Highlights of Australia's East Coast with Ponant

Description

Step on board Le Lapérouse for this soft expedition between Brisbane and Hobart highlighting the best of the South East coast.

Starting in the Sunshine State Capital Brisbane, start in the Hawkesbury River region in New South Wales, famous for its colourful cliffs and historic townships, and join your expedition team to explore the area in our fleet of Zodiac®.

Next on your itinerary, Eden on the New South Wales South coast will reveal its long-associated history with whales and let you explore the region’s stunning National Parks and scenic coastline.

Reaching Maria Island in Tasmania, discover the region’s history and extraordinary wildlife sanctuaries alongside your team of expedition experts, and on the Tasman Peninsula, navigate the rugged coastline and spot the various local marine life including Australian Fur Seals, little penguins and whales, as well as explore the beautiful inland woodland and forests.

Your voyage will finish in Hobart, Australia’s second oldest capital filled with history and gourmet experiences.

Trip Name

Highlights of Australia's East Coast with Ponant

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Luxury Length: 127 metres Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Lapérouse will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Lapérouse has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Day 1 BRISBANE

The sunny capital of Queensland awaits on the edge of Moreton Bay on Australia's East coast. Discover the abundance of tropical plants in the nearby Brisbane Botanic Gardens. The Queensland Museum is one of the Queensland Cultural Centre's five cultural venues and one of the city's crown jewels. Delve into local history and find out more about this Australian state's astonishing past. A stone's throw away are the spectacular green spaces of the South Bank Parklands, a contemporary district dotted with restaurants, cafés and shops.

Day 2 - Day 2 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.

Day 3 - Day 3 HAWKESBURY RIVER

The tranquil Hawkesbury River has its origin at the confluence of the Nepean and Grose Rivers, flowing past honeycomb-coloured cliffs, historic townships and riverside hamlets for approximately 120 kilometres to its mouth at Broken Bay. The Bay comprises three arms, the estuary of the Hawkesbury River in the west, Pittwater to the south, and Brisbane Water to the north. Taking in over100km of coastline along the southern edge of Broken Bay Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is a classic mix of sandstone, bushland and water vistas. You will have the opportunity to view the coastline and bays from our fleet of Zodiac®.

Day 4 - Day 4 JERVIS BAY

Best known for its white sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, considered amongst the safe stand most beautiful in the world, Jervis Bay is a popular seaside escape. In1791 Lieutenant Richard Bowen, aboard the convict transport ship Atlantic, part of the Third Fleet, sailed into the bay and named it in honour of Admiral John Jervis. In the surrounding region unspoiled coastal and country villages have local produce markets, boutique shops, art galleries and a museum. Jervis Bay is home to Booderee and Jervis Bay National Parks and the Jervis Bay Marine Park. Birdlife International have identified areas on both sides of the Bay as Important Bird Areas. You will have the opportunity to undertake a tour showcasing the regions history and scenery.

Day 5 - Day 5 EDEN

Eden is situated on the NSW South Coast nestled amongst beautiful national parks and rugged coastline. Set in the magnificent Twofold Bay–the third deepest natural harbour in the southern hemisphere, Eden has a long-associated history with whales. Recorded in the fascinating displays at the Eden Killer Whale Museum are the tales of the wild killer whales who hunted with the Yuin people, and later with European settlers. From Pambula Beach in the north to historic Green Cape lighthouse in the south, Ben Boyd National Park features rugged coastlines, vivid rock formations, pristine beaches, extensive areas of coastal heath and intriguing history. You will have the opportunity to take a coach tour showcasing the regions history and scenery.

Day 6 - Day 6 AT SEA

Day 7 - Day 7 MARIA ISLAND, TASMANIA

Located off Tasmania’s east coast, Maria Island is a natural wildlife sanctuary and off-shore retreat with historic ruins, sweeping bays, dramatic cliffs and plenty of stories to tell. Originally inhabited by the indigenous Tyreddeme people, it has also been a whaling and sealing post, penal settlement and an Italian pleasure resort, and is also one of Tasmania's great bird watching hot spots, home to the the endangered forty-spotted pardalote and the rare and unique Cape Barren goose. Grasslands, open forest and tall wood land also provide a home for abundant wildlife including wombats, pademelons, Forester Kangaroos and Bennetts wallabies. Join members of your expedition team for a guided walk on one of several trails on offer. If time and weather permit we will explore the shoreline with our fleet of Zodiac®.

Day 8 - Day 8 TASMAN PENINSULA

The Tasman and Forestier peninsulas lie in the far south-east of Tasmania, linked to the rest of the island by a short bridge over a dredged canal. Established in 1999, The Tasman National Park protects the eastern and southern coastal regions of both peninsulas. The park's varied coastline and offshore islands provide abundant habitats for Australian fur seals, little penguins, whales and dolphins flourish in the rich waters. However the park’s greatest features are on land, with spectacular woodlands and forests and Australia’s highest sea cliffs. Striking dolerite spires rise from the Tasman Sea, culminating in capes Hauy, Pillar, and Raoul. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine waters of Fortescue Bay, or join your expedition team for a guided walk to enjoy the spectacular view from Cape Huay. If time and weather permit we will also explore the shoreline from our fleet of Zodiac®.

Day 9 - Day 9 HOBART, TASMANIA

Hobart occupies a wonderful location at the mouth of the Derwent River, overseen by majestic Mt Wellington and surrounded by natural bushland. The Tasmanian capital is Australia's second-oldest city, after Sydney, and the picturesque waterfront is bordered by 19th-century warehouses and colonial mansions. Salamanca Place is packed with shops, galleries and restaurants and the fascinating Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a short ferry ride from the quay. Hobart is within easy reach of some of Tasmania's best-known destinations, from historic Port Arthur and the rugged Tasman Peninsula to Bruny Island, the Huon and Derwent Valleys and Mount Field National Park.

Day 10 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Visit the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site of Maria Island.
Explore scenic Hawkesbury River region in our fleet of Zodiac®.
Explore Eden's long-associated history with the whales and the fascinating story of 'Old Tom'.
View the spectacular painted cliffs of Maria Island.
Delve into Tasmania's colonial history.
View Australia's highest sea cliffs at Cape Huay.
Gain an insight into the history, culture and incredible diversity of life from your expert expedition team.