9 Days Luxury Australia Cruise - Adelaide to Melbourne

For those of you that might think that Adelaide lacks behind its coastal counterparts in terms of culture and creativity, think again. Adelaide is a thriving urban city with bright, leafy alleys that beg to be explored. The city’s labyrinthine lanes and alleys are bursting with bars and eateries, serving everything from local craft beer to a modern Australian cuisine. Uber aware of their carbon footprint, Adeladians like to keep things close to home, so expect lots of local produce which is abundant, fresh and delicious. Unsurprisingly, Barossa wine from the neighbouring valley features prominently on wine lists everywhere. Naturally, a lot of life centres around the lovely beaches, which are home to surfers, sheltered waters and wide boulevards. The coast is blessed with acres of parkland, perfect for lazing the afternoon away. Many of Australia’s most beautiful (and historic) buildings can be found within the boundaries of the city including the handsomely-restored former Railway Building, numerous stately Colonial buildings, St. Peter's Cathedral, the grand old Parliament Buildings and nearby Government House, which all make a worthy addition to any visit. Adelaide is of course known for its wide diversity of faiths, and as such carries its nickname “the city of churches” with pride. Contrary to other Australian penal settlements, Adelaide was a free settlement. This meant that it was also a state free from religious persecution, leading rise to the construction of many churches.

Kangaroo Island is with 1,740 square miles the third largest island off the coast of Australia. It is 96 miles long and 34 miles wide, and known for its outstanding natural beauty. Due to its remote location, Kangaroo Island was less affected than the mainland by the impact of European development. To this day, the island is rich in diverse flora and fauna seldom found elsewhere. As one of the world’s last unspoiled wilderness places, about 30 percent of the island has been designated as National Parks. The most important one is Flinders Chase at the western end of Kangaroo Island, with Seal Bay Conservation Park following close behind. Its large sandy beach and dune area is home to Australian sea lions where they come to rest and nurse their young. Kingscote, formerly known as Queenscliffe, is the largest town on the island and its main supply depot. Tourism is a significant element in the local economy. A mix of attractive small townships, wildlife sanctuaries and fascinating wilderness areas guarantee a steady stream of visitors each year.

Located halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne, along the beautiful Limestone Coast in South Australia, lies Robe—a town of endless beaches, laid-back fishing-village charm, and tempting local seafood. As the name suggests, there's no shortage of space to unwind on Long Beach. A thick band of white sand stretches luxuriously for almost ten miles beside the breathtaking blue ocean. Kick back and relax, or wander beside surfers, flicking fishing lines, and makeshift beach cricket games. Head over to the cherry and white-painted Robe Obelisk landmark—which stands out on Cape Dombey—to soak in picturesque coastal views. The streets of Robe are marked with a heritage trail of historic buildings and cottages; spot the litany of blue plaques that reveal Robe's stories. Refuel by sampling cafes producing velvety flat whites, or tucking into freshly gathered rock lobster, while exploring Victoria Street's establishments. Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, the area was home to Bunganditj and Meintangk peoples. Dig deeper to learn more about their heritage, and the gold rush history that drew more than 15,000 Chinese migrants to these shores in the 1800s.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Mount Wellington's looming, cloud-wisped form is an ever-present sight as you explore booming Hobart, the cosmopolitan capital of Australia's most southerly state. A former British penal colony, nowadays Australia’s second-oldest city is a place to live the free and easy life. Encircled by dramatic cliffs, landscaped gardens and rolling vineyards, Hobart is also well stacked with cultural pursuits including museums, and respected - if controversial - galleries plastering new and old art to their walls. With fresh sea breezes and a fabulous location, Hobart is a creative place, where you can browse the produce of local artisans in Saturday's massive Salamanca Market - which draws visitors from all across Tasmania and beyond. Eat at waterfront restaurants, or rise up Mount Wellington's slopes to appreciate the remoteness of Hobart's location. From this elevated platform, you can look down across views of flowing forests, undulating mountains and endless ocean swallowing up the city. Further away, animal sanctuaries introduce you to the island's famous inhabitants, including the famous Tasmanian devil. Thirsty? Hobart has a long brewing tradition - so enjoy a refreshing ale poured from the country's oldest brewery. The climate's blend of generous sunshine and cool Antarctic breezes helps Hobart to produce its acclaimed wines, and thick clumps of pinot noir grapes hang from vineyards dotted along the valleys nearby. Taste the wines, accompanied by a platter of artisan cheese and sausage. Whiskey aficionados aren't left in the cold either, with international award-winning distilleries close by.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Australia’s metropolitan cultural capital is a refined, contemporary and richly liveable city - which has a blend for every taste. The smells of freshly ground, artisan coffees fill the streets of this hip, youthful city, which is generously sprinkled with fine dining establishments, art galleries, and absorbing museums. With an airy outdoor lifestyle, Melbourne is a vibrant global hub of fashion, fun and festivities. Multicultural and diverse, Victoria’s capital is crisscrossed by narrow alleys and splashed with street art. It’s fair to say Melbourne’s bearded baristas take their coffees seriously. Settle in to sample the unique coffee culture that is an essential part of Melbourne life. Looking for something a little stronger? The city’s rooftop bars come alive with clinking cocktails as the sun sets. A world leader in culinary arts, take your seat at award-winning restaurants, and sample world foods alongside delicious wines, cultivated in the vineyards of the surrounding valleys. Savour a glass while cruising the arching Yarra River, for an unbeatable introduction to Melbourne. An outdoor city, it’s no surprise that Melbourne is one of Australia’s sporting giants. The vast bowl of Melbourne Cricket Ground serves as the city’s sporting cathedral – squeezing in over 100,000 fans and hosting various sports on its hallowed, oval turf. Whether it’s the rumble of hoofs during the Melbourne Cup, revs of engines during the Formula One, or thwacks of tennis balls during the Australian Open - few places can boast such a comprehensive list of high-profile sporting appeals.

Itineraries are subject to change.