Named for England’s famous coal port, Newcastle was developed in the 19th century by dangerous convicts sent to work the coal mines and timber forests. Today, a Newcastle cruise offers stunning surf, a relaxed urban atmosphere, and a gateway to Australia’s wine country.Near the port, stroll 200 years of local history, visiting Customs House, now a restaurant and bar; Watt Street, with buildings from  the convict era; and Christ Church Cathedral, which still dominates the skyline.  Learn about local culture at Newcastle Museum, in the central business district. Collections include Fire and Earth, about the hot and heavy industrial era; Link Gallery, which houses large exhibits like an 1870 locomotive and an 1890 pipe organ; and Newcastle Story, where you can explore Aboriginal life and the pioneering Novocastrians (Newcastle folks).

Day 4: Day At Sea

Today enjoy a luxurious day at sea.

Day 5: Day At Sea

Today enjoy a luxurious day at sea.

Day 6: Arlie Beach, Qld, Australia

On your cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, this is the perfect departure point for local excursions. The coral reef is the largest living thing on the planet—so big you can see it from space—but made of billions of tiny organisms known as polyps. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the reef supports a vast diversity of marine life, with 600 types of soft and hard corals, 1,625 types of fish, and 30 species of whales and dolphins. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park covers 133,000 square miles, including 3,000 coral reefs and 900 islands. The snorkeling and diving here are unmatched.  Airlie Beach is popular with backpackers, yachtsmen, and other lovers of the tropical lifestyle. Sailing among the calm, protected waters of the Witsunday Islands and skydiving over the pristine shorelines are a couple of the must-do adventures for many visitors.

Day 7:  Cairns, Australia

In tropical North Queensland, surrounded on three sides by lush rainforest, your Cairns cruise makes the perfect launchpad for excursions to the Great Barrier Reef. This reef is the largest living thing on the planet—so big you can see it from space—but it’s made up of billions of tiny organisms known as coral polyps. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the reef supports a vast diversity of marine life, with 600 types of soft and hard corals, 1,625 types of fish, and 30 species of whales and dolphins. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park covers 133,000 square miles, including 3,000 coral reefs and 900 islands. The snorkeling and diving here are unmatched. Inland, explore the rainforest by cable car and scenic railway, soaring above treetops, peering into gorges, and observing jungle waterfalls. Join a whitewater rafting adventure in Barron Gorge National Park.  Stop at a rainforest village to see kangaroos, birds, butterflies, and reptiles. Hold a koala in your arms and feed a wallaby. Watch traditional Aboriginal dancers perform and artisans create their pottery, paintings, glass works, jewelry, and fabrics. You can shop for these original keepsakes to take back aboard your Cairns cruise. Back in town, stroll the lovely native flowers, plants, and trees at Cairns Botanic Gardens. You might even get lucky in the local casino. What a way to top off your cruise to Cairns.

Day 8: Port Douglas, Australia

The once-sleepy, now-bustling seaside village of Port Douglas will be your hub to the Great Barrier Reef, home to some 1,500 species of fish, 5,000 species of mollusk and 400 species of coral for your exploration. During your Cruisetour, you’ll enjoy a full day of marine adventure with opportunities to swim, snorkel, dive or view the reef from an underwater observatory.

Day 9: Willis Island Cruising

The only humans that make their home on this tiny island—just 1,600 feet long and 490 feet wide—are meteorologists manning a weather monitoring station. From the ship’s deck you’ll see thousands of seabirds such as Boobies, wedge-tailed shearwaters and sooty terns. Other highlights include a nearby coral reef and turtle nesting ground.

Day 10: Day At Sea

Spend a luxurious day at Sea.

Day 11: Brisbane, Australia

Cultural sophistication belies Brisbane’s proximity to wilderness. Contemporary art galleries energize the vibrant Fortitude Valley district, including the Gallery of Modern Art, Institute of Modern Art, Philip Bacon Galleries, Jan Murphy Gallery, and Edwina Corlette Gallery. Go for a swim at South Bank Parklands, a sparkling, man-made, inner-city beach overlooking the Brisbane River. Or, take a ride down to Gold Coat and swim, surf, or build sandcastles on one of the Pacific’s most famous beaches. Meet Australia’s best-known natives, the koalas and kangaroos, at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, on the river. Learn all about the sleepy marsupials and other wildlife threatened by traffic, disease, and habitat loss. Cuddle a koala. Feed a kangaroo. See Tasmanian devils.

North of town, you can visit the Australia Zoo to learn about Wildlife Warriors and efforts to protect injured, threatened, and endangered species. See cheetahs and rhinos roaming the zoo’s African Savannah. You can shop for the latest designer goods on a Brisbane cruise. One chic area is Edward Street, where you’ll find Hermès, Oroton, Georg Jensen, Paspaley, Chanel, and Australia’s largest Cartier store. Move on to James Street, in Fortitude Valley, for the vibrant colors, bold designs, and bohemian fashions of Australia’s own Camilla.

Day 12: Day at Sea

Spend a luxurious day at sea.

Day 13: Arrive Sydney, Depart for Home.

This morning arrive back into Sydney.  Transfer back to the airport for your flight back home.