35 Day Cruise Around Australia - Sydney Roundtrip 2026

35-Day Cruise Around Australia

Sydney Roundtrip | Departs 14 November 2026

Explore stunning coastlines, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife as you circumnavigate Australia aboard MS Noordam.

From the tropical landscapes of Papua New Guinea — home to tree kangaroos and cassowaries — to the rugged beauty of Tasmania, this itinerary offers a rich and varied travel experience. Enjoy extended time ashore with overnight stays in Perth and Hobart, giving you the chance to explore more deeply.

This 35-day Cruise Around Australia offers the ultimate way to explore the country in one unforgettable journey.

35-Day Circumnavigate Australia Journey Map

Itinerary

Day 1 | Embark Sydney, NSW

Sydney, with its stunning harbour, iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, vibrant dining scene, and world-famous beaches, offers a perfect introduction to Australia’s charm and energy before your 35-day circumnavigation begins.

Embark in the afternoon ready for an evening sailing.

Day 2 | At Sea

Enjoy your first full day at sea to unwind and explore everything MS Noordam has to offer. From world-class dining and live entertainment to fitness classes, spa treatments, and scenic deck views, there’s something for everyone as you begin your circumnavigation of Australia.

Day 3 | Brisbane, Queensland

Arrive in Queensland’s vibrant capital for a full day in “Brissy.” Brisbane’s sun-drenched lifestyle, eclectic dining, craft bars, riverside promenades, and cultural hubs like South Bank and Fortitude Valley showcase a city that’s both relaxed and thriving.

Optional shore excursions (additional cost) let you personalise your day, from exploring the Gold Coast beaches, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and Australia Zoo, to rainforest adventures at Mt Tamborine or Stradbroke Island.

Days 4 -5 | At Sea

Two full days at sea give you plenty of time to explore all that MS Noordam has to offer. Take in panoramic ocean views from the deck, enjoy a fitness class or spa treatment, browse the onboard shops, or catch live shows and music performances. With so many ways to relax or stay active, these days are all about enjoying the journey in comfort.

Day 6 | Alotau, Papua New Guinea

Arrive in Alotau, the charming capital of Milne Bay Province, perfectly situated on Papua New Guinea’s southeastern tip. Explore the bustling harbour, soak up local culture at the markets, or learn about the town’s role in the 1942 Battle of Milne Bay.

Optional shore excursions include a traditional clay-pot cooking class, snorkeling and cave exploration at remote Tawali Resort, or an immersive Milne Bay village life experience.

Day 7 | Kiriwina Island, Papua New Guinea

Discover Kiriwina, the largest of the Trobriand Islands, known for its stunning scenery, friendly locals, and rich traditions. Explore crystal-clear waters, jungle-clad cliffs, and coral-filled offshore islands, or witness a game of unique Trobriand cricket. Immerse yourself in the island’s fascinating culture and matrilineal social structure for an eye-opening experience.

Day 8 | At Sea

Relax and enjoy another day aboard MS Noordam as you sail toward northern Australia. Whether you’re indulging in a spa treatment, sampling diverse dining options, or catching a live show, today is all about unwinding and savouring the journey.

Days 9-10 | Cairns, Queensland

Spend two days in tropical Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and lush northern Queensland. Explore the city’s laid-back charm, sunny beaches, and welcoming atmosphere, or venture out to nearby natural wonders such as the reef, Daintree Rainforest, Green Island, and the scenic village of Kuranda.

Optional excursions allow you to snorkel, hike, ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway, or enjoy wildlife and adventure experiences, offering something for every interest.

Day 11 | Townsville, Queensland

Arrive in Townsville, a vibrant North Queensland city surrounded by reef, rainforest, wetlands, and outback landscapes.

Optional excursions let you explore Magnetic Island, snorkel or dive on nearby reefs, enjoy wildlife encounters, or discover the region’s UNESCO World Heritage rainforests and scenic sights. With so much natural beauty and adventure nearby, there’s something to suit every interest and pace.

Day 12 | At Sea

Relax and recharge aboard MS Noordam as you continue your journey toward northern Australia. Take advantage of the ship’s amenities, from spa treatments and fitness classes to live entertainment and panoramic ocean views.

Day 13 | Scenic Cruising Torres Strait

Cruise past Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula and the Torres Strait Islands, a spectacular region of tropical reefs and islands stretching toward Papua New Guinea. Enjoy breathtaking scenery from the deck as the ship navigates this unique and culturally rich passage.

Day 14 | At Sea

Another day at sea gives you the chance to unwind, explore the ship’s dining options, or simply soak in the endless ocean views before reaching the next destination.

Day 15 | Darwin, Northern Territory

Arrive in Darwin, a tropical city on the turquoise Timor Sea with a relaxed atmosphere, vibrant markets, and a diverse culinary scene. Explore its cosmopolitan streets, enjoy fresh seafood or fusion cuisine, and discover the city’s history through museums and galleries.

Optional excursions offer the chance to experience the region’s natural beauty and wildlife, from Litchfield National Park and Kakadu to crocodile cruises and cultural heritage walks.

Day 16 | At Sea

Enjoy a full day at sea to relax and explore MS Noordam’s amenities. Whether you prefer lounging on deck with panoramic ocean views, indulging in spa treatments, trying a new dining experience, or enjoying live shows, this day is all about comfort, leisure, and making the most of your journey.

Day 17 | Broome, Western Australia

Arrive in Broome, a vibrant town built on the traditional lands of the Yawuru people. Known for its pearling industry, stunning Cable Beach, and rich birdlife, Broome offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and relaxation.

Optional excursions include visits to the Willie Creek Pearl Farm, scenic tours of the town, horizontal falls flightseeing, and a camel ride along Cable Beach.

Day 18 | At Sea

Spend a day at sea enjoying the many amenities aboard MS Noordam. Relax on deck with ocean views, indulge in spa treatments, sample the diverse dining options, or take in live entertainment as you continue your journey along Australia’s coastline.

Day 19 | Exmouth, Western Australia

Arrive in Exmouth, a remote town on the tip of the North West Cape, surrounded by the Ningaloo Coast and Cape Range National Park.

Optional excursions allow you to snorkel the vibrant reefs, explore shipwrecks, hike through dramatic gorges and canyons, or discover other local highlights.

Day 20 | At Sea

Relax and enjoy a day at sea aboard MS Noordam. Unwind on deck, indulge in spa treatments, enjoy world-class dining, or catch a live show as you cruise along Australia’s stunning coastline.

Days 21-22 | Fremantle (Perth), Western Australia

Discover Fremantle and Perth, one of the world’s most isolated yet vibrant capital cities. Explore historic sites like Fremantle Prison, browse art galleries and designer boutiques, or enjoy riverside dining and Indian Ocean beaches.

Optional excursions include wildlife encounters, city highlights, winery tours, Pinnacles Desert trips, and dolphin or penguin cruises.

Day 23 | At Sea

Enjoy a relaxing day aboard MS Noordam as you cruise toward southern Australia. Take in panoramic ocean views, indulge in a spa treatment, try a new dining experience, or enjoy live entertainment—today is all about unwinding and savouring the journey.

Day 24 | Albany, Western Australia

Explore Albany, Western Australia’s first European settlement, known for its stunning coastline, Torndirrup National Park, and the historic King George Sound.

Optional excursions allow you to visit the Whale Station Museum, the Valley of the Giants, scenic wineries, and the National ANZAC Centre, or enjoy river cruises and bushland experiences, offering a mix of history, nature, and adventure.

Days 25-26 | At Sea

Relax and enjoy two days at sea aboard MS Noordam as you make your way toward Melbourne. Take the time to unwind on deck with panoramic ocean views, indulge in spa treatments, sample the ship’s dining options, or enjoy live entertainment. These days are perfect for recharging and savouring life at sea.

Day 27 | Adelaide, South Australia

Arrive in Adelaide, a vibrant city celebrated for its creative culture, fine dining, and world-class wines. Explore the leafy streets, enjoy local cuisine, or discover the city’s art and design scene.

Optional excursions include wine tasting in the Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale, visits to Cleland Wildlife Park, scenic tours of Hahndorf, riverside e-bike adventures, and a Coorong National Park cruise, offering a mix of culture, nature, and culinary delights.

Day 28 | Kangaroo Island, South Australia

Arrive at Kangaroo Island, Australia’s third-largest island, known for its unspoiled landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Optional excursions allow you to explore koalas, tammar wallabies, sea lions, and marine mammals, or take in scenic highlights, wineries, and iconic nature sights for a truly immersive island experience.

Day 29 | At Sea

Enjoy a full day at sea aboard MS Noordam. Relax on deck with panoramic ocean views, indulge in spa treatments, sample world-class dining, or enjoy live entertainment as you approach southern Australia.

Day 30 | Melbourne, Victoria

Arrive in Melbourne, Australia’s cosmopolitan heart, known for its cutting-edge art, historic galleries, vibrant laneways, and world-class dining.

Optional excursions include city tours, wildlife and winery experiences, the Blue Dandenongs, Fitzroy Gardens, Yarra River cruises, and Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary, offering a mix of culture, nature, and culinary delights.

Day 31 | Phillip Island, Victoria

Visit Phillip Island, home of the Bunurong people and abundant wildlife.

Optional excursions let you see little penguins, wallabies, and kangaroos up close, enjoy the famous Penguin Parade, take an exclusive seal discovery eco-cruise, or explore island highlights and koalas.

Day 32 | At Sea

Spend a relaxing day at sea aboard MS Noordam. Take in expansive ocean views, unwind with a spa treatment, enjoy world-class dining, or catch live entertainment—perfect for recharging before the final port of call.

Day 33 | Hobart, Tasmania

Arrive in Hobart, Tasmania’s creative capital, set against a stunning natural harbor with Mount Wellington as a backdrop. Explore historic Salamanca Place, Battery Point, vibrant markets, and the city’s cosmopolitan dining scene.

Optional excursions let you discover wildlife, scenic landscapes, and gourmet local produce, including the Huon Valley, Tahune Forest Air Walk, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Mt Field National Park, and Tasman Island Wildlife Cruise.

Day 34 | Port Arthur, Tasmania

Discover Port Arthur, a small town steeped in history and culture, best known for its 19th-century convict settlement and UNESCO-listed Australian Convict Sites. Explore the dramatic coastline, historic ruins, and vibrant local food and wine scene.

Optional excursions let you experience the area’s natural beauty, taste local produce, and delve deeper into the region’s fascinating history.

Day 35 |At Sea

Spend your final day at sea reflecting on the incredible 35-day journey around Australia. Take in the ocean views, enjoy a last indulgence in the ship’s dining venues, or relax with onboard entertainment and activities as you prepare to return to Sydney.

Day 36 | Sydney Arrival / Disembarkation

Arrive back in Sydney, the perfect conclusion to your cruise around Australia. With its iconic harbor, world-famous beaches, and vibrant cultural scene, Sydney offers plenty to explore.

Optional excursions include scenic flights, sightseeing tours of the Opera House and Bondi, a Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, harbour cruises, or foodie and cultural experiences throughout the city.

Holland America Line MS Noordam

Your Ship

MS Noordam is a premium Holland America ship offering elegant staterooms, world-class dining, and immersive onboard entertainment. With panoramic public areas, luxurious lounges, and spacious verandahs, the ship is designed for comfort and relaxation as you explore Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Onboard Life

Onboard Entertainment & Activities
A variety of entertainment and activity options including Broadway-style shows, live music, themed events, fitness classes, pickleball, and duty-free shopping.

Daily Meals & Dining
Daily meals and snacks including breakfast, lunch, multi-course dinners, afternoon tea, ice cream, and late-night treats. Dining venues included: Lido Market, Dive In, The Dining Room (additional: Morimoto By Sea, Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto).

Bars & Lounges
A selection of bars and lounges including Crow’s Nest, Explorer’s Lounge, Pinnacle Bar, Ocean Bar, and Sea View Bar.

Have It All Package

Enhance your 35-Day Cruise Around Australia with the Have It All Package, which includes a range of premium extras for a complete onboard experience:

Package Inclusions:

  • Surf Wi-Fi to stay connected
  • Signature Beverage Package for unlimited drinks
  • Specialty Dining: 2x Pinnacle Grill dinners & 1x Canaletto dinner
  • Shore Excursion Credit: USD $300 per person

The package provides convenience, indulgence, and flexibility.

Suites

Verandah Stateroom
Bright and airy, with floor-to-ceiling windows opening to a private verandah. Includes a sitting area, two lower beds convertible to a queen-size Mariner’s Dream™ bed, and a bath with premium showerheads.

    MS Noordam Verandah Suite

    Signature Suite
    Spacious suite with floor-to-ceiling windows and private verandah, large sitting area, and two lower beds convertible to a queen-size Mariner’s Dream™ bed with plush Euro-Top mattresses.


    View Deck Plans

    MS Noordam Signature Suite

    Pricing

    Verandah 
    From $28,838 per cabin (dual occupancy)  | From $34,788 with Have It All package

    Signature Suites
    From $39,538 per cabin (dual occupancy) | From $45,488 with Have It All package

    *Full Booking T&Cs apply. Book by 10 April 2026, subject to availability. Deposit of AUD $4,900 per cabin required; final payment due 11 July 2026. Cancellations may incur penalties.

    Embark on the Ultimate Australian Adventure!

    Book by Early April

    Call us to chat about it on 09 426 1490