Exploring Australia’s Great Barrier Reef on this six night cruise is like having access to the most beautiful parts of this World Heritage area while aboard your own private mega-yacht. The reef is the world’s largest ecological structure and home to over 1,500 species of fish. Zodiac safaris allow guests to snorkel and swim over pristine and seldom-visited sections of the reef, alive with corals and teeming with tropical fish. Guests will have complimentary access to many of the facilities offered by five star Hayman Island – Australia’s most celebrated private island destination including access to the snorkelling heaven of Hardy Reef. You will also enjoy exclusive access to the beautifully landscaped resort facilities and swimming pools of the Dunk Island Resort. Walking trails guide you through the lush rainforest of the National Park all the way to the top of Mt Kootaloo. We sail on to Percy Island to enjoy kayaking in this idyllic setting whilst the crew prepares a fresh seafood beach barbecue. What more perfect way to spend your day than in the shade or in the shallows with a glass of wine in your hand? Make sure you spend some time at either end of your journey in sub-tropical cosmopolitan Brisbane and Cairns with all its natural attractions and World Heritage listed rainforests.

Available Cruise Departure Dates:
Cairns-Brisbaine route: Nov 15, 2012

Brisbane is the state capital of Queensland and the third largest city in Australia. It is situated on the Brisbane River on a low-lying floodplain between Moreton Bay and the Great Dividing Range. Brisbane has a growing live music scene, both popular and classical and was nominated as one of the Top 5 International Music Hotspots by Billboard in 2007. The Queensland Museum is located at South Bank. The Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), opened in December 2006, is one of the latest additions to the South Bank area.

Private vehicle and driver transfer from your Brisbane hotel to the Airport.

Mantra South Bank is located on the southern bank of the Brisbane River and is ideally suited to cater to the discerning needs of both business and leisure travellers. Boasting a central location, Mantra South Bank is within close proximity to Brisbane’s CBD, entertainment and arts districts, cosmopolitan dining, alfresco cafés and premium local attractions.

Overnight at Mantra Southbank (4*).

Tour the city center of Brisbane and enjoy the many pleasures of South Bank precinct from coffee on the boardwalk to a wander through the Art Gallery. See the charming architecture Brisbane is famous for, view the prestigious suburbs of Ascot and Hamilton and return to the city via Kangaroo Point lookout and Newstead House.

Overnight at Mantra Southbank (4*).

The beauty of Australia can be unveiled in this relaxing cruise journey, as you navigate the coastal and ocean waters surrounding Australia. Experience the marine biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef, venture to Sydney or Melbourne to see the largest cities on Australia, or step ashore in the Kimberley region, a perfect place to explore the rugged and demanding ranges of the Kimberley coast.

Enjoy a port transfer with private vehicle and driver.

Welcome aboard your cruise vessel!
Meet your fellow passengers, and get settled in.

Technically and aesthetically, Orion is arguably the most sophisticated vessel in its class. The Berlitz Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships guide describes her as "the latest in the quest to build the ideal expedition cruise ship". Constructed by the world-leading Cassens Shipyard in Emden, and launched in November 2003, she boasts a host of advanced design features including technology that sets new standards in sustainable marine environmental practices. Although custom-made for expedition cruising, Orion is the epitome of elegance. No expense has been spared when it comes to the quality of fittings and furnishings, and the range and calibre of onboard recreational facilities are nothing short of five-star. Orion's luxurious appointments means she is more mega-yacht than cruise ship and her guests are few; around just 50 couples, all cared for in 5-star comfort by a crew of 75. Chart your own path less travelled.

Overnight at M/V Orion (6N) Great Barrier Reef.

Days at sea aboard Orion are less structured than a typical cruise ship. Rise at your leisure and select from a variety of breakfast options. Late morning consider joining a presentation in the Lecture Theatre by one of the Expedition Staff or a Guest Speaker. Luncheon is served both indoors and out and the timeless tradition of afternoon tea is observed at 4:00pm.

Begin your evening by joining your fellow travellers in the Leda Lounge for a pre-dinner drink and a briefing on tomorrow’s destination and Shoreside Expedition options by one of the Expedition Team.

The Restaurant opens at 7:00pm, though there is no rush, allowing you to dine when and with whom you choose. In warmer climes it is possible to reserve a table for dinner under the stars with full table service, be it a romantic table for 2 or a celebration for 20. After dinner you will find a duo in the Leda Lounge playing a selection of music ideally suited to conversation over a cognac, or dancing should the mood take you.

Overnight at M/V Orion (6N) Great Barrier Reef.

Upon arrival on Percy Island, enjoy some time on the beach, see the famous A-Frame Hut and walk around the island trails. A beach barbeque will be provided. The sea kayaks will be available, tide and weather permitting, and swimming from the beach is available throughout the day.

Overnight at M/V Orion (6N) Great Barrier Reef.

Today, you'll be transferred by Zodiac to the Hayman Island marina. The island’s staff will greet the boats and transport guests to the resort.

You may make full use of Hayman’s resort facilities, the magnificent pool and non-motorised water sports. Self-guided walks are also available.

Overnight at M/V Orion (6N) Great Barrier Reef.

This morning your ship will anchor close by Hardy Reef’s “Reef World” floating pontoon, moored at one of the most vibrant spots on the Great Barrier Reef. The reef stretches for over 2,500km, is the world’s largest ecological structure ever built by living creatures and is home to over fifteen hundred species of fish.

You’ll enjoy complimentary and exclusive access to the Reef World pontoon at the best time of day. There is an underwater viewing chamber built into the platform and snorkelling on the reef is as simple as putting on your masks and fins and slipping off the side of the platform where you will be surrounded by fish in their natural reef environment. The Reef World semi-submersible will also conduct complimentary tours throughout the morning so those who would like to see more of the reef whilst keeping their feet dry are able to do so.

Optional shared activities:

HARDY REEF SCUBA DIVE
For the experienced divers, the resident Divemaster will escort the group to one of the best dive spots at Hardy Reef to explore this magnificent pristine environment. All scuba equipment is included. Current dive certificates are required.

REEF APPRECIATION SCENIC FLIGHT
This is a great way to gain an appreciation of the diversity and extent of the surrounding reef formations. A bird’s eye view from a low level helicopter flight will highlight the array of colours on the reef. The flight also hovers above world-famous Heart Reef. Duration: Approximately 10 minutes.

To participate in an optional activity, please contact your travel consultant.

Overnight at M/V Orion (6N) Great Barrier Reef.

Today enjoy full access to the beautifully landscaped resort facilities and swimming pools of the Dunk Island Resort. For the more energetic guests, the walking trails will take you through the resort and the National Park and all the way to the top of Mt Kootaloo.

Optional shared activities:
Today you may choose to have a Sea Kayak Tour, a bike tour or horseback riding as optional activities. Each excursion is 1 hour long.

To participate in an optional activity, please contact your travel consultant.

Overnight at M/V Orion (6N) Great Barrier Reef.

Today you'll arrive at the port in Cairns, where you will disembark from your ship, and say farewell to your fellow cruisemates.

Meet your driver for a port transfer.

Join this fun and informative tour as you discover the sights of Cairns and its northern beaches area. Visit the historic Royal Flying Doctors base, Cairns best scenic lookouts, paradise palms golf course, and some of the most pristine northern beaches with your professional naturalist guide.

The Hotel Cairns (4*) with its impeccably private and tropical ambience is superbly situated in the heart of Cairns, one block from the famous Esplanade. Architecturally designed, the facade is one of the most beautiful examples of Queenslander heritage, and is a popular talking point among many of the hotel’s visitors and guests. Set back from the street and well shaded by tropical trees and plants the hotel boasts a tourist information service, an outdoor pool and spa, function rooms, onsite carpark and restaurant. The Hotel Cairns is also very reasonably priced and as such is always buzzing with activity.

Overnight at The Hotel Cairns (4*).

Departing your accommodation we travel through the rich farming areas toward the World Heritage Listed forest region of Cape Tribulation. We step aboard our own personalised craft for a cruise on the mirrored smooth waters of the Daintree River. We cruise close to riverbanks and under the overhead canopy of the rainforest seeking out the vivid Ulysees Butterfly, Kingfishers and various other wildlife. The cruise takes us through silent backwaters where crocodiles can normally be seen basking on the muddy banks. Arriving on the northern side of the river you enjoy a homestyle morning tea at Thornton Beach before making your way towards Cape Tribulation and the Coral Sea. Usually we are one of the few groups on this stretch of wilderness beach, if not the only one. Just before you arrive you will see an outstanding panoramic picture postcard view at Alexandra Range Lookout. From here you'll have a spectacular view of the mouth of the Daintree River, Snapper Island and on a clear day Port Douglas. Also includes Morning tea/coffee, Lunch with selected Australian wines.

Overnight at The Hotel Cairns (4*).

Private transfer between Cairns airport and your hotel, or vice versa.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).