesque and captivating landscapes.
As you sail onward from Northland, the Torres Strait Islands extend toward Papua New Guinea, forming a captivating labyrinth of tropical isles and reefs that separate the Coral Sea from the Arafura Sea. Among the strait's 274 islands, a mere 14 are inhabited.
Day 11 is spent at sea enjoying the beauty of the ocean.
Day 12 – Darwin
Located amidst the enchanting embrace of the turquoise Timor Sea on three sides, the capital of the Northern Territory possesses a closer affinity, in both proximity and ambiance, to Southeast Asia than to most of Australia's major urban centers. In this tropical haven, life unfurls at a leisurely pace, graced by delightful weather, a tantalizing blend of culinary flavors, and bustling open-air markets.
Darwin serves as the pivotal portal to two renowned national parks, Kakadu and Litchfield, along with the captivating Tiwi Islands, owned and cherished by the Aboriginal communities. While in town, it's imperative to partake in the Australian tradition of "going bush," meaning venturing out to unwind and immerse yourself in the remarkable beauty of the surrounding landscape. In this splendid corner of the nation, there's hardly a finer place to embrace this liberating experience.
Enjoy Days 13 and 14 aboard your beautiful ship and maybe treat yourself to some sublime spa treatments.
Day 15 – Komodo Island
Indonesia undoubtedly stands as one of the planet's most alluring and exotic travel destinations. However, when you make port in Komodo, nestled snugly between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores in the eastern reaches of the Indonesian archipelago, you might as well be setting foot on an entirely different world. This captivating region serves as the natural habitat for more than 5,000 Komodo dragons, which, despite the term "dragon," are indeed colossal lizards. Prepare to immerse yourself in one of the world's most extraordinary and unspoiled locations, where nature thrives in all its untamed magnificence.
On Day 16 relax and recharge while at sea.
Day 17 – Broome, Western Australia
Constructed upon the ancestral territory of the Yawuru indigenous community, Broome serves as a hub for the pearl farming sector, a sought-after holiday spot, and a globally important ecosystem, hosting countless migratory bird species.
Day 18 is spent at sea.
Day 19 – Exmouth
Situated miles away from the nearest major city, Perth, along the coast of Western Australia, Exmouth can make you feel like you've reached a remote outpost. Beyond the renowned Great Barrier Reef, the Ningaloo Coast along the cape stretches for 160 miles, boasting remarkable fringing reefs, accessible shipwrecks, and crucial bird habitats. The area's allure extends beyond its aquatic wonders, with the 477-square-kilometer (175-square-mile) Cape Range National Park along the western coast of the cape, featuring awe-inspiring attractions such as Charles Knife Canyon and Yardie Creek Gorge, formed over eons by meandering rivers within the park.
Day 20 is spent at sea.
Days 21, 22 & 23 – Geraldton, Western Australia & Fremantle (Perth)
Geraldton, a coastal city in Western Australia's Mid West region, boasts a history that traces back 40,000 years through the Wajarri people, whose unique ochre paintings are displayed at the Geraldton Museum. Experience farm life at the Oakabella Pioneering Homestead, dating back to 1860, and savor award-winning sauvignon blancs and chardonnays at local wineries. With its Mediterranean climate, Geraldton offers ideal conditions for water sports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, and fishing, and nearby Kalbarri National Park beckons with its stunning river-carved gorges and breathtaking vistas.
Perth, one of the world's most isolated capitals, strikes a balance between embracing global trends and charting its own course in food, fashion, and art. Established in 1829 as a free colony by Swan River settlers, it now combines historical relics like Fremantle Prison with contemporary art galleries, breweries, and boutiques. In the city center, modern towers house inventive restaurants and rooftop bars, while institutions like the Art Gallery of Western Australia dot the landscape. With the Swan River at its core and an extensive Indian Ocean coastline, Perth invites leisurely strolls, bike rides, and tranquil waterside sundowners.
Day 24 – Albany, Western Australia
Founded in 1826, Albany holds the distinction of being Western Australia's first European settlement. While its historic center exudes a certain faded grandeur, the modern waterfront area is currently undergoing extensive redevelopment. However, Albany's most striking features are the natural wonders that predate the town's establishment. From the majestic cliffs of Torndirrup National Park to the serene bay at King George Sound, the stunning coastline captivates visitors. Inland, the peaks of the Stirling Range soar over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), offering opportunities for day hikes with awe-inspiring vistas. Notably, the Whaling Station, operational until 1978, has been transformed into a captivating museum chronicling the whaling industry's history, making it the last operating station in both the Southern Hemisphere and the English-speaking world. Nowadays, the pursuit of humpback, southern right, and blue whales takes the form of whale-watching cruises during the annual whale season from June to October.
Days 25 & 26 will be spent at sea.
Day 27 – Port Lincoln
Located up the coast from Adelaide, Australia, the nutrient-rich waters and sheltered bays surrounding the Eyre Peninsula, bounded by the Spencer Gulf to the east and the vast Great Australian Bight to the west, teem with abundant marine life. Port Lincoln, a town at the peninsula's tip, thrives as South Australia's seafood capital, ensuring a delectable array of tuna and plump oysters on local menus. This aquatic abundance fosters a diverse ecosystem featuring marine birds, sea lions, dolphins, whales, and even great white sharks, with the option for the daring to join these sharks in their natural habitat through cage diving experiences. Among Port Lincoln's highlights are the breathtaking vistas of Boston Bay, lavish mansions constructed by local tuna magnates, and various captivating art and handicraft galleries. Nearby Coffin Bay boasts oyster farms where you can savor one of the region's renowned products and a national park inhabited by wild ponies. The Eyre Peninsula also hosts a selection of award-winning vineyards, offering wines to complement your Port Lincoln adventure.
Day 28 – Adelaide, Western Australia
Adelaide, Australia, is an increasingly popular destination, boasting a flourishing creative community, exceptional dining experiences, and a more relaxed pace of life compared to its bustling counterparts, Melbourne and Sydney. The city's Central Business District has become a hotbed for artists, designers, and restaurateurs, rejuvenating the once-sleepy capital. Adelaide's reputation as a tranquil, green haven still holds true, and its residents' unwavering passion for sports, especially Australian Rules football and cricket, remains. The city is renowned for its love of fine wine and cuisine, taking immense pride in the world-class wines produced in the famous Barossa Valley wine region, a must-visit in South Australia. Even if you can't make it to the vineyards themselves, Adelaide's top-notch restaurants and bars feature these local wines, some of which, like the renowned Grange Hermitage, are sought after by connoisseurs worldwide.
Day 29 – Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island, Australia's third-largest island, is a tranquil destination with a laid-back atmosphere. With a population of under 300 people in its main ferry port, Penneshaw, the island retains a peaceful, old-world charm. The unspoiled landscapes, home to Australian marsupials like koalas and wallabies, provide a unique wildlife experience. Visitors can also observe marine mammals in one of Australia's largest sea lion colonies and keep an eye out for southern right whales off the coast.
Day 30 is spent at sea.
Day 31 – Melbourne
Melbourne consistently earns its reputation as one of the world's most livable cities, and it's easy to see why. This Australian metropolis thrives as a hub of cosmopolitan life, offering cutting-edge art and architecture, rich historical galleries, various attractions and museums, and an extensive array of dining options, from restaurants and bistros to bustling markets and bars. Known for its fervor for sports, Melbourne hosts the esteemed Melbourne Cricket Ground and boasts Australian rules football teams. For those eager to explore beyond the city, Melbourne serves as the gateway to Victoria's world-class wineries and showcases breathtaking coastal attractions. Nearby, you can visit the iconic penguins on Phillip Island or indulge in local produce amidst the idyllic scenery of the Yarra Valley.
Day 32 at sea.
Days 33 & 34 - Hobart, Tasmania
Tasmania, once the subject of many jests, has now become undeniably chic. This little Australian island boasts breathtaking landscapes, pristine old-growth forests, and an abundance of exceptional local products. Hobart, the island's creative nucleus, reigns over this wealth of delights. While its remoteness may have once rendered it a bit provincial, the city has blossomed in recent years, evolving into a vibrant hub. Hobart hosts one of the world's premier contemporary art museums, lively markets, a cosmopolitan culinary scene, and eclectic music festivals. Its natural charm shines through, nestled around a picturesque harbor with the imposing presence of Mount Wellington in the backdrop.
Hobart's compact size makes it an ideal city for leisurely exploration on foot. Commence your journey in the sandstone-lined enclave of Salamanca Place, home to trendy galleries, artist studios, and lively cafés and bars. Then wander through the charming lanes of Battery Point, one of Hobart's oldest neighborhoods. For a touch of nature, the splendid Botanical Gardens beckon, or venture beyond the city to delve into Tasmania's intriguing yet dark history. Savor the freshest seafood from the Southern Ocean along the waterfront or relish gourmet Tasmanian produce at one of the city's excellent dining establishments. No matter your choice, one thing is certain: you won't find a shortage of engaging activities in Hobart.
Day 36 – Sydney
The Eyre Peninsula, up the coast from Adelaide, Australia, is a seafood haven thanks to its rich waters. Port Lincoln, at the peninsula's tip, is South Australia's seafood capital, known for its delicious tuna and oysters. The area's thriving marine life includes sea lions, dolphins, whales, and even great white sharks, with cage diving adventures for the adventurous. Enjoy splendid views of Boston Bay, explore art galleries, and visit oyster farms in nearby Coffin Bay. The region also boasts award-winning vineyards to complement your visit to Port Lincoln.