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Brisbane, Australia (Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock)
Brisbane, Australia (Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock)

10 Things You Didn't Know About East Coast Australia Cruises

Brisbane, Australia (Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock)
Brisbane, Australia (Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock)
Contributor
Tiana Templeman

Last updated
Oct 12, 2023

Read time
3 min read

Domestic cruising has become increasingly popular, and many cruises from Sydney and cruises from Brisbane travel along Australia's east coast. Home to an irresistible mix of pristine beaches, bustling capital cities and laid-back coastal towns, this stretch of land also offers a few surprises.

Here are 10 things you probably didn't know about cruising in Australia.

On This Page

1. East Coast Australia is Bigger Than You Might Think

Letters making Brisbane sign in South Bank Parklands, with modern buildings in the background.
Brisbane, Australia (Photo: Alizada Studios/Shutterstock.com)

Australia's east coast towns might look close together on a map but there is 2,300 kms (almost 1,500 miles) between Melbourne and Cairns so there will almost certainly be time to enjoy a relaxing day or two onboard. Expect a sea day between Sydney and Brisbane, and Brisbane and Cairns, plus a few more along the way depending on your itinerary.

2. Ships Will Often Drop You in the Middle of East Coast Australia Towns

Cairns (Photo:Martin Valigursky/Shutterstock)
Cairns (Photo:Martin Valigursky/Shutterstock)

Once you've reached a port, you usually don't need to venture far to explore the destination. Cairns (pictured above), Mooloolaba, Airlie Beach and Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal are within easy walking distance of the city centre or popular tourist sights.

3. East Coast Australia Islands Are Part of the Fun

Blue Water and Sky Framed with Rocks in Fraser Island, Australia (Photo: Flash-ka/Shutterstock)
Blue Water and Sky Framed with Rocks in Fraser Island, Australia (Photo: Flash-ka/Shutterstock)

There is no need to limit yourself to the mainland. Look for itineraries that include an island port such as tropical Hamilton Island (part of the stunning Whitsunday Islands), Moreton Island, Norfolk Island or K’gari (previously known as Fraser Island, pictured above). K’gari is the largest sand island in the world; it's World Heritage listed and renowned for its natural beauty.

4. East Coast Australia Is Not Just About the Beach

Hunter Valley Wine Region bathed in sunlight with a wombat sign
Hunter Valley Wine Region bathed in sunlight with a wombat sign (Photo: Adam Coulter)

You probably already know Australia's east coast is famous for its beaches. However, you will also find some of the country's best wineries, adventure activities and Aboriginal cultural experiences there too. Top picks include the Hunter Valley wine region just outside Newcastle, the Sydney Bridge Climb and the Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience in Cairns.

5. Some Ports on East Coast Australia Cruises Are Gateways to Other Destinations

Passengers who venture further afield are rewarded at many ports on the east coast. Discover the famous Gold Coast (ex Brisbane), visit the misty surrounds of the Blue Mountains (ex Sydney) or experience the natural beauty of Mossman Gorge and the Daintree Rainforest World Heritage area and the Great Barrier Reef (ex Cairns).

6. You Can't Always Swim on East Coast Australia Cruises

While the shimmering oceans of tropical north Queensland look oh-so-tempting, it is not advisable to swim during stinger (jellyfish) season, which generally runs from November to May. Beaches may be closed when stingers (or even crocodiles) are present so always heed signage that advises against swimming. Most locals wear full-body lycra suits for added protection from marine stingers. However, these won't save you from the crocs.

7. You Can See Animals In the City on An East Coast Australia Cruise

Kangaroo Island, South Australia (Photo: Andrea Izzotti/Shutterstock)
Kangaroo Island, South Australia (Photo: Andrea Izzotti/Shutterstock)

Australia's native animals are closer than you think. Visit the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, in Brisbane's western suburbs or learn about Australia’s unique wildlife at Healesville Sanctuary near Melbourne. Sydney's Taronga Zoo is in the same harbour you cruise into. You don't need to venture far when it comes to animal adventures on the east coast.

8. You Can Cruise East Coast Australia Year-Round

Pacific Adventure P&O cruise ship external render
Pacific Adventure (P&O Cruises Australia)

Many cruise lines departing from Australia's east coast operate year-round, not just during the popular summer season. Lines such as P&O Cruises operate three ships year-round – Pacific Adventure, Pacific Encounter and Pacific Explorer; while and Carnival Cruises offers an impressive array of interesting, varied itineraries and departure ports throughout the year on its two Australia-based ships, Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Splendor.

9. Reaching the Great Barrier Reef Can Be Tricky on an East Coast Australia Cruise

The Great Barrier Reef (Photo: superjoseph/Shutterstock)
The Great Barrier Reef (Photo: superjoseph/Shutterstock)

Arrival and departure times can make it difficult to fit in a day trip booked with a local operator, even when you are docking overnight. In this instance, a cruise ship shore excursion, which collects passengers directly from the ship, might be your only option.

10. Don't Think You've Been There And Done That on an East Coast Australia Cruise

People relaxing on Bondi Beach Sydney
Bondi Beach Sydney (Photo: Adam Coulter)

There is more to this part of Australia than its famous "greatest hits". If you've already seen the Sydney Opera House, taken a ride on the Skyrail in Cairns and gone snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, there is still plenty more to discover on an east coast cruise.

Alternative touring options include the picturesque Atherton Tablelands coffee plantations near Cairns or a surf lesson at Sydney's Bondi Beach.

Publish date August 21, 2018
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