Australia Cruises

Where can you sail from?

Australia is well set up for cruising, with convenient departures from major capitals and regional gateways. Popular hubs include cruises from Sydney, cruises from Brisbane, cruises from Melbourne, cruises from Adelaide and cruises from Perth (Fremantle). Select a month to see live availability, then filter by ship, length and price to compare options side by side.

Top itinerary types

Short sampler and weekend cruises
Test the waters with two to four night sailings that focus on shipboard fun and sea views. These quick getaways are a relaxed way to celebrate an occasion, try a new cruise line or add a mini break to a busy year.

Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef
Northbound itineraries from Sydney or Brisbane call at Airlie Beach, Cairns and Port Douglas, with options for reef trips, scenic flights and tropical beaches. Pair easy sea days with snorkelling and rainforest excursions.

Tasmania highlights
Hobart, Port Arthur and coastal wilderness are regular features on southern circuits. Expect fresh produce, cool-climate wines and striking heritage sites. Some sailings include an overnight call in Hobart for unhurried time ashore.

Southern Australia city hops
Mix culture and cuisine with calls in Melbourne, Adelaide and sometimes Kangaroo Island. These routes suit long weekends or school-holiday breaks and feel calmer than flying between cities.

Top End and Kimberley coast
Seasonal expeditions along Australia’s remote northwest reveal sandstone gorges, waterfalls and vivid tidal reefs. Departures often link Broome and Darwin with small-group exploring by zodiac.

Circumnavigation voyages
For a complete picture of the continent, look for month-long itineraries that sail right around Australia. These bucket-list journeys usually include capital cities, reef ports and the rugged west.

South Pacific and New Zealand add-ons
Many cruises from Australia include tropical islands or combine Australia with New Zealand. If island time is on your list, browse South Pacific cruises or set your sights on New Zealand cruises.

When to cruise from Australia

Cruising operates year-round. The busiest months are October to April, when many international ships are based locally and school holidays create extra departures. Shoulder periods such as March and May often deliver good value and comfortable weather in many regions. Winter brings mild days in the north and cooler conditions in the south, a useful match for travellers who prefer fewer crowds. If you prefer cooler sightseeing, southern cities feel crisp in spring and early autumn with long daylight for markets and museum time. Reef and island itineraries are most reliable in the drier months when visibility is typically better for snorkelling and scenic flights. Expedition routes in the Kimberley are highly seasonal, so plan ahead. For occasional flash offers, keep an eye on cruise deals.

Choosing a cruise line

There is a wide choice of ships sailing from Australia, from family-friendly resorts at sea to small luxury vessels. If you want iconic entertainment and big-ship choice, explore Royal Caribbean Cruises. For well-loved favourites, variety and strong local deployment, view Carnival Cruises. For modern ships with local seasons and popular inclusions, consider Princess Cruises. If you prefer destination-rich itineraries with elevated dining, look at Celebrity Cruises. Luxury and boutique ships appeal to travellers who value quieter spaces, refined dining and attentive service. Expedition vessels prioritise destination depth with zodiacs, naturalist guides and smaller groups ashore. If you enjoy a classic resort feel, choose a ship with multiple dining venues, theatre productions and varied pools to keep every sea day relaxed.

Around Australia, or from Australia to elsewhere?

If your goal is to sail around Australia, compare circumnavigation voyages and southern-coast itineraries, then set the length filter to 20 nights or more. For a shorter taste, look at mini voyages between east-coast capitals or southern city hops. If you prefer to start from Australia and head further afield, shoulder seasons feature repositioning cruises that cross to Asia or the Pacific. See options on repositioning cruises.

How to compare ships and cabins

Cabin choice drives comfort and price. Interior cabins suit value-focused travellers, while balconies are popular for coastlines and scenic sailaways. Suites add space and perks, and some lines include access to private lounges or restaurants. If you are travelling with kids or friends, many ships have interconnecting rooms. Solo travellers can look for dedicated studio cabins to avoid single supplements. Mobility needs matter too, so check accessible stateroom layouts and lift access near dining rooms and theatres. Light sleepers should review deck plans to avoid late-night venues directly above or below. Families can compare kids club age groups and splash zones by browsing family cruising advice. For a smooth process, shortlist two or three ships and compare inclusions, then narrow to your preferred cabin type and dining approach.

Practical tips for booking

• Use live filters. The search shows real availability so you can hold a cabin or compare fares quickly. Start broad, then narrow your shortlist by ship, cabin type and inclusions.
• Consider school holidays. Families should book popular dates early. Solo travellers and couples often find more choice outside peak weeks.
• Check beverage and Wi-Fi bundles. Many lines package popular extras for a simple per-day price.
• Match your travel style. Decide if you want sea-day downtime and big-ship entertainment, or port-intense itineraries with smaller-group touring.
• Payments made simple. Spread the cost with our cruise payment plan.
• Stay flexible. For spontaneous getaways, browse last-minute cruises.
• Celebrate together. Planning a milestone trip or corporate retreat is easier with support. Learn more about group bookings.
• Travel documents ready. Confirm passports, visas and identification requirements at the time of booking so embarkation is smooth.
• Protect your plans. Consider travel insurance that covers medical care at sea, trip interruption and missed ports caused by weather or operational changes.

Sample ports and standout experiences

Sydney
Sail past the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, then plan time for Bondi to Coogee coastal walks, harbour ferries and inner-city markets. Foodies can explore neighbourhoods like Surry Hills and Newtown, while culture lovers add the galleries at Circular Quay. Families often fit in Taronga Zoo or a beach picnic before embarkation. If you have time, visit the Royal Botanic Garden for harbour views, then end the day with a sunset ferry to Manly and an easy stroll along the Corso.

Brisbane
Combine warm weather with island day trips to Moreton Island for sand tobogganing and snorkelling around the Tangalooma Wrecks. Stroll South Bank Parklands for riverside dining and the cultural precinct. Day tours head to the Scenic Rim or the Sunshine Coast. In summer, evening river cruises and rooftop bars make the most of long, balmy nights. Add a cycling loop along the Brisbane Riverwalk or explore the boutiques and cafes of James Street before returning to your ship.

Melbourne
Pair galleries and laneways with winery tours and scenic drives along the Great Ocean Road. Coffee culture thrives in Degraves Street and Centre Place, while sports fans time visits for the Australian Open or a cricket match at the MCG. Consider a day trip to Phillip Island for penguin parades or to the Yarra Valley for cellar doors. Street art trails, the Queen Victoria Market and the National Gallery of Victoria round out a full-day city itinerary.

Adelaide
Discover markets, heritage precincts and nearby Barossa or McLaren Vale for a day of tastings. The compact city core makes walking easy, with North Terrace museums and the Adelaide Central Market a short tram ride away. Nature fans can add Cleland Wildlife Park or a trip to Glenelg Beach for sunset and seafood. If you have longer, take a ferry to Kangaroo Island for rugged coastlines, wildlife encounters and farm-gate produce.

Perth and Fremantle
Relax in Kings Park, visit Rottnest Island for cycling and quokkas, or taste wines in the Swan Valley. Fremantle’s historic streets are made for brewery hopping and weekend markets. Art and maritime museums sit close to the harbour, so it is simple to pair sightseeing with a relaxed lunch on the Cappuccino Strip. A river cruise on the Swan offers city views, while sunset at Cottesloe Beach is a classic way to cap the day.

Hobart and Port Arthur
Explore convict heritage, local distilleries and dramatic coastlines on day trips. MONA brings striking contemporary art and a scenic ferry ride on the Derwent River. Food lovers can browse Salamanca Market on weekends. At Port Arthur, guided walks give context to the site’s history and the coastal viewpoints offer photo stops of towering sea cliffs. Add a visit to Mount Wellington for panoramic vistas, then warm up with seasonal produce in Hobart’s cosy eateries.

Darwin and the Top End
Go crocodile spotting on Adelaide River cruises, browse Mindil Beach Sunset Market in the dry season and visit museums that share Cyclone Tracy history. Day tours reach Litchfield and Kakadu for waterfalls and wetlands. Between June and August the weather is mild, which suits outdoor dining and evening strolls along the waterfront. Consider a harbour sunset cruise for sea breezes and city skyline views before returning to your ship.

Broome and the Kimberley
Time your visit for vivid sunsets over Cable Beach and striking tidal changes. Join a camel ride at dusk, see the natural phenomenon known as the Staircase to the Moon on select dates and learn pearling history in town. Expedition sailings reveal rugged coastlines, horizontal waterfalls and remote rock art sites for an unforgettable look at the northwest. On land, take a 4WD tour to Roebuck Bay or Gantheaume Point for dramatic red rock scenery against turquoise water.

Who is an Australia cruise right for?

First-timers love the simplicity of sailing from an Australian port, skipping long flights and checking in close to home. Families find the value compelling once meals and entertainment are included, and many ships tailor kids clubs by age. Couples appreciate balcony cabins and specialty dining for special occasions. Adventure-seekers can step up to expedition itineraries in the Kimberley or add New Zealand or the South Pacific to extend their holiday. Travellers with flexible schedules often plan shoulder-season departures for extra value, while those with fixed school holidays benefit from booking early to secure preferred cabins.

Frequently Asked Questions on cruises Australia

Can you get married on a cruise ship in Australia?

Yes, you can legally get married on a cruise ship in Australia at sea, you’ll just need to have a registered celebrant onboard to perform the ceremony.

Luckily, all the major cruise lines in Australia including Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival, have their own specially designed Australia cruise wedding packages for occasions such as this. Whether you’re tying the knot or renewing your vows, the major cruise lines know this is an important occasion and have spared no expense to give you the VIP treatment.

Some of the things you can expect from Australian cruise wedding packages include:

• Custom-designed food menus
• Stunning wedding cakes
• Professional photography
• Unforgettable entertainment

Is there a cruise from Hawaii to Australia?

Yes, there are typically a small selection of transpacific cruises from Hawaii to Australia. Generally, these voyages depart from Honolulu then over 18-20 nights complete their sailing in Sydney. Whenever you cruise from Hawaii to Australia, you’ll often find it including various ports of call in gorgeous South Pacific and New Zealand locations such as Bora Bora, Papeete, and Auckland.

Can you cruise from Australia to England?

Yes, you can usually cruise from Australia to England as part of a world voyage or world voyage segment. Cunard are easily the best choice when it comes to sailing from Australia to England, with their beautiful ships Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria offering sailings that take you from either Sydney or Perth to Southampton. Be sure to book early, as these cruises leaving Australia sell out fast!

What is the best cruise ship in Australia?

Well, that’s a tough one! Honestly, this will come down to your own personal preference as each ships have their own unique charm that help it stand out from the other cruise ships departing Australia.

Here’s a quick list of some of the best cruise ships in Australia (alphabetic order):

• Carnival Spirit
• Coral Princess
• Ovation of the Seas
• Quantum of the Seas
• Queen Mary 2
• Royal Princess
• Sapphire Princess
• Serenade of the Seas
• Voyager of the Seas

Bear in mind that these are only some of the best cruise ships in Australia, and while we’ve highlighted some fantastic ships, there are always others not mentioned here that are just as amazing!

Do you need a passport for a cruise in Australia?

For international cruises from Australia, all guests are required to have a passport, usually with a minimum of six months validity from the date of return.

If you’re on a domestic cruise (e.g cruises around Australia), you do not need bring a passport but still need to provide some form of government issued ID such as your driver’s license. As a note, if you are not an AU resident, you’ll still need a valid passport on cruises leaving Australia.

Ready to book?

Book your Australia cruise directly on this page with live fares and real cabin availability. Prefer to speak with a person, call 13 13 03 for friendly advice. If you would like us to call you, request a call back and we will be in touch. For general enquiries before you book, contact us and our local team will help you compare options and secure the fare that fits your plans, all with our Price Guarantee. To stay up to date on the latest cruise deals, flash sales and industry news, follow Cruise Guru on Facebook, Instagram and X.