Australian small ship cruise line Coral Expeditions launches new Australian itineraries, with the return of Coral Adventurer after a ten-month hiatus.
Coral Adventurer, the line’s flagship, will join sister ship Coral Discoverer after its successful eight-voyage season on the Great Barrier Reef, as the company launched a new series of expeditions to wilderness coastlines of Australia the line has not visited in its 35-year history.
The new itineraries, which commence in January, focus on the pristine nature, rugged landscapes, and rarely explored corners of South Australia, the Great Australian Bight, and the coral reefs and islands of Western Australia and Queensland, giving Australians more unique opportunities to explore and discover as domestic travel returns.
The exciting new itineraries include the 12-night Outer Reefs & Cays of the Coral Sea adventure, departing Cairns on January 22, 2021, bound for Brisbane. The itinerary uncovers the biodiverse ecology, intriguing maritime history, and the outer limits of the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea, allowing travelers the chance to explore one of the world’s best dive sites at Holmes Reef, and snorkel at some of the Coral Sea’s most remote reefs, such as Marion, Frederick & Cato Reefs.
Along the way, passengers will visit deserted cays at Herald Cays and Diamond Islets for beachcombing, hiking, and relaxing sunset drinks. There will also be chances to get close to nature with incredible birdwatching, and snorkeling among vibrant schools of pelagic fish and green sea turtles.
The 10-night Wild Islands and Walks of South Australia departs Adelaide round-trip on February 10, 2021, and offers the opportunity to explore and hike South Australia’s wild islands, where forested national parks give way to sheer wave-carved cliffs and sweeping white-sand beaches. A highlight of the itinerary is a series of guides trekking excursions through coastal nature trails and to rugged island outlooks where guests will be rewarded with sweeping ocean vistas.
Hosted by expert guides, including Kangaroo Island resident and well-known writer and photographer Quentin Chester, the itinerary will delve into the flora, fauna, and history of this remote habitat, with chances to cool down with an invigorating ocean swim or kayak in the beautiful turquoise waters at destinations such as Antechamber Bay on Kangaroo Island.
Less-visited islands, such as Hopkins Island and Wedge Island, offer the opportunity to encounter charismatic native wildlife, including inquisitive Australian sea lions, bettong, fairy penguins, and rock wallabies, and there will be plenty of chances to enjoy the tastes of South Australian and to indulge in fresh regional seafood and hand-selected local wines.
The 13-night Across the Great Australian Bight adventure departs Adelaide on February 21, 2021, bound for Freemantle in Western Australia. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cross the Great Australian Bight, this voyage will visit hard-to-reach islands and iconic national parks along the south coast. Guests will cruise past the majestic Bunda Cliffs, the world’s longest stretch of sea-cliffs forged by the powerful Southern Ocean; enjoy guided walks along the vast and secluded beaches at Cape Arid National Park, Cape Le Grand, and Bremer Bay; and will track sea lions and elusive Leafy Sea Dragons in the waters of the Recherche Archipelago.
As the Coral Adventurer rounds the southwest edge of Australia, there will be time to head ashore for sunset drinks with the kangaroos at Lucky Bay, a visit to extraordinary Jewel Cave, swimming with stingrays at Hamelin Bay, and visits to some of the best wineries of the Margaret River region.
Finally, the 12-night The Abrolhos Islands & the Coral Coast itinerary, departing Freemantle for Broome on March 10, 2021, explores Western Australia’s wild and largely untouched coast, with its contrasting coastal palette of rich red sands and turquoise sea. With a fascinating maritime and Indigenous history – from the Malgana people of Shark Bay to the exploratory journeys of William Dampier, Dirk Hartog, Baudin, and Freycinet – this region is layered with stories.
The natural coastal reserves harbor an abundance of birdlife and fascinating marine species, and Coral Expeditions’ guides will be on hand to help guests explore the renowned Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Shark Bay World Heritage Area, Ningaloo Reef, Cape Range National Park, Montebello Islands, Muiron Islands, and Dampier Archipelago.
Coral Expeditions, which operates an all-Australian flagged fleet with an Australian crew, has implemented proven SailSAFE health protocols, to mitigate risk to travelers of Covid-19 infection, and also offers flexible booking and deposit protection terms.
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