Australian Cruise Group: Where We Cruise
Australian Cruise Group offers cruise and on-water experiences across seven Australian states and territories, from the iconic waterways of New South Wales and Queensland to the wilderness regions of Tasmania, the tropical Top End, South Australia's mighty Murray River and the spectacular coastline of Western Australia. Explore our destinations below to discover the unique experiences each region has to offer.
OUR DESTINATIONS
NEW SOUTH WALES
Australia's most famous harbour is the heart of Australian Cruise Group's operations and home to our flagship cruise brands. Framed by the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney Harbour combines world-renowned landmarks with a year-round calendar of waterfront events, making it one of the world's premier cruising destinations.
Ideal for: Celebrating special occasions, experiencing iconic harbour views, enjoying premium dining on the water, and witnessing major events like Vivid Sydney, New Year's Eve and Australia Day from the best vantage point.
Located midway along the New South Wales North Coast, Coffs Harbour is known for its beautiful coastline, warm climate and thriving marine environment. The region becomes a key stop for migrating Humpback Whales each year, offering excellent opportunities to experience Australia's east coast in a more relaxed setting.
Ideal for:Travellers looking for a quieter whale watching destination, uncrowded coastal experiences and a relaxed holiday away from the major cities.
Just north of Sydney, Port Stephens is a vast natural harbour surrounded by sheltered bays, golden beaches and the towering Stockton Sand Dunes. Its calm waters support one of Australia's largest resident Bottlenose Dolphin populations, while migrating Humpback Whales visit the region each winter.
Ideal for:Guaranteed marine wildlife encounters, family-friendly cruising, combining beach holidays with on-water adventuresand escaping the city for a nature-based getaway.
QUEENSLAND
Queensland's riverside capital is the gateway to a diverse range of on-water experiences, from leisurely cruises along the Brisbane River to island adventures across Moreton Bay. Just offshore, Moreton Island and the iconic Tangalooma Wrecks offer crystal-clear waters, thriving marine life and unforgettable coastal escapes within easy reach of the city.
Ideal for: Combining city sightseeing with island adventures, snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks, exploring Moreton Bay and relaxed river dining with koala adventures.
Fringed by the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest, Cairns is Tropical North Queensland's premier marine gateway. Departing from the city's vibrant marina, visitors can explore spectacular outer reef sites as well as idyllic coral cays and island escapes, including Green Island and Fitzroy Island, all within easy reach of the mainland.
Ideal for: Experiencing the Great Barrier Reef, choosing between outer reef pontoon experiences and island adventures and snorkelling or diving in world-famous waters.
Famous for its golden beaches and vibrant coastal lifestyle, the Gold Coast is defined by an extensive network of waterways stretching from the Broadwater and Surfers Paradise to the tranquil Tweed River. This diverse aquatic playground offers everything from scenic canals and waterfront precincts to exhilarating open-water adventures.
Ideal for: Experiencing the Gold Coast beyond its beaches, combining sightseeing with waterfront dining, high-speed jet boating and exploring the Tweed River
Widely regarded as the ‘Whale Watching Capital of the World’, Hervey Bay lies along Queensland's Fraser Coast overlooking K'gari (Fraser Island), the world's largest sand island. Sheltered by K'gari and home to the iconic Urangan Pier, its calm, protected waters create a remarkable environment to see migrating Humpback Whales during their annual stopover.
Ideal for:Witnessing unforgettable whale encounters, visiting K'gari, enjoying calm-water cruisingand discovering the natural beauty of the Fraser Coast.
Nestled between the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas is one of Australia's most exclusive tropical destinations. Departing from the award-winning Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, visitors can access the pristine reefs of the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs, Low Isles and Mackay Coral Cay while enjoying the relaxed charm of this sophisticated coastal town.
Ideal for: Luxury reef experiences, sailing enthusiasts, couples seeking a tropical escape, and travellers wanting a more exclusive alternative to larger reef gateways.
Part of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Great Keppel Island is renowned for its 17 white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and fringing coral reefs that can be explored straight from the shore. With no major resort developments, the island retains a laid-back atmosphere that showcases the reef in its natural state.
Ideal for:Uncrowded island escapes, beach-hopping, snorkelling directly from the beach, and experiencing the quieter side of the Great Barrier Reef.
Stretching from the Noosa Everglades to the waterways of Mooloolaba and the Pumicestone Passage, the Sunshine Coast combines pristine beaches, sheltered rivers and abundant marine life. Its relaxed coastal towns and scenic waterways offer a slower-paced alternative to Queensland's larger tourism hubs.
Ideal for: Relaxing coastal holidays, scenic river and canal cruising, spotting dolphins and other marine wildlife, and exploring Queensland's laid-back beach lifestyle.
Named after Lieutenant James Cook's historic landing in 1770, this picturesque seaside village marks the northern gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Surrounded by Bustard Bay, Eurimbula National Park and pristine waterways, it remains one of Queensland's best-preserved coastal destinations.
Ideal for: Discovering the Southern Great Barrier Reef, exploring untouched waterways, eco-adventures, kayaking and escaping the crowds.
Overlooking Cleveland Bay and Magnetic Island, Townsville is North Queensland's largest coastal city and the principal gateway to Magnetic Island National Park and the central Great Barrier Reef. Its waterfront location, tropical climate and island connections make it an ideal base for exploring the region.
Ideal for: Visiting Magnetic Island, combining island and mainland experiences, tropical sightseeing, and discovering North Queensland's marine attractions.
Comprising 74 tropical islands in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays is home to world-famous Whitehaven Beach, the swirling silica sands of Hill Inlet and the vibrant island hub of Hamilton Island. The region also offers immersive reef experiences, including overnight stays on the Great Barrier Reef.
Ideal for: Visiting Whitehaven Beach, exploring Hamilton Island, island hopping, sailing through the Great Barrier Reef, experiencing overnight reef stays and snorkelling vibrant coral reefs.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Flanking the Timor Sea, Darwin is Australia's tropical gateway to the Top End, renowned for its spectacular sunsets, vibrant multicultural character and rich Indigenous and wartime heritage. From harbour cruises beneath fiery evening skies to the famous jumping crocodile encounters on the nearby Adelaide River, Darwin offers a uniquely Northern Territory experience unlike anywhere else in Australia.
Ideal for: Travellers seeking experiences you won't find elsewhere in Australia – from tropical harbour sunsets to adrenaline-filled wildlife encounters in the surrounding wetlands.
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed national park, Kakadu spans vast wetlands, floodplains and ancient escarpments, it is home to remarkable biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural sites that reflect more than 65,000 years of continuous living culture. The iconic Yellow Water Billabong offers guided cruises revealing saltwater crocodiles, prolific birdlife and breathtaking wetland scenery.
Ideal for: Experiencing Australia's most iconic wildlife cruises, gaining a deeper appreciation of Indigenous heritageand exploring a world-renowned World Heritage landscape.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Framed by the Gulf St Vincent and the Adelaide Hills, South Australia's capital blends a vibrant waterfront with a world-renowned food, wine and festival culture. From cruises along the River Torrens to coastal experiences departing nearby, Adelaide offers a relaxed way to experience one of Australia's most liveable cities.
Ideal for:Pairing visits to the Barossa, McLaren Vale and Adelaide Hills with a scenic cruise, enjoying waterfront dining and sightseeing, and discovering Adelaide from the water.
Set on the banks of Australia's longest river, Murray Bridge is one of South Australia's premier gateways to the Murray River. Historic paddlewheelers, riverboats and tranquil waterways showcase a region shaped by more than a century of river trade, agriculture and life along the Murray.
Ideal for: Experiencing the Murray River at an unhurried pace, cruising aboard authentic paddlewheelersand discovering riverside towns that are best explored from the water.
TASMANIA
Nestled on the banks of the River Derwent beneath kunanyi / Mount Wellington, Hobart is Australia's second-oldest capital city and a gateway to Tasmania's spectacular waterways. Its working waterfront, rich maritime heritage and proximity to Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula make it one of the country's most rewarding destinations to explore by boat.
Ideal for: Discovering Tasmania's maritime heritage, enjoying fresh local seafood on the water, and combining harbour cruising with day trips to nearby coastal and island destinations.
Set at the meeting point of the North and South Esk Rivers, Launceston is the gateway to the Tamar Valley, one of Australia's oldest wine-producing regions. Cruises along the Tamar River reveal rolling vineyards, historic riverside settlements and the dramatic cliffs of Cataract Gorge.
Ideal for: Pairing a river cruise with Tamar Valley wine tasting, experiencing northern Tasmania's scenic landscapes, and exploring the region at a relaxed pace.
Located off Tasmania's east coast, Maria Island is a national park renowned for its dramatic sea cliffs, pristine beaches and abundant native wildlife. Accessible only by water, the island offers an unspoilt wilderness experience where wombats, Cape Barren geese and Tasmanian Devils roam freely.
Ideal for: Accessing one of Tasmania's most pristine island sanctuaries, combining wildlife encounters with spectacular coastal cruising, and experiencing a destination free from cars and modern development.
Departing from the historic harbour town of Strahan, Gordon River cruises journey through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tasmanian Wilderness, passing ancient Huon pine forests, Macquarie Harbour and the infamous Sarah Island penal settlement. It is widely regarded as one of Australia's most iconic wilderness cruises.
Ideal for: Immersing yourself in Tasmania's World Heritage wilderness, experiencing one of Australia's great river journeys, and uncovering the region's fascinating convict and pioneering history.
Located within Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay is one of Australia's most photographed natural landmarks, renowned for its perfectly curved white-sand beach and striking granite peaks of The Hazards. Cruising the Freycinet Peninsula offers access to secluded coves, dramatic sea cliffs and abundant coastal wildlife that cannot be appreciated from land alone.
Ideal for: Viewing Wineglass Bay from its most spectacular vantage point, exploring the Freycinet coastline beyond the walking trails, and combining scenic cruising with wildlife and coastal photography.
VICTORIA
Built around the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne is a vibrant waterfront city where historic landmarks, contemporary architecture and lively riverside precincts meet. Cruising the Yarra offers a unique perspective of the city's cultural attractions, sporting venues and evolving skyline, while nearby Port Phillip Bay provides access to coastal experiences.
Ideal for: Complementing a city break with a relaxing cruise, enjoying waterfront diningand discovering the wildlife experiences in Port Philip Bay and Mornington Peninsula.
Affectionately known as ‘The Prom’, Wilsons Promontory is Australia's southernmost mainland national park, celebrated for its rugged granite mountains, secluded beaches and pristine marine environment. Cruises along this spectacular coastline reveal dramatic sea cliffs, hidden coves and thriving wildlife, much of which is inaccessible by land.
Ideal for: Exploring one of Victoria's most untouched coastlines, accessing remote beaches and coves by boat, spotting seals, dolphins and seabirds, and experiencing the natural beauty of The Prom from the water.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Set on the picturesque Swan River, Perth combines a modern city skyline with expansive parklands, historic Fremantle and easy access to Rottnest Island. River cruises between Perth and Fremantle showcase the city's waterfront lifestyle, while the surrounding coastline offers opportunities to explore one of Australia's sunniest capitals from the water.
Ideal for: Cruising between Perth and Fremantle, adding a scenic river experience to a city stay, enjoying waterfront dining, and combining a Swan River cruise with a visit to Rottnest Island.
Gateway to the Kimberley, Broome is a remote coastal town where the Indian Ocean meets some of Australia's most spectacular landscapes. From the turquoise waters of Roebuck Bay and the world-famous Cable Beach to the dramatic red cliffs of the Dampier Peninsula, the region is renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty and unforgettable sunsets.
Ideal for: Experiencing Broome's legendary sunsets from the water, discovering the Kimberley coastline, combining coastal cruising with a Kimberley adventure, and exploring one of Australia's most unique tropical destinations.
