Circumnavigate Australia with Ponant

Cruiseco, the leading provider of worldwide cruising options in Australia and New Zealand, is delighted to offer guests an incredible voyage around our Island Continent, aboard Ponant's luxurious vessel, L'Austral. Exclusively designed by Cruiseco and Ponant, this 40-night circumnavigation of Australia departs the spectacular Sydney Harbour on 25th January 2018, visiting some of the country's most breathtaking ports, beautiful natural wonders, scenic highlights and tourist attractions along the way.

Laura Clarke, Manager Special Projects & Group Sales, Cruiseco said,

"Cruiseco and Ponant have worked together to design an itinerary that will offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime voyage and exclusive holiday aboard L'Austral, a superb mega-yacht. This voyage offers a travel concept that is luxurious and authentic, however is also intimate, with only 123 cabins and suites available. Discerning travellers will have the ability to explore more secluded ports and locations of Australia, which are off the beaten track and more difficult to reach, whilst enjoying stunning scenery, incredible locally produced food and wine and the chance to experience local wildlife in its natural surroundings."

Highlights of the voyage include exploring:

· Wineglass Bay (Freycinet), Beauty Point (Tamar Valley) and King Island in Tasmania;

· Port Campbell (12 Apostles) in Victoria;

· Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln in South Australia;

· Esperance, Albany, Busselton, Fremantle, Geraldton, Turquoise Bay (Ningaloo Reef), overnight in Broome, Talbot Bay (Horizontal Falls) and Wyndham in Western Australia;

· Darwin and Yirrkala Aboriginal Settlement in the Northern Territory; and

· Thursday Island, Cape York (the Tip), Lizard Island, Cooktown, Port Douglas, Hamilton Island and Fraser Island in Queensland.

Aboard the majestic L'Austral, guests will be accompanied by a specialist expedition crew which shares information on the history of the ports visited and provides insights into the heritage, flora, fauna and landscape of the country. The cruise itinerary is also designed for Cruiseco to offer a range of overnight excursions away from the ship, where passengers re-join L'Austral in the next port of call or after visiting a major tourist highlight such as Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest.

"At Cruiseco we want guests to immerse themselves in the true Australia, by discovering the breathtaking landscapes of the local regions, indulging in food and wine, and learning about the rich history and culture of our country. Complimentary zodiac tours allow guests to glimpse spectacular parts of the country only seen by a select few. Many of the ports on the itinerary are only available to smaller ships and some can only be accessed by ships carrying zodiacs. For those ports that do not have berths alongside, the smaller vessel of L'Austral enables a quick and regular tendering in order to maximise time ashore for guests. Offering only 123 cabins across nine different categories, many are sure to disappear quickly, so we urge any travellers who would like to cruise with us to secure their places soon," added Clarke.

Each bespoke tour has been custom designed exclusively for this type of expedition, refined and personalised holiday. Guests aboard L'Austral can expect to experience a luxurious, chic and elegant ambience. All 123 cabins and suites include controlled air-conditioning, king size bed, minibar, flat screen TV, iPod players, French bath products and plush bathrobes, and complimentary 24-hour room service.

Prices to travel aboard L'Austral on a 40-night circumnavigation of Australia, departing Sydney on 25th January 2018, start from AU$29,000* per person, based on twin share in a Superior Stateroom.

Fares include: all meals onboard, including 24-hour room service; beverages – house wines, beers, sparkling wine, non-premium spirits; and a specialist expedition crew, including experts in the field of botany, marine biology, history and photography and zodiac tours.

For additional itinerary options or to book whilst cabins are still available, visit www.cruising.com.au or call (02) 9492 8520.

*Prices are subject to availability and subject to change. Terms and conditions apply.