23 Day Best of Perth & Western Australia with Top End Cruise & Flights

Pinnacles Desert, New Norcia and Wildflowers

Lying in the Nambung National Park, the Pinnacles are natural limestone structures that illuminate in the sun's warm hue. The gorgeous town of New Norcia is renowned for its wonderful Spanish architecture and unique history. It’s quaint streets are full of heritage listed buildings, including the beguiling Monastery, where you can still join the monks for prayer. The Western Australian landscape explodes in a kaleidoscope of colour and as thousands of magnificent wildflowers bloom in a seasonal show of nature. Today we combine the amazing natural wonder of the Pinnacles Desert with the unique living history of the 170 year old Spanish Benedictine enclave of New Norcia. We see Guildford and the fertile Swan Valley en route to New Norcia for a special guided tour of Australia's only monastic town. Visit a Wildflower Farm, the lobster fishing village of Cervantes and enjoy a gentle stroll through the mystical limestone pillars of the Pinnacles Desert. Tour north through the historic and charming Guildford, onto the Swan Valley (Western Australia's first wine growing region) and stop at New Norcia for a private guided tour (including buildings not accessible to the public documenting the order's history in Australia since 1846). See New Norcia Museum and Art Gallery (a piece of Spain comes alive, find extraordinary artefacts dating back to when New Norcia was an Aboriginal mission, historic wheatbelt farming techniques), New Norcia Abbey Church (home to one of only two large Moser organs, originally crafted in Germany) and St Gertrude's College (a grand gothic style building which was originally built as a girls boarding school and opened in 1908). Enjoy morning tea, then visit the Benedictine Community produce shop for the chance to purchase hand crafted goods including olive oil, fruit, wine, New Norcia nut cake and breads.

Visit a wildflower farm for a talk and see how wildflowers are dried and exported worldwide. Stop to view wildflowers throughout the day whilst they are in season (including orange flowering Christmas tree, kangaroo paw, banksia, wattle and everlastings). Pass Emu Downs Wind Farm at Badgingarra (48 wind turbines, 68 metres high, gracefully producing clean electricity to power 50,000 homes) and see Ronsard Bay. Travel to the laid-back lobster fishing village of Cervantes with its pristine white sand beach, turquoise waters teeming with marine life. A delicious picnic style lunch is served before venturing in to the Nambung National Park, a landscape of coastal dunes, beautiful beaches and rich in flowering plants and home to western grey kangaroos. View the Pinnacles from the lookout or take a stroll through part of the Desert, containing thousands of limestone Pinnacles, some up to 5 meters high and see these remarkable and mystical geological features close up. Visit the Pinnacle Desert Discovery Centre to learn about these natural wonders. Head back to Perth with your camera full of remarkable images of today's great adventure.

Accommodation: City Waters Lodge or Citylights Hotel, Perth

Meals included: breakfast and lunch

Swan River Cruise

The stunning Swan River meanders its way through the beautiful city of Perth, this scenic and vibrant waterway is the city's beating heart. Perth's residents make the most of this wonderful waterway, families picnic on its banks, joggers and cyclists follow its course and boats bob gently on its shimmering waters under endless blue skies. The Swan River is the perfect spot from which to view the wonderful cityscape of Perth, its northern waters lead to the stunning Swan Valley, Western Australia's world-renowned wine producing region and westward the river leads to the historic and charming city of Fremantle and the azure Indian Ocean. Today experience a scenic cruise to Fremantle and the Indian Ocean whilst enjoying your Special Buffet Lunch. See the city skyline, Kings Park, millionaire's row, giant sand spit and the bustling historic port of Fremantle. Choose from a selection of wines or beer to accompany your delicious Special Lunch and enjoy morning tea.

You are transferred to beautiful Barrack Street Jetty in the heart of the city, see the building work of the massive new riverfront Elizabeth Quay, named in honour of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Set sail on your large stable vessel for today's river cruise. Enjoy spectacular views as you cruise the calm waters between Perth and Fremantle. Your Captain will point out the many sights, including Perth's impressive Bell Tower, Kings Park, the restored old Swan Brewery, Royal Perth Yacht Club, many magnificent homes overlooking the river and Fremantle's busy inner harbour. You will learn about Perth's rich history (and about some of its more notorious individuals). Tea and coffee is served in the morning. Your delicious Special Buffet Lunch is taken onboard looking out over million dollar river views. It includes hot dishes, continental meats, fresh local prawns and mixed variety of gourmet salads all followed by cake and dessert. You have a choice of wines, beer or soft drinks. This afternoon you can wander through the streets, shops, galleries and museums of Perth or simply relax at your hotel.

Accommodation: City Waters Lodge or Citylights Hotel, Perth

Meals included: breakfast and buffet lunch

Margaret River, Wineries & Special Lunch 

Margaret River combines one of the world's premier wine and food regions with one of the world's best surfing locations. It's Western Australia's popular and high profile holiday playground. Many visual treats are on offer here including the dramatic coastline, calm sandy bays, massive caves, seasonal wildflowers and Busselton Jetty, the Southern Hemisphere's longest jetty. The beautiful Margaret River Wine Region is a taste of paradise for food and wine lovers. Sample world-class wines such as sensational shiraz, exquisite chardonnay and scintillating sauvignon blanc which are produced here in its many picturesque boutique wineries. Culinary gems include irresistible hand-made chocolates and mouth-watering cheeses. Each year Margaret River hosts the world surfing championships.

Today we travel south from Perth deep into the South West of Australia. You will experience the Busselton and Margaret River areas, have a guided tour of Mammoth Cave, see massive Karri trees, explore Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, enjoy a Special Brewery Lunch with craft beer tastings and visit a respected winery for some wine tastings and to learn about local winemaking.

Tour through the southern suburbs of Perth, through the Peel Region and onto Busselton. Stop to see the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere (doubles as an artificial reef, stretching 1.8km across the peaceful waters of Geographe Bay). Tour through the Margaret River Wine Region and onto a premium local microbrewery for your indulgent Special Lunch in magnificent surrounds. Enjoy the flavoursome Special Lunch created from fresh local produce accompanied with beer tastings from this craft brewery. Take a guided tour through the gothic like Mammoth Cave with vast chambers full of amazing formations (revealing fascinating facts about the flora and fauna of this region). Be awestruck at the size of the massive Karri trees at stunning Boranup Forest (over 100 years old, stretching for kilometres, pale barked Karri trees up to 60 metres tall). Visit Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse (meeting point of the mighty Southern Ocean and the massive Indian Ocean, most south westerly tip of Australia, 39 metres high). Visit one of the many respected wineries to taste some of the very best wines and to gain an insight into the local winemaking industry. Stop at the quaint and bohemian Margaret River Township (unique specialty shops featuring craftwork created by locals, chic cafes). Head back to Perth with a deep appreciation of this world-class wine region and understand why it's such a popular destination.

Accommodation: City Waters Lodge or Citylights Hotel, Perth

Meals included: breakfast and lunch

Perth & Fremantle 

The beautiful city of Perth is fringed by the Indian Ocean and the Swan River. It has spectacular beaches, a friendly welcoming ambience and a laid back lifestyle dominated by its seemingly perpetual sunny climes. Chic and stylish, Perth effortlessly combines this beach-outdoor lifestyle with its modern, urban big-city feel. You'll marvel at the spectacular cityscapes from beautiful Kings Park, and enjoy the balmy waters of the Indian Ocean at the world-famous Cottesloe beach. Fremantle's historic colonial streets pulsate with the energy of street-performers and buskers, couples walk hand-in-hand through its colourful and lively markets. The lively street cafes and restaurants along its famous 'cappuccino strip' are perfect resting places to indulge in a spot of people watching.

Your friendly driver will pick you up in the comfortable air-conditioned luxury coach before sharing experiences, fascinating facts and enchanting stories in the on-board full commentary throughout the morning. This comprehensive tour includes Perth City, Fremantle, Kings Park Botanical Gardens, Indian Ocean beaches, swanky suburbs and the Swan River.

Today you will see Perth City, the famous WACA (Western Australia cricket ground), impressive Swan Bell Tower, Perth Town Hall, St Georges Terrace (hub of Australia's minerals and energy industries), Barrack Street Jetty, Perth Mint (working gold mint, stunning sandstone colonial architecture), Old Swan Brewery and Royal Perth Yacht Club (once home to the America's Cup). Stop at magnificent Kings Park for spectacular views over Perth skyline, Swan River and Melville Water. Walk through the tree canopies on the Tree Top Walk see the 750-year-old boab tree. See famous Cottesloe Beach and the Indian Ocean sunset coastline. Tour Fremantle (historic large working port docks, rich convict history, glorious alfresco outdoor dining, marinas, charming heritage sandstone buildings, modern ocean racing yachts, colonial terraced houses, museums and galleries). Enjoy some free time in Fremantle to explore the colourful streets for yourself, perhaps enjoy a coffee on South Terrace's Cappucino Strip or indulge in some shopping in the many unique shops or find a bargain at the weekend markets. On our way back to Perth City we see some of Australia's most expensive real-estate at the upmarket Swan River suburbs of Peppermint Grove and Dalkeith. Time this afternoon to explore more of Perth on your own.

Accommodation: City Waters Lodge or Citylights Hotel, Perth

Meals included: breakfast

Top End Cruise (Embark)

Time to say goodbye to beautiful Perth, catch a taxi to Fremantle cruise dock and board Sapphire Princess for your Top End Cruise from Perth to Sydney.

The cruise departs from port at 4 PM. 

Accommodation: Sapphire Princess ship in an Inside Cabin on a twin share basis

Meals included: breakfast and dinner

Geraldton, Australia

The capital of the Batavia Coast was founded in 1850 as a commercial port serving the Northampton lead mine some 30 miles to the north. While Geraldton remains one of Western Australia's major ports, the city has become a magnet for vacationing Australians. Located between the Chapman and Greenough Rivers, Geraldton boasts a superb Mediterranean climate, scenic beauty and pristine beaches. Coronation Beach has become an international destination for windsurfers. In 1692 the Dutch East India Company Batavia was shipwrecked on the offshore Abrolhos Islands. Calamity was followed by mutiny and murder. The lurid tale ensured this portion of Western Australia would be named the Batavia Coast.

Note: Geraldton is an anchorage port. Passengers transfer to shore via ship's tender. Wheelchair access is limited.

Arrive at port in Geraldton at 7 AM and depart at 4 PM.

Accommodation: Sapphire Princess ship in an Inside Cabin on a twin share basis

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

At Sea

Enjoy the ship’s facilities as you cruise towards Broome.

Accommodation: Sapphire Princess ship in an Inside Cabin on a twin share basis

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

At Sea

Enjoy the ship’s facilities as you cruise towards Broome.

Accommodation: Sapphire Princess ship in an Inside Cabin on a twin share basis

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Broome

In the 1870s, pearl fishermen discovered the rich waters of Roebuck Bay. A decade later, Broome was founded as a base for the pearl trade and was soon described as "the pearling capital of the world." Japanese, Chinese and Aborigine divers toiled in arduous, dangerous labor to harvest oysters from the seabed. For all its importance to the pearling industry, Broome remained a remote outpost on Australia's Kimberley Coast until its discovery as a travel destination. The legacy of its pearling days can be seen in the town's colorful mix of 19th- and early 20th century buildings. Broome also boasts Cable Beach - a 13-mile strand of white-sand that stretches along the azure waters of the Indian Ocean.

Pirate William Dampier was the first European to visit Western Australia. Dampier, who circumnavigated the globe three times, landed near Broome in 1688 and again in 1699.

Arrive at port in Geraldton at 7 AM and depart at 6 PM.

Accommodation: Sapphire Princess ship in an Inside Cabin on a twin share basis

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Kimberley Coast - Scenic Cruising 

Located in the northern part of Western Australia, Kimberley is one of the continent's earliest settled regions, dating as far back as 40,000 years. But although its mainland has been inhabited for centuries, its over 8,000 miles of ruggedly beautiful coastline remain so unspoiled that the Kimberley Coast has been identified as one of the least impacted marine environments in the world. Healthy reefs and incredible biodiversity make the Kimberley Coast a prime spot for marine wildlife viewing, from sea turtles to blue crabs, manta rays and the planet's largest population of humpback whales. Approaching the Kimberley Coast from the Indian Ocean, you'll make out dramatic red cliffs that stand out in stark contrast to the aquamarine waters of the fringing reefs below. More than 2,600 islands are scattered beyond the reefs, serving as nesting grounds to a variety of seabirds, including cormorants, giant Australian pelicans and Red-footed Boobies. The islands also provide breathtaking scenery in one of the world's most extensive coastal wilderness areas - and the best way to take it all in is from the sea!

Cruise through this stunning region between 2 PM to 6 PM.

Accommodation: Sapphire Princess ship in an Inside Cabin on a twin share basis

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

At Sea

Enjoy the ship’s facilities as you cruise towards Darwin.

Accommodation: Sapphire Princess ship in an Inside Cabin on a twin share basis

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Darwin

Closer to Indonesia than to any other Australian city, Darwin is the capital of the "Top End" - the remote, vast Northern Territory. Home to more than half of the territory's population, the city reflects the rugged endurance and individualism required to survive the Outback. Darwin also boasts a colorful history to add to that heritage. During World War II the Japanese bombed the city and threatened invasion. In 1974, Cyclone Tracy cut a destructive swath through the region. In addition, man-eating crocodiles, tropical monsoons, searing heat and bush fires that burn for weeks are all part of everyday life. Locals in the Top End consume over 60 gallons of beer a year. All those empties don't go to waste: Each year Darwin residents compete in the Beer Can Regatta, a race with boats, rafts and other vessels manufactured out of beer cans.

Arrive at port in Darwin at 7 AM and depart at 4 PM.

Accommodation: Sapphire Princess ship in an Inside Cabin on a twin share basis

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

At Sea

Enjoy the ship’s facilities as you cruise towards Cairns.

Accommodation: Sapphire Princess ship in an Inside Cabin on a twin share basis

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

At Sea

Enjoy the ship’s facilities as you cruise towards Cairns.

Accommodation: Sapphire Princess ship in an Inside Cabin on a twin share basis

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Yorkeys Knob (Cairns) 

The picturesque town of Yorkeys Knob, dominated by its dramatic headland, is your gateway to Cairns - one of Australia's hottest vacation destinations. Cairns boasts three of Australia's great natural wonders. Just offshore, immense bastions of living coral form the Great Barrier Reef. Sixteen miles of superb beaches stretch to the north of the city - the famed Marlin Coast. Inland lays the ancient rainforest of Daintree National Park. Cairns' graceful, tree-lined esplanade was once the gateway to the gold fields of North Queensland. A travel tip - Cairns is pronounced "cans."

Note: Water shuttle required, wheelchair access is limited.

Arrive at port in Cairns at 10 AM and depart at 9 PM.

Accommodation: Sapphire Princess ship in an Inside Cabin on a twin share basis

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

At Sea

Enjoy the ship’s facilities as you cruise towards Papua New Guinea.

Accommodation: Sapphire Princess ship in an Inside Cabin on a twin share basis

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Alotau (Mile Bay) Papau New Guinea

Welcome to an undiscovered paradise of white-sand beaches, crystal waterfalls and volcanic mountains. And if you've come for history, you'll find that, too. This peaceful town was the site of fierce fighting during World War II. Today, it's a peaceful retreat offering the vacationer plenty of time to relax and connect with nature. Beyond the city you'll find a tropical rainforest full of birds of paradise and a laid-back ease worth discovering.

Arrive at port in Alotau at 7 AM and depart at 5 PM.

Accommodation: Sapphire Princess ship in an Inside Cabin on a twin share basis

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

At Sea

Enjoy the ship’s facilities as you cruise towards Brisbane.

Accommodation: Sapphire Princess ship in an Inside Cabin on a twin share basis

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

At Sea

Enjoy the ship’s facilities as you cruise towards Brisbane.

Accommodation: Sapphire Princess ship in an Inside Cabin on a twin share basis

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Brisbane

Once considered the "country cousin" among Australian cities, Brisbane is today the nation's third-largest metropolis - and one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Lying on the banks of the meandering Brisbane River, this cosmopolitan city boasts elegant 19th-century sandstone buildings, a lively cultural scene and superb parklands. Brisbane is also your gateway to uniquely Australian adventures, be it the theme parks of the Gold Coast or Queensland's dazzling beaches.

The beaches south of Brisbane form Queensland's Gold Coast. 

Arrive at port in Brisbane at 7 AM and depart at 5 PM.

Accommodation: Sapphire Princess ship in an Inside Cabin on a twin share basis

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

At Sea

Enjoy the ship’s facilities as you cruise towards Sydney.

Accommodation: Sapphire Princess ship in an Inside Cabin on a twin share basis

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Arrive Sydney

Arrive in Sydney at 6 AM today and disembark from the cruise ship. 

Considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney offers just about anything from beaches and wineries to stunning landmarks and world-class shopping. Tour architectural marvels like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, view life below the surface from Sydney Aquariums underwater walkways, or take it all in from above on a tour of the Sydney Tower.

Services end on disembarkment from the cruise ship.

Meals included: breakfast