Cruises in Oceania & Asia offer a mesmerising blend of tropical landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unparalleled biodiversity. With its diverse climate and geography, travellers will gain insight into the magnificent scenery of Indonesia, Borneo and Tasmania. Read on to learn more about our immersive cruises to Oceania & Asia.
From lush rainforests to pristine beaches our Oceania and Asian Cruises cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, travelling with Aurora can significantly enhance your journey.
Discover our Asia Pacific Cruises
Cruises in Oceania & Asia provide a captivating fusion of rich cultural heritage, unmatched biodiversity, and tropical scenery. Discover historical bays, ancient Javanese temples, marvel at extraordinary biodiversity and spectacular scenery as you forge lasting memories of these wild, remarkable regions. to truly experience the natural beauty of the Asia Pacific region.
Aurora Expeditions’ carefully curates trips to Oceania and Asia during the shoulder months of October to December, offering the perfect balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and optimal conditions for exploring the region’s natural wonders.
Importance of the Asia Pacific Region
The importance of the Asia Pacific region lies in it’s unique destinations like Indonesia, Borneo, and Tasmania. Indonesia’s 17,000 islands offer diverse itineraries featuring Komodo dragons, Raja Ampat’s coral reefs, and Bali’s cultural sites. Borneo attracts nature enthusiasts with orangutan sanctuaries, rainforest excursions, and indigenous longhouse visits. Tasmania delivers unique wildlife experiences with Tasmanian devils and wombats, combined with rugged wilderness at Cradle Mountain and historic sites like Port Arthur.
For explorers seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or a nature enthusiast looking for tranquillity and solitude, Oceania and Asia cruises offer something for everyone. Embark on a journey of discovery and adventure and experience the magic of these captivating destinations firsthand.
Indonesia and Borneo Destination Highlights
Raja Ampat
Java
Komodo Island
Komodo Island is a destination where wildlife takes centre stage. Komodo Island is one of the few places in the world where you can see Komodo Dragons in the wild. During the dry season, these reptiles are easily spotted as they bask in the sun or roam the island’s rugged terrain. Komodo National Park is the highlight of this island, where guided tours will bring you up close to the famous Komodo Dragons. After a day of wildlife exploration, Pink Beach—with its unique pink sand and clear waters—offers the perfect spot for snorkelling and relaxation.
Cenderawasih Bay
Cenderawasih Bay is a hidden gem renowned for its exceptional marine life and serene beauty. This secluded paradise offers the rare chance to swim alongside the gentle giant whale sharks in their natural habitat. By maintaining a respectful distance and adhering to guided protocols, you’ll contribute to their conservation while still enjoying a truly unforgettable experience.
Beyond the incredible underwater world, your expedition will also offer immersion into West Papuan culture with a visit to the Kwatisore village. Providing insight into the unique customs and traditions of this vibrant community. This combination of rare wildlife encounters and rich cultural immersion makes Cenderawasih Bay an extraordinary destination, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Discover our Indonesia Cruises
Living Treasures of Raja Ampat & the Spice Islands
Set out on a journey across the Moluccas and West Papua, an area known for its rich cultural legacy and unmatched natural beauty. Learn about local customs, visit isolated islands, and see a variety of aquatic species. Discover Indonesia’s hidden treasures, such as the well-known Wayag Island, the underwater paradise of Misool, and the Spice Islands‘ colonial past.
Experience the essence of Indonesia through its people by touring traditional villages and vibrant marketplaces, as well as immersing yourself in pristine waters with kayaking and snorkelling. For those looking to encounter the undiscovered treasures of East Indonesia’s most isolated and exotic locations, this expedition offers the ideal balance of adventure, leisure, and cultural immersion.
Idyllic Raja Ampat & Cenderawasih Bay
Embark on a journey through the clear waters of Cenderawasih Bay, a sanctuary brimming with vibrant marine life, including the majestic whale sharks. Discover the untouched beauty of Raja Ampat, an island famous for its stunning landscapes and incredible biodiversity. Our expert guides will take you on unforgettable experiences, whether you’re snorkelling with gentle giants or trekking through lush rainforests. Explore secluded coves, observe exotic wildlife, and create lasting memories as you delve into the heart of Indonesia’s hidden gems. Aurora provides travellers with an opportunity to truly connect with nature and culture in a meaningful way.
In the Wake of Wallace: Indonesia & Borneo
This 16-day expedition invites you to explore a tapestry of islands, each offering unique treasures to discover. From the pristine waters of Raja Ampat to the ancient temples of Java and the orangutan of Central Kalimantan, this journey promises a fusion of adventure, culture, and wildlife experiences.
Marvel at the unique biodiversity that flourishes on either side, a testament to the archipelago’s extraordinary geographical history. This expedition will immerse you in local cultures, bring you face-to-face with iconic wildlife, and reveal the raw beauty of nature.
Australia and New Zealand Destination Highlights
Commonwealth Bay
Stewart Island
Stewart Island (Rakiura) is the northernmost of the New Zealand subantarctic islands and a sanctuary for many rare and endemic species. Stewart Island is neighbour to the fishing village of Oban, the southernmost settlement in New Zealand, where brown kiwis (southern tokoeka) outnumber humans. Blue penguins (korora) and yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho) cover the rocky coast.
Snares Island
Zodiac cruises allow travellers to experience the active coastline of Snares from sea level. Keep watch for penguins and Buller’s Albatross (toroa) with their distinctive black and yellow beaks. Adventurers may spot sea lions dozing in grassy glades as well as the beautiful landscape that the Southern Island has to offer.
Coastal Tasmania
Discover our Oceania Cruises
Coastal Tasmania: Untamed Wilderness
Explore untouched, remote beaches, hike through diverse landscapes, from coastal heaths to vibrant temperate rainforests. Explore distant islands inhabited only by Bennett’s wallabies, and a variety of Australian wildlife. Enjoy a variety of hiking experiences on Bruny, Flinders, and Maria Islands. Admire the vibrant colonies of fur seals and the native seabirds. Sail alongside serene, shimmering bays and rocky, windswept shores. With amazing activities awaiting you every day, make everlasting memories whether on land or at sea.
Subantarctic Discovery
Discover the rarely visited, but none the less spectacular Subantarctic Islands of Australia & New Zealand. Travellers embark at Dunedin and head towards Stewart Island (Rakiura), the northernmost of the New Zealand subantarctic islands. Stewart Island is a sanctuary for many rare and endemic species. Discover the striking magnificence of Fiordland’s deep glacial sounds and take a Zodiac boat along the rocky Snares coast, which serves as a breeding ground for the endangered Buller’s Albatross and Snares crested penguin.
We return north to the mystical Campbell Island, where meandering boardwalks lead you past megaherb moors in bloom to the southern royal Albatross nesting areas. Explore the enchanted rātā forests on the Auckland Islands, see endemic mollymawks, and learn about the sealers, settlers, and adventurers who came before us.
Mawson’s Antarctica
Retrace the historic voyage of Sir Douglas Mawson’s Australasian Antarctic Expedition and experience the grandeur of remote East Antarctica. Cross the Antarctic Circle and cruise the pack ice, skirting majestic ice cliffs and marvelling at beautifully sculpted icebergs. Keep watch for emperor and Adélie penguins proposing along the ice edge, orcas patrolling for prey, and snow petrels soaring against a backdrop of the vast Antarctic Ice Sheet.
Continue towards Commonwealth Bay and the fabled Cape Denison. Conditions permitting, make landfall to explore what remains of Mawson’s main base. Then onwards to Dunedin, with a pause to enjoy the ruggedly beautiful New Zealand subantarctic islands, where nesting royal albatross, the endemic, yellow-eyed penguins await.
Living Treasures of Raja Ampat & the Spice Islands
Discovery Expedition
Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Living Treasures of Raja Ampat & the Spice Islands voyage. Embark on an expedition through the heart of West Papua and the Moluccas, a region of unparalleled...
13 Days
From AUD $16,946.25/pp
Idyllic Raja Ampat & Cenderawasih Bay
Discovery Expedition
Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Idyllic Raja Ampat & Cenderawasih Bay voyage. Uncover a hidden world of natural wonder on this unique coastal expedition. Journey through the pristine waters of Cenderawasih Bay,...
10 Days
From AUD $13,571.25/pp
Coastal Tasmania: Untamed Wilderness
Discovery Expedition
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...
11 Days
From AUD $13,850.75/pp
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best time of year to visit Oceania and Asian Destinations?
Indonesia and Borneo experience its finest weather from April through October during the dry season. During these months, you’ll find clear skies and lower humidity, creating perfect conditions for exploring temples, beaches, and volcanic landscapes. Aurora offers cruises from October to November for an excellent balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
Australia and New Zealand’s vast size means optimal visiting times vary significantly by region. The shoulder seasons of September to November (spring) allow for travellers to explore islands without having to endure extreme heat. With unique wildlife and beautiful landscapes, these countries offer a magnificent destination for travellers hoping to connect with nature and culture in a meaningful way.
What are the main differences between each season in Oceania and Asia?
Indonesia and Borneo’s seasonal differences are subtle but significant. The dry season brings predictable sunshine and clearer waters for diving, while the wet season (November-March) creates lusher landscapes but can interrupt outdoor activities with afternoon downpours.
The dry season offers reliable wildlife viewing and easier access to remote areas. During the wet season (November-February), some landmarks become challenging or inaccessible, though the rainforest is at its most verdant. River levels rise, which can make some areas more accessible by Zodiac.
Australia and New Zealand’s seasons create distinctly different experiences. Summer (December-February) brings intense heat to the interior and perfect beach weather to the coasts, along with peak tourist numbers. Winter (June-August) offers comfortable temperatures in the north while the south experiences cooler conditions ideal for hiking and wine tasting. The shoulder seasons when Aurora travel provide a pleasant middle ground with fewer tourists and moderate temperatures.
