Southern Australia Explorer

Pricing is based on departure date: 28 February 2026

Epic landscapes, ancient cultures and laid-back charm – experience it all on board a cruise with Princess the #1 cruise line in Australia. We’ll take you to golden beaches, rugged outback, world-class cities and beyond. On board, delight in local food and entertainment.

Detailed Itinerary

Newcastle, Australia

In 1770, Captain James Cook christened Nobbys Headland on his journey north along the Australian coast. European settlement of Newcastle, however, began 17 years later when Lt. John Shortland sailed up a fine broad river while searching for escaped convicts. Shortland named the stream the Hunter River after Australia's then Governor-General. During that short voyage the lieutenant also discovered vast deposits of coal. In 1804 the burgeoning mining settlement and lumber port was christened Newcastle after the famed English coal city. Newcastle, Australia, also served as a gateway to the rich lands of the Hunter Valley - a region producing internationally acclaimed wines by the mid-19th century.

Melbourne

The second largest city in Australia is renowned for its beautiful parks, passionate football fans, 'upside down' Yarra River and avant-garde attitude. Once voted "Most Livable City in the World," it is elegant, cultured and modern.

Adelaide

The city of Adelaide is home to Australia's award-winning wine regions, and you can indulge in great tasting wines in Barossa Valley or the McLaren Vale. The sandstone city is where you can also find a vibrant food, bar, and cultural scene.

Albany, Australia

On December 26, 1826 - Boxing Day - Major Edmund Lockyer and his party of convicts and soldiers landed at Princess Royal Harbor to establish a penal colony. Originally named Frederickstown in honor of the Duke of York and Albany, the first European settlement in Western Australia was renamed Albany in 1832. Thanks to its superb harbor, the town quickly became a busy port. Albany served as a coaling station for steam ships, as a commercial outlet for the rich farms of the interior, and as a base for the highly profitable whaling industry. The whaling station at Frenchman Bay was the last whaling station in all Australia, closing in 1978. Today it is home to Whale World, one of the world's largest whaling museums.

Margaret River (Busselton), Australia

This vibrant coastal city is a laid-back charmer with an enticing array of natural wonders and active pursuits. Just steps from the mile-long Jetty are glistening white sand beaches and sun-drenched seaside villages. Yet the magic of the Margaret River area beckons with 120 premium wineries; ancient caves boasting a subterranean world of jaw-dropping stalactite, stalagmite, helictite and shawl formations; a fascinating Aboriginal culture rooted in ancient history; and a picture perfect landscape of meandering country roads and spectacular scenery.

More about Margaret River (Busselton), Australia Points of Interest

• Ngilgi Caves - Discovered in 1899, the Ngilgi Cave remains one of the Capes' most visited attractions, offering a stunning display of rock formations plus an interpretive area which details the cave's Aboriginal mythology between good and evil.
• A-Maze 'N Margaret River - A fun attraction that offers 12 acres of stunning gardens, outdoor games, and a giant-sized hedge maze with 6-foot-high hedges.
• Aravina Estate - One of Margaret River's finest wine producers in the region. Established in 1986, this property stretches over 180-acres, of which 64 acres are under vine with plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Tempranillo, Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay.
• Geographe Bay - Renowned for its sheltered pristine waters, rocky headlands and stunning beaches. From June to December, whales make their annual migration, traveling north to warmer water to birth their calves.
• Dunsborough - Perched on picturesque Geographe Bay, Dunsborough began life as a whaling station over a century ago; today, the town offers plenty of chic boutiques, beautiful beaches and relaxed eateries.
• Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse - Located at the northern end of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, this lighthouse offers stunning views over Geographe Bay and the Indian Ocean.
• Palmer Wines - Just 40 years old, this small winery is recognized as one of the leading wineries in the Margaret River Wine Region. Enjoy wonderful views while indulging in a tasting in the well-appointed Cellar Door.
• Busselton Jetty - Recognized for its historical significance, the 150-year-old Heritage-Listed jetty stretches a mile out over the picturesque waters of Geographe Bay in the seaside resort town of Busselton.

Your Ship: Grand Princess

Expect the extraordinary as you step aboard

With an atmosphere of comfortable elegance, tantalizing dining options and dazzling entertainment, your stay on board Grand Princess will be anything but ordinary. Relax at The Sanctuary, a tranquil haven reserved for adults, enjoy Movies Under the Stars® poolside or dine on tantalizing cuisine at venues like Crown Grill and more.

Dining options

Indulge your appetite whenever you wish on board Princess®. Every hour, our chefs are busy baking, grilling and sautéing great-tasting fare from scratch. Princess offers unparalleled inclusive dining options throughout the ship with a wide range of culinary delights to suit any palate, from endless buffet choices to gourmet pizza, frosty treats, decadent desserts and much more.

Activities & Entertainment

Original musicals, dazzling magic shows, feature films, top comedians and nightclubs that get your feet movin’ and groovin’. There’s something happening around every corner; luckily, you have a whole cruise of days and nights to experience it all.

Wellness

Revitalize and refresh body, mind and soul with Princess®. From rejuvenating spa treatments and the tranquility of a top-deck retreat reserved just for adults to our state-of-the-art fitness centers, you’ll find all the elements for mind & body renewal.

All fares are displayed in NZD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.