Cruising the Land Down Under: Top 7 Destinations

Cruise holidays are one of the best ways to experience all that Australia offers, along with the picturesque islands and countries which surround it.

While flying offers a quick and convenient way to travel, you often miss out on the journey of travelling to your destination and the amazing attractions

that come with cruising adventure. If you’re planning a cruise holiday around the Australian coastline or one that disembarks on a journey to our closest

neighbours, be sure to spend some time at these unforgettable destinations.

Sydney, New South Wales

The premier capital of Australia, Sydney is one of the most popular holiday destinations with both national and international travellers. Sydney Harbour

offers spectacular views of the city skyline and is home to the breathtaking Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. If you’ve chosen Sydney as your

port for disembarking, book an extended holiday in the city and experience unbeatable shopping districts and the historical Rocks precinct.

Vanuatu, South Pacific

Described as ‘the friendliest place in the world’, Vanuatu is a common port of call for many cruise liners departing from the shores of Australia. Upon

disembarking in Vanuatu, travellers will have the opportunity to snorkel or dive amongst colourful tropical reefs or spend the day discovering the wonders of

small island villages.

Auckland, New Zealand

The main New Zealand port for cruises from Australia, Auckland is located on the shores of the North Island. Downtown Auckland is a vibrant city, relaxed

by day and a party town by night. On the outskirts of Auckland, visitors can enjoy the sights of traditional Maori townships, an important part of New

Zealand culture and heritage.

Fremantle, Western Australia

Located just south of Perth in Western Australia, Fremantle is the main port of call for cruise ships on the western coastline of Australia. Visitors are

treated to fine wine and luxurious beachside views when disembarking in Fremantle, along with the picturesque surrounds of lush rainforest, just beyond the

reaches of the city.

New Caledonia, South Pacific

Located in the glistening waters of the South Pacific, New Caledonia is a tropical island with many French influences. Spend a perfect afternoon at one of

the many boutique cafés or bars along the shore line, as you dine on tropical seafood feasts, infused with the flavour of France. P&O Cruises Australia

offers journeys of the South Pacific, aboard luxury ocean liners, many of which include a stopover at New Caledonia.

Brisbane, Queensland

Situated in the beautiful sunshine state of Queensland, Brisbane is home to one of the largest cruise ports in Australia. A prolonged holiday in Brisbane

should be on the agenda for any Australian cruisers, as there is so much to discover in this relaxed capital city. Endeavour on a climb of the infamous

Storey Bridge or spend a day at the lifestyle markets at South Bank, located on the banks of the Brisbane River.

Melbourne, Victoria

If you like high end fashion boutiques and swanky restaurants, there’s no beating a holiday in Melbourne. Australia’s city of diverse cultures, Melbourne

offers visitors a taste of some of the finest cuisines in the world.

Cruising holidays are the ultimate way to experience everything that Australia has to offer. Discover the Great Barrier Reef or take a journey to the Land

of the Long White Cloud, with a P&O Cruises today.

Beaches and Islands

Visiting a Thailand beach or island is the preferred holiday for hundreds of thousands of visitors to Thailand every year. Thailand is blessed with natural beauty and its islands are amongst the most scenic and beautiful in the world. Likewise, each Thai beach, such as Karon Beach in Phuket, Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui, or picturesque Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi, is simply stunning, and many feature powdery sand, crystal clear water, and postcard-perfect scenery.

Each Thai beach and island has its own character and identity and therefore draws a specific type of visitor.  Each coastal area contains a slice of heaven suitable for a different style of traveler:  The west coast of Thailand, along the Andaman Sea, features beaches that appeals to every type of traveler, including the activity-filled resort island of Phuket; the popular backpacker beaches of Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and Krabi; the family friendly, laid back, and pristine coast of Khao Lak (the launching point for trips to the spectacular Similan Islands); and the remote, undeveloped islands of the far south.

Along the Gulf coast, the resort island of Koh Samui lies nearby the natural splendor of Koh Phangan and the scuba diving paradise of Koh Tao.  Closer to Bangkok are the popular resort town of Hua Hin, a favorite among Thais, and its quieter neighbor Cha Am.  Finally, to the east of Thailand, the northern Gulf features Bangkok weekend getaway Koh Samet, and the up-and-coming resort island of Koh Chang, which has both upscale resorts and budget beach bungalows.

Certain Thai beaches and islands, like Koh Tarutao National Park, offer limited accommodation and facilities and draw more adventurous travelers who are looking for a more ‘back to basics’ holiday experience. Others, such as Kamala Beach in Phuket, offer world class facilities (accommodation, restaurants, nightlife, etc) to entice visitors with bigger budgets who require creature comforts. It is important to note that this diversity exists not only between the islands, but between different beaches as well. Whereas one Thai beach might offer raucous entertainment, another a few kilometers away on the same island might only draw those looking for a quiet holiday.

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is a perfect example of this contrast.  Phuket is certainly the most developed Thai island, having been the first Thai beach resort destination.  Located on the Andaman coast, Phuket contains numerous beaches, including the activity filled Patong beach, with its exciting nightlife, and the more family friendly Karon and Kata beaches.  Across the island are luxurious five-star resorts and a wealth of Thai spas that serve to pamper visitors on any budget.  In addition to a lush, tropical interior that features a variety of exotic wildlife, Phuket is an ideal location for day trips to nearby islands, such as Koh Phi Phi, a favorite destination for scuba divers, and Phang Nga bay, where visitors can snorkel, kayak, and visit iconic James Bond Island (Koh Tapu).  Phuket is easily accessible via its international airport that connects domestically with Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Chiang Mai. 

Koh Samui is the prime island attraction in the Gulf of Thailand.  The most popular beach, Chaweng, features accommodation from five-star luxury resorts to affordable beach bungalows, and dining includes fine dining on international cuisine and casual beachside seafood barbeques.  Samui is both family friendly and budget oriented with a host of activities, some of Thailand’s finest spas, and is conveniently located nearby some of Thailand’s finest diving off neighboring Koh Tao.  Samui International Airport connects domestically to Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket, and Chiang Mai.

Krabi is a province on the mainland Andaman coast, near Phuket.  In addition to popular beachside resort areas, such as Railey Beach, Krabi includes a number of spectacular islands, such as the Phi Phi Islands and Koh Lanta, off of which some of Thailand’s most popular scuba diving sites are found.