Grand Australia Circumnavigation

Delight in the many sights of Brisbane and its surrounding areas during a scenic motor coach drive. The capital of Queensland, Australia’s third-largest city is also the state’s historic and cultural mecca, and a major seaport. The winding Brisbane River, lush inner-city parks and eclectic blend of distinctive Queenslander and modern architecture combine to make Brisbane a vibrant city. Your expansive tour will take you past historic Parliament House, the Treasury Building, the old Customs House, the Victorian-era Botanic Gardens and more. Venture beyond the metropolitan and urban areas for an ascent up picturesque Mt. Coot-tha (“Honey Mountain” in the local Aboriginal language). Enjoy panoramic views as Brisbane and its surrounding suburbs spread out 755 feet below you. After time to soak in the sights and take photos, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Take in the panoramic sights of Brisbane before heading to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Your scenic drive takes you past Brisbane’s historic Parliament House, City Hall and other stately buildings before arriving at the sanctuary. The world’s first and largest koala sanctuary is set in a beautiful, natural environment and is home to more than 100 koalas and a menagerie of other exotic native wildlife. Meet dedicated keepers and learn about the research that takes place here. This is your chance to see koalas and discover how you can support koala food plantations. You will also have the opportunity to hand-feed animals in the Kangaroo Reserve, which is home to around 150 free-ranging kangaroos and wallabies and also hosts emus and a wombat exhibit. At the end of your visit, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Celebrate the legacy of Steve Irwin at Australia Zoo and enjoy a memorable wildlife experience. Located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Australia Zoo is still operated by Irwin’s family and includes on-site rescue and conservation programs. This is your chance to observe endemic Australian species roam and play freely across the plains. You will have an opportunity to see kangaroos, koalas and Tasmanian devils, as well as endangered species from other parts of the globe, such as rhinos and tigers. Admire colorful macaws, curious meerkats, basking monitor lizards and Komodo dragons. Enjoy lunch at your leisure and join a demonstration at the Crocoseum to learn more about saltwater crocodiles. Watch a free-flying bird show and see majestic Australian raptors as they soar through the sky before swooping down to capture their prey. Afterward, you will return to your ship.

Revel in the celebrated Gold Coast natural beauty during a scenic drive through the Tamborine Mountain. Meet your guide and head out of Brisbane to ascend Tamborine Mountain, named for the finger lime trees growing on its slopes. Along the way, stop for morning tea and stretch your legs in the refreshing mountain air. Later, take a guided nature walk through verdant forests and—depending on the season—plummeting waterfalls and mountain streams, as well as overlooks offering sweeping panoramas. Learn about the ecosystems that comprise the different forests of the Tamborine Plateau; keep watch for koalas, which often sleep in gum trees beside the paths. Following free time to explore the Gallery Walk, travel to a local winery for a delicious lunch. Admire the views as you savor a taste of fine Australian wines and pet a resident alpaca, before returning to your ship.

Bask in the natural beauty of the Southern Great Barrier Reef during a visit to picturesque Lady Elliot Island. Transfer to the airport, where you will board a plane for a panoramic flight to the coral cay of Lady Elliot Island, regarded as one of the best snorkeling and diving spots on the Great Barrier Reef. The island is also called the “Home of the Manta Ray” due to the massive rays’ year-round presence in the surrounding waters. Upon arrival at the family-owned resort, set out on a short orientation walk, followed by a stunning glass-bottom boat ride. You will have an opportunity to slip into the water and snorkel over the pristine reef, getting up close to these magnificent creatures, as well as an array of fish and sea turtles. After, return to shore for a delicious lunch and free time to explore on your own, then board your plane for a return to the mainland and your ship.

Explore the natural beauty of Bribie Island and spend time relaxing on one of its pristine white-sand beaches. The smallest and northernmost of three islands sheltering picturesque Moreton Bay from the Coral Sea, Bribie Island is a nature lover’s paradise and one of the largest sand islands on Earth. After transferring to the island, you will embark by 4x4 on a scenic tour of the national park, traveling past untouched beaches and mangrove and eucalyptus forests. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as kangaroos, wallabies and dingoes; the reserve is also home to approximately 350 different bird species and its narrow Pumicestone Passage is a protected marine park that harbors dugongs, turtles and dolphins. At one of the lagoons, you will have an opportunity to cool off with a swim before heading to the beach for more time to relax. After lunch, you will return to your ship.

Sample authentic local flavors and learn about the city’s heritage during a guided walk through Brisbane. Drive by motor coach with your guide to Brisbane’s city center, where you will begin your walk through Brisbane. Stroll through the City Botanic Gardens, established in 1855, and follow leafy paths once used to cultivate early food crops for the colony while your guide shares insights into the city’s rich history. Pause at a historic eatery to enjoy regional flavors inspired by Australia’s European heritage. After, resume your walk along the river and learn more about Australia’s unique terroir and immigration influences as you pass by local landmarks. Continue to a second venue, where you will have a main course and dessert paired with regional wines, craft beers or non-alcoholic selections, then return to your ship.

Immerse yourself in nature during a visit to Mount Tamborine and stroll along its famed skywalk. Travel into Queensland’s Scenic Rim to explore Mount Tamborine, a volcanic plateau known for its cool mountain climate, rainforest landscapes and thriving creative community. Upon arrival, set out along the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk and follow elevated walkways through the canopy before descending to the forest floor. Along the route, pause at lookouts to take in the views, learn about the region’s history and rainforest environment, and step onto a 131-foot cantilever bridge suspended above the valley. Continue to Gallery Walk, the mountain’s village center, where you will have free time to browse galleries, artisan studios and specialty food retailers. Conclude with lunch at a historic hotel perched on the edge of the mountain before returning to your awaiting ship.