Ponant 13-day Exhibition Cruise - Highlights of Southern Australia

Cruise Express

Australian owned and operated

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Highlights of Southern Australia – Ponant Expedition Itinerary

March 2021 Itinerary
27 MAR MelbourneLocated on the shores of Port Phillip bay on Australia’s south coast, Melbourne has been dubbed the “Paris of the south”. Its narrow downtown streets boast a wide range of art galleries, luxury grocery stores, restaurants and cafés. The Royal Exhibition Building, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of elegant Carlton Gardens, is one of the world’s oldest exhibition pavilions. While you’re there, you can visit the adjacent Melbourne Museum. To savour the atmosphere of an old-time seaside resort, visit St Kilda Beach and its historic landmark, the century-old amusement park.

Embarkation from 4pm to 5pm
Departure at 7pm

28 MAR King Island – is anchored in the middle of the Bass Strait between Victoria and Tasmania’s NorthWest coast. Surrounded by some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, King Island imports the world’s best surfers and exports produce sought by the world’s top chefs : succulent beef, rich gourmet cheese and crayfish plucked from the Island’s crystal-clear waters. It’s quiet and easy going here, but there’s something interesting at every turn – from a lighthouse and offshore shipwrecks – to the island’s great nature walks and unique wildlife. You will have the opportunity to uncover the island’s stories at the museum and cultural centre in the town of Currie or to take a guided trail of the island’s produce, culture, history, flora and fauna.
29 MAR Tamar Valley Tasmania is a land that should be savoured slowly…with a glass of fine wine in hand and friendly locals to guide you on your way. The Tamar Valley Wine Route is regarded as one of the world’s top 10 wine routes with over 32 wineries to explore. Showcasing some of the finest award winning wines. The unique cool climate location produces elegant wines of exceptional quality. There is so much more to the Tamar Valley than just wine. There’s the Tamar Valley Arts Trail, a unique space where you can meet the artist in their studio. The Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre, which shows the workings of the old mine, recalls the boom days of gold, the events of the 2006 mine rescue and Tamar Valley history.
30 MAR

At Sea During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

31 MAR

Limestone Coast – Stretching along the Southern Ocean from the world-famous Coorong to the majestic Glenelg River, the Limestone Coast is home to some of South Australia’s most spectacular natural wonders, laid-back coastal towns with stunning scenery and award-winning gourmet produce. Reaching inland through lush farming country, the Coonawarra wine district, unique wetlands, volcanic landscapes, and underground wonders offer a diverse range of experiences from unique ecosystems, rich history and world-renowned wine regions. Known affectionately as Australia’s other Red Centre, the Coonawarra’s limestone-rich terra rossa soil produces world-famous cabernet sauvignon and shiraz. Despite its small size, the region boasts over 24 cellar doors.

1 APR

Kangaroo Island – Australia’s third largest island, Kangaroo Island, has many large open spaces and is surprisingly diverse. You’ll find soaring cliffs, dense national parks, towering sandy dunes, wetlands and untouched white sand beaches. Remarkably, over half the Island is covered in native ‘old growth’ bushland, much of it preserved and protected. With its fertile lands and bountiful seas, Kangaroo Island produces some of Australia’s finest gourmet foods. Visiting foodies will be amazed by the likes of freshly-caught King George whiting, sheep’s cheese, marron, Ligurian honey and an exciting range of small batch varietal wines. Discover the diversity of the produce, the passion of the producers, and experience the “paddock to plate” phenomenon.

2 APR

Port Lincoln – With a population of approximately 14,500 and situated on Boston Bay – one of the largest protected natural harbours in the world – Port Lincoln is the seafood and aquaculture capital of Australia. Home to the country’s largest commercial fishing fleet, renowned for its southern bluefin tuna, King George whiting, Western King prawns and Southern Rock lobster. The pristine waters of the Eyre peninsula are home to thriving aquaculture industries for Kingfish, Mussels and the famous Coffin Bay oysters. The Eyre Peninsula also boasts a boutique food industry producing honey, olives, fudge, dried fruits, sea salts and capers, just to name a few. With more than 2000 km of pristine coastline, quality seafood is the region’s hero.

3 & 4 APR

At Sea – During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

5 APR

Esperance – was named for the French frigate Espérance captained by Huon de Kermadec on Antoine Bruni d’Entrecasteaux’s 1791 expedition to find the lost ships of Jean-François de La Pérouse. It is located 720 kilometres east-southeast of Perth and has a population of just over 12,000. Regarded as a beach and nature-lover’s dream, Esperance is blessed with squeaky-clean beaches, turquoise waters, untouched islands and colour-filled wildflower country. Among its most famous beauty spots is Australia’s whitest beach, Lucky Bay – set against a stunning seascape of 110 islands of the Recherche Archipelago.

6 APR Albany – The breathtaking beauty of Albany’s rugged coastline creates a fitting backdrop to a dramatic whaling, convict and settler history and a sensational south coast adventure. This charming city marks the spot where the first European settlers set foot in Western Australia, and much of their legacy remains today. You can also follow the extraordinary stories of the first convoy of ANZACs departed for the battlegrounds of the First World War in the National ANZAC Centre. You’ll also find some of the town’s biggest tales in the Historic Whaling Station, the only museum of its kind to be housed in a former whaling station. The industry met its end in 1978, creating a safe port of call for migrating humpback, southern right and blue whales.
7 APR At Sea – During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
8 APR

Fremantle (Perth) – The vibrant city of Fremantle blends the old with the new, creating an enriching cultural experience. Maritime, convict and colonial history can be explored in one of the best-preserved examples of a 19th century port streetscape on Earth, while buzzing markets, lively bars and casual street cafés give you a taste of 21st century life with the locals. If you’re hitting the heritage trail, be sure to include a visit to the Western Australian Maritime Museum, World Heritage listed Fremantle Prison and Western Australia’s oldest public building, the Roundhouse.

Arrival early morning
Disembarkation from 6am

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