Australia's 5 star expedition cruise ship Orion will be exploring Australia's East and South East coastline during November 2010. From the Great Barrier Reef to Melbourne and on to South Australia Orion provides three 7 night coast and island-hopping voyages to choose from.
Orion's Great Barrier Reef exploration of the islands of North Queensland reveals the beauty of Australia's World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, with ample opportunity for basking on white sandy beaches and snorkelling over vibrant corals teeming with tropical marine life.
Whereas Hayman Island and Hardy Reef are justly famous the world over, Orion also reveals hidden secrets of the reef – Percy Island, which explorer Matthew Flinders visited in 1802, describing one of the coves as "one of the prettiest little places imaginable" and Coonanglebah Island with its golden sands, palm-lined beaches, tranquil waters and thriving rainforest.
Australia's Wild South East voyage provides a different perspective. Departing from Sydney and heading south Orion visits beautiful Jervis Bay with excellent scuba diving, fishing and swimming opportunities. Montague Island is a recognised Nature Reserve teeming with wildlife, including over 1000 Little Penguins. A visit to the coastal town of Eden still evokes memories of whaling days when, uniquely, man and killer whales (Orcas) teamed up to herd other whales for slaughter.
Join Orion's specialist Expedition Team ashore at Sealers Cove, with its long white beach, for a walk through groves of giant tree ferns; and a visit to Phillip Island would not be complete without seeing dozens of Fairy Penguins returning from the sea in the evening, parading across the sand to nest.
Orion's inaugural arrival in the great southern city of Melbourne is sure to be an event in itself.
Prepare to be inspired. The Southern Australia Culinary Delights voyage is Orion's first voyage to South Australia and with a fine food and wine theme promises to provide plenty of culinary inspiration for the Christmas season.
With visits to the Limestone Coast, Kangaroo Island, Eyre Peninsula and Fleurieu Peninsula this Voyage of Discovery will combine scenes of stunning natural beauty and prolific indigenous wildlife with food and wine experiences both onboard and ashore.
The Limestone Coast is one of Australia's premium wine regions and Orion's guests will find the cellar doors open and the people welcoming.
The clear waters surrounding Kangaroo Island have an abundance of marine life and you will find yourself feasting on local oysters and lobsters as well as sampling the local wine and cheeses.
More food and wine experiences to enjoy when Orion visits Port Lincoln and the Fleurieu Peninsular – and then there is the degustation menu to look forward to back onboard Orion. Carefully crafted by Serge Dansereau of The Bathers' Pavilion (Sydney), Orion's menu reflects seasonal availability and tempting regional specialties, with a wine list that provides a familiar favourite or exciting new variety or label to try.
All voyages offer the convenience of easy air connections with departures from Cairns, Sydney or Melbourne
Great Barrier Reef:
Cairns / Sydney - 2 November 2010 - 7 nights
Cairns, Coonanglebah, Hayman Island, Hardy Reef, Percy Island, Sydney
Australia's Wild South-East:
Sydney / Melbourne – 9 November 2010 - 7 nights
Sydney, Jervis Bay, Montague Island, Eden, Sealers Cove, Phillip Island, Melbourne
Southern Australia Culinary Delights:
Melbourne / Melbourne – 16 November 2010 - 7 nights
Melbourne, Limestone Coast, Kangaroo Island, Eyre Peninsula, Fleurieu Peninsula, Melbourne
Fares:
All 7 night fares begin from A$5,200 per person for an ocean view category B stateroom; Junior Suites from A$7,175 per person and spacious Owners' Suites with French Balcony are A$10,890 per person.
Further information on Orion Expedition Cruises can be obtained by visiting the website www.orionexpeditions.com
For reservations or to obtain a brochure call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) or your travel agent. Email: info@orioncruises.com.au
