SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES - Dry Landing
Latitude: 29°3'S
Longitude: 167°57'E
Average Daily Temperature: 25°C/78°F

The oldest, largest and (some say) most beautiful city in Australia is memorable for far more than its famous landmarks. Created around one of the world's most dazzling harbours, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House are the city’s icons for visitors who also love the first class restaurants, sparkling beaches and fantastic shopping.

The choice of things to do in Sydney is endless. Take the ferry to Manly for a swim in the surf followed by a fresh seafood lunch. Visit Taronga Zoo, again by ferry, to observe Australian and exotic wildlife against a jaw-dropping harbour and city backdrop. Wander the Rocks area for a taste of Sydney’s convict past. Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge for 360 degree views. The Sydney Aquarium, Maritime and Powerhouse Museums are great points of interest in Darling Harbour, where you can also shop or sit back at a bar or café to watch the passing parade. Browse the boutiques of Oxford Street in Paddington for cutting edge fashion design, and then be seen with Sydney’s celebrities at Bondi Beach.

Or just relax on a RiverCat cruise past magnificent waterfront homes and Sydney Olympic Park to the historic city of Parramatta

EDEN, NEW SOUTH WALES - Dry Landing
Latitude: 37°3'S
Longitude: 149°54'E
Average Daily Temperature: 21°C/70°F

Eden is set on the shores of Twofold Bay, with golden sandy beaches and crystal waters to the east, and Ben Boyd National Park to the north. Now a major commercial fishing centre, Eden’s past was built on whaling. In the 1840’s some 27 whaling boats were based here, an industry started by the enterprising Ben Boyd but the whales are now celebrated each year during the Whale Festival held each October.

The history and traditions of the sea are still the lifeblood of Eden, and there are endless fishing and water sport opportunities. The trawlers at Snug Cove unload their catch every day and Orion guests can sample the fresh harvest at one of many cafes or restaurants at the wharf. Discovery cruises are available to spot dolphins, seals, fairy penguins and, in season, migrating humpback whales. A short stroll towards the township reveals galleries and craft shops. The historic Sea Horse Inn was originally built in 1844 as a residence by Ben Boyd using convict labour. Other historic buildings include The Great Southern Inn, the town centrepiece and the old Surveyor's Office which is diagonally opposite

Reputed to be the finest regional museum in Australia, the Killer Whale Museum evidences the town’s history by tracing the history of the days when men and killer whales worked together to herd other gentle giants to shore. Whalers here were once assisted in their hunt by a pack of killer whales that herded the hapless giants into the bay towards the waiting whalers, who then harpooned them. This partnership was supposed to have lasted some 60 years and the skeleton of the last killer whale is to be found here.

FLINDERS ISLAND – Wet Landing
Latitude: 40°3'S
Longitude: 147°55'E
Average Daily Temperature: 22ºC/72ºF

This remote, windswept and starkly beautiful island off the north coast of Tasmania boasts rugged landscapes, granite peaks, beautiful beaches and headlands of granite boulders encrusted with orange lichen. Remnants of a land bridge that joined Tasmania to the mainland between 12,000 and 18,000 years ago, Flinders Island and the 52 islands comprising the Furneaux Group dot the waters of Bass Strait. Flinders Island is home to just under 1,000 people whose livelihood is closely linked to the sea.

Travel arrangements to Flinders Island are notoriously difficult to make so visitors are always welcome. The best way to experience the isolation of Flinders is to visit the Strzelecki National Park. Wildlife is plentiful and includes wallabies, pademelons, wombats, echidnas and brush-tail possums and the bird life is rich and varied. By far the best way to take in the dramatic scenery of this island group is a scenic flight, whilst fishing tours and charter-boat excursions exploring the rugged islands and many seal colonies are other options you might like to consider.

WINEGLASS BAY & COLES BAY – Wet Landing
Latitude: 42°10'S
Longitude: 148°18'E
Average Daily Temperature: 19°C/66° F

In the morning Orion will drop anchor in iconic Wineglass Bay in the centre of Freycinet National Park. You’ll awake to find the view is spectacular, with dramatic red granite peaks reflecting in clear blue waters and a near-perfect circle of white sand forming the beach of the bay. Named in 1802 by the French Explorer Nicholas Baudin, the area was proclaimed a national park in 1916. Vegetation in the park varies from marshy heathlands to grass trees, banksias, stands of wattle, Oyster Bay pine and bull oak.

The park is rich in wildlife including black cockatoos, green rosellas, wedgetailed eagles and a wide variety of seabirds including white-breasted sea eagles. Subject to weather, a highlight today will be a 2.5 hour Ranger-led hike from the beach at Wineglass Bay up a short and fairly steep climb to the saddle between Mt. Amos and Mt. Mason (known as the Hazzards) to the Wineglass Lookout where you will be afforded a wonderful view of Orion riding gently at anchor in this iconic location. The walk continues on towards the small coastal township of Coles Bay where you’ll re-join Orion later in the day.

For those who wish to remain onboard, you’ll be rewarded with vistas of the dramatic coastlines as Orion departs Wineglass Bay and makes her way to Coles Bay via Schouten Island. The oyster farm near Coles Bay is famed for the freshness of its produce so perhaps take this chance to indulge in some of the local seafood and oysters with a chilled glass of Tasmanian wine. Water sports available from the town include diving and sea-kayaking, canoeing and fishing charters can be arranged.

Late in the day, be sure to find yourself a spot on deck as the sun slips towards the western horizon. It is now that the orange lichens on the granite peaks glow red with the setting sun.

PORT DAVEY, SOUTHWEST NATIONAL PARK, TASMANIA - By Zodiac
Latitude: 43°20'S
Longitude: 145°55'E
Average Daily Temperature: 18°C/64°F

Tasmania’s (605,000 ha or 1.5 million acre) Southwest National Park is a vast wilderness of soaring mountain peaks, temperate rainforests and unspoilt rivers, all largely inaccessible unless you’re a keen bushwalker. Today Orion will enter Port Davey and anchor nearby the Breaksea Islands affording you an unrivalled view of this World Heritage listed area. The wilderness area is 17,000 ha in size and the northern part is bordered by Lake Pedder from whence the Gordon River flows.

The area is a marine nature reserve and the waters beyond the Breaksea Islands to Bathurst Harbour have been declared a marine sanctuary. The unspoiled bush terrain is rugged and landings will not be possible in the wilderness. Subject to prevailing weather conditions you might like to join one of the Expedition team for an exploration of the coastline by Zodiac.

HOBART, TASMANIA - Dry Landing
Latitude: 43°14'S
Longitude: 147°47'E
Average Daily Temperature: 20°C/68°F

Set on the River Derwent, Hobart is very much a city of the sea with views of the Derwent estuary appearing around every corner. Historic 19th century waterfront warehouses remain, still bordering the commercial harbour, though today it is easier to feast on seafood at one of the restaurants they now house.

Hobart is the finishing line for the famed Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race which begins on 26 December each year and its deep harbour precinct once bustled with whalers, soldiers, petty bureaucrats and opportunist businessmen. A walk through the town will reveal that the city has resisted the pressure to move with the times, having retained and preserved old buildings such as the Parliament built by convicts in the 1830’s. On Saturday mornings spend some time in the colorful Salamanca markets and, if you have the time in the afternoon, a great way of discovering Hobart is to undertake a heritage walk of the city.

PORT ARTHUR, TASMANIA – Dry Landing
Latitude: 34°8'S
Longitude: 138°3'E
Average Daily Temperature: 18°C/64°F

In the 19th century the imposing architecture of the Port Arthur penitentiary contained 12,000 convicts, all criminals sentenced to transportation for their offences committed in Great Britain. The grandeur of the ruins was generated by much industry over a 40-50 year period.

The penal settlement of Port Arthur originally began as a timber station in 1830’s and in that first decade small manufacturing industries began including ship-building, shoe-making, blacksmithing and brick-making. Later a granary and flour mill were built but it wasn’t until 1857 that this building was converted into a penitentiary. Just 20 years later the last convict left Port Arthur. Today the ruins capture a fascinating, if dark, part of Australia’s colonial history. You will be able to stroll through the settlement’s ruins, all created with convict labour. The well-preserved ruins, impressive architecture, delightful gardens and chilling prison facilities will afford you a glimpse into this country’s history.

LAUNCESTON, TASMANIA – Dry Landing (at Beauty Point)
Latitude: 41°28'S
Longitude: 147°10'E
Average Daily Temperature: 21ºC/70ºF

Launceston and the Tamar River Valley blend history, scenery, creativity, adventure, entertainment and the superb flavours of fine food and wine. Launceston is a city of elegant architecture and award-winning restaurants, while the lush surrounding countryside is Tasmania’s premier wine-growing region.

Wealthy wheat and wool merchants once built their mansions to be close to the tree rhododendrons, fern glades and spacious lawns of the Victorian park at Cataract Gorge. In the heart of the city, visit the historic Waverley Woollen Mills where fabrics from fine Tasmanian merino wool are still produced. Admire the skill and subtlety of some of Tasmania’s best wood craftspeople in the Wood Design Collection at the Design Centre of Tasmania, or visit the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, which holds a fine collection of colonial art.

Less than 15 minutes drive from the centre of Launceston is the Tamar Valley and Tasmania's premier wine growing area. This is where acclaimed cool-climate wines are grown and because many of the vineyards are small and family-owned, the growers themselves will greet you and explain the art of winemaking. The Tamar Valley is home to some of Tasmania's best restaurants, serving the finest Tasmanian cuisine and wines produced in this region.

The craggy peaks of the World Heritage Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, one of the most beautiful places on earth, can be seen today, by a flightseeing excursion. The stunning mountain peaks, steep gorges and deep lakes were formed by prehistoric glacial activity and have not changed for thousands of years.

KING ISLAND, TASMANIA – Dry Landing
Latitude: 39°53’S
Longitude: 144°00'E
Average Daily Temperature: 20°C/68°F

Orion will anchor offshore from the township of Grassy on King Island for a day of exploration and gourmet delights. The island’s European beginnings were with maritime explorers, sealers, hunters, shipwrecked castaways and pioneering farmers. Nowadays the year-round rainfall generates lush pastures and the island’s economy thrives on the production of a wide range of fine foods from beef to cheese and pepper to Lymwood Honey.

The quality of King Island seafood, grass fed beef, pork, small goods, bakery and dairy products is exceptional. Succulent rock lobster (also known as crayfish), magnificent local oysters from the Sea Elephant River, giant king crabs and freshly-caught fish are all sought after by seafood lovers. Milk from the island’s dairy herds is highly desirable for cheese production and the King Island Dairy is well worth visiting to sample and buy its award winning, premium produce. The island also boasts producers of local pepper, honey and there is an ecologically sustainable (and thriving) industry in the form of kelp harvesting from the beaches.

King Island is rich in wildlife with marine animals such as Little Penguins, Australian fur seals, southern elephant seals and leopard seals frequenting the shores and wallabies, Tasmanian pademelons, turkey and peafowl easily spotted ashore. On the southern end of the island is a calcified forest. The preserved stumps of an ancient forest up to 7000 years old were revealed as the lime-laden sand that safeguarded them eroded over the years. Due to its isolation, the island has a long maritime heritage and you’ll find the excellent Historical Museum in Currie occupies what was once the home of the head lighthouse keeper.

STRAHAN, FRANKLIN-GORDON WILD RIVERS NATIONAL PARK, TASMANIA – Dry Landing
Latitude: 42°9'S
Longitude: 145°19'E
Average Daily Temperature: 20°C/68°F

Our entry to picturesque Strahan and magnificent Macquarie Harbour is through the 120m wide harbour entrance known as Hell’s Gates. Macquarie offers the only truly protected anchorage on Tasmania's west coast and is the second largest harbour in the southern hemisphere after Sydney. The area is the perfect gateway for exploring the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park.

The dark waters of the Gordon River flow through the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area before quietly entering Macquarie Harbour. Optional cruises from Strahan explore several kilometres into the river’s wide lower reaches, with their often perfect reflections of riverside rainforest. Disembark at Heritage Landing and follow a short boardwalk track through rainforest to see ancient Huon pines, one of which is over 2,000 years old.

The Strahan Wharf Centre houses a museum, charting the history of the area from the days when it was a bustling port to the battle in the 1980’s to stop authorities damming the Franklin-Gordon river system. Many other activities are available from Strahan, including fishing tours and scenic seaplane flights over the south-west wilderness. Ocean Beach, with large sand dunes and huge surf, is 6km from the town and is Tasmania's longest beach.

PORT STEPHENS, NEW SOUTH WALES – Dry Landing
Latitude: 32°42’S
Longitude: 152°10’E
Average Daily Temperature: 24ºC/79ºF

Sheltered Port Stephens is a brilliant expanse of sparkling waters more than twice the size of Sydney Harbour.

The waters of Port Stephens teem with fish and are home to over 100 bottlenose dolphins . These air-breathing, warm-blooded, intelligent and friendly mammals are one of the best-loved creatures of the sea. Any journey across the water usually involves a close encounter. The waters around Port Stephens are also renowned for deep-sea fishing and charters are available.

If you’re a golfer, the area is home to three championship standard golf courses: Horizons, Medowie, and Newcastle Golf Course (just 15 minutes from Port Stephens). Le Meilleur Horizons Golf Resort, with a challenging par 72 layout designed by Graham Marsh and Ross Watson, certainly has the credentials to satisfy keen golfers. The course consistently rates within the top 20 Australian courses by Australia's golfing fraternity and is ranked No. 2 Resort Course in NSW.

The gardens and wineries of the Hunter Valley are within easy reach but if you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed, the area has many beautiful beaches, perfect for a day in the sun. Between Newcastle and Port Stephens, the Stockton Sand Dunes sweep dramatically along the coast for over 30km, towering up to 30m high, a constantly moving sand mass. The birdlife is prolific – oystercatchers, gulls and terns patrol the water’s edge, while other birds scavenge above the tide mark. Scattered middens of sun-bleached shells and the bones of small mammals and birds are evidence of the many feasts Aboriginal inhabitants shared along the coast. Consider a 4WD sand safari to experience this intriguing area.

HAWKESBURY RIVER, NEW SOUTH WALES
Latitude: 33°31’S
Longitude: 151°9’E
Average Daily Temperature: 24ºC/79ºF

Orion sails past Barrenjoey Head to enter Broken Bay before heading due west to her anchorage near the mouth of the Hawkesbury River, a beautiful waterway dotted with holiday hamlets set amidst natural bushland. You’ll be anchored amongst yachts, Orion being probably the largest private yacht of them all!

For a day and a half you’ll be surrounded by the peaceful bushland of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park with its signature sandstone cliffs. The park’s foreshore geography is a fractured maze of creeks, coves, islands and beaches, clad in thick bush and spiked with rocky outcrops of sandstone. You might be close to Sydney but you won’t feel it. During our leisurely stay you’ll be within easy reach of Hallett’s Beach or you might board a Zodiac for the short trip to Cottage Point, one of the most beautiful waterfront dining locations in the Sydney area. Flint and Steel beach is a just short Zodiac ride away should you be in the mood for a short bushwalk, take the Flint and Steel track to the top and, venture on to the Garigal Aboriginal Heritage Walk on West Head.

There is much on offer during Orion’s stay in the Hawkesbury. Consider a trip aboard our fishing boat or perhaps a seaplane flight might take your fancy. Affording a bird’s eye view of the surrounding coastal bushland and the sparkling watersays, these will depart from right beside Orion. If that all sounds too much, simply soak up the silence on deck with a good glass of wine and a book.

JERVIS BAY, NEW SOUTH WALES – Wet Landing
Latitude: 35°4’S
Longitude: 150°44’E
Average Daily Temperature: 22ºC/72ºF

Orion will be at anchor for one and a half days in this beautiful marine national park. Jervis Bay is reputed to have the clearest waters and whitest sands in not only this country but also in the world. These beautiful blue waters are home to many dolphins and the opportunity to sight these graceful locals is one of the major features that make this area a magnet for lovers of nature. Whale sighting is also frequent in Jervis Bay and the choice of water sports here is wide with many coming to dive and fish.

On the full day of your visit, Orion will be near to the township of Huskisson from where you might consider a tour of the Shoalhaven wineries or a dolphin watch cruise.

On the half day, you’ll find Orion is further south in the bay, nearer to Hyams Beach. This beautiful scallop of white sand could be just the right venue for a lazy morning, with a convenient Zodiac transfer to and from the beach. Other options include a Bush Tucker tour of Booderee National Park on the southern peninsula of Jervis Bay. The famous and picturesque Greenpatch Beach offers spectacular views and contrasts with HMAS Creswell nestled serenely amongst the natural bush and sea landscape. The sweeping water views of Jervis Bay with its glistening sunlit colours of aqua and blue against striking white beaches complete the view.

Jervis Bay offers much to the visitor and it is one of the true gems of the NSW south east. Its breathtaking beauty, rich cultural and natural significance have long been appreciated by Australians and travellers from overseas alike.

BROUGHTON ISLAND – Wet Landing
Latitude: 32°37’S
Longitude: 152°18’E
Average Daily Temperature: 27ºC/82ºF

David Lockwood, writing for the Sydney Morning Herald, recently described Broughton Island as “somewhere you can play Robinson Crusoe for days at a time, land ashore by tender, comb remote beaches, hop about the rugged rocks, trek into the wild interior and hike to the summit 89 metres above sea level.”

The island is 138 ha, lies just 12 nautical miles offshore and forms part of Myall Lakes National Park north of Port Stephens. With its volcanic peaks, windswept vegetation and deserted beaches this is an oasis for thriving shearwater, silver gull and tern rookeries, and is close to the northern limit of the little penguin.

The island offers many scenes of pristine beauty. For example, at Esmeralda Cove you can hand-feed big, black stingrays, swim in protected waters, stroll golden beaches and fish – for the waters around Broughton Island are rich. Part of the beauty of Broughton Island is its remote and wild nature. Take a sandy path that winds through blade grass, bracken, brush and box and be sure to stop and admire vistas reminiscent of the west coast of Tasmania.

Inclusions: Zodiac ashore to swim, snorkel or enjoy a walk.

MARIA ISLAND – Dry Landing
Latitude: 42°38’S
Longitude: 148°4’E
Average Daily Temperature: 21ºC/70ºF

Maria Island is about 10-15km off the Tasmanian mainland, just across the Mercury Passage, and once you encounter its craggy peaks, historic settlement, fossils and wildlife you’ll understand why it is it so richly deserves to be an unspoilt National Park with no cars, no shops and no electricity! The island is characterised by sheer limestone cliffs tumbling into the sea, beautifully banded sandstone cliffs known as the Painted Cliffs, the ruins of a 19th century convict settlement and abundant wildlife.

The first European inhabitants of the island were a colony of convicts who built the township in 1825 but the island’s human history really begins with the Paredareme people who called it Toarra-Marra-Monah. Because the island is so close to the Tasmanian mainland, many convicts escaped, and in 1830 the settlement shut down. Today the former penitentiary now provides accommodation for school groups and the Coffee Palace looks over the bay, surrounded by the convict-era mess hall, bakehouse and the remains of the solitary cells.

After the closure of the penal settlement, the Tasmanian Government leased the island to entrepreneur Diego Bernacchi whose grand scheme to turn the township into a tourist mecca eventually failed. This morning you will land close to this abandoned township. Wear some solid shoes as the beauty of Maria Island is best revealed by walking. To the south of the town, near Hopground beach, are the Painted Cliffs, beautifully coloured and eroded by wind and sea and to the east of Darlington are the fossil cliffs, packed with millions of fossilised shellfish (an easy 1 – 1.5 hour stroll). On your way you’re sure to encounter some of the island’s wildlife, particularly the very tame Bennett’s wallabies.

PORT HUON, TASMANIA – Dry Landing
Latitude: 43°9’S
Longitude: 146°58’E
Average Daily Temperature: 20°C/68°F

Port Huon, on the Huon River, is the mid-point of the 'Huon Trail' - a picturesque region of waterways and wilderness; art, craft and heritage; apple blossom and vineyards; farmers, foresters and fishermen capturing the essence of the Tasmanian countryside. It is also the site of some of Tasmania’s increasingly successful Atlantic salmon farms. Nearby Franklin is the oldest township on the Huon River, with some significant early timber architecture. Today restaurants, craft and antique shops operate from the faithfully preserved buildings.

Anglers might consider a visit to the Geeveston Highlands Salmon and Trout fishery, the world’s first still-water catch-and-release fishery where you can fly-fish the 4ha lake for large, prime, hard-fighting Atlantic salmon. Close to the village of Geeveston is the Tahune Airwalk, nestled amongst lush forest vegetation. Between 25 and 45 metres above ground and more than half a kilometre long, the walk allows visitors a unique view of the forest canopy and surrounding environment.

Consider taking a jet boat ride along the picturesque Huon River. Along the riverbank you’ll see rare Huon pines, unique to Tasmania, and stop en route at historic points of interest related to the early settlement of the area.

NOTE FOR ALL CRUISES: The order in which ports are visited is subject to prevailing tidal and weather conditions.