Across the Great Australian Bight

Make your way to Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges for pre-cruise SailSAFE check-in at 3:00 pm before your transfer to the ship for boarding at 4:00 pm, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 5:00pm departure. As dusk falls meet your fellow travellers, the Captain and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.

Cape Naturaliste is the northernmost point of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, located on the western edge of Geographe Bay. As part of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, the Cape is known for its spectacular coastal scenery and some of the best walking tracks in the Margaret River Region.

Today we will spend the day exploring these walking trails, with options to suit all levels. There will be an optional visit to the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse before spending some free time in the charming town of Dunsborough.

In the afternoon we visit the stunning Meelup Beach for some sunbathing and swimming, followed by sunset drinks on the beach. This beach is one of the few places in Western Australia where you can watch the moon rise over the ocean and is most attractive on a full moon!

In 1801, French navigator Nicolas Baudin stopped here during his explorations of Australia and left his mark on the region at Geographe Bay, named after his flagship Geographe and Cape Naturaliste, after the ship Naturaliste.

Hamelin Bay is located on the southwest coast on a serene open sandy bay, famous for the abundance of stingrays which frequent the bay. Snorkel with these friendly giant rays, which can measure up to 2 meters wide, and love to swim up close to snorkellers. With clear and calm water, this is a great snorkel spot for all levels to enjoy interesting fish and plant life in the bay, and some great rocks and shipwrecks further out for those more confident in the water.

A quintessential Western Australian destination, Margaret River is flanked with national parks including towering forests, pristine coastlines, and rugged granite outcrops.

Spend the afternoon enjoying this beautiful countryside of the Margaret River region as we relax on a luxury coach tour of the wineries in this area.  Enjoy tastings and cellar-door visits to some of the leading Margaret River wineries.

Augusta is the most south-western town in Australia and is nearby to the towering karri timber of Boranup Forest and spectacular Jewel Cave.  The south west coast was first seen by explorers in 1622 from the Dutch ship Leeuwin. Then expeditions by French explorers De Freycinet, D’Entrecasteaux, Baudin and Hamelin sighted the coast in the late 18th to early 19th century.

Captain Matthew Flinders charted the south west coast from 1801 to 1803 and proved that Cape Leeuwin was part of the mainland.  With the arrival of settlers, Augusta was founded in 1830. The subsequent increase in ship traffic over the next few decades led to the construction of the impressive Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse 1896.

Here, we will climb Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia overlooking the point where the mighty Southern and Indian Oceans collide.  We will also visit Jewel Cave, an awe-inspiring and extremely well decorated cave, containing many beautiful examples of delicate helictites, cave coral, pendulites, a very large stalagmite called ‘The Karri Forest’, and beautiful examples of flowstone such as ‘The Frozen Waterfall’ and ‘the Organ-pipes’.  Remarkably, fossilised remains of several Tasmanian Tigers have been discovered within Jewel Cave, more than 3000 years after the thylacine became extinct on mainland Australia.

This morning we arrive at Breaksea Island, named by George Vancouver during his expedition in 1791. While in the area he also took possession of the lands for England. He named the islands after its beaten appearance and the protection it offered to the landward side from the south-westerly winds.

In the morning we will spend time observing seals in their natural habitats at Seal Cove. The playful and curious fur seals and Australian seal lions have made their home on the north side of Breaksea Island. Watch as they laze on nearby rocks or glide gracefully through the water.

In the afternoon we will spend time exploring Two Peoples Bay, with the chance to see rare birds including Noisy Scrubbird, Red-Winged Fairywren, Southern Emu-Wren or New Holland Honeyeater. Following your walk enjoy a swim to freshen up!

The peaceful coastal town of Bremer Bay, population 230, is renowned for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.  Located on the edge of the Southern Ocean, these vast stretches of pristine white sand offer a peaceful spot to stroll or swim, especially in summer. Explore the variety of small and large beaches around the area, and spend your afternoon relaxing, swimming, or snorkelling in the clear blue waters.

The genuine pristine surroundings and deep peacefulness, along with the opportunity to observe the unique flora of the area and possibly witness some the abundant marine life in the bay, makes Bremer Bay a true highlight on our voyage.

Cape Le Grand National Park’s massive granite peaks, rolling heathlands and curving white beaches are some of the most spectacular landscapes along the southern coast.  Along quiet Lucky Bay, kangaroos are known to laze on the whitest sand in Australia. The turquoise water is wonderful for a quick swim, and if time permits, we will enjoy a moderate hike on part of the Le Grand Coastal trail. The Cape Le Grande coastal trail passes through beautiful coastal scenery, and the national park is home to pygmy possums, western grey kangaroos and many colourful native wildflowers.

This afternoon, we enter the Recherche Archipelago, a group of 105 islands and many more rocky outcrops. Here, many species of birds as well as sea lions and fur seals, come to breed. The islands are scattered across the blue water – a beautiful seascape when viewed from shore with turquoise waters washing against grey and tan-coloured granite.

Here, we will land at Woody Island to explore. Located just 15km off the coast of Esperance, Woody Island’s stands of tall trees have given it its name. Surrounded by pristine, clear waters, you will have the opportunity to experience the snorkel trail in Shearwater Bay. The cool southern waters provide excellent visibility for your journey of discovery.

There are several beautiful walks on the island, from easy to moderate, and you will appreciate the spectacular views across the archipelago along the way.  For the bird lovers, a wide variety of bird life is sighted on the island, from land dwellers to those dependent on the sea. Spot Singing & New Holland Honeyeaters, Silvereyes, Red-eared Firetails, Rock Parrots and Sacred Kingfisher. While along the walk trails catch a glimpse of the Golden Whistlers, Brown Quails, Spotted Pardolalotes, Brush Bronzewings, Raptors and Fan Tailed Cuckoo.

Middle Island is the largest of a group of three islands that lie in the Spencer Gulf within the south-western coast of the Yorke Peninsula. Currently a protected fauna conservation reserve, the island is known to be home to a variety of seabird populations including the little penguin. During our visit here, enjoy beachcombing along the shoreline and a peaceful boardwalk to the pink Lake Hillier.

Our crossing of the Great Australian Bight is an exciting moment for those who love the sea. This iconic marine area includes the Great Australian Bight Marine Park, which protects an area of global importance for endangered southern right whales. These waters also support important populations of the endangered Australian sea lion, with up to 80% of the population found here.  The seals haul out at the base of the 100-metre-high cliffs.

Located around 35kms from the Eyre Peninsula Coast, Flinders Island has a long history of sealing, whaling and farming. Owned by the Woolford family since 1979, they run an established sheep farm, abalone harvesting business and are working to establish a safe haven for vulnerable native species. Meet the Woolford family to learn about the history and conservation projects on the island.

Visit the Kapara shipwreck at Bryant’s Bay, and stroll through the shearing sheds at the farm. Taste fresh abalone at Eyrewoolf Abalone.

Surrounded by sea and National Parks, today we discover the tranquil bays by taking a swim, snorkel, or kayak and enjoy the local marine life and water ways before finishing our day enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience. Taste fresh Pacific and the native Angasi oysters straight out of the sea and learn firsthand how to shuck an oyster. Learn about the history of Coffin Bay and the Oyster farming practices of the famous Coffin Bay Oyster. Prepare for a seafood tasting sensation!

Today, discover Wedge Island, located within the Gambier Islands. During WWII, this island was used as a top-secret radar station by the RAAF. Another highlight of Wedge Island is the unique Australian fauna – spot endangered Bettong, Fairy Penguins, Rock Wallabies, Emus, Wombats, and a large variety of bird species. Wedge Island boasts rugged landscapes and pristine beaches and is renowned for its wonderful marine life and known for one of the best fishing spots in Australia. Later, cruise by Althorpe Island Lighthouse.

Disembark Adelaide: Arrive in Adelaide at 7:00am for an 7:30am disembarkation. Complimentary post-cruise transfers to the airport or CBD will be available. These will be organised onboard with the purser.