Award-winning Australian-owned expedition operator, Aurora Expeditions, has launched the most unique expedition program in Australia, Commonwealth Bay and the Ross Sea (East Antarctica) starting from June 2021 and running through until March 2022.
For the first time in Aurora Expeditions’ history, it will offer a full season of immersive, adventurous and off-the-beaten-track voyages in the region, as well as having the most comprehensive and enriching activities program of any operator.
The activity program includes sea kayaking, paddling in clear bottom kayaks, snorkelling (including with Sea Lions in Hopkins Island and Dolphins in Kangaroo Island), scuba diving, shark diving, climbing, helicopter rides over incredible waterfalls and more.
The Ross Sea & Commonwealth Bay will be uniquely accessible from Australia and is being offered exclusively by Aurora Expeditions on a selection of voyages, operating as a round trip from Hobart.
With 23 years of experience operating Australian expeditions, and 30 years’ experience operating in the polar regions, these activity rich voyages will explore the absolute best of our breathtaking coastlines aboard purpose-built expedition ship, the MV Greg Mortimer. It will be the first time an X-BOW® passenger ship will sail in both Australian waters and down to the Ross Sea and Commonwealth Bay.
“This extensive season brings many firsts for Aurora Expeditions and we couldn’t be more excited to take our expeditioners on these once in a lifetime voyages to explore our spectacular backyard.” notes Aurora Expeditions CEO, Monique Ponfoort.
Bookings open on Thursday 11th March 2021. Expressions of interest is now open here.
We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
All voyages are subject to regulatory approval and only open to Australian residents.
Details of some of the season's itineraries can be found below:
Kimberley in Depth
Departures: Darwin to Broome: 8 Jul 2021 - 20 Jul 2021 (13 Days) and Broome to Darwin: 19 Aug 2021 - 31 Aug 2021 (13 Days)
Highlights:
One of a kind itinerary
Explore the majestic King George River below towering sandstone cliffs to its 80-metre-high King George Falls
Contemplate the enigmatic Wandjina and Gwion Gwion beings at Aboriginal rock art galleries.
Experience the remote north-western reaches of the Kimberley coast, with its striking scenery and vast human history
Scan the shorelines, mangroves, woodlands and skies for an abundance of birdlife, including terns, herons, egrets, flycatchers, frigatebirds, boobies, pelicans and sea eagles
Discover Montgomery Reef - Australia’s largest in-shore reef – and the diversity of its lively marine life
Delight in Mother Nature’s artistry displayed in the contorted and weathered rock sculptures around Yampi Sound
Optional add-on activity: Mitchell Falls Helicopter Ride
Kimberley Coast
Departures: Broome to Darwin: 20 Jul 2021 - 30 Jul 2021 (11 Days), Darwin to Broome: 30 Jul 2021 - 9 Aug 2021 (11 Days) and Darwin to Broome: 31 Aug 2021 - 10 Sep 2021 (11 Days)
Highlights:
Explore the majestic King George River below towering sandstone cliffs to its 80-metre-high King George Falls
Contemplate the enigmatic Wandjina and Gwion Gwion beings at Aboriginal rock art galleries
Experience the natural phenomenon of the Horizontal Falls, described by David Attenborough as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”
Discover the remote Prince Regent National Park – a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve – with its range of bird species and striking scenery
Zodiac-cruise alongside lush mangrove forests listening to a morning birdsong chorus
Experience Montgomery Reef – Australia’s largest in-shore reef – and the diversity of its lively marine life
Optional add-on activity: Mitchell Falls Helicopter Ride
Kimberley Explorer
Departure Broome to Broome: 9 Aug 2021 - 19 Aug 2021 (11 Days)
Highlights:
One of a kind itinerary
Enjoy Mother Nature’s artistry displayed in the contorted and weathered rock sculptures around Yampi Sound
Visit Careening Bay’s iconic ‘Mermaid’ tree and discover the outstanding biodiversity of the Prince Regent National Park
Explore Montgomery Reef – Australia’s largest in-shore reef – and the diversity of its marine life
Keep an eye out for some of the estimated 40,000 humpback whales returning from Antarctica to give birth in the warmer waters of Lalang-Garram/Camden Sound Marine Park
Marvel at the thousands of brown boobies that call the Lacepede Islands their breeding home
Optional add-on activity: Michell Falls Helicopter Ride
Ningaloo Reef Adventure
Departure Broome to Broome: 10 Sep 2021 - 19 Sep 2021 (10 Days)
Highlights:
Zodiac-cruise, snorkel, kayak or dive among spectacular coral reefs, lagoons and canyons of Rowley Shoals Marine Park
Dawn birdwatching to spy red-tailed tropic birds, ruddy turnstones, white-throated needle-tails and more
Snorkel and dive the magnificent coral gardens of Ningaloo Reef – part of the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, and designated Mission Blue ‘Hope Spot’
Stroll pristine beaches and discover underwater treasures in the Muiron Islands Nature Reserve
Enjoy the Dampier Peninsula’s maze of waterways alive with hawksbill turtles, dolphins and shy dugongs
Optional add on activities include diving and kayaking. Snorkelling complimentary for all
Western Australia & the Coral Coast
Departure: 19 Sep 2021 - 1 Oct 2021 (13 Days)
Highlights:
Enjoy the Dampier Peninsula’s maze of waterways alive with hawksbill turtles, dolphins, and shy dugongs
Snorkel and dive the magnificent coral gardens of Ningaloo Reef
Discover sea lion colonies, seabirds and exquisite waterways in the adventure playground of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands
Dawn birdwatching to spy red-tailed tropic birds, ruddy turnstones, white-throated needle-tails and more
Explore and learn about the unique marine ecosystems designated as “Hope Spots” by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue team, including the Exmouth Gulf and Ningaloo Coast and the Houtman Abrolhos Islands’
Zodiac-cruise, snorkel or dive among the spectacular coral reefs, lagoons and canyons of Rowley Shoals Marine Park
Optional add-on activities include scuba diving and kayaking. Snorkelling complimentary for all
Southern Australia Coastal Discovery
Departure: 4 Oct 2021 - 15 Oct 2021 (12 Days)
Highlights:
Explore and learn about the unique marine ecosystems designated as “Hope Spots” by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue team, including the ‘Great Southern Reef’, Salisbury Island and Kangaroo Island
Cruise the nutrient-rich waters of Bremer Bay’s deep-sea canyons that attract orcas, sharks, dolphins, sperm whales and giant squid
Trek on the wilderness islands of the Recherche Archipelago, discovering pink lakes, sea lion colonies and stories of sealers, whalers and pirates that preceded you
Enjoy spectacular birdwatching in the Investigator Group, renowned for its endangered fairy tern, Cape Barren geese, rock parrots and more
Delight in the playfulness and grace of Australian sea lions as you snorkel in the waters off Hopkins Island (included activity)
Inspect bushfire recovery on Kangaroo Island, with the return of koalas, short-beaked echidnas and tammar wallabies
Kangaroo Island Explorer
Departures Adelaide to Adelaide: 15 Oct 2021 - 21 Oct 2021 (7 Days) and 21 Oct 2021 - 27 Oct 2021 (7 Days)
Highlights
One of a kind itinerary
Swim or snorkel with dolphins, Australian sea lions and long-nosed fur seals
Marvel at the artistic works of locals, from Janine MacIntosh’s ‘assemblages of nature’ to Indiana James’s sculptures
Participate in habitat restoration, bird banding and other citizen science projects, and enjoy encounters with koalas and short-beaked echidnas
Experience remote coastlines few have seen before you, and learn about Kangaroo Island’s unique geology, including the highly eroded granite of Remarkable Rocks and unique fossil record at Emu Bay
Discover the unique ecosystems designated as “Hope Spots” by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue team, including the ‘Great Southern Reef’ and Kangaroo Island’s North Coast
Enjoy the warmth and gratitude of the locals as you help their recovery efforts
Options add-on activities include snorkelling, kayaking and scuba diving
Kangaroo Island & the Tasman Sea
Departure: 27 Oct 2021 - 3 Nov 2021 (8 Days)
Highlights:
Delight in the playfulness and grace of Australian sea lions as you snorkel in the waters off Hopkins Island (included activity)
Witness how Kangaroo Island’s ecosystem – including its wild koala and glossy black cockatoo populations – is recovering from the recent devastating bushfires
Cruise the waters around Black Pyramid and experience its immense Australasian gannet colony – estimated at over 12,000 pairs, or 20 percent of the world’s population
Enjoy a quiet beach stroll, invigorating hike or a Zodiac-cruise against the backdrop of the Freycinet Peninsula’s spectacular scenery
On Maria Island, keep an eye out for all but one of Tasmania’s 12 endemic bird species, and an abundance of native wildlife
Explore and learn about the unique ecosystems designated as “Hope Spots” by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue team, including the ‘Great Southern Reef’ and Kangaroo Island’s North Coast
Optional add-ons include snorkelling (except the included Sea Lion snorkel), kayaking, scuba diving and climbing
Bass Strait Islands & East Coast Discovery
Departures: Hobart to Melbourne: 3 Nov 2021 - 9 Nov 2021 (7 Days) and Melbourne to Hobart: 9 Nov 2021 - 15 Nov 2021 (7 Days)
Highlights:
Visit remote and rarely-visited islands in the Bass Strait – the remnants of a land bridge that once joined Tasmania to the Australian mainland
Marvel at the mystique of the Kent Islands – often missed on conventional maps – from its petrels, little penguins and short-tailed shearwaters to its historic lighthouse and stories of sealers, sailors and shipwrecks
Enjoy Maria Island’s abundance of native wildlife and keep an eye out for all but one of Tasmania’s 12 endemic bird species
Head off the ‘mother ship’ each day for a range of adventures and explorations that may include hiking options, wildlife watching, Zodiac cruises, diving, snorkelling, kayaking and climbing
Learn how the waters of Bass Strait and Tasmania fit into the vast and unique ecosystem known as the ‘Great Southern Reef’ – part of a “Hope Spot” designated by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue team
Optional add-ons include snorkelling, scuba diving, climbing and kayaking
Tasmania Circumnavigation
Departures Hobart to Hobart: 15 Nov 2021 - 28 Nov 2021 (14 Days) and 28 Nov 2021 - 11 Dec 2021 (14 Days)
Highlights:
Head off the ‘mother ship’ each day for a range of adventures and explorations that may include hiking options, wildlife watching, Zodiac cruises, diving, snorkelling, climbing or kayaking
Access some of the best (and least) known walks in Tasmania, including those on Bruny, Flinders and Maria Islands, and the Hunter and Kent Island Groups
On Maria Island – nicknamed Tasmania’s “Noah’s Ark” – enjoy an abundance of native wildlife, keeping an eye out for all but one of Tassie’s 12 endemic bird species
Cruise the waters around the remote Maatsuyker Island Group, and spy the southernmost lighthouse in Australia
Learn about Tasmania’s long human history, fascinating geology, and unique biota from our onboard experts
Learn how the waters of Tasmania fit into the vast and unique ecosystem known as the ‘Great Southern Reef’ – part of a “Hope Spot” designated by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue team
Optional add-ons including snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking and climbing
Tasmania South East Coast Discovery
Departure Hobart to Hobart: 26 Feb 2022 - 7 Mar 2022 (10 Days)
Highlights
From the comfort of your floating base camp, make Zodiac forays to the white beaches and striking scenery of South Bruny Island and idyllic Recherche Bay near South East Cape
Experience the untamed wilderness of Southwest National Park from the remote shores of New Harbour
Marvel at the mystique of the far-flung Kent Islands and discover its treasures – from seals to shipwrecks
On Maria Island – nicknamed Tasmania’s “Noah’s Ark” – enjoy an abundance of native wildlife, keeping an eye out for all but one of Tassie’s 12 endemic bird species
Learn how Tasmania fits into the vast and unique ‘Great Southern Reef’ ecosystem – part of a “Hope Spot” designated by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue team
Optional add-ons include snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking and climbing
Mawson's Antarctica
Departure Hobart to Hobart: 11 Dec 2021 - 4 Jan 2022 (25 Days)
Highlights:
One of a kind itinerary – only way to access East Antarctica from Australia
Skirt beaches busy with New Zealand sea lion harems, to reach gnarled rata forests where yellow-eyed penguins are found
Navigate a maze of pack ice alive with Weddell and leopard seals, Adélie and emperor penguins and hunting orcas to reach Mawson’s Hut, Commonwealth Bay
Zodiac-cruise off Lusitania Bay, Macquarie Island, surrounded by thousands of bathing king penguins alert to hungry leopard seals
Optional add-on activity – kayaking
Antarctica featuring the Ross Sea
Departures Hobart to Hobart: 5 Jan 2022 - 30 Jan 2022 (26 Days) and 31 Jan 2022 - 25 Feb 2022 (26 Days)
Highlights:
One of a kind itinerary – only way to access East Antarctica from Australia
Delve into New Zealand’s hobbit world of stunted rata forests on Enderby Island where shy, yellow-eyed penguins shuffle and sea lions roar, and witness Campbell Island’s royal albatross ballet
Stand quietly in huts little-changed since Scott, Shackleton, Mawson and others wintered there, then launched desperate journeys that would define the Heroic Age
Gaze in wonder at ethereal, ice-clad summits of the Transantarctic Mountains, in the unique ‘Ross Sea’ ecosystem – part of a “Hope Spot” designated by Sylvia Earle’s Mission Blue team
Optional add-on activity – kayaking
Subantarctic Discovery
Departure Hobart to Hobart: 7 Mar 2022 - 24 Mar 2022 (18 Days)
Highlights:
One of a kind itinerary – only way to access Sub Antarctic islands from Australia
Make forays to Bruny Island’s Cloudy Bay and explore the pristine wilderness at remote New Harbour
Zodiac-cruise off Lusitania Bay, Macquarie Island, surrounded by thousands of bathing king penguins and keep watch for hungry leopard seals
Sit quietly on Campbell Island, as magnificent royal albatross unfurl their wings and cry an eerie song
Skirt beaches busy with New Zealand sea lion harems, to reach gnarled rata forests where yellow-eyed penguins are found
Tread softly to see scampering kiwis, Stewart Island robins, forest parrot and colourful parakeets on the island sanctuary, Ulva
Optional add-on activity – kayaking
PLEASE NOTE All voyages are subject to regulatory approval and only open to Australian residents.
Download destination images here.
Download Greg Mortimer images here.
Expressions of interest: https://www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/expressions-of-interest-australia-east-antarctica/
Aurora Expeditions has recently updated its health and safety protocol, as well as implementing a new deposit protection scheme. Further information can be found here: https://www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/why-travel-with-us/health-safety/
For Bookings:
For more information or to book visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au
Call us on 1800 637 688 (Freecall AUS only)
*Terms & Conditions apply. Offer is only valid on new bookings and on select ship voyages only which must be booked and deposited by 24th April 2021. Promotion is subject to availability at the time of booking and capacity controlled. The promotion is only available in conjunction with the back to back voyage discount or the loyalty program offer, and not available with any other offer. The promotion can be withdrawn at any time and is not redeemable for cash. Prices and offers correct at time of printing and subject to change. From prices based on Balcony Stateroom C category exclusive of discount, gratuities and GST included. Normal booking terms and conditions apply. To confirm your booking, a completed booking form and non-refundable deposit of $2,500 AUD per person is required within 7 days of reserved berth/s. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please see full terms and conditions.
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