Coral Expeditions Offers Limited Staterooms on 2025 Australian Voyages

These coastal itineraries offer insight into remote Australian regions, with expert guides and flexible options for guests to experience the nation's natural and cultural diversity.

Coral Expeditions Offers Limited Staterooms on 2025 Australian Voyages
Credit: Cruise Critic

Coral Expeditions, a leading name in expedition cruising, has announced limited stateroom availability for two distinct 2025 voyages aboard the Coral Adventurer. These itineraries, part of the broader Australian Circumnavigation voyage, provide unparalleled access to the country’s remote coastlines and rich cultural sites. Guests can choose to book either journey independently or combine them for a comprehensive exploration of Australia’s diverse coastal regions.

Exploring Australia's Northern Coastline: "Across the Top of Australia"

Departing from Cairns on October 17, 2025, and concluding in Fremantle on November 12, 2025, the 26-night Across the Top of Australia itinerary showcases the beauty and diversity of the northern coastline. Passengers will traverse iconic regions such as the Great Barrier Reef, Cape York, Arnhem Land, the Kimberley, and Western Australia's rugged coastline.

  • Natural highlights: Snorkeling pristine sections of the Great Barrier Reef and exploring dramatic rock formations and hidden gorges in the Kimberley.
  • Cultural experiences: Guided interactions with First Nations communities in Cape York and the Torres Strait Islands, offering deep insights into the region's history and traditions.
  • Geological wonders: Encounters with ancient rock art and the towering sandstone cliffs along the Kimberley coast.

Guest lecturers, including Ian Morris, Goyma Gondarra, Quentin Chester, and Dale Arnott, will provide expert insights into the scientific, environmental, and cultural significance of the areas visited, enhancing the immersive experience.

Discovering the Southern Coastline: "Great Southern Shores"

The Great Southern Shores itinerary departs Fremantle on November 13, 2025, and arrives in Sydney on December 3, 2025. This 20-night journey takes travelers along Australia’s southern coastline, offering a blend of majestic landscapes, wildlife encounters, and culinary adventures.

  • Landscapes: Sail past landmarks like the dramatic Bunda Cliffs and the iconic Twelve Apostles.
  • Wildlife: Potential sightings include coastal kangaroos, little penguins, migrating whales, and rare sea dragons.
  • Culinary experiences: Indulge in South Australian oysters, Tasmanian wines, and a visit to the Leeuwin Estate winery, as well as wild abalone harvesting on Flinders Island.

Onboard expert lecturers for this voyage include Dale Arnott, Quentin Chester, Steve Winderlick, and Anne O'Dea, who will share in-depth knowledge about the regions explored.

Flexibility for Travelers

Both itineraries are available independently, catering to travelers with specific regional interests or time constraints. For those seeking a more extensive adventure, the voyages are carefully timed to allow guests to combine them into a seamless 60-day circumnavigation, taking in all of Australia's coastal highlights.

Expedition Vessel: Coral Adventurer

The Coral Adventurer is purpose-built for tropical expedition cruising, providing access to remote wilderness shores and shallow anchorages that are often inaccessible to larger ships. With its small-ship format, the vessel offers state-of-the-art amenities and an intimate capacity, ensuring a personalized and immersive experience. The ship supports flexible daily operations, allowing passengers to fully engage with the sensitive environments visited.

Pricing and Availability

Limited stateroom availability means early booking is recommended for these exclusive itineraries. Fares are published per person on a twin-share basis:

  • Across the Top of Australia (26 nights): Starting from $26,990.
  • Great Southern Shores (20 nights): Starting from $19,000.
  • Combined full circumnavigation option: Guests can book both voyages for the ultimate 60-day experience from Cairns to Sydney.

Cruise Line Insights

Coral Expeditions CEO Mark Fifield emphasized the uniqueness of these voyages, stating: "We have just a few staterooms still available on the Australian Circumnavigation voyage departing Cairns in October, so we thought these two, northern and southern cruises, offered a good option for guests who have already traveled part of the coast on past trips, or for those who were short on time."

“These two voyages offer a great way for guests to share the rich exploring spirit of the Circumnavigation with all the wonderful experiences onboard and onshore on a smaller scale,” Fifield added.

Both cruises highlight Coral Expeditions’ commitment to blending science, culture, and conservation with the exploration of Australia’s most dramatic coastal regions. With the support of onboard expedition leaders and expert lecturers, passengers will experience an educational and environmentally conscious journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the departure and arrival dates for the voyages?

The Across the Top of Australia voyage departs from Cairns on October 17 and arrives in Fremantle on November 12, 2025. The Great Southern Shores voyage departs Fremantle on November 13 and concludes in Sydney on December 3, 2025.

Can travelers combine both voyages?

Yes, the schedules align perfectly, allowing guests to book both segments consecutively for a complete, 60-day Australian Circumnavigation experience.

What makes these itineraries unique?

The northern itinerary emphasizes First Nations cultural encounters, pristine wilderness, and ancient geological formations, while the southern itinerary focuses on rugged coastal landscapes, culinary delights, and diverse wildlife.

Who are the onboard guest lecturers?

The northern voyage features experts Ian Morris, Goyma Gondarra, Quentin Chester, and Dale Arnott, while the southern voyage includes Dale Arnott, Quentin Chester, Steve Winderlick, and Anne O'Dea.

What are the starting fares for these voyages?

The 26-night Across the Top of Australia starts at $26,990 per person twin-share, and the 20-night Great Southern Shores starts at $19,000 per person twin-share.