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5 Reasons to Discover Australia with a Coral Expeditions Cruise
Written by Siri Smith
From the Kimberley’s towering red cliffs and spinifex-clad shores to Queensland’s coral reefs and the sweeping outback; you can see it all on a Coral Expeditions cruise.
With the help of smaller, more intimate ships purpose-built for adventure, you can cruise the coast of Australia in a way few have – up close, personal, and far beyond the tourist trail.
Read on to discover why a Coral Expeditions cruise is one of the best ways to explore Australia like you never have before.
1. Its small, purpose-built ships are ideal for exploring remote regions
Coral Expeditions’ purpose-built ships are designed for high maneuverability, perfect for navigating sheltered bays, hidden inlets and secluded spots other vessels can’t reach. Whether you’re venturing into the Kimberley’s dramatic gorges or cruising through the coral-fringed waters of the Great Barrier Reef, its fleet of three small but mighty ships – the Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer – allow you to explore regions where nature feels untouched.
Each ship has inflatable Zodiac vessels and signature, flat bottom ‘Xplorer’ tenders (plus kayaks), enabling guests to traverse the open ocean, navigate reef systems, travel up rivers and reach more remote parts of the country.
2. There is a strong focus on you and your experience
With less than 120 guests aboard each sailing, a Coral Expeditions cruise feels personal; the crew know your name and drink preference and check in throughout the day to ensure you have everything you need.
You get to choose how to spend your day. Stay aboard and watch the action from the ship’s comfort or jump into an off-ship adventure that suits your pace. Daily voyage newsletters help you to map out your memories of the trip, which are captured by the ship’s fleet of keen-eyed photographers; digital albums are available for you to keep as a memento.
Each ship has an open bridge policy, where you can chat with the captain about navigation, weather conditions, or even the history of the land.
3. Curated itineraries provide exclusive experiences
Coral Expeditions steers away from the well-trodden path. Its itineraries take you to hard-to-reach spots across Australia, from areas of the Great Barrier Reef to the deep green Tasmanian wilderness. With flexible itineraries that adapt to weather conditions and guest preferences, no two journeys are alike.
Highly trained lecturers and guides are onboard, ready to share knowledge that enriches your experience. For example, you might see Stanley Island nature reserve with an interpretation by a Traditional Owner guide or stop at the turtle rehabilitation centre at Fitzroy Island, accompanied by a marine biologist.
4. There is a focus on sustainability and respect for the land and its people
Coral Expeditions is an Ecotourism Australia-certified operator and one of the organisation’s Hall of Fame inductees, recognised for their sustainability efforts for over 20 years. The cruise line has forged strong partnerships with Traditional Owners of land visited on sailing itineraries and has even been involved in collecting coral species for the world’s largest Coral biobank, an initiative established to preserve coral diversity.
5. You’ll live luxuriously onboard
Onboard, you’ll enjoy meals prepared using local produce from the regions you visit. From breakfast buffets to dinner under the stars, your cruise is completely all-inclusive, and you’ll be treated to interactive experiences like cooking demos, wine tastings and cocktail-making classes.
Your experience encompasses the smallest details, from sunset beach drinks to barbecues on the sun deck and drinks with the captain.
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