Australia, the Ross Sea & Commonwealth Bay 2021-22
Expeditions to Australia, the Ross Sea & Commonwealth Bay
Join us in 2021 and 2022 for the most unique expeditions travelling to Australia, the Ross Sea & Commonwealth Bay^ where you can explore our beautiful island home showcasing the very best of our breathtaking coastlines, unique wildlife, rich indigenous history and spectacular marine life. Or experience the historic significance on an epic expedition to Commonwealth Bay and the Ross Sea.
Click on the links below to jump to the different destinations, go straight to the registration form or to read more about our Book with Confidence policies and Health & Safety protocols.
We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
^All voyages are subject to regulatory approval and only open to Australian and New Zealand residents.
Western & Southern Coasts
NEW
Ningaloo Reef Adventure
Explore above and below the turquoise waters of northwest Australia’s spectacular Indian Ocean coast. Sail overnight from Broome to Rowley Shoals Marine Park, three coral atolls swept by nutrient-rich deep ocean currents. Kayak, snorkel and dive lagoons and spectacular drop-offs in crystal-clear waters shared with turtles, manta rays, whales and dolphins. Discover the Montebello Islands, once the site of nuclear weapons testing, now a breeding ground for ospreys, white-bellied sea eagles, terns, and oystercatchers. On Barrow Island spot rare mammals like the spectacled hare-wallaby, golden bandicoot, black-flanked rock-wallaby and more. Immerse yourself in Ningaloo, the world’s largest fringing reef, and Coral Bay, where humpbacks, whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles swim. Returning north, hike Cape Range National Park’s stunning gorges and admire the Dampier Peninsula’s ancient landscape and seagrass beds where dugongs feed before disembarking in Broome.
Highlights
- Zodiac-cruise, snorkel, kayak or dive among the spectacular coral reefs, lagoons and canyons of Rowley Shoals Marine Park*
- Dawn birdwatching to spy red-tailed tropic birds, ruddy turnstones, white-throated needle-tails and more
- Snorkel and dive* the magnificent coral gardens of Ningaloo Reef – part of the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, and designated Mission Blue ‘Hope Spot’
- Stroll pristine beaches and discover underwater treasures in the Muiron Islands Nature Reserve
- Enjoy the Dampier Peninsula’s maze of waterways alive with hawksbill turtles, dolphins and shy dugongs
*Optional activities at additional cost
Available Add-on Activities:- Snorkelling (complimentary)
- Sea Kayaking
- Scuba Diving
- NIN100921G: 10 Sep 2021 - 19 Sep 2021 (10 Days)
From: AUD 14,295~ per person twin share
Early bird offer: Up to 20% off^
Contact us for available discount offers for individual cabin categories
~Price listed above is before any available booking offer
NEW
Western Australia & the Coral Coast
Explore above and below the turquoise waters of northwest Australia’s spectacular Indian Ocean coast. Sail overnight from Broome to Rowley Shoals Marine Park, three coral atolls swept by nutrient-rich deep ocean currents. Kayak, snorkel and dive lagoons and spectacular drop-offs in crystal-clear waters shared with turtles, manta rays, whales and dolphins. Discover the Montebello Islands, once the site of nuclear weapons testing, now breeding grounds for ospreys, white-bellied sea eagles, terns, and oystercatchers. On Barrow Island spot rare mammals like the spectacled hare-wallaby, golden bandicoot, black-flanked rock-wallaby and more. Immerse yourself in Ningaloo, the world’s largest fringing reef, and Coral Bay, where humpbacks, whale sharks, manta rays and sea turtles swim. At Shark Bay, watch for the many dugongs feeding on extensive sea grass beds, then adventure throughout the exquisite Houtman Abrolhos islands, with its sea lion colonies, photogenic fishing shacks and perfect lagoons to swim, snorkel and kayak.
Highlights
- Zodiac-cruise, snorkel or *dive spectacular coral reefs, lagoons and canyons of Rowley Shoals Marine Park
- Dawn birdwatching to spy red-tailed tropic birds, ruddy turnstones, white-throated needle-tails and more
- Enjoy the Dampier Peninsula’s maze of waterways alive with hawksbill turtles, dolphins and shy dugongs
- Snorkel and *dive among the magnificent coral gardens of Ningaloo Reef
- Discover sea lion colonies, seabirds and exquisite waterways in the adventure playground of Houtman Abrolhos Islands
- Explore and learn about the unique marine ecosystems designated as “Hope Spots” by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue team, including the Exmouth Gulf and Ningaloo Coast and the Houtman Abrolhos Islands
*Optional activities at additional cost
Available Add-on Activities:- Snorkelling (complimentary)
- Sea Kayaking
- Scuba Diving
- WAC190921G: 19 Sep 2021 - 1 Oct 2021 (13 Days)
From: AUD 18,595~ per person twin share
Early bird offer: Up to 20% off^
Contact us for available discount offers for individual cabin categories
~Price listed above is before any available booking offer
NEW
Southern Australia Coastal Discovery
Round Cape Leeuwin and enter a world of deep-sea canyons, granite-domed islands and white-sand beaches swept by the Southern Ocean. Follow a coast charted by Matthew Flinders and Nicolas Baudin where whales, sea lions, fur seals, great white sharks and Australia’s only pirate reigned supreme. Watch for whales as you sail, with hotspots like Bremer Bay Canyon attracting orcas, minkes, southern rights and humpbacks. Hike to vantage points in the Recherche Archipelago, more than a hundred islands that are home to Australian sea lions, New Zealand fur seals, a sensational pink lake and the pirate Black Jack. Keep an eye out for southern right whales beneath the dramatic sea cliffs at Head of Bight. Photograph Cape Barren geese, rare lizards and rock wallabies in the Investigator Group off Eyre Peninsula, and visit the world-famous oyster farms of Coffin Bay. Snorkel with playful sea lions in the Spencer Gulf before a final foray to Kangaroo Island to admire wind-sculpted granite, tammar wallabies, koalas and a variety of birdlife.
Highlights
- Explore and learn about the unique marine ecosystems designated as “Hope Spots” by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue team, including the ‘Great Southern Reef’, Salisbury Island and Kangaroo Island
- Cruise the nutrient-rich waters of Bremer Bay’s deep-sea canyons that attract orcas, sharks, dolphins, sperm whales and giant squid
- Trek on the wilderness islands of the Recherche Archipelago, discovering pink lakes, sea lion colonies and stories of sealers, whalers and pirates that preceded you
- Enjoy spectacular birdwatching in the Investigator Group, renowned for its endangered fairy tern, Cape Barren geese, rock parrots and more
- Delight in the playfulness and grace of Australian sea lions as you snorkel* in the waters off Hopkins Island
- Inspect bushfire recovery on Kangaroo Island, with the return of koalas, short-beaked echidnas and tammar wallabies
Available Add-on Activity:
- Sea Kayaking
- SAC031021G: 3 Oct 2021 - 15 Oct 2021 (13 Days)
Departure Date:
From: AUD 17,195~ per person twin share
Early bird offer: Up to 20% off^
Contact us for available discount offers for individual cabin categories
~Price listed above is before any available booking offer
NEW
Kangaroo Island Explorer
Marvel at the regenerative powers of nature while exploring Australia’s third-largest island from the comfort of your floating base camp. Following on from the devastating bushfires of January 2020 this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see new life bursting forth, the return of koalas, wallabies, echidnas and dunnarts. Each day you’ll choose from a menu of activities, from swimming with dolphins and sea lions, to exploring wilderness tracks and participating in post-fire ecological surveys. By ship, Zodiac or kayak, encounter spectacular granite coastlines and fossils of ancient sea creatures. Treat your taste buds with local fare, from gin and wine to fresh seafood and honey while gaining new insights into habitat restoration from renowned experts. Local artists will share their insights, and local guides will introduce their natural world on an expedition you will cherish forever.
Highlights
- Swim or snorkel with dolphins, Australian sea lions and long-nosed fur seals*
- Marvel at the artistic works of locals, from Janine MacIntosh’s ‘assemblages of nature’ to Indiana James’s sculptures
- Participate in habitat restoration, bird banding and other citizen science projects, and enjoy encounters with koalas and short-beaked echidnas
- Experience remote coastlines few have seen before you, and learn about Kangaroo Island’s unique geology, including the highly eroded granite of Remarkable Rocks and unique fossil record at Emu Bay
- Discover the unique ecosystems designated as “Hope Spots” by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue team, including the ‘Great Southern Reef’ and Kangaroo Island’s North Coast
- Enjoy the warmth and gratitude of the locals as you help their recovery efforts
*Optional activities at additional cost
Available Add-on Activities:- Snorkelling
- Sea Kayaking
- Scuba Diving
- KAN141021G: 14 Oct 2021 - 21 Oct 2021 (8 Days)
- KAN211021G: 20 Oct 2021 - 27 Oct 2021 (8 Days)
From: AUD 9,995~ per person twin share
Early bird offer: Up to 20% off^
Contact us for available discount offers for individual cabin categories
~Price listed above is before any available booking offer
Tasmania
NEW
Kangaroo Island & the Tasman Sea
Embrace your inner explorer and island-hop from South Australia’s Spencer Gulf, to a treasure trove of natural beauty in Tasmania. Discover the striking coastline of the Jussieu Peninsula, or take to the waters to snorkel with playful Australian sea lions at nearby Hopkins Island. Explore secluded waterways of Kangaroo Island to contemplate its incredible bushfire recovery, before setting sail for the remote Hunter Island Group in north-western Tasmania and its bounty of natural and human history. Along the east coast, pristine white beaches peppered with orange lichen-covered boulders, iridescent blue waters, and towering pink granite peaks set a striking stage for your adventures on the Freycinet Peninsula. Meander through the tall eucalypt forests of Maria Island, Zodiac-cruise its crystal waters, marvel at ‘painted’ cliffs, or seek out some of the wildlife that calls it home – from Bennett’s wallabies and wombats, to potoroos, pademelons and penguins. Collate a treasured set of memories from your adventures amongst these spectacular southern isles.
Highlights
- Delight in the playfulness and grace of Australian sea lions as you snorkel* in the waters off Hopkins Island
- Witness how Kangaroo Island’s ecosystem – including its wild koala and glossy black cockatoo populations – is recovering from the recent devastating bushfires
- Cruise the waters around Black Pyramid and experience its immense Australasian gannet colony – estimated at over 12,000 pairs, or 20 percent of the world’s population
- Enjoy a quiet beach stroll, invigorating hike or a Zodiac cruise against the backdrop of the Freycinet Peninsula’s spectacular scenery
- On Maria Island, keep an eye out for all but one of Tasmania’s 12 endemic bird species, and an abundance of native wildlife
- Explore and learn about the unique ecosystems designated as “Hope Spots” by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue team, including the ‘Great Southern Reef’ and Kangaroo Island’s North Coast
*Sea lion snorkel activity at Hopkins Island is included in expedition cost
Available Add-on Activities:- Snorkelling (except Hopkins Island sea lion activity)
- Sea Kayaking
- Scuba Diving
- Climbing
- KIT271021G: 26 Oct 2021 - 3 Nov 2021 (9 Days)
From: AUD 11,395~ per person twin share
Early bird offer: Up to 20% off^
Contact us for available discount offers for individual cabin categories
~Price listed above is before any available booking offer
NEW
Bass Strait Islands & East Coast Discovery
Step on board for a unique island-hopping adventure from Victoria’s Wilsons Promontory to the isolated isles of the Bass Strait, and onwards to the treasures of Tasmania’s east coast. Land on pristine beaches dotted with orange lichen-covered boulders, meander through tall eucalypt forests, and drink in the stunning vistas from towering peaks. Visit far-flung archipelagos and explore islands whose only permanent inhabitants include Bennett’s wallabies, wombats, potoroos and pademelons. Discover the rich natural and human history of the Kent Islands; experience the granitic beauty of Flinders Islands’ Strzelecki Peaks; and stroll along the dazzling white sands of the Freycinet Peninsula. Explore wild, storm-swept coastlines and the shimmering, azure waters of sheltered bays. Delight in the raucousness of an Australian fur seal colony’s rocky haul-out, the rasping call of Cape Barren geese, and the majestic sight of a soaring shy albatross in the skies above. Each day a new adventure beckons.
Highlights
- Visit remote and rarely-visited islands in the Bass Strait – the remnants of a land bridge that once joined Tasmania to the Australian mainland
- Marvel at the mystique of the Kent Islands – often missed on conventional maps – from its petrels, little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters to its historic lighthouse and stories of sealers, sailors and shipwrecks
- Enjoy Maria Island’s abundance of native wildlife and keep an eye out for all but one of Tasmania’s 12 endemic bird species
- Head off the ‘mother ship’ each day for a range of adventures and explorations that may include hiking options, wildlife watching, Zodiac cruises, diving, snorkelling, kayaking and climbing*
- Learn how the waters of Bass Strait and Tasmania fit into the vast and unique ecosystem known as the ‘Great Southern Reef’ – part of a “Hope Spot” designated by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue team
*Optional activities at additional cost
Available Add-on Activities:- Snorkelling
- Sea Kayaking
- Scuba Diving
- Climbing
- Hobart to Melbourne BSI021121G: 2 Nov 2021 - 9 Nov 2021 (7 Days)
- Melbourne to Hobart BSI091121G: 8 Nov 2021 - 15 Nov 2021 (8 Days)
From: AUD 9,995~ per person twin share
Early bird offer: Up to 20% off^
Contact us for available discount offers for individual cabin categories
~Price listed above is before any available booking offer
NEW
Tasmania Circumnavigation
Revel in the opportunity to tread some of Tasmania’s greatest coastal tracks while you circumnavigate this island state by sea. Land on remote pristine beaches; trek through coastal heath, buttongrass moorlands, lush temperate rainforests and tall eucalypt woodlands; and drink in the stunning vistas from towering dolerite peaks. Explore islands whose only permanent inhabitants include Bennett’s wallabies, wombats, potoroos, possums and pademelons. Cruise the wild, storm-swept coastlines and sheltered, shimmering bays. Experience a variety of trekking treasures on Bruny, Flinders and Maria Islands. Delight in the raucousness of an Australian fur seal colony’s rocky haul-out on the Hunter Islands; the gregariousness of the gannets at Pedra Branca; and the majesty of a soaring shy albatross in the skies above Mewstone. Create and collate a treasured suite of memories – on foot or by sea – with extraordinary adventures on offer each day.
Highlights
- Head off the ‘mother ship’ each day for a range of adventures and explorations that may include hiking options, wildlife watching, Zodiac cruises, diving*, snorkelling*, climbing* or kayaking*
- Access some of the best (and least) known walks in Tasmania, including those on Bruny, Flinders and Maria Islands, and the Hunter and Kent Island Groups
- On Maria Island – nicknamed Tasmania’s “Noah’s Ark” – enjoy an abundance of native wildlife, keeping an eye out for all but one of Tassie’s 12 endemic bird species
- Cruise the waters around the remote Maatsuyker Island Group, and spy the southernmost lighthouse in Australia
- Learn about Tasmania’s long human history, fascinating geology, and unique biota from our onboard experts
- Learn how the waters of Tasmania fit into the vast and unique ecosystem known as the ‘Great Southern Reef’ – part of a “Hope Spot” designated by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue team
*Optional activities at additional cost
Available Add-on Activities:- Snorkelling
- Sea Kayaking
- Scuba Diving
- Climbing
- TAS141121G: 14 Nov 2021 - 28 Nov 2021 (14 Days)
- TAS271121G: 27 Nov 2021 - 11 Dec 2021 (15 Days)
From: AUD 19,995~ per person twin share
Early bird offer: Up to 20% off^
Contact us for available discount offers for individual cabin categories
~Price listed above is before any available booking offer
NEW
Tasmania South East Coast Discovery
Explore the untamed beauty of Tasmania’s southern and eastern coasts. Cruise the dramatic dolerite archways and caverns of the Tasman Peninsula, discover the spectacular scenery of South Bruny Island, and explore historic Recherche Bay. Round South East Cape to delight in remote New Harbour, and spy the southernmost lighthouse in Australia at the Maatsuyker Island. Stroll along the dazzling white sands of the Freycinet Peninsula and experience the granitic beauty of Flinders Islands’ Strzelecki Peaks. Discover the rich natural and human history of the far-flung Kent Island Group. Meander through the tall eucalypt forests of Maria Island, marvel at ‘painted’ cliffs, or seek out some of the wildlife that calls it home – from Bennett’s wallabies and wombats, to potoroos, pademelons and penguins. Enjoy the raucousness of an Australian fur seal colony’s rocky haul-out and Cape Barren geese, and witness the magnificent sight of a soaring albatross in the skies above you. Each day offers a sensory smorgasbord that will forge lasting memories of your southern adventures.
Highlights
- From the comfort of your floating base camp, make Zodiac forays to the white beaches and striking scenery of South Bruny Island and idyllic Recherche Bay near South East Cape
- Experience the untamed wilderness of Southwest National Park from the remote shores of New Harbour
- Marvel at the mystique of the far-flung Kent Islands and discover its treasures – from seals to shipwrecks
- On Maria Island – nicknamed Tasmania’s “Noah’s Ark” – enjoy an abundance of native wildlife, keeping an eye out for all but one of Tassie’s 12 endemic bird species
- Learn how Tasmania fits into the vast and unique ‘Great Southern Reef’ ecosystem – part of a “Hope Spot” designated by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue team
- Snorkelling
- Sea Kayaking
- Scuba Diving
- Climbing
- TSE250222G: 25 Feb 2022 - 7 Mar 2022 (11 Days)
From: AUD 14,295~ per person twin share
Early bird offer: Up to 20% off^
Contact us for available discount offers for individual cabin categories
~Price listed above is before any available booking offer
The Ross Sea, Commonwealth Bay & Subantarctic Islands
Mawson’s Antarctica
Follow in the wake of Australia’s greatest polar pioneer. Departing Tasmania’s glorious south coast, sail to New Zealand’s Auckland Islands to encounter sea lion harems and yellow-eyed penguins. On Campbell Island, delight in royal albatross courting amidst megaherb meadows. Sail south into pack ice, skirt the Mertz Glacier Tongue and enjoy the wildlife-rich waters leading to Commonwealth Bay. Ice and katabatic winds allowing, Mawson’s Hut transports you back to the Heroic Age, where the ghosts of Sir Douglas’s team await. Cruise west along the East Antarctic coastline searching for emperor and Adélie penguins, snow petrels, seals and orcas. Sailing north, drop into Macquarie Island, where vast king penguin rookeries, nesting albatross and elephant seal wallows await.
Highlights
- Skirt beaches busy with New Zealand sea lion harems, to reach gnarled rata forests where yellow-eyed penguins are found
- Navigate a maze of pack ice alive with Weddell and leopard seals, Adélie and emperor penguins and hunting orcas to reach Mawson’s Hut, Commonwealth Bay
- Zodiac-cruise off Lusitania Bay, Macquarie Island, surrounded by thousands of bathing king penguins alert to hungry leopard seals
- Sea Kayaking
- MAW101221G: 10 Dec 2021 - 4 Jan 2022 (26 Days)
From: AUD 40,395~ per person twin share
Early bird offer: Up to 10% off^
Contact us for available discount offers for individual cabin categories
~Price listed above is before any available booking offer
NEW
Antarctica featuring the Ross Sea
Step back into the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration to discover a wildlife wonderland. Departing Tasmania’s glorious south coast, sail to New Zealand’s Auckland and Enderby Islands to encounter sea lion harems and yellow-eyed penguins in the rata forests. While on Campbell Island, magnificent royal albatross court amidst megaherb meadows. Crossing the Antarctic Convergence, enter pack ice alive with orcas, seals and emperor penguins. On Cape Adare, the first documented landing site in Antarctica, be overwhelmed by the world’s largest Adélie penguin colony. Deep in the Ross Sea, the amazingly preserved huts of Scott and Shackleton await. Sail north, aiming for the remote Balleny Islands, then on to the tussocked coast of Macquarie Island, home to half a million king penguins and vast wallows of elephant seals. After a month away, the emerald shores of Tasmania greet you like a warm smile.
Highlights
- Delve into New Zealand’s hobbit world of stunted rata forests on Enderby Island where shy, yellow-eyed penguins shuffle and sea lions roar, and witness Campbell Island’s royal albatross ballet
- Stand quietly in huts little-changed since Scott, Shackleton, Mawson and others wintered there, then launched desperate journeys that would define the Heroic Age
- Gaze in wonder at ethereal, ice-clad summits of the Transantarctic Mountains, in the unique ‘Ross Sea’ ecosystem – part of a “Hope Spot” designated by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue team
- Sea Kayaking
- ROSS040122G: 4 Jan 2022 - 30 Jan 2022 (27 Days)
- ROSS310122G: 30 Jan 2022 - 25 Feb 2022 (27 Days)
From: AUD 41,995~ per person twin share
Early bird offer: Up to 10% off^
Contact us for available discount offers for individual cabin categories
~Price listed above is before any available booking offer
NEW
Subantarctic Discovery
Perched on the Antarctic Convergence, Australia and New Zealand’s subantarctic islands are home to some of the most abundant and unique wildlife on Earth. From Hobart, explore Tasmania’s south coast, from dramatic coastlines on Bruny Island to gannet rookeries and fur seal haulouts on Pedra Branca, and wilderness treks in Recherche Bay and New Harbour. Delight in World Heritage-listed Macquarie Island, home to a tumble of elephant seal pups, leopard seals, the endemic royal penguin and king penguin rookeries more than a quarter million strong. Crossing to New Zealand, marvel at the courtship displays of magnificent royal albatross on Campbell Island, and sea lions, yellow-eyed and rockhopper penguins on Enderby. Zodiac-cruise the Snares’ labyrinth channels to spy magnificent tree daisies and Snares crested penguins. Enjoy a warm welcome from Stewart Island locals and visit nearby Ulva Island, a sanctuary for plants and animals including South Island Saddlebacks and kiwis. Then immerse yourself in the magnificent Fjordland as you explore Dusky and Doubtful Sounds.
Highlights
- Make forays to Bruny Island’s Cloudy Bay and explore the pristine wilderness at remote New Harbour
- Zodiac-cruise off Lusitania Bay, Macquarie Island, surrounded by thousands of bathing king penguins and keep watch for hungry leopard seals
- Sit quietly on Campbell Island, as magnificent royal albatross unfurl their wings and cry an eerie song
- Skirt beaches busy with New Zealand sea lion harems, to reach gnarled rata forests where yellow-eyed penguins are found
- Tread softly to see scampering kiwis, Stewart Island robins, forest parrot and colourful parakeets on the island sanctuary, Ulva
*Optional activity at additional cost
Available Add-on Activity:- Sea Kayaking
- SUB060322G: 6 Mar 2022 - 24 Mar 2022 (19 Days)
From: AUD 27,395~ per person twin share
Early bird offer: Up to 10% off^
Contact us for available discount offers for individual cabin categories
~Price listed above is before any available booking offer
Contact Us or Your Preferred Travel Agent
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International contacts
New Zealand: 0 800 424 310
United Kingdom: 0 808 189 2005
US & Canada: 1 800 826 8150
Netherlands: 0 800 023 0929
*Terms & Conditions apply. Offer is only valid on new bookings and on select ship voyages only which must be booked and deposited by 24th April 2021. Promotion is subject to availability at the time of booking and capacity controlled. The promotion is only available in conjunction with the back to back voyage discount or the loyalty program offer, and not available with any other offer. The promotion can be withdrawn at any time and is not redeemable for cash. Prices and offers correct at time of printing and subject to change. From prices based on Balcony Stateroom C category exclusive of discount and gratuities, GST included. Normal booking terms and conditions apply. To confirm your booking, a completed booking form and non-refundable deposit of $2,500 AUD per person is required within 7 days of reserved berth/s. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please see full terms and conditions.
