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Highlights of Southern Australia (Le Bellot)

Highlights of Southern Australia (Le Bellot)

From AUD $11,682

Description

Set sail with PONANT for a 13-day all-new expedition cruise from Melbourne to Fremantle, discovering the grandiose and wild nature and unique terroirs of the north of Tasmania and the southern coast of Australia.

You’ll embark in Melbourne, Australia’s second largest city and its cultural capital, before setting sail for Tasmania.

In Bass Strait, you’ll reach the magnificent wild coasts of King Island bordered by white sandy beaches, green pastures and granite rocks.

Your port of call at Beauty Point will be the occasion to discover the natural riches of the Tamar Valley, edged with fertile hills and wine estates.

You will then admire the vastness of the landscapes on the south coast of Australia, whose turquoise waters are home to many fishes and shellfishes, essential products in the rich local gastronomy. It is also the opportunity to dive into the rich past of this region explored by Europeans back at the beginning of the 17th century, before disembarking in Fremantle, a bohemian little town with rich architectural heritage.

Trip Name
Highlights of Southern Australia (Le Bellot)
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition / Cruise Ship Length: 131 metres Passenger Capacity: 184 Built: 2019-2020 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed staterooms, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 staterooms and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. As the first ship in a new series that remains true to the Ponant spirit, Le Bellot will embody the unique atmosphere that is the cruise line’s hallmark: a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy and comfort. 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. 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. In a relaxed atmosphere, an outdoor grill on Deck 3 will serve grilled meats with a variety of salads and desserts. PUBLIC AREAS Le Bellot 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 MELBOURNE
Embarkation from 04:00PM to 05:00PM. Departure at 07:30PMLocated 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.
Day 2 - Day 2 KING ISLAND, TASMANIA
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.
Day 3 - Day 3 TAMAR VALLEY, TASMANIA
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.
Day 4 - Day 4 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 5 - Day 5 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.
Day 6 - Day 6 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.
Day 7 - Day 7 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.
Day 8 - Days 8 - 9 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 9 - Day 10 ESPERANCE
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.
Day 10 - Day 11 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.
Day 11 - Day 12 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 12 - Day 13 FREMANTLE
Disembarkation at 06:00AMThe 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.
Day 13 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
27-03-202108-04-2021AUD $11,682Deluxe Stateroom
27-03-202108-04-2021AUD $26,255Prestige Deck 6 Suite
27-03-202108-04-2021AUD $27,073Privilege Suite
27-03-202108-04-2021AUD $27,900Grand Deluxe Suite
27-03-202108-04-2021AUD $28,773Owner's Suite
27-03-202108-04-2021AUD $13,182Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
27-03-202108-04-2021AUD $13,891Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
27-03-202108-04-2021AUD $14,636Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
27-03-202108-04-2021AUD $20,436Deluxe Suite
27-03-202108-04-2021AUD $24,964Prestige Deck 5 Suite

Inclusions

    • Enjoy King Island’s exceptional produce, culture, history, flora and fauna.
    • Sample the gourmet produce and world renowned fine cool climate wines of the Tamar Valley.
    • Hear tales of convicts, mariners and miners in Northern Tasmania.
    • Discover South Australia’s Limestone Coast.
    • Savour the delights of Port Lincoln, the seafood and aquaculture capital of Australia.
    • Experience the pristine scenery of Esperance and the Recherche archipelago.
    • Visit the remarkable national ANZAC centre and whaling museum in Albany.

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