Australian cruises offer a multitude of fun, excitement, adventure and activity. When you book a cruise around Australia on Carnival Spirit® or Carnival Splendor®, you’ll get the chance to visit cosmopolitan cities, explore breathtaking beaches, traverse scenic wilderness locations and take part in thrilling and memorable shore excursions.
Whether you are looking for rest and relaxation or if you are seeking adventure and action, Carnival Cruises around Australia offer an abundance of both. Consider the following 10 places to visit during your Australian cruise and prepare for a memorable experience!
1. Sydney
Sydney is one of the largest cities in Australia, and images of the iconic harbor-front Sydney Opera House are well-known. This diverse city also features scenic mountain vistas, beautiful beaches and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which offers breathtaking 360° views of the city. Cruises from Sydney offer you a chance to sample exquisite food, visit museums and experience one-of-a-kind shore excursions.
Add these unique attractions to your to-do list:
- The Famous Opera House
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Botanical Gardens
- Conservatorium of Music
- Bondi Beach
2. Melbourne
Melbourne, the capital city of Victoria, is a bustling city filled with restaurants, shopping plazas and lively bars. There are plenty of activities for seasoned art lovers and for those interested in learning more about art. From large, performing arts centers to exquisite art galleries, you will be amazed by the variety of venues Melbourne has to offer.
Here are some of the shore excursions just for guests in Melbourne:
- Ride an electric bike through the city
- A cruise on the Yarra River
- A behind-the-scenes tour of famous sports arenas and museums
3. Brisbane
Brisbane is a large yet charming city and an ideal place to learn about and enjoy Australian culture. With great weather year-round, Brisbane is great for enjoying outdoor activities and attractions. From rock climbing to visiting a koala sanctuary, there’s no shortage of fun when you visit Brisbane on an Australian cruise.
Make sure to check out these awesome shore-excursions in Brisbane:
- Visit the Australian Zoo
- Enjoy a 4WD Mountain Adventure
- See the sights and relax on the beaches of the Gold Coast
- Enjoy the ultimate wine experience in Sirromet Winery
4. Airlie Beach
This hotspot features world-class beaches, while offering plenty of opportunities for amazing outdoor adventures. From boats to safaris or even just relaxing in an island paradise, Airlie Beach is a must visit. Don’t worry, there’s more than just beaches, explore this town and all its glory with your group.
Explore and discover these excursions for Carnival guests:
- Take a boat ride to iconic locations
- Visit an island paradise
- Experience an Australian wildlife safari ride
5. Port Douglas
Well-known for its fabulous beach resorts, lush rainforests and the largest reef system in the world, Port Douglas is an eclectic town with plenty of boutiques, restaurants and attractions.
Don’t miss the chance to:
- Go fishing for Barramundi
- Take a river cruise through a rainforest
- Enjoy fresh coconuts like a local
6. Moreton Island
Peaceful and well-known for its pristine beaches, Moreton Island is unusually composed almost entirely of sand. Shore excursions include sightseeing tours, helicopter tours and more, allowing guests to take part in activities that capture the essence of Australian culture.
Try one of these awesome excursions in Moreton Island:
- An ATV tour around the island
- Explore shipwrecks across the area
- A sightseeing tour all around the island
7. Hobart
The city of Hobart features a historic colonial district, a wildlife sanctuary, trendy breweries, galleries and cafes and an eclectic market where you can find some unique gifts and keepsakes.
Shore excursions for Hobart include:
- Take a Wildlife Cruise to Tasman Island
- Visit a wildlife sanctuary and historic areas
- Stroll through a Georgian village and visit a winery
8. Adelaide
This cosmopolitan city sits along the southern coast of Australia. Adelaide features several museums and galleries that display indigenous art. You’ll learn about native Australian culture and experience the local flavor of Adelaide.
Adelaide’s shore excursion offerings:
- Go wine tasting in the Barossa Valley
- Explore what makes the city so unique
- See Kangaroos and Tasmanian Devils at the wildlife park
- Discover the botanical gardens and local museums
9. Yorkeys Knob
This coastal city is one of the most popular stops for Carnival cruises from Australia. Yorkeys Knob has beautiful beaches for a bit of fun in the sun, and plenty of opportunities for adventure in a low-key, not overly crowded area.
Some of the excursions to breathtaking sights in Yorkeys Knob include:
- Go tubing down the rivers in the Cairns Rainforest
- Snorkel around the Great Barrier Reef
- Ride a quad bike across the Outback
10. Willis Island
This island is one of Australia’s external territories, and the only inhabited isle in the entire Coral Sea Islands Territory. Willis Island is famous for its abundance of colorful birds, as well as a historic weather station. Enjoy this stunning location and take memorable photos of the beautiful wildlife and lush scenery.
Carnival Spirit® and Carnival Splendor® are both ready to take you and your loved ones on an amazing and unforgettable Australian cruise. With numerous ports of call available for guests to explore, a cruise to Australia is sure to be an adventure of a lifetime!