Australia is a big place. From lush rainforests to white sand beaches, wildlife sanctuaries to stunning vineyards, there’s a lot to see and do. But with so many amazing places to visit, it can be tricky knowing which destinations to put on your bucket list, or how best to get there.
Luckily, P&O Cruises travel to some of the most loved places in Australia, from the Great Barrier Reef to the wilderness of Tasmania – making us experts when it comes to Australia travel advice. To help you narrow down the location of your next Australian cruise holiday, we’ve put together a handy travel guide of the top destinations Down Under. Read on for the seven best places to travel in Australia with P&O.
1. Far North Queensland
Turquoise waters. Swaying palm trees. And some of the most beautiful beaches, reefs and rainforests Australia has to offer. If a cruise to the stunning tropical region of Far North Queensland sounds like paradise to you – you’d be right. With a range of P&O cruises available to both Cairns and Port Douglas, you’ll be spoilt for choice in this picture-perfect corner of the world.
With the sparkling Coral Sea on one side and rainforest hinterland on the other, Cairns is surrounded by natural beauty. Here, you can purchase a P&O Shore Tour to take a breath-taking skyrail ride above the rainforest canopy, before exploring the art markets of Kuranda. Explore the classy boutiques and ample restaurants in Port Douglas, or take a boat ride through the local mangroves and see if you can spot some of the local crocodiles – from a safe distance, of course!
A trip to Queensland wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Great Barrier Reef – we even offer an entire cruise dedicated to Barrier Reef Discovery. Swim or snorkel around this natural wonder and marvel at the stunning sea life – from multicoloured fish and coral to starfish, turtles, dolphins and more. Feeling adventurous? Book a P&O Cruises Shore Tour to try an introductory or certified scuba experience..
2. Airlie Beach & WhitsundaysÂ
You can’t write a list of top Australian destinations without mentioning Airlie Beach and the stunning Whitsunday Islands. With clear turquoise waters and incredible beaches at every turn, P&O’s Whitsundays Cruise will have you feeling like you’ve stepped into a postcard. Take a sailing trip around the islands, see the swirling white sands of Whitehaven Beach, or view the reef on a glass-bottom boat ride – the choice is yours! You can also visit the Whitsundays as part of our Barrier Reef Discovery Cruise from Brisbane and Sydney, so there are plenty of ways to visit this beautiful corner of the world.
3. Tasmania
If you’re a history buff, adventure seeker, or just love a beautiful view and a gourmet meal, then a P&O cruise to picturesque Hobart and Port Arthur will be right up your alley. Immerse yourself in spectacular scenery, wildlife and history on one of P&O’s Taste of Tasmania cruises. Enjoy panoramic views from Mount Wellington, or walk amongst the treetops at Tahune Airwalk in the Huon Valley. Feeling peckish? Hobart is home to a mouthwatering array of restaurants, specialist food shops and bars – and many enjoy beautiful water views to boot.
4. Kangaroo Island
Departing from Melbourne and Adelaide, a P&O cruise to Kangaroo Island is a paradise for foodies and nature lovers alike. This charming island is Australia’s answer to the famous Galápagos Islands and one of the country’s greatest natural gems – and since it’s just 15 kilometres off South Australia’s mainland, it’s the perfect destination for a Short Break cruise.
Walk among endangered Australian sea lions, see kangaroos grazing at dusk or catch a glimpse of a shy platypus flitting through a stream. The island is also a foodie’s dream – you’ll find fresh, organic food, luscious local honey, fresh seafood and tangy sheep’s milk cheese. You’ll be raving about this trip to friends for months to come.
5. Melbourne
Whether you want to enjoy world-class comedy, a day at the races, or a tournament between tennis greats – there’s no question that Melbourne has it all.
Feel like having a good old laugh? Melbourne is Australia’s comedy capital – and with P&O, you’ll be in smile central at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, one of the biggest and best in the world.
Keen to cheer on Aussie tennis legends from the sidelines? P&O’s Australian Open cruise is truly a Grand Slam. Your fare gives you two whole days in Melbourne to attend the Australian Open, with two General admission tickets to Melbourne Park per person – plus live screenings of the tournament while you’re at sea, so you don’t miss any of the action. You might even get the chance to hold the AO trophies and meet some tennis personalities for a photo opp your friends will envy. Sounds like an ace holiday to us!
If champagne, big hats and big wins are your thing, then you’ll love our Melbourne Cup cruise. Not only do you get to flaunt your finest fashion at Flemington while watching the race that stops the nation, you’ll also enjoy a few nights away from home on a well-deserved break.
6. Albany to Esperance
P&O can take you to some of the most spectacular spots between South and Western Australia – a journey that many Australians have never travelled. Departing from Melbourne, Sydney and Fremantle,, the one-way Southern Discovery cruises visit the beautiful towns of Albany, Adelaide and Busselton.
Highlights include a stop in Busselton, right on the doorstep of the famous Margaret River wine region. Enjoy a winery and degustation tour, or check out the incredible karri tall timber forest and limestone caves.
7. Moreton Island – Tangalooma
Moreton Island has to be one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. This picturesque island features stunning beaches, sweeping dunes and some of the most beautiful spots to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef – with 15 shipwrecks to discover beneath the waves!
With a P&O Shore Tour, you can spend your short break feeding wild dolphins, tobogganing down sand dunes and parasailing above the water – perfect for family holidays, groups of friends and romantic escapes.
Cruise to the best places in Australia
Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or cruising with kids, a cruise is one of the best ways to see some of the most beautiful places in Australia. With a wide range of affordable Australia-based cruises, departure ports, and Shore Tours to choose from, P&O takes all the hassle out of travel, so you have more time and energy to enjoy the sights. And, if you’re an Australian traveller, it can’t get any easier – no passport, no visas, no vaccinations required.
So what are you waiting for? Check out the range of Aussie cruise destinations, bring your family and friends together, and start planning your next adventure today!
