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Explore the top-rated Australia small ship cruises below.  Adventure Life works with the top-rated small ship cruise lines visiting Darwin, Cairns, Broome, King George River, and Hobart, and we help match you with the perfect small ship and cruise itinerary for your specific tastes and needs. There are countless advantages to exploring on a small ship cruise versus a large cruise ship including avoiding crowds and being able to visit and explore smaller ports and scenic shorelines that large ships simply cannot access. The cost of Australia small ship cruises start at $3,640 for a trip of 8 to 36 days in 2024. Tell us about your dream Australia small ship cruise and our team of travel planners will help you make it a reality.  
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Travelers learning how to scuba dive.
$3,640
EXPLORE

Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef

Cairns to Cairns - 8 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Discoverer
  • Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
  • Swim and snorkel Lizard Island
  • Discover the pristine Ribbon Reefs
  • Learn about Cook’s landing
Starts / Ends:
Cairns / Cairns
Activities:
Scuba Diving, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
This 8-day South Pacific cruise includes a full day to discover two different sections of the rarely visited Ribbon Reefs, considered to be the most colorful and pristine reefs found anywhere along the entire length of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as the wonderful fringing reefs off Lizard …
Cruise Details
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King George River Gorge, Kimberley, Australia
$9,260
EXPLORE

Australia's Iconic Kimberley

Darwin to Broome - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Le Laperouse
  • See the Warton stones
  • Learn prehistoric art
  • Explore Kimberley
  • See the birds
Starts / Ends:
Darwin / Broome
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Start your 11-day expedition cruise in Darwin.See mangrove forests wheresaltwater crocodileslive. Ravel at King George River and the majestic Twin Falls. Feast your eyes on the magnificent Ashmore Reef in the Timor Sea where the corals are claimed by a rich biodiverse environment. Amaze at the …
Cruise Details
0
Nightcliff Jetty, Darwin, Australia
$8,800
Savings
EXPLORE

The Kimberley

11 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Adventurer
  • Experience the tidal phenomenon
  • Visit Lacepede Island Nature Reserv
  • Witness Montgomery Reef
  • Marvel at the King George Falls
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
The Coral Adventurer hosts this 11-day the wonders of Kimberley voyage.View the mysterious Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) and Wandjina rock art and learn about theancient cultures of the Indigenous people.See crocodiles, humpback whales, rock wallabies, sea turtles, and birdlife as you cruise along the …
Cruise Details
0
$7,040
EXPLORE

Abrolhos Islands & the Coral Coast

13 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Adventurer
  • Discover Abrolhos Islands
  • Explore Shark Bay
  • Enjoy cultural sites
  • Visit Ningaloo Reef
Starts / Ends:
Fremantle / Broome
Activities:
Archaeological Site Visits, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
This 13-day expedition explores Western Australia’s wild and largely untouched coast, with its contrasting coastal palette of rich red sands and turquoise sea. With a fascinating maritime and Indigenous history – from the Malgana people of Shark Bay to the exploratory journeys of …
Cruise Details
0
Waterfall in the Australian outback
$9,085
EXPLORE

Cape York & Arnhem Land

Cairns - Darwin - 12 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Discoverer
  • Experience the unique Arnhem Land
  • Explore the Cobourg Peninsula
  • Witness the Tiwi people's culture
  • Snorkel across Lizard Island
Starts / Ends:
Cairns / Darwin
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
This magnificent 12-day voyage takes you across the top of Northern Australia and experience cultures unchanged for centuries, world-renowned Indigenous art centres, and some of the continent’s most remote islands. Visit remote Bathurst and Melville Islands and learn of traditional Tiwi …
Cruise Details
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Wineglass Bay in Tasmania
$5,435
EXPLORE

Coastal Wilds of Tasmania

11 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Discoverer
  • Hike to Wineglass Bay
  • Learn about Maria Island’s history
  • Visit Port Arthur
  • Admire the Tasman Peninsula
  • Observe unique wildlife
Starts / Ends:
Hobart / Hobart
Activities:
Hiking, Small Ship Cruises, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Australia’s island state poised at the edge of the world where the Southern, Indian and Pacific Oceans collide. Tasmania’s pristine World Heritage wilderness and national parks teem with native wildlife, where rugged mountain ranges meet the sea with soaring coastal cliffs and …
Cruise Details
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Rock formations along the coast of Kimberly
$6,995
EXPLORE

Kimberley Explorer: Expedition Cruising Australia's Iconic Kimberley Coast

11 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Visit King George River
  • Explore four Australian Bays
  • Experience birdwatching in Lacepede
  • Enjoy diverse wildlife
Starts / Ends:
Darwin / Broome
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Enjoy a wonderful 11-day voyage along Australia's rugged and isolated coastline and explore the magnificent King George Falls. Talbot Bay and the world's only horizontal falls, considered "one of the greatest wonders of the natural world," await you as you continue your journey. …
Cruise Details
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Explore the wonder of coral reefs
$6,860
EXPLORE

Citizen Science on the Great Barrier Reef – Turtles & Rays

Brisbane - Cairns - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Discoverer
  • Explore Mon Repos Turtle Center
  • Visit Heron Island Research Station
  • Discover the Restoration Program
  • Assist rehabilitate injured turtles
Starts / Ends:
Brisbane / Cairns
Activities:
Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Embark on an 11-day cruise aboard the Coral Discoverer featuring Citizen Science on the Great Barrier Reef focusing on turtles and rays. Explore Lady Elliot Island, a coral sanctuary with Project Manta research. Visit Mon Repos Turtle Centre for Loggerhead turtle nesting and hatchlings. Heron …
Cruise Details
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Sealife at Manuar Island, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
$10,090
EXPLORE

West Papua, Raja Ampat and Micronesia

Darwin to Guam - 17 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Geographer
  • Discover Banda Niera
  • Hike to the summit of Pindito Peak
  • Experience ancient traditions
  • Swim at the famous Jellyfish Lake
Starts / Ends:
Darwin / Guam
Activities:
Hiking, Kayaking, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
On this 17-day West Papua, Raja Ampat and Micronesia Cruise from Darwin to Guam on Coral Geographer,immerse in the cultural heritage of Melanesian and Micronesian customs with traditions and performances. Surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant marine life, have the opportunity to …
Cruise Details
0
Swimming with sharks
$8,135
Savings
EXPLORE

The Kimberley

11 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Discoverer
  • Zodiac to King George Falls
  • Explore Hathaway's Hideaway
  • Visit green turtle breeding grounds
  • Watch the Montgomery Reef \\\\\"ris
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Experience all of the icons of the Kimberley Coast over 11 unforgettable days cruising between Darwin and Broome.Covering more than 400,000 square kilometers (an area three times larger than England) and home to a sparse population of just 30,000 residents, the Kimberley region of northwest …
Cruise Details
0
Take in the unusual beauty of the Australian coast
$7,860
EXPLORE

Torres Strait and Cape York

Cairns - Horn Island - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Discoverer
  • Explore the Torres Strait Islands
  • Snorkel at Davie Cay
  • View rock art at Stanley Island
  • Visit Lizard Island
Starts / Ends:
Cairns / Thursday Island
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Village Visits
Activity Level:
Relaxed
With almost 300 islands dotted across the narrow stretch of water between Cape York and Papua New Guinea, the people of the Torres Strait Islands have a distinct and vibrant culture. An expedition by small ship is the ideal way to access these remote regions, visiting uninhabited sand cays, remote …
Cruise Details
0
An overland journey takes us into the highlands of Sulawesi to the remarkable Tana Toraja
$9,705
EXPLORE

In the Wake of the Makassans

Darwin - Makassar - 15 Day Itinerary aboard Coral Geographer
  • Encounter funeral rituals
  • Gaze out Kelimutu National Park
  • Walk in tracks of Komodo Dragons
  • Hike to the summit of Padar Island
  • Explore Takabonarate Marine Park
Starts / Ends:
Darwin / Makassar
Activities:
Hiking, Kayaking, Scuba Diving, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
mbark on a 15-day cruise to Makassar, retracing the historic paths of the Makassan trepangers from the 16th century. Explore lesser-visited islands, witness Phinisi boat building in Tana Beru, and visit Lamalera's traditional whaling village. Encounter Komodo Dragons, dive into Takabonarate …
Cruise Details
0
The unusual red color of Broome, Australia
$9,270
EXPLORE

Australia's Iconic Kimberley

Broome To Darwin - 11 Day Itinerary aboard Le Laperouse
  • See the Warton stones
  • Learn prehistoric art
  • Explore Kimberley
  • See the birds
Starts / Ends:
Broome / Darwin
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Start your 11-day expedition cruise in Broome. SeeHunter River to check out mangrove forests wheresaltwater crocodileslive. Head on toKing George River and the majestic Twin Falls. Feast your eyes on the magnificent Ashmore Reef in the Timor Sea where the corals are claimed by a rich biodiverse …
Cruise Details
0
Mountain Range in Komodo National Park, Indonesia
$16,577
EXPLORE

Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia & Indonesia

16 Day Itinerary aboard National Geographic Orion
  • Explore King George river
  • Discover the unique wildlife
  • Visit the Komodo National Park
  • Experience Indonesia
Starts / Ends:
Broome / Bali
Activities:
Land & Sea Exploration, Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling, Village Visits, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Embark on a 16-day cruise from Perth, Australia, to Bali, Indonesia, aboard the National Geographic Orion. Explore the Kimberley region in Australia, where striking landscapes bear the marks of ancient human civilizations. Then, voyage to remote Indonesian island villages where history springs to …
Cruise Details
0
King Island
$6,530
EXPLORE

Tasmania Circumnavigation

10 Day Itinerary aboard Le Laperouse
  • Explore Port Davey
  • Discover Maria Island
  • Experience King Island
  • Explore Hobart
Starts / Ends:
Hobart / Hobart
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Wildlife Viewing, Wine Tasting
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Embark on a 10-day expedition cruise aboard Le Lapérouse and uncover Tasmania's natural wonders. Departing and returning to Hobart, this cruise delves into Tasmania's diverse landscapes, culinary treasures, and unique environments. Discover the Tasmanian wilderness, a UNESCO World …
Cruise Details
0
Nightcliff Jetty, Darwin, Australia
$7,000
EXPLORE

Crossing Melanesia: Australia To Fiji

17 Day Itinerary aboard Paul Gauguin
  • Explore coral reefs of Milne Bay
  • See WWII historical sites in Alotau
  • Swim in the waters of Espiritu Sant
  • Discover Vanuatu's beaches
Starts / Ends:
Darwin / Lautoka
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Snorkeling
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Embark on a 17-day cruise Crossing Melanesia from Australia to Fiji. Explore the remote island nations of Melanesia, from the lush landscapes of Australia's Northern Territory to the tribal traditions of Papua New Guinea and the historical importance of Guadalcanal during WWII. Delight in two …
Cruise Details
0
Auckland, the City of Sails
$8,200
EXPLORE

Auckland to Sydney

15 Day Itinerary aboard Silver Muse
  • Explore Auckland, the City of Sails
  • Visit Auckland Art Gallery
  • Discover Gisborne's history
  • Visit Wellington, seaside capital
Starts / Ends:
Auckland / Sydney
Activities:
Small Ship Cruises, Spa Relaxation, Whale Watching
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Join Silver Muse on this 15-day cruise from Auckland to Sydney aboard Silver Muse. Begin your journey on the beachy recreation of Auckland, aka the City of Sails. Then off to the titanic scenery spots such as Gisborne and Napier before getting to Wellington, which was voted the "coolest capital" by …
Cruise Details
0
$10,725
EXPLORE

Galapagos of the Southern Ocean: New Zealand and Australia's Subantarctic Islands

Hobart - Queenstown - 13 Day Itinerary aboard Heritage Adventurer
  • Explore Macquarie Island
  • Venture on Zodiac excursions
  • View a vast array of endemic birds
  • Appreciate the rich biodiversity
  • Discover Campbell Island
Starts / Ends:
Hobart / Queenstown
Activities:
Adventure Options, Small Ship Cruises, Whale Watching, Wildlife Viewing
Activity Level:
Relaxed
Embark on this 13-day cruise aboard the Heritage Adventurer and discover breathtaking destinations with a team of highly knowledgeable and passionate experts. This expedition is an exceptional opportunity to explore the Southern Ocean ecosystem, which is both educational and inspiring. The …
Cruise Details
0
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