Grand Australia Circumnavigation

Learn about one of Australia’s most successful and engaging multicultural cities at this renowned museum and gallery. The largest city in the continent’s thinly populated Northern Territory, Darwin is a modern tropical capital with an intimate feel, set on a harbor twice the size of Sydney’s. Its colorful past will enrich your understanding of the Aussie spirit. Meet your guide and drive to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Here, you will enjoy free time to independently explore a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase Darwin’s history. Learn about Aboriginal culture and wildlife as well as the role the town played during World War II. Discover the story behind the devastating cyclone that struck Darwin in the 1970s, and how this event shaped the future of the museum that stands here today. After your visit, you will return to your awaiting ship.

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Glimpse Northern Australia from different perspectives during this nine-day journey through its natural gems. Experience the natural splendor of Darwin during visits to its national parks and soak up the scenic charm of Kununurra. Delve into the rich history of Broome and call at dynamic Perth. Please note: sites on this program are not accessible and cannot accommodate guests who rely on a walker, wheelchair or motorized scooter/wheelchair.

Day 1 – Darwin, Australia

Disembark your ship in Darwin and transfer to your hotel. After checking in, you will have some free time to relax and settle in. Later, you will head to the waterfront with your fellow guests to indulge in late afternoon drinks and snacks while taking in the views. 

Day 2 – Darwin, Australia

After breakfast, depart your hotel for the Darwin aviation terminal, where you will climb aboard your aircraft for a scenic flight over Kakadu National Park. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the park is celebrated for both its natural biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage. If weather permits, you will also enjoy a guided visit of the park by land. Enjoy lunch, then return to your hotel. This evening, you will have dinner at the hotel with your fellow guests. (B, L, D) 

Day 3 – Darwin, Australia

After a buffet breakfast at your hotel, set out for Litchfield National Park, known for its cascading waterfalls, plentiful swimming holes and many bushwalking trails. You will enjoy a guided tour of the park, followed by a lunch of local fare, before returning to your hotel. Dine with your fellow guests this evening, followed by time at your leisure to make use of the hotel’s amenities. (B, L, D) 

Day 4 – Darwin, Australia & Kununurra, Australia

Check out of your hotel after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Kununurra. Upon arrival, check in to your accommodations, collect a prepared lunch and set out for Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in the southern hemisphere. Set sail across its waters on a sunset cruise where you can soak up the scenic charm of this remote lake. Return to your hotel for an evening at leisure, followed by a group dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 5 – Kununurra, Australia & Broome, Australia

After an early check out, embark on a flightseeing tour over the Bungle Bungle Range, located within Purnululu National Park. These striped sandstone domes resembling giant beehives are over 350 million years old. Take in the views before making your descent. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Broome. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy lunch, followed by an afternoon at leisure. Dine at your hotel this evening. (B, L, D) 

Day 6 – Broome, Australia

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport to take part in a scenic flight over the vibrant red cliffs and white-sand beaches of Cape Leveque and Horizontal Falls. After, gain insight into the everyday lives of local farmers during a guided visit to a pearl farm in Cygnet Bay, followed by lunch. Return to your hotel this evening for dinner with your fellow guests. (B, L, D)

Day 7 – Broome, Australia

Set out on a full day excursion of Broome after breakfast, where you will learn about this vibrant coastal town. Gain insight into its history as a pearling port, which attracted workers from Japan, China, Malaysia and Europe, creating a cultural blend that endures today. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then continue to Cable Beach to sip on drinks while taking in the views of the water. You will have a beachfront dinner before returning to your hotel. (B, L, D) 

Day 8 – Broome, Australia & Perth, Australia

This morning, check out of your hotel after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Perth. Upon arrival, you will head to your hotel to check in. Enjoy time at leisure to explore independently or make use of your hotel's amenities. This evening, you will share a farewell dinner with your fellow guests. (B, L, D)

Day 9 – Perth, Australia

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and enjoy a panoramic drive through Perth as you make your way to Fremantle, where you will rejoin your awaiting ship. (B) 

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Head to the Adelaide River floodplains to witness one of Australia’s great natural curiosities, saltwater crocodiles. Meet your guide and enjoy a panoramic drive of the city of Darwin before heading to the banks of the Adelaide River. It is one of the eight rivers in the Top End whose large floodplains are home to a great variety of unique animals and plant life, including saltwater crocodiles. Earth's largest living reptile, these apex predators can reach lengths of more than 21 feet and weigh up to 3,000 lbs. Upon arrival at the embankment, board your vessel and drift along the river for breathtaking, close-up views of these famous crocodiles. Your guide will help you keep watch for the tell-tale ripples of an approaching reptile. After your time on the river, return to your ship.  

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Visit two heritage sites that illuminate Darwin’s rich military past. The city played a pivotal role in the fight against the Japanese during World War II, with Northern Territory airfields used to carry out bombing and anti-intruder operations. You will drive with your guide to the scenic East Point, pausing for panoramic photos of Darwin Harbor. Continue to the extensive Darwin Military Museum, founded by the Royal Australian Artillery Association. Here, you can browse photographs and artifacts from Darwin’s wartime history, including the bombing by the Japanese. Next, visit the Darwin Aviation Museum, a fascinating museum that chronicles the Northern Territory’s involvement in civil and military aviation and includes exhibits about World War II. While here, marvel at its B-52 bomber, one of only two outside the US.

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Discover native wildlife and gain insight into the habitats of Northern Australia at Territory Wildlife Park. You will see wildlife up close in their natural habitats, meet them as you walk through treetop aviaries, and stroll around a natural lagoon and get up close during interactive presentations. Nestled on nearly 1,000 acres of natural bushland, the park offers over 4 miles of walking trails that pass through abundant woodlands, lush wetlands, and tropical forests. You will have the chance to see wallabies, tropical birds, dingoes and crocodiles, and visit the park’s many fascinating exhibits at your leisure. For your convenience, free shuttle trains run continuously between sheltered pick-up points located at the entrance to each exhibit. Your guides will greet you, provide maps, and be available to offer suggestions and assistance, so you can enjoy a self-guided exploration and pursue the experiences that interest you most.

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Enjoy the sights of the picturesque city of Darwin during a walking excursion. After a short drive by motor coach, set off on foot to discover Darwin. Pass by Fort Hill Wharf and the Darwin Esplanade, one of the city’s most iconic public spaces. At State Square, step inside Parliament House to view its impressive architecture, then continue through the city and listen as your guide explains how important landmarks have been restored to their former glory following the effects of Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Today, several of the city’s buildings are adorned with colorful graffiti and murals, showcasing the talent of local and international artists. View some of these installations, from Indigenous sculptures to modern street art, and call at an Aboriginal gallery to see more works of art by Indigenous artists. After, return to your awaiting ship.

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Embark on a panoramic drive through one of Australia’s scenic national parks and enjoy hearty pub fare. Board your motor coach and depart Darwin for Litchfield National Park in the Northern Territory. A scenic inland drive takes you through open savannah and woodland as your guide shares insights into the region’s wildlife, seasonal climate and the distinctive termite mounds in this area, which rise several feet above the ground. Pause for photographs of these formations before continuing deeper into the park, where bush tracks lead to natural waterholes and waterfalls. See Wangi Falls, the most popular waterfall in the park, where you may stroll the short trails, relax by the pool or take in the surrounding area from the viewing platform. After, continue to a nearby tavern to enjoy a meal of local fare before beginning the journey back to your awaiting ship.

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Discover the biodiverse waters of Darwin Harbour during an informative sightseeing cruise. Depart your ship and take a short walk to a nearby jetty, where you will meet your captain and climb aboard your vessel, the Charles Darwin. After a short safety briefing, you will set out along the waters of Darwin Harbour. Throughout your journey, relax in your preferred spot on this three-tier sightseeing vessel—take in the views of the coastline from the spacious sundeck, or cool down on one of the two air-conditioned decks. Listen to commentary that will provide insight into your surroundings as you sail, allowing you to learn more about the rich history of the harbor and the landmarks that you pass by, including Stokes Hill Wharf, Bicentennial Park and more. Refreshments will be served on board before you return to shore and your awaiting ship.

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