Australia's Great Southern Coastline | MELBOURNE TO FREMANTLE | 15 NIGHTS

Pricing is based on departure 31 January 2025 

Itinerary Map

Set sail on an expedition along Southern Australia’s rugged coast and the wild nature, rich history and delicious produce of the region.

Cast off from Melbourne to learn the history of Port Fairy with its Georgian style merchant homes and visit the character-filled township of Robe.

Enjoy many opportunities to sample the freshest produce straight from the source with oysters at Coffin Bay and abalone at Flinders Island.

As we round the southwest edge of Australia, enjoy time ashore with walks at Woody Island, a visit to extraordinary Jewel Cave, swimming with stingrays at Hamelin Bay and walk amongst the vines and enjoy a wine-tasting at the award-winning Leeuwin Estate in the Margaret River region. 

• Visit the character-filled townships of Port Fairy and Robe 
• Take a train ride along the picturesque coast between Victor Harbor and Goolwa 
• Get up close to a colony of sea lions at Kangaroo Island’s Seal Bay 
• Learn to shuck your own delicious oysters fresh from the waters of Coffin Bay 
• Enjoy panoramic vistas on coastal walks at Cape Naturaliste and Cape Donington 
• Relax and enjoy sunset drinks alongside the friendly kangaroos at wildlife haven Lucky Bay
• View the breathtaking Jewel Cave at Augusta and learn about its formation over thousands of years
• Climb Cape Leeuwin lighthouse, the tallest on mainland Australia, to take in the view over the Southern Ocean. 
• See the majestic stingrays and eagle rays that swim in the shallows of Hamelin Bay, and walk amongst the Boranup Forest’s towering Karri trees 
• Indulge in a wine-tasting experience at the award-winning Leeuwin Estate
  

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

Depart Melbourne

Arrive at Outer East Station Pier, Melbourne at 4:00pm, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 5:00pm departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard before joining your fellow explorers on the Sun Deck for Captain’s Welcome Drinks.

Port Fairy

Spend the morning exploring Port Fairy at your leisure. Walk the heritage trail to view grand public buildings which sit side by side with restored whalers’ cottages and Georgian-styled merchant homes. Or visit Griffiths Island: with its colony of shearwater seabirds, winding pathways, and the spectacular lighthouse at the eastern tip, it is a great place to explore. Continue to the infamous Shipwreck Coast. This stretch of coastline is a graveyard of around 700 submerged wrecks, leaving behind their fascinating stories. Captain Matthew Flinders notably said he had never seen a ‘more fearful section of coastline’.

Robe

Spend time today in the historic and picturesque town of Robe. Located on the Limestone Coast, it offers incredible views and unique food, drink and shopping opportunities. One of Australia’s most character-filled small towns, Robe is known for its cottage industries. Spend your day exploring through the quaint shops and craft breweries or relax on the beach and watch surfers catching a wave.

Victor Harbor

Located on the south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, Victor Harbor lies in the traditional lands of the  Ngarrindjeri  people. Rich in history, nearby Encounter Bay was so called by Captain Matthew Flinders after he and Nicolas Baudin both sheltered their vessels here and compared notes on their expeditions in 1802. 

Take in the natural beauty of this coastline on a train ride to Goolwa, and later follow the Kaiki Trail on Granite Island for spectacular views of Encounter Bay and the Bluff.

Kangaroo Island- Seal Bay

Kangaroo island is Australia’s third largest and was once part of the Australian mainland before rising see levels separated it some 10,000 years ago. Also known as Karta Pintingga, or ‘Island of the Dead’ in the local indigenous language, the island was later named Kangaroo Island by British explorer Matthew Flinders in 1802.   

Today enjoy a truly unforgettable wildlife experience at Seal Bay. After traversing the scenic interior of Kangaroo Island by coach from American River, we will visit the heart of the third largest colony of endangered Australian Sea lion, and share the beach with these magnificent animals. This is the only place in the world you can see Australian sea lions at close quarters and walk on a beach where pups frolic, bulls battle for supremacy and resting mothers suckle their young. 

Cape Donington

A headland at the most northerly part of the Jussieu Peninsula on the east coast of Eyre Peninsula, Cape Donington is a great spot to enjoy refreshing sea views and rocky coastline. Take a dip at Cape Donington Beach before heading along the 2km trail over to September Beach. Keep an eye out for western grey kangaroos, emus or goannas near the Cape Donington lighthouse, or head out to Donington Island to view long-nosed fur seals or Australian sea lions from the Xplorer.  

Coffin Bay

Bordered by sea and National Parks, Coffin Bay is a stunning destination. The pristine waters of the bays in this area are home to numerous pods of dolphins, sea lions, seals, and many seabirds. Emus and kangaroos roam and the natural beauty of the turquoise sea, white sand dunes, and bright blue sky is a wonderful backdrop to our day’s adventures.

Join a guided tour of a local oyster farm surrounded by crystal-clear water brimming with wildlife. A veteran oyster farmer will share with you the history of oyster farming, and describe how premium Coffin Bay oysters are produced & how the pure Coffin Bay waterways create world-renowned oysters. You’ll also be taught how to shuck like a pro and enjoy fresh oysters straight from the source. Later this afternoon there is time for walks ashore at one of the many pristine beaches of the bay.

Two Sea Days - Crossing the Great Australian Bight

Our crossing of the Great Australian Bight is an exciting moment for those who love the sea. This iconic marine area includes the Great Australian Bight Marine Park, which protects an area of global importance for endangered southern right whales. These waters also support important populations of the endangered Australian sea lion, with up to 80% of the population found here. Spend two days crossing bight to Western Australia, with time to relax and reflect ahead of the next leg of your expedition. 

Recherche Archipelago- Woody Island

After a morning cruising through the Recherche Archipelago, we will explore Woody Island. Located just 15km off the coast of Esperance, Woody Island’s stands of tall trees have given it its name. Surrounded by pristine, clear waters, you will have the opportunity to experience the snorkel trail in Shearwater Bay. The cool southern waters provide excellent visibility for your journey of discovery. There are several beautiful walks on the island, from easy to moderate, and you will appreciate the spectacular views across the archipelago along the way.  Bird lovers will have the opportunity to observe a variety if species.

Cape Le Grand National Park- Lucky Bay

Along quiet Lucky Bay, kangaroos are known to laze on the whitest sand in Australia. Enjoy time on the beach meeting the friendly wildlife and the turquoise water is wonderful for a quick swim. If time permits, enjoy a walk to Thistle Cove, taking in the peaceful beauty of the national park, which is home to pygmy possums, western grey kangaroos and many colourful native wildflowers. 

Albany

Albany is the oldest colonial settlement in Western Australia, predating Perth and Fremantle by over two years. For many years, it was the colony’s only deep-water port, having a place of eminence on shipping services between Britain and its Australian colonies. The town has a role in the ANZAC legend, being the last port of call for troop ships departing with infantry and cavalry horses from Australia in the First World War. 

Today guests will have the opportunity to visit the National ANZAC centre or Albany’s Whaling Station, exploring an intact whale processing factory and whale chasing ship, fully restored and ready to discover. Guests also have the option to enjoy free time in Albany, with opportunity to view the Museum of the Great Southern. 

Two Days- Margaret River Region

Spend two days visiting the highlights of the Margaret River Region. Over two days we will visit its key attractions, including the breathtaking Jewel Cave and Australia’s tallest lighthouse at Cape Leeuwin. See stingrays and eagle rays swim in the shallows at Hamelin Bay, and walk under towering Karri trees in the Boranup Forest. Finally enjoy some of Margaret River’s best drops at the award winning Leeuwin estate. 

Cape Naturaliste

Cape Naturaliste is the northernmost point of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, located on the western edge of Geographe Bay. As part of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, the Cape is known for its spectacular coastal scenery and some of the best walking tracks in the Margaret River Region. 

Today we will spend the day exploring these walking trails, with options to suit all levels. In the afternoon we visit the stunning Meelup Beach, ahead of Captain’s Farewell Drinks looking out to a Western Australian sunset.

Arrive Fremantle

Arrive in Fremantle as we say goodbye to fellow travellers and crew before a 8:00am disembarkation. A complimentary post-cruise transfer to the airport or Perth/Fremantle CBDs will be available.

Launched in March 2021, Coral Geographer is the newest addition to our fleet, purpose-designed to access remote wilderness shores around the world that are often inaccessible to large cruise vessels. 

Coral Geographer is as comfortable as she is capable – her design draws on the latest technical advances as well as Coral Expeditions’ 37 years of experience building and operating expedition ships. The ship’s lightweight dual Xplorer tenders, a trademark feature of all our vessels, extend the capabilities of the ship by allowing deeper exploration on shore excursions. These ‘safari jeeps’ of the sea are fast, sturdy, and comfortable and developed to allow easy boarding from the ship and walk-off disembarkation onto remote shores.

Able to navigate into shallow bays, disembark onto remote islands, and visit small villages without overwhelming the environment or community, Coral Geographer explores the hidden nooks and crannies of Australia’s Kimberley Coast, Australia’s West and South coastlines and international voyages including to New Zealand, Sulawesi, Japan and the Philippines.

Coral Geographer carries a maximum of 120 guests, delivering Coral Expeditions’ renowned warm Australian hospitality, intimate onboard atmosphere, and world-class expedition experience.

Melbourne, Port Fairy, Robe, Victor Harbor, Kangaroo Island, Cape Donington, Coffin Bay, Cruise Great Australian Bight, Cruise Great Australian Bight, Recherche Archipelago, Lucky Bay, WA, Albany, Margaret River, Margaret River, Cape Naturaliste, Fremantle

All fares are displayed in New Zealand Dollars 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.