Setting sail for Oceania
A cruise to Australia and New Zealand allows you to discover distant islands and continents, with their varied landscapes and sublime natural scenery. Australia and New Zealand are located in the southern hemisphere. Australia is distinguished by its vast sandy beaches, subtropical forests, cosmopolitan cities and bush. Most of the country is covered by semi-arid or desert zones. New Zealand is made up of two main islands, North and South. It lies 2,000 km from Australia, separated by the Tasman Sea. It's a country of diverse relief, with unique landscapes ranging from lush forests to craggy peaks, from immense green plains to superb beaches.
Historically, Australia has been inhabited by Aborigines for tens of thousands of years. From the 17th century onwards, European explorers began to discover the land. English colonization began in 1788, and the influences of this presence can still be seen today in the country, notably in the use of the English language. Initially used as a penal colony, Australia saw the arrival of many settlers during the gold rush at the end of the 19th century. The colonies eventually came together to form the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. In the 20th century, the country gained its independence and became a major state. New Zealand's history is much more recent, being one of the last territories discovered by man. Maori tribes settled the land between 1050 and 1300, while Europeans only discovered it in the 17th century. New Zealand became a British colony before gaining independence in 1907. Like Australia, New Zealand welcomes many tourists who come to admire the natural beauty of this remote country.
Varied landscapes
An essential stage of your trip takes you to the dazzling city of Sydney. Located on the east coast, the city promises cultural discoveries, from art galleries to museums and festivals. The city's contemporary architecture culminates in its famous opera house. Situated on Sydney Harbour and bordered by a wooded park, the Opera House rises like a giant sculpture with an original architecture and a roof in the shape of shells or sails, giving it an airy allure. Tourists come to relax on the sublime Bondi beach, before enjoying a plate of oysters. Not far from Sydney, the landscape is varied, with vast stretches of forest and national parks such as Myall Lakes Park, with its many lakes and wetlands. In the coastal town of Port Stephen, you can kayak into Nelson Bay to spot the familiar dolphins. 800 km from Sydney, Byron Bay in northern New South Wales is famous for its beaches and waves, popular with surfers, and for the whales that sometimes pass offshore. Other ports and natural wonders to visit include the famous Ayers Rock. The fauna is typical of this country, with koalas, kangaroos, marsupials...
Leaving Australia for New Zealand, you'll find sublime beaches and contrasting landscapes of rugged beauty. The capital Wellington lies at the southern tip of the North Island. Film buffs will enjoy visiting the Weta studio used for the Lord of the Rings films. The city is characterized by its warm atmosphere, cultural activity and numerous bars, where rugby matches are often broadcast. To enjoy the view of the harbor and the surrounding green hills, you can climb aboard the bus that travels on rails above the city. The country is a paradise not only for surfers, but also for all adventurous sportsmen and women, thanks to its extraordinary landscapes.
Crystal-clear waters
Australia is a country with a variety of climates, from tropical on the north coast to Mediterranean on the west coast. In general, the summer season is characterized by high temperatures and frequent tropical rains. For your stay, you can choose to go in winter, from May to September. Days are mild, with dry weather and milder temperatures than in summer. This climate is ideal for a sunny beach vacation. During your cruise, you can dock at Fraser Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's the world's largest sand island, 123 km long. Admire its white sandy beaches and numerous lakes.
Off the coast of Queensland lies another aquatic curiosity, the Great Barrier Reef. It's a popular destination for divers, who can admire the many colonies of fantastically colored coral. For a complete change of scenery, head for New Zealand, with its 15,000 km of wild and extensive beaches. And if you want to swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters, plan your trip to New Zealand in summer, from December to February!