Across the Great Australian Bight Small Ship Cruise
This is Australia’s southern coast, from rugged cliffs to charming seaside towns. Discover history, nature, and local flavours along Australia’s most remote coastal stretch.
Highlights
• Meet the Woolford Family on remote Flinders Island and learn about their sustainable aquaculture business
• Walk sandy shores with expert guides to witness Kangaroo Island's magnificent Australian sea lion colony
• Connect with stories of courage and sacrifice at the National Anzac Centre in Albany
• Margaret River wines
Arrive in Hobart to board Coral Adventurer at 4pm. Settle into your stateroom, meet the crew and fellow guests, and enjoy Captain’s Welcome Drinks as the ship departs at 5pm to begin your epic adventure across the Great Australian Bight.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we follow the Tasmanian coast on our way to the township of Burnie. Attend onboard presentations from our team of Guest Lecturers. Use this time to unwind, get acquainted with fellow travellers and enjoy Coral Adventurer's facilities.
Welcome to the township of Pataway/Burnie; gateway to 60-million-year-old temperate rainforests and the much-loved platypus. Today, we hope to spot these elusive creatures in their natural habitat and take in the stunning Guide Falls. In the afternoon, savour in a unique 'farm to table' experience, featuring sustainably-farmed ingredients.
As we sail through the Bass Strait, we make our way to King Island, home to just 2,000 residents. This isolated region is famous for its cheese and dairy products. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a cheese tasting at Kind Island Dairy and wander through a calcified forest dating back over 7,000 years.
Please note: Landing on King Island is highly subject to weather and swell; it has been challenging mariners since the 1800s and continues to do so today. An alternative location will be selected if conditions are not favourable.
Join your Gunditjmara guides on today's exclusive Signature Experience to discover the UNESCO-listed Budj Bim National Park. Learn how the indigenous engineering works have been used to sustainably farm kooyang (eel) over the last 6,600 years on a guided tour through the landscape. Later, taste kooyang creations as you listen to by Gunditjmara stories shared by local elders. Alternatively, enjoy free time to wander Port Fairy's the scenic riverside and historic Lifeboat Station.
Please note: the Budj Bim signature experience is an all-day event. Guests participating will not have time to explore Port Fairy if this option is selected. Guests will be asked to confirm their participation at time of booking.
Today we arrive into Robe, the traditional lands of the Bunganditj peoples. Visit the Obelisk, a tall, four-sided monument, built in 1972 on the western edge of the township to replace the historic Cape Jaffa Lighthouse. Guests can also take the opportunity to visit Customs House for a self-guided tour.
Visit the spectacular Seal Bay, home to 5% of the nation's population of endangered Australian sea lions. Enjoy an exclusive tour with Sea Lion specialists to learn more about their biology, behaviors and conservation challenges. Later, explore American River's maritime heritage on guided walk with Expedition team. In your free time, you might like to visit some of the local cafes and producers selling tasty goods.
Cape Donnington takes is name from Matthew Flinders' home in Lincolnshire, UK - though there is very little similarity between the two beyond that. Discover tales of exploration on guided walks of coastal trails with your Expedition Team and Guest Lecturers. There are several walks and hikes possible according to guest ability - each with their own stunning scenery and native flora and fauna.
Discover South Australia’s famed oysters on a farm and tasting tour. Swim, snorkel, or kayak tranquil bays teeming with dolphins and seabirds. Stroll on the sandy beaches and dunes in Coffin Bay National Park then unwind with local wines onboard.
Meet the Woolford family; third-generation abalone farmers and current caretakers of the island. Taste freshly harvested abalone, and learn about rewilding projects restoring island biodiversity. If time permits, enjoy a bracing swim in the waters of the Sothern Ocean or Xplorer-cruise this pristine island coast.
Weather permitting, enjoy a breathtaking scenic cruise along the world’s longest uninterrupted cliffs, where ancient limestone meets the vast Southern Ocean and seabirds soar above.
Spend the day relaxing on board as we sail towards Lucky Bay. Take the opportunity to reflect on the journey so far, and enjoy to hospitality on board.
Walk the famous white-sand beaches, caused by high silica content. We often spot kangaroos on the beach here, a true postcard moment. Join a guided hike on the trail to Thistle Cove with the Expedition team, or swim and kayak the blue waters, or Xplorer-cruise sheltered bays to spot local birds and wildlife.
Snorkel the clear temperate waters of the Woody Island Snorkel Trail. Join guided walks to the island summit or Skinny Dip Bay, spotting a diverse array of birdlife and an abundance of lizards and skinks along the way.
Explore the National ANZAC Centre and discover its role as the launch point for the first convoy of allied forces to Europe. 2026 also marks the bicentennial of Albany; enjoy your free time to explore various exhibitions and events around the township. If conditions permit, we may also cruise Breaksea Island for bird and seal sightings.
Tour Jewel Cave’s ancient formations, view the Leeuwin Lighthouse where two oceans meet, and sample wines aged in Australia’s only underwater winery paired with local seafood.
Stroll Busselton’s 1.8 km timber jetty or visit the Underwater Observatory. Join a guided Old Gaol tour revealing stories of colonial justice, or explore heritage buildings, cafés and boutiques.
Swim, snorkel or kayak calm lagoons, meet friendly quokkas, and walk the Wadjemup Bidi trail network. Enjoy Captain’s Farewell Drinks overlooking the island’s turquoise bays.
Disembark at Berth C Fremantle at 8:00am. Farewell your crew after a memorable voyage across the Great Australian Bight.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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CORAL DECK STATEROOM
PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM
EXPLORER DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
BRIDGE DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
BRIDGE DECK BALCONY SUITE
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 93.4 meters
Passenger Capacity: 120 (60 staterooms)
Built: 2019
Coral Adventurer is a modern expedition cruise ship launched in 2019, purpose-built to explore Australia’s remote coastlines and international tropical destinations in comfort and style. With a capacity of just 120 guests, she strikes a perfect balance between small-ship intimacy and ocean-going capability. Her shallow draught and state-of-the-art navigation systems allow access to isolated regions unreachable by larger vessels, while dual Xplorer tenders and a fleet of zodiacs provide safe, seamless access to remote shores. Designed with wide open spaces and warm, natural interiors by Brisbane-based Arkhefield, Coral Adventurer embodies the spirit of Australian adventure, hospitality, and connection to the great outdoors.
All staterooms are outside-facing with ensuites, most featuring private balconies, and range from elegant Bridge Deck Suites to well-appointed Coral Deck cabins. Guests enjoy single-seating dining, where fresh, locally sourced meals are prepared in an open-view galley and served with boutique Australian wines. Life onboard is relaxed and sociable, with a sundeck bar, panoramic promenade deck, lecture lounge, library, and even a gym. Coral Adventurer also offers complimentary Wi-Fi, a lift between decks, and high levels of guest-crew interaction, creating a welcoming, immersive expedition experience in some of the world’s most spectacular natural environments.
Inclusions
• All excursions with our Expedition Team
• Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
• Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
• Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
• All meals, chef-prepared on board
• Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
• Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
• 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
• All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
• Tips and gratuities
• Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
• Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
• Post-cruise transfers
• Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging
• Snorkelling equipment – On selected voyages only where snorkelling is available
Exclusions
• Pre-cruise transfers
• Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights – Please note on some of our international voyages we do have charter flights as an option. This can be included in the cruise fare price, this information will be listed under each itinerary
• Pre and post cruise accommodation
• Travel Insurance
• Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
• Alcoholic & non alcoholic specialty beverages outside of lunch and dinner service
• Premium Internet services
• Laundry service (available at a cost)
• Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
• Optional helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls is approximately $890 per person. Subject to a minimum of 12 passengers. Helicopter flights are booked once onboard, with a 24hr cancellation policy. – Please note this in on our Kimberley voyage only
• Scuba Diving – Optional extra on selected voyages only
Expedition
Our Associates Include
