South Australia's Wilderness Trails: Luxury Expedition Cruise
With 5000km of deserted shoreline and more than 300 islands, this region offers a diversity of natural wilderness including spectacular bays, remote islands and stunning sea-cliffs. Best of all, it remains wild and unspoilt. Experience a real sense of adventure and a vast array of wildlife – many of the islands are important sanctuaries for birds, kangaroos, wallabies, seals and sea lions. Along the way, indulge in the tastes of South Australia with fresh local seafood and wines complemented with our traditional warm Australian hospitality.
Highlights:
- Visit some of South Australia’s most historic lighthouses at Cape Willoughby and Troubridge Island and learn their stories
- See native wildlife including playful dolphins, sea lions, emus, rock wallabies, kangaroos and numerous birds at national parks and protected habitats
- Collect and shuck your own oysters fresh from the sea at Coffin Bay, paired with local wines
- Enjoy sunset sailing past the stunning coastal formations of Cape Jervis and Kangaroo Island
- Meet the abalone divers of Eyrewoolf Abalone and taste pan-seared green-lip abalone on the beach at Flinders Island
- Be rewarded with striking views and peaceful native forest environs on South Australia’s coastal walking trails at Cape Donington & Lashmar Conservation Park
- Enjoy a variety of walks including the coastal walks at Cape Willoughby, dune walk at Point Sir Isaac, beach walks at Reevesby and Forest walks of Cape Donington and Lashmar Conservation Park
- Learn from our Guest Lecturers of the fascinating Indigenous heritage and exploration history of Matthew Flinders
- Enjoy refreshing dips in the turquoise waters and relax on deserted silica white beaches
Your cruise price includes:
- All excursions with our Expedition Team
- Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
- Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
- Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
- All meals, chef-prepared on board
- Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
- Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
- 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
- All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
- Tips and gratuities
- Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
- Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
- Post-cruise transfers
- Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging
Your fare excludes:
- Pre and post flights, transfers and hotels
- Entry visas/travel permits
- Travel Insurance
- Items of a personal nature including but not limited to phone and internet communications and bar charges (outside of the included drinks package as highlighted), laundry charges and souvenir purchases
TIPPING NOT REQUIRED:
Other cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your account and service charges to your bar invoices. At Coral Expeditions our crew have no other agenda than your delight.
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition, we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.
Depart Adelaide:
Arrive at the Lakes Resort Hotel Port Adelaide at 2:00pm to meet with the Coral Expeditions team for your for SailSAFE check-in. A pre-cruise transfer will then transport you to Coral Geographer for boarding at 4:00pm, ready to depart Adelaide at 5:00 pm. Settle into your cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship before your first delicious dinner as we cruise towards Kangaroo Island.
Antechamber Bay & Cape Willoughby - Kangaroo Island
Antechamber Bay, located on the north coast of the Dudley Peninsula, is one of Kangaroo Island’s finest coastal havens. The deserted, untouched long beach of the bay is where Chapman river meets the sea. The area is covered with forest of gum trees and narrow-leaf mallee which makes the walk at Lashmar Conservation park truly a magnificent experience.
At the other end of the bay, Cape Willoughby juts into the ‘Backstairs Passage’ – the narrow strait between Kangaroo Island and the Fleurieu Peninsula that was named by Matthew Flinders as the ‘private entrance’ to the two gulfs. Lighting this 14km wide strait is the Cape Willoughby Light Station. We will visit the Lighthouse keeper’s cottage and learn of it’s interesting stories and have opportunity to climb the light house itself. In the grounds, we will do a loop walk from the Lighthouse to the beautiful Smuggler’s Cove and often the special Kangaroo Island wallaby are spotted along the way.
Walks:
> Cape Willoughby Light Station Heritage Walk (1 Hour Return, 1.9km, Moderate)
A hike into the sheltered gully of the original light station settlement. An insight into how the early light keepers lived, with demanding routine and isolation heightened by the distance between their homes and the light house. Visit the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse (Sturt Light), the first lighthouse in South Australia.
> Antechamber Bay Walk – (1 Hour Return, 4.2km One Way, Easy-Moderate)
> Cape Willoughby Smuggler’s Cove Walk (1 Hour Return, 1.5km one way, Easy)
> Lashmar Conservation Park (1 Hour Return, 1km, Easy-Moderate)
Seal Bay And American River - Kangaroo Island
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.
Later enjoy walks around American River, a township surrounded by bushland and protected wetlands, boasting spectacular views stretching north to mainland Australia.
The Yorke Peninsula
The Yorke Peninsula is fringed by over 700 kilometres of pristine coastline. Known for rugged beaches boasting spectacular views over the Investigator Strait and Spencer Gulf, its shoreline is studded with a number of shipwrecks. Here we will visit Dhilba-Guuranda (Innes) National Park, where emus, kangaroos and tammar wallabies are commonly spotted, as are dolphins, seals and whales in its adjacent waters. Depending on the prevailing wind and swell, we will land at Dolphin Beach and walk to the Royston Head lookout, or come ashore at Little Emu Beach in the southeast and walk to the post-card perfect Stenhouse Bay Jetty.
Reevesby Island
Head to Reevesby Island, part of the Sir Joseph Banks Group; an archipelago on the eastern coast of the Eyre Peninsula. Accessible only by boat, this island is one of the largest of the group. Women played a major role in the island’s history, especially in the early days leading up to the Great Depression. Take a hike around this important seabird breeding site and visit the homestead and machinery sheds. This beautiful chain of islands offers a range of sheltered bays, golden sand beaches and reefs teeming with marine life.
Flinders Island
Located around 35kms from the Eyre Peninsula Coast, Flinders Island has a long history of sealing, whaling, and farming. Owned by the Woolford family since 1979, they run an established sheep farm, abalone harvesting business and are working to establish a safe haven for vulnerable native species. Meet the Woolford family to learn about the history and conservation projects on the island.
Visit the Kapara shipwreck at Bryant’s Bay, and stroll through the shearing sheds at the farm. Taste fresh abalone at Eyrewoolf Abalone.
Walks:
> Flinders Island Shearing Shed Walk (45mins, 1.3km Return, Easy)
> Bryant’s Bay & Kapara
1. Sealing Ruins Walk (15mins, 500m, Easy)
2. Kapara Boiler Walk (10mins, 500m, Moderate/Rocky-Sandy)
3. Sheok Forrest Walk (30mins, 1.5km, Moderate)
4. Cliff Walk (30mins, 1.5km, Hard/Rocky Climb-Walk)
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.
Here we will walk through the Coffin Bay National Park at Point Sir Isaac to get an understanding of the forests and environment – enjoy the interpretation of the heathlands, mallee forest and she-oak woodlands. Discover the tranquil bays, protected from the might of the Southern Ocean, and snorkel or kayak with the chance to spot some of the marine life.
There is also the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable wild cuisine experience – enjoy a small boat cruise along the oyster beds to collect and enjoy them fresh from the sea.
Boston Island
Today we explore Boston Island, which lies between Port Lincoln and Cape Donington. Roughly 6km long, Boston Island is very hilly and has four beautiful beaches. Within the island landmass there is about 2,500 acres of grassy, hilly slopes with many sheep. Given its sheltered coastal aspect there is much birdlife on the island with Sea Eagles, Cape Barren Geese, Wedge Tailed and some 40 or so other species that make the island their home.
Explore this important seabird breeding area, with walks along golden sand beaches and learn of the history of this island.
Cape Donington & Maclaren Point
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.
Walks:
> Donington Loop Hike – Lincoln National Park (2 Hour Return, 6.2km Circuit, Moderate)
Admire offshore islands, granite outcrops and sandy beaches as you explore the Donington Peninsula. Populations of Australian Sea Lions and New Zealand Fur-seals inhabit Donington Island near the lighthouse.
> Walk Donington September Beach (1 Hour Return, 2km, Easy)
A short, easy hike with refreshing sea views and rocky coastlines.
> Stamford Hill Hike to Woodcutter’s Beach (1.5 Hour Return, 4km, Hard/Steep and Irregular surface)
Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Lincoln National Park, Boston Bay and numerous offshore islands from the historic Flinders Monument at the top of Stamford Hill. A reasonably challenging hike, this trail has some moderate inclines but has a good trail surface.
Penneshaw - Kangaroo Island
As a secondary option, we may visit historical Penneshaw. Landing at Hogs Bay where we will learn of the history of Baudin and Flinders. We may also cruise past the rarely viewed northern cliffs of Kangaroo Island towards Cape Borda.
Walks:
> Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail (1.5km, Easy)
The trail is 1.5 km in length; an easy walk but with some steps, offers original artwork in a beautiful natural setting.
> Fireball Bates Walking Trail (1-2 hours, 3km)
George Bates, called Fireball because of his red hair, was one of the first settlers to Kangaroo Island. He joined a sealing expedition in 1823, jumping ship 13 years before settlers arrived. The trail begins at the now closed Kangaroo Island Gateway Visitor Information Centre and loops down to near the ferry and back.
> Wallaby Track (3km, moderate)
It’s a 3 km return hike which follows a natural spring fed creek bed with naturally occurring waterfalls into limestone features. A little more challenging, so wear good sturdy walking shoes.
DAY 11: Arrive Adelaide
This morning we arrive into Adelaide at 7:30am for an 8:30am disembarkation.
Depart Adelaide on the Coral Adventurer:
31 October 2024
10 November 2024
20 November 2024
- Coral Deck Stateroom from $6,710 per person twin share*
- Promenade Deck Stateroom from $7,860 per person twin share*
- Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom from $10,380 per person twin share*
- Bridge Deck Balcony stateroom from $11,480 per person twin share*
- Bridge Deck Suites from $14,980 per person twin share*
Call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to secure your cabin!
Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.
Coral Deck Stateroom:
Coral Deck Staterooms are located below the Promenade Deck and are identically furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles.A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included.The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage.A porthole window gives you views of the world outside. Coral Deck Staterooms are 17m2.
Promenade Deck Stateroom:
Promenade Deck Staterooms are located below the Explorer deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside. Promenade Deck Staterooms are 17m2.
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Our two Bridge Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. French windows opening to a balcony with seating for two gives you a private perch to watch the panorama unfold outside. These staterooms are located on the bridge deck with superb views and adjacent to the Cairns and Darwin suites.
Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom:
Our Explorer Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas. These staterooms are located on the Explorer deck. Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4m2.
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite:
There will be 6 spacious and elegant suites featured on the Coral Geographer.They will be equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine. They have special Junior King sized beds.A 3.5 square metre private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two.The unique outside-facing bathroom with floor to ceiling windows will be the feature of the suites, with an infinity bathtub with sky views. The complimentary minibar is replenished daily. Bridge Deck Balcony Suites are 37.5m2.
Is there a Doctor or Nurse onboard?
While senior crew are trained in remote area first aid, it is important to note that we do not employ doctors or nurses on board our cruises. As our itineraries cover remote regions, they are not suitable for those with serious medical conditions. Any ongoing medical issues should be disclosed to reservations staff at the time of booking.
Where do we board and what time?
BROOME: Boarding is at Deep Water Port, 401 Port Dr, Broome WA 6725. Boarding commences at 4:00pm for 6pm departure.
DARWIN: Boarding is at Fort Hill Wharf, 2 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0800. Boarding commences at 8am for 9am departure
What should I pack?
We recommend that you pack simply and lightly. Clothing that you can layer will prepare you for all kinds of weather. More specific information regarding clothing and the weather conditions in your destination are included in your Cruise Documentation which you will receive prior to your cruise.
Do I need to bring spending money? What might I need to pay for onboard?
Upon embarkation, we will automatically open your personal shipboard account. We operate a chit system and for your security, ask that you sign each chit as you order from our bar, shop or make any other on board purchases. At the end of the voyage your account may be settled in Australian dollars cash, and by American Express; Visa; MasterCard or Diners Club.
Can I get my laundry done during my trip?
Laundry services are available on board Coral Adventurer, Coral Discoverer and Coral Expeditions I, however the service is limited. Laundry bags and forms are stored in your wardrobe for collection by your cruise attendants. Charges for this service will be posted to your onboard account.