Grand Australia Circumnavigation

Explore the Great Barrier Reef without having to get wet during a visit to the Cairns Aquarium. A world-class venue for observing and interacting with the vast array of flora, fauna and habitats that are endemic to Australia’s wet tropical region, the aquarium’s mission is to protect the biodiversity of the Daintree and Great Barrier Reef ecosystems. Upon arrival at the aquarium, receive a short orientation, then enjoy free time for independent exploration. Expert educators will be positioned throughout the premises to help you learn about the amazing creatures housed here. As part of your tour, Viking is contributing funds to the Turtle Rehabilitation Center and the world’s first living coral biobank, part of the aquarium’s efforts to safeguard all 400 species of Great Barrier Reef hard coral. Afterward, you return to your ship by coach or on foot along the esplanade.

Explore the largest marine reserve in the world during a Viking-chartered day excursion to the Great Barrier Reef. One of the world’s seven natural wonders, the reef stretches 1,400 miles and is home to a vast array of sea life, including some 1,500 varieties of fish, 360 species of colorful hard corals and one-third of the Earth’s soft corals. To get there, embark on a journey on your privately chartered catamaran to a moored pontoon station. Weather permitting, you will have ample opportunity to snorkel in turquoise waters and observe the rainbow of color and white coral sand below. If you wish, you may also join a tour in a glass-bottom boat with a marine naturalist, allowing you to glimpse the reef from a different perspective. After, enjoy a delicious buffet-style lunch of tropical fare at the pontoon station before returning to Cairns and your awaiting ship.

Meet the famous crocodiles and other wildlife of Tropical North Queensland. Begin your ecotour with a private journey of discovery as your guide leads you along a network of timber boardwalks and pathways through woodlands and rain forest. Among the abundant wildlife you will see are beautiful tropical birds, reptiles, insects and other native fauna. Your guide will share interesting facts about the park’s animals and conservation practices as you observe the giant salt- and freshwater crocodiles. You will also see crocs and other creatures as you enjoy a private, scenic lagoon cruise through the melaleuca wetland. During your free time here, you can enjoy entertaining and educational wildlife presentations on the park’s snakes, cassowaries, koalas, quolls and crocodiles, or wander through the park’s natural woodlands and rain forest surroundings.

Journey along gentle trails and immerse yourself in the Aboriginal world on an enchanting Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk. A must for visitors to Mossman Gorge, this experience introduces the Aboriginal spiritual belief of the Dreamtime, when mythic ancestors formed the Earth, and which manifests itself in the land and in dreams. Be captivated by Ngadiku legends and the Kuku Yalanji culture’s traditions. You will be welcomed with a traditional smoking ceremony that cleanses and wards off bad spirits. Then, meander through the rainforest past traditional huts. Your Aboriginal guide will explain traditional plant use, identify bush food sources and demonstrate practices such as making bush soap and ochre painting. At the end of the tour, enjoy bush tea and damper (unleavened bread) as you reflect on your deepened appreciation for the Aboriginal people’s special relationship with the rainforest.

Travel to the Outer Great Barrier Reef for a snorkeling excursion on board a deluxe snorkeling vessel. At the pier, meet the captain of your privately chartered boat, where you will receive your snorkeling gear and listen to a short safety briefing. Then it’s time to head out across the waters of the Coral Sea to an exclusive reef site teeming with colorful marine life. Upon arrival, you may choose how to spend your time. Don your snorkeling gear and slip beneath the water to explore, bask in the sun on your boat’s three deck levels or—weather permitting—embark on a semi-submersible ride. Back on board your vessel, you will have a hearty barbecue lunch of grilled meats and fish accompanied by a variety of fresh salads. As you journey back to the pier in Cairns, enjoy a complimentary glass of wine, paired with a selection of cheese and biscuits.

Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.

Experience Kuranda National Park’s tropical rainforest and rich culture, exploring the forest and viewing wildlife. The park is home to extraordinary biodiversity and a profusion of wildlife. With your guide, head to Kuranda via the breathtaking 75-minute Kuranda Scenic Railway, passing plummeting waterfalls and lush forests and traversing tunnels carved into mountainsides. Upon arrival, enjoy free time at a quaint Kuranda village before traveling to the Rainforestation Nature Park to view some of Australia’s wildlife and learn about the regional flora and fauna. After lunch, board the remarkable Skyrail, a cable car spanning about 4½ miles over the pristine forest. Admire sweeping views of the countryside and mountain ranges and glimpse life in the treetops, disembarking at stations along the way to explore the forest at ground level. Upon returning to the base, head back to your ship.

Take a river cruise and immerse yourself in an authentic Aboriginal cultural experience. Across the waters of Cairns, the Mandingalbay Yidinji people reside within a stunning mangrove forest. Journey across the waters of Trinity Bay and arrive in a stunning natural world to discover more about Aboriginal culture and traditions. Your Mandingalbay Yidinji guide is a Traditional Owner of the land and will explain the history of the culture and native title rights that have been granted under Australian law. During a walk through the forest, learn about the seasons and what each brings, and enjoy the opportunity to touch, smell and feel native foods, medicine and herbs. You will have the opportunity to engage with your host and discover more about the beliefs and traditions of the Aboriginal Peoples. Afterward, bid farewell to your host and return to your ship.

Venture into the Atherton Tablelands in search of the wildlife who make their homes here. Drive to this fertile plateau, located in Tropical North Queensland and comprised of rainforest, wetlands and savanna. Here, you will meet your guide, a local naturalist, and set out to explore. Your journey begins at the Curtain Fig Tree, a strangler fig that is more than 500 years old. Next, head to the heritage village of Yungaburra and Malanda Conservation Park, home to the gently cascading Malanda Falls. Your guide will select walking trails at each location that you visit. Be sure to keep watch for wildlife as you walk the trails, including the Australian platypus, Lumholtz tree kangaroos and rainforest wallabies. After lunch, cap your day with a visit to the Crater Lakes National Park to see Lake Eacham, a volcanic crater lake formed more than 9,000 years ago.

Immerse yourself in nature during visits to two of Tropical North Queensland’s natural attractions. Depart by motor coach for the Babinda Boulders, nestled at the base of Queensland’s highest mountain, Mount Bartle Frere. Surrounded by lush rainforest and filled with crystal-clear swimming holes, this area is known for its cool mountain water and the smooth, granite boulders which give the area its name. Take time to enjoy morning tea at this scenic spot before continuing to Josephine Falls, located in Wooroonooran National Park. This waterfall is fed by the rains that fall on Mount Bartle Frere’s peak and famous for its multi-tiered cascades and natural rock slides. Take in the views of the surrounding rainforest and clear pools below, before returning to your coach for the journey back to your awaiting ship.