ORION EXPEDITION CRUISES

 

 

QUEENSLAND

 

Australian operated, Orion Expedition Cruises has developed voyages to encourage guests to become a part of the region they are discovering. Orion is designed to access the inaccessible, all in 5-star luxury. The ship combines the best and the latest in design with maritime and environmental technology, comfort and casual elegance. From the ice- strengthened hull to the chilled champagne and superb cuisine, this is expedition cruising at its finest.

Great Barrier Reef
2009 Departure - November 10 - 6 nights
Slip away for an early summer holiday in November 2009 and join Orion's one-off 6 night Great Barrier Reef voyage that includes Hardy Reef, Hayman Island and Percy Island; then enjoy a few leisurely days at sea before disembarking in Newcastle.

Cairns – Embark: The Cairns region is internationally recognised for worldclass attractions, superb natural features and friendly north Queensland hospitality. It is the focal point for the magnificent World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is surrounded by tropical rainforests. Visitors enjoy browsing at indigeneous art galleries, shopping at the night markets and dining out on multicultural cuisine in the many restaurants along the esplanade.

At Sea

Hardy Reef & Hayman Island – Dry landing
Relaxed and ready to explore, Orion guests will meet the day with snorkels in hand. Hardy Reef will offer the opportunity to experience the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef first hand. The colored coral expanses just below the surface of the warm, crystal clear tropical waters are home to an unbelievable array of sea life just below the dazzling surface. Hayman is Australia's most celebrated private island destination, and today Orion guests will have access to many of the facilities of this luxury resort.

Percy Island – Wet landing
The explorer Matthew Flinders visited the Percy Isles in September 1802 and described one of the coves as "one of the prettiest little places imaginable". Orion guests will enjoy an idyllic day on an isolated and beautiful island with perhaps only the occasional passing yacht for company. What more perfect way to spend your afternoon than to while it away in the shade or in the shallows with a glass of wine in your hand? For the energetic, the isles invite exploration by kayak, and the snorkelling is wonderful at the nearby Pine Islets. The Percy Isles were first settled in 1870 and the homestead dating from that time is currently being restored by the island group’s only residents. Middle Percy, the largest of the three islands, is a favourite stop for cruising yachtsmen en route between the tropical north and southern seas. An A-frame hut on the beach is decorated with memorabilia and souvenirs from these yachts.

At Sea

Newcastle – Disembark
Newcastle reaches out to the sea, creating Australia’s only city centre bounded by pristine beaches and an active working harbour. The city has an intriguing 200 year history as a dynamic city of contrasts. Discover a port city in transition and delight in a mixture of the raw and refined. Working wharves are becoming places of play; the city hums with a vibrant arts culture and an emerging food scene is evident. Newcastle is also a convenient gateway to the world recognised Hunter Valley Wine Region.

Tropical Reefs & Culture (Northern Queensland)
2009 Departure - April 20 - 5 nights
For time-restricted adventurers seeking a shorter voyage near home, Orion has a tempting 5 night North Queensland Tropical Reefs and Culture voyage in April 2009 cruising from Cairns via Lizard Island, Stanley Island (with its outstanding indigenous rock art), Orion Reef (perfect snorkelling) and even includes an Exclusive Island Retreat on the Great Barrier Reef before concluding at Thursday Island.

Cairns – Embark: The Cairns region is internationally recognised for worldclass attractions, superb natural features and friendly north Queensland hospitality. It is the focal point for the magnificent World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is surrounded by tropical rainforests. Visitors enjoy browsing at indigeneous art galleries, shopping at the night markets and dining out on multicultural cuisine in the many restaurants along the esplanade.

Lizard Island – Wet landing
Orion will drop anchor in the beautiful blue lagoon for a day of island-based relaxation. Spectacular opportunities for underwater exploration abound around this Marine National Park. Snorkellers are rewarded for little effort with coral gardens, brightly coloured tropical fish and giant clams just moments from the island's beach

Stanley Island – Wet landing
Stanley Island is renowned as the site of a significant Aboriginal rock art gallery, which can be viewed from the boardwalk and viewing platforms provided. The artwork is by the Yithuwarra people, members of whom will be guiding you today. A boardwalk has been built to preserve the island’s ecology and each lookout includes interpretive displays to afford visitors an insight into the importance of the area and artwork of the Yithuwarra people.

Orion Reef – Wet landing
Orion will take position at Orion Reef affording guests a unique and spectacular opportunity for a swim, one that stay with you for the rest of your life. You will be landed ashore by Zodiacs onto a white sand spit. From here you can swim and snorkel over a pristine and seldom visited section of the reef alive with corals and teeming with myriads of tropical fish.

Exclusive Island Retreat – Wet landing
Orion is the only ship to visit this exclusive tropical paradise. Guests will have the opportunity to snorkel over masses of marine life, walk along white sandy beaches or through tropical rainforests. Guests will also enjoy a Beach BBQ Lunch at this exclusive hideaway.

Thursday Island – Disembark
Thursday Island (traditionally known as Waiben) is recognised as one of the last frontiers in Australia, as it holds some great Australian history. At the Torres Strait Museum, learn about the feared Russian invasion of 1898. Take in brilliant panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands and tropical seas from Lions Lookout. Visit the Gab Titui cultural centre which boasts several unique
displays that explain the history and culture of the Torres Strait Islanders.

Ports of call may be subject to weather and tidal conditions, and are subject to change.

 

 

 

Orion also explores the Kimberley and Arnhem Land, Melanesia, Antarctica and Sub-Antarctica, and South-east Asia. Pleae call us for full details and sailings.

 

Call 1 877 VEGEMITE (384 3648) or email for more information, and for other 2009/10 cruises