Sydney, Great Barrier Reef Cruise & Perth

This 16-night Stay and Cruise adventure includes hotel stays in Sydney and Perth wrapped around an amazing ten-night Great Barrier Reef Cruise aboard Carnival Splendor™. Sydney leads you to famous attractions like Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, The Rocks, Bondi Beach, and dinner at Circular Quay. The cruise drops anchor at Tangalooma, Airlie Beach, Cairns, and Port Douglas; sails by Willis Island, and includes days at sea to enjoy the ship’s great line-up of on-board facilities. Perth is the ideal finale with time to experience Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Fremantle, and the quokkas on Rottnest Island.

Itinerary

Days 1 to 2: Sydney – Vibe Hotel Sydney Darling Harbour

A two-day visit to Sydney lets you explore the city’s iconic landmarks and coastal beauty. Start with the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge; then wander through The Rocks and enjoy a ferry ride to Manly Beach. On the second day, relax at Bondi Beach or walk the scenic Bondi to Coogee trail; followed by a visit to Darling Harbour or the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Finish with dinner in Circular Quay, taking in the stunning views of the city skyline.

Days 3 to 13 – Ten-Night Great Barrier Reef Cruise aboard Carnival Splendor™

Day 1: Sydney - Departs at 16:00

As you’re departing Sydney aboard Carnival Splendor™, you’ll be surrounded by icons. Keep your camera handy as the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House provide the perfect backdrop for all your selfies. Carnival Splendor™ is guaranteed to provide your family funbelievable memories!

Day 2: Fun Day at Sea

No port of call today! It’s a great time to explore your ship and its exciting entertainment, food, and activities! Or take it easy at the pool, spa, or...if you book a room with a balcony…enjoy the waves. 

Day 3: Tangalooma - Moreton Island 08:00 to 18:00

Tangalooma Island Resort gives you access to one of Australia’s best-kept secrets. Delight in snorkelling the famous shipwrecks or go whale watching for an experience you’ll never forget. Take an exhilarating 4WD bus adventure around Tangalooma, Moreton Island, the 3rd-largest sand island in the world! Look forward to sand tobogganing down the dunes on a desert safari, ATV quad bike tours, scenic helicopter flights, spotting turtles on a clear bottom kayak tour, or even a spot of parasailing.
 
Day 4: Fun Day at Sea

No port today! So make the most of your ship and its amazing on-board facilities! Simply take it easy at the pool, indulge in a treatment in the spa, and soak up the unfolding views with a cocktail in hand. 

Day 5: Airlie Beach 07:00 to 16:00

The white sands of world-famous Whitehaven Beach, glass-bottom-boat day tours on the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea, high-speed catamaran joy rides, and Hamilton Island region magic await at Airlie Beach. Travel to the heart of the 74 islands that comprise the picture-perfect Whitsunday Islands, an Australian treasure. Snorkel from the Great Barrier Reef pontoon or set out on full day or half day scenic must-see Queensland tours. Relish a day trip to the Conway National Park or walk around Shute Harbour. Enjoy boutique shopping at the Port of Airlie. Take a boat ride and cruise Whitsunday Islands, coves, and coral reefs. Experience a jet boat or jet-ski and go ocean rafting.

Day 6: Cairns 09:30 to 19:30

Visit the coastal city of Cairns and enjoy a smorgasbord of fun and adventure on land and water. Daintree Rainforest tours are the ideal way to experience the ecosystem of the wet tropics of Queensland. Go snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail, or have a tropical rainforest nature park adventure. A day trip to Cairns itself is always worth it, with amazing shopping on the Esplanade and scenic walks that will blow you away. Experience stunning far North Queensland: browse the numerous art galleries and restaurants; discover the local cultural and historical sites; and visit Cooktown, which is home to the James Cook Museum. 

Day 7: Port Douglas 08:00 to 17:30

Few places on Earth can rival the breath-taking beauty of Port Douglas. Embrace the Great Barrier Reef, embark on a sunset cruise, delve into the world heritage-listed Daintree forest and national park, or dive into the outer Agincourt reef for an underwater adventure. The humid tropics of North Queensland are home to an incredible array of flora and fauna. Opt for a full-day tour, a reef cruise, or a visit to the Mossman Gorge. Alternatively, unwind in Port Douglas itself. Explore shops and cafes, go snorkelling, bask on the Australian beaches, and see why tourists are drawn to this charming locale. 
 
Day 8: Willis Island (On-board Experience) 09:30 to 10:30

Established in 1921, the weather monitoring station is home to four weather observers and provides a cyclone early warning service for Queensland. This tiny island, located 450 kilometres east of Cairns, is home to fascinating wildlife, as well as a manned Australian Bureau of Meteorology weather monitoring station. While the cruise does not include a stop at Willis Island; you can catch glimpses of its natural beauty from the comfort of the ship. As you sail by, you'll have the opportunity to witness some amazing wildlife that calls this island home, including wedge-tailed shearwaters and sooty terns.

Days 9 and 10: Fun Day at Sea

No ports for two days! So you’ll have lots of time to explore the ship and its exciting entertainment, food, and activities! Or why not take it easy at the pool, enjoy a massage at the spa, and savour views across the waves.

Day 11: Sydney - Arrive at 06:30

Arriving back into Sydney aboard Carnival Splendor™, you’ll be surrounded by the iconic Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House - the perfect backdrop for your final photos afloat before you head to the airport for your flight to Perth.
 
Days 14 to 18 – Perth – Pensione Hotel Perth

A four-night stay in Perth allows you to experience both the vibrant city and its natural surroundings. Start by exploring the impressive Kings Park for panoramic views of the skyline and Swan River, then visit the Perth Cultural Centre for museums and art galleries. Spend a day at Cottesloe Beach, known for its white sands and clear waters, and take a ferry to Rottnest Island to meet the world's happiest animal, the famous quokkas. On the last day, explore Fremantle's historic streets, vibrant markets, and maritime heritage before enjoying a sunset along the beautiful western coastline.