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Our 18-Night Across the Great Australian Bight Cruise tells the tale of mariners past and present.
Everything is vaster. Wilder. More isolated.
This is a part of Australia most people spend their lives flying over:
the immense southern coastline stretching between Tasmania and Western Australia — shaped by the Southern Ocean, battered by weather systems and scattered with islands, cliffs and remote anchorages almost impossible to appreciate properly from land.
And that’s what makes this voyage so compelling.
The 18-night Across the Great Australian Bight expedition aboard Coral Adventurer explores one of the least understood coastlines in the country:
- Tasmania’s rugged southern waters
- the islands of Bass Strait
- South Australia’s remote coast
- the Great Australian Bight
- and the long empty sweep toward Fremantle
No mega ports.
No crowded tourist circuits.
No cruise ship theatre distracting from the landscape.
Just a small expedition ship moving slowly through the edge of the continent itself.
There’s something oddly emotional about Australia’s south coast.
Maybe it’s the scale.
Maybe it’s the emptiness.
Maybe it’s the fact the Southern Ocean still feels genuinely untamed.
Whatever the reason, this voyage feels very different to tropical expedition cruising.
This is not:
- reef-hopping
- pool-deck weather
- or postcard tourism
Instead, it’s about:
- rugged cliffs
- isolated islands
- shifting light and weather
- marine wildlife
- seabird colonies
- and the extraordinary feeling of travelling across immense stretches of ocean with almost nobody else around
It feels remote in the truest sense of the word.
Most Australians know the name.
Very few know the place.
Great Australian Bight is one of the largest open bays in the world — an immense sweep of coastline defined by towering cliffs, nutrient-rich waters and extraordinary marine ecosystems.
And expedition cruising changes your relationship with it completely.
From the water, you begin to understand:
- the geological scale
- the isolation
- the wildlife corridors
- and the sheer physical size of southern Australia itself
There are long stretches where civilisation simply disappears.
And increasingly, that kind of emptiness feels incredibly rare.
The marine life along the southern coastline is extraordinary.
Depending on seasonality and conditions, sightings may include:
- southern right whales
- humpback whales
- dolphins
- Australian sea lions
- seabird colonies
- albatross
- seals and other marine life
And because you’re travelling aboard a small expedition ship rather than joining isolated wildlife tours, encounters tend to feel more natural and immersive.
Wildlife simply becomes part of the rhythm of the voyage.
Large cruise ships rarely explore Australia’s southern coastline properly.
And honestly, they wouldn’t suit it anyway.
This region rewards:
- flexibility
- smaller guest numbers
- expedition landings
- and the ability to adapt to conditions
That’s where Coral Expeditions excels.
With a small expedition vessel and expert onboard team, the experience becomes far more connected to the environment:
- Zodiac excursions
- remote coastal exploration
- wildlife spotting from open decks
- expert interpretation
- and a pace that actually suits the landscape
It feels less like cruising.
More like genuine exploration.
2027 - ACROSS THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN BIGHT (18 NIGHTS)
HOBART to FREMANTLE on the CORAL ADVENTURER
Please see the dates and prices below for the Coral Geographer, which are always subject to change without notice. For live availability, call us on 1300 799 758,
The Across the Great Australian Bight expedition is an 18-night small ship voyage exploring Australia’s southern coastline between Tasmania and Western Australia aboard the Coral Expeditions ship the Coral Adventurer.
The voyage typically operates between:
- Hobart, Tasmania
- and Fremantle, Western Australia
Some departures may operate in reverse.
Depending on seasonality and conditions, sightings may include:
- southern right whales
- humpback whales
- dolphins
- seals
- sea lions
- seabirds and albatross
Wildlife viewing is one of the major highlights of the expedition.
Yes — particularly for travellers interested in scenery, wildlife and remote coastal exploration rather than traditional cruise entertainment.
That said, this is a genuine expedition voyage and conditions can vary along the Southern Ocean coastline.
Depending on departure scheduling, voyages may operate aboard ships including Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer.
Because departures are extremely limited — often only one sailing annually — and there are very few comparable expedition itineraries exploring Australia’s southern coastline.
Typically included:
- accommodation onboard
- all meals
- guided excursions
- Zodiac operations
- expert expedition guides
- onboard lectures and briefings
Flights and travel insurance are generally additional. BlueSun Travel can provide travel insurance for all cruises worldwise and often offers great discounts too.
Quite simply: almost nobody does this route.
There are very few expedition cruises exploring Australia’s southern coastline in this depth, and Coral Expeditions typically operates only a single departure annually.
Which means:
- availability is limited
- repeat guest demand is strong
- and preferred cabin categories often disappear early
This isn’t a mass-market itinerary.
That’s precisely what makes it interesting.
Life onboard the Coral Adventurer settles into a wonderfully slow rhythm.
Coffee on deck while seabirds drift beside the ship.
Long lunches as the Southern Ocean rolls past outside.
Evening expedition briefings over wine as the ship quietly pushes westward along the coast.
The atmosphere onboard is relaxed, intelligent and distinctly expedition-focused:
- open bridge access
- expert guides
- small-group exploration
- and guests who generally prefer landscapes over loud entertainment
No casinos.
No production shows.
No artificial cruise ship energy.
Just a ship designed to support the experience rather than compete with it.
This voyage suits travellers who:
- enjoy remote landscapes
- appreciate slower travel
- value nature and wildlife
- prefer smaller ships
- and have likely outgrown traditional cruising already
It’s particularly appealing for:
- photographers
- wildlife enthusiasts
- experienced travellers
- expedition cruise guests looking for something genuinely different
This is not a cruise built around “activities.”
It’s built around atmosphere, landscape and access.
Arrive in Hobart to board Coral Adventurer at 4pm. Settle into your stateroom, meet the crew and fellow guests, and enjoy Captain’s Welcome Drinks as the ship departs at 5pm to begin your epic adventure across the Great Australian Bight.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we follow the Tasmanian coast on our way to the township of Burnie. Attend onboard presentations from our team of Guest Lecturers. Use this time to unwind, get acquainted with fellow travellers and enjoy Coral Adventurer's facilities.
Welcome to the township of Pataway/Burnie; gateway to 60-million-year-old temperate rainforests and the much-loved platypus. Today, we hope to spot these elusive creatures in their natural habitat and take in the stunning Guide Falls. In the afternoon, savour in a unique 'farm to table' experience, featuring sustainably-farmed ingredients.
As we sail through the Bass Strait, we make our way to King Island, home to just 2,000 residents. This isolated region is famous for its cheese and dairy products. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a cheese tasting at Kind Island Dairy and wander through a calcified forest dating back over 7,000 years.
Please note: Landing on King Island is highly subject to weather and swell; it has been challenging mariners since the 1800s and continues to do so today. An alternative location will be selected if conditions are not favourable.
Join your Gunditjmara guides on today's exclusive Signature Experience to discover the UNESCO-listed Budj Bim National Park. Learn how the indigenous engineering works have been used to sustainably farm kooyang (eel) over the last 6,600 years on a guided tour through the landscape. Later, taste kooyang creations as you listen to by Gunditjmara stories shared by local elders. Alternatively, enjoy free time to wander Port Fairy's the scenic riverside and historic Lifeboat Station.
Please note: the Budj Bim signature experience is an all-day event. Guests participating will not have time to explore Port Fairy if this option is selected. Guests will be asked to confirm their participation at time of booking.
Today we arrive into Robe, the traditional lands of the Bunganditj peoples. Visit the Obelisk, a tall, four-sided monument, built in 1972 on the western edge of the township to replace the historic Cape Jaffa Lighthouse. Guests can also take the opportunity to visit Customs House for a self-guided tour.
Visit the spectacular Seal Bay, home to 5% of the nation's population of endangered Australian sea lions. Enjoy an exclusive tour with Sea Lion specialists to learn more about their biology, behaviors and conservation challenges. Later, explore American River's maritime heritage on guided walk with Expedition team. In your free time, you might like to visit some of the local cafes and producers selling tasty goods.
Cape Donnington takes is name from Matthew Flinders' home in Lincolnshire, UK - though there is very little similarity between the two beyond that. Discover tales of exploration on guided walks of coastal trails with your Expedition Team and Guest Lecturers. There are several walks and hikes possible according to guest ability - each with their own stunning scenery and native flora and fauna.
Discover South Australia’s famed oysters on a farm and tasting tour. Swim, snorkel, or kayak tranquil bays teeming with dolphins and seabirds. Stroll on the sandy beaches and dunes in Coffin Bay National Park then unwind with local wines onboard.
Meet the Woolford family; third-generation abalone farmers and current caretakers of the island. Taste freshly harvested abalone, and learn about rewilding projects restoring island biodiversity. If time permits, enjoy a bracing swim in the waters of the Sothern Ocean or Xplorer-cruise this pristine island coast.
Weather permitting, enjoy a breathtaking scenic cruise along the world’s longest uninterrupted cliffs, where ancient limestone meets the vast Southern Ocean and seabirds soar above.
Spend the day relaxing on board as we sail towards Lucky Bay. Take the opportunity to reflect on the journey so far, and enjoy to hospitality on board.
Walk the famous white-sand beaches, caused by high silica content. We often spot kangaroos on the beach here, a true postcard moment. Join a guided hike on the trail to Thistle Cove with the Expedition team, or swim and kayak the blue waters, or Xplorer-cruise sheltered bays to spot local birds and wildlife.
Snorkel the clear temperate waters of the Woody Island Snorkel Trail. Join guided walks to the island summit or Skinny Dip Bay, spotting a diverse array of birdlife and an abundance of lizards and skinks along the way.
Explore the National ANZAC Centre and discover its role as the launch point for the first convoy of allied forces to Europe. 2026 also marks the bicentennial of Albany; enjoy your free time to explore various exhibitions and events around the township. If conditions permit, we may also cruise Breaksea Island for bird and seal sightings.
Tour Jewel Cave’s ancient formations, view the Leeuwin Lighthouse where two oceans meet, and sample wines aged in Australia’s only underwater winery paired with local seafood.
Stroll Busselton’s 1.8 km timber jetty or visit the Underwater Observatory. Join a guided Old Gaol tour revealing stories of colonial justice, or explore heritage buildings, cafés and boutiques.
Swim, snorkel or kayak calm lagoons, meet friendly quokkas, and walk the Wadjemup Bidi trail network. Enjoy Captain’s Farewell Drinks overlooking the island’s turquoise bays.
Disembark at Berth C Fremantle at 8:00am. Farewell your crew after a memorable voyage across the Great Australian Bight.
Call us now for live availability for upcoming 8-night departures: 1300 799 758 or send us an email enquiry.
As a quick guide, here is a list of the top Coral Expeditions cruises:
| KIMBERLEY | View here: Kimberley cruise departure dates |
| RAJA AMPAT & SPICE ISLANDS | View here: Raja Ampat & the Spice Islands |
| PAPUA NEW GUINEA | View here: PNG Cruises |
| * 12-night Frontier Lands cruise | |
| * 12-night Beyond Frontiers of Papua New Guinea | |
| * 14-night Passage Through the Melanesian Arc | |
| GREAT BARRIER REEF | View here: Great Barrier Reef |
| THE GREAT BIGHT | View here: Australia's South cruises |
| NEW ZEALAND | View here: New Zealand cruises |
| * 8-night New Zealand Sounds & Stewart Island cruise | |
| * 10-night South Islands & Fiordland Cruise | |
| AUSTRALIA'S WEST COAST | View here: Australia's West Coast Cruises |
| * 12-night Abrolhos Islands Coral Coast Cruise | |
| * 10-night Whales & Tails of Western Australia | |
| * 6-night Short Coastal Adventures of Western Australia | |
| TASMANIA EXPEDITIONS | View here: Tasmania Cruises |
| CAPE YORK & ARNHEIM LAND | View here: Cape York & Arnheim Land cruises |
For more information on our 18-Night Across the Great Australian Bight Cruise or to get the latest prices, dates and cabin availability
Call 1300 799 758 now.
Available to chat - 7 days a week!