P&O Destinations


Exploring the Whitsundays

Is snorkelling with turtles on your bucket list? What about sunning yourself on one of the world’s most exquisite beaches?

Whitehaven Beach on glorious Whitsunday Island has rightfully earned its title of ‘Most Beautiful Beach in Australia’. Take a half day P&O shore tour, via boat from Airlie Beach, to this little slice of paradise.

P&O cruise to Airlie Beach from Brisbane on the 7-night Barrier Reef Discovery, or from Sydney on a 10-night departure. Alternatively, the 4-night one-stop Short Break from Brisbane also calls at Airlie Beach.

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Esperance

The shoreline of Esperance in Western Australia is home to some of the most stunning coastal destinations in Australia.

Lucky Bay, which has been voted ‘Australia’s Whitest Beach’, Hellfire Bay, Le Grand Beach, Wharton Beach & Twilight Beach, all offer perfect, white sandy shorelines, turquoise blue water and some even have kangaroos!

P&O Cruises can take you to Esperance departing Adelaide on the Southern Discovery cruise. Alternatively, depart from Melbourne on a one-way cruise to Fremantle and call at Esperance and Albany.

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Australian Explorer

Don’t miss our Australian Explorer cruise! This 28-night mainland Australia circumnavigation calls at most of our capital cities and some pretty special coastal destinations, as well as taking a side trip to Ambon, capital of Maluku, the centre of Indonesia’s Spice Islands.

What makes this cruise even more special is that it is 90 years since our last Australian circumnavigation! Cruiselings can embark on this adventure with us from either Brisbane or Sydney in June 2024. And if you’re not up for the full voyage, a number of shorter sectors are on sale.

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Eden and Sapphire Coast

Indulge in the finest cuisine the Sapphire Coast has to offer on our Sapphire Coast Food Festival Cruise. Spend the day in magnificent Twofold Bay in Eden and sample hand-picked local delicacies, seafood, and artisanal dairy produce from the finest chefs, all in a laid back market environment.

To finish off your day, book a P&O Shore Tour and visit Longstocking Brewery, where ales, lagers and ciders with unique and distinctive flavours are served. For the more adventurous, there are kayaking experiences and Ben Boyd National Park walking tours around Eden or perhaps sample the world renowned Pambula Lake Sydney Rock oyster on an oversized oyster punt and have a go at shucking your own.

The next Sapphire Coast Food Festival Cruise is scheduled to depart from Sydney on 11 November 2022. Book early and come hungry:)

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Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is one of Australia’s’ best nature-based destinations. Situated off the coast of South Australia, it is home to an abundance of native wildlife including sea lions, kangaroos, koalas and birds. The Flinders Chase National Park in the west, is also home the unforgettable Remarkable Rocks and stalactite-covered Admirals.

Book a P&O Shore Tour and visit the Seal Bay Conservation Park or try the Kangaroo Island Ocean Safari where you could witness pods of bottlenose dolphins, or see colonies of New Zealand fur seals and Australian sea lions along the coastline.

P&O Cruises to Kangaroo Island from Melbourne on a P&O Short Break, Southern Getaway, or our A Taste of Tasmania itinerary also calls at Kangaroo Island. From Adelaide, choose the Southern Getaway itinerary.

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Isle of Pines

It’s easy to see why the Isle of Pines is nicknamed the 'jewel of the pacific'. It is HEAVEN on EARTH.

One of the most spectacular islands in the archipelago of New Caledonia, Isle of Pines lies southeast of the main island, Grande Terre, and is known for its white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, and signature Araucaria pine trees.

P&O cruise to Isle of Pines from Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland.

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Tourism Whitsundays

Judi Dunn from Tourism Whitsundays and her fellow volunteers are proudly 'flying the flag for P&O'

Judi is a founding member of the Airlie Beach Cruise Ship Ambassadors who, for the past 17 years, has loved welcoming thousands of Cruiselings to the Whitsundays and sharing her exquisite patch of paradise.

The Whitsundays have missed you, Cruiselings and the Airlie Beach community just can’t wait for our ships to return.

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Bay of Islands New Zealand

Practise your jaw-dropping because a visit to the spectacularly beautiful Bay of Islands in New Zealand is one, you’ll never forget.

Encompassing 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula, this part of New Zealand is known for its exquisite beaches, big-game fishing, and Maori culture.

Kayaking at Haruru Falls, the Glow Worm Cave & Puketi Kauri Forest tour, plus the famous Hole in the Rock and Grand Cathedral Cave catamaran cruise are just some of the experiences available with P&O Cruises Shore Tours. Coupled with the incredible variety of marine life in the area including local dolphins, seals, fairy penguins and whales, this part of New Zealand is simply magical.

P&O cruises to the Bay of Islands on the Kiwi Explorer cruise departing from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide, plus visits on the one-way Short Break from Auckland to Melbourne.

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Kimberley Coast – Yampi Sound

This Kimberley Coast destination is one to cross off your bucket list. Yampi Sound and the magnificent Buccaneer Archipelago between King Sound and Collier Bay in WA are jam-packed with natural wonders that will astound you.

P&O cruise to Yampi Sound on the 9-10 night Kimberley Coast Adventure from Fremantle.

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Port Denarau, Fiji

Port Denarau (on Denarau Island) is the gateway to the stunning Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands.

Just off the coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, it is comprised of luxurious hotels, a golf course, manicured residential estates, palm tree-lined streets, excellent shopping and sporting facilities that are among the best in the Pacific. As well as all this, it provides a port for travelling to the many spectacular islands off the Fijian coast.

There are shore tours available for every age, taste and fitness level.

Take in the beautiful marine life on Olooloo Snorkel Cruise in Nadi Bay or escape on an Olooloo Island Bay Cruise, which includes a guided snorkel session, glass-bottom boat ride and kayaking adventure.

For the more adventurous try the Tau Cave & Zip Line Tour, which includes a series of 16 giant zip lines and abseiling obstacles, as well as exploration of the limestone caves in the area. Even better book a scenic helicopter flight over the famed Mamanuca islands.

A visit to the thermal mud pools at the base of Sabeto Mountains is a fantastic way to relax and experience nature at its best. Plus there are sightseeing tours in Nadi or 4X4 tours of Nausori to experience. Take in the beauty of Viti Levu, with views of the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands and the famous 'valley of a thousand hills’.

P&O cruises to Fiji from Auckland, Sydney and Brisbane. Look for either the Fiji Encounter, Bounty Adventure or Tonga Discovery departures.

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Mare, New Caledonia

Mare is the best-kept secret of all of New Caledonia’s islands, and is about as close to paradise as you can get.

At 42km long and 33km wide, Mare (pronounced Mar-ray) is the second largest of the four Loyalty Islands – Lifou, Ouvea and Tiga in New Caledonia. It is more rustic and less developed than some other ports of call but this provides a unique cultural experience.

Take one of the pre-paid shuttles to the beautiful white sands of Yejele Beach where you will find local vendors selling food, drinks and souvenirs.

Enjoy a scenic drive from Mare to Eni Beach, the best stretch of sand on New Caledonia’s southwest coast. At Eni Beach, enjoy local fruits, traditional dances and songs, indulge in a massage or have your hair braided. Also, make sure to bring your snorkelling gear because the enclosed, pristine lagoon in this area is a sensational spot for keen snorkellers.

P&O cruises to Mare departing from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland. Choose the Taste of New Caledonia or Explore the Loyalty Islands itineraries. From Brisbane, select Pacific Island Hopper departures, from Auckland select Bounty Discovery itineraries and from Melbourne select Discover Vanuatu cruises also stop at Mare.

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Alotau, Papua New Guinea

Alotau is the capital of Milne Bay Province, located on the right tip of Papua New Guinea’s main island, and is the main port for the 160 islands that encompass the area. Alotau has a rich history and you would be hard-pressed to find a better introduction to Papua New Guinean culture.

P&O offers a range of shore tours, designed to help you make the most of your time in port. The Ahioma Traditional Cultural Experience whisks you off Dodobana, a small Ahioma village, where you will experience true Melanesian hospitality and enjoy a host of traditional family activities in a local village setting including cultural performances, traditional basket weaving and grass skirt (Magololo) making.

For the history buffs, book the Battle of Milne Bay Tour and re-cap this massive event in their history where imperial Japanese forces suffered their first loss in WWII at the hands of Australian and American troops.

Also not-to-be-missed is the Alotau Cultural festival. Lose yourself in this explosion of music, performance and colour. Watch Melanesian dancing, Lopo war canoeing, clay pot cooking, plus a variety of performances, string bands, contemporary body art dancers and musicians.

To cross Alotau off your bucket list, take the 10-night Papua New Guinea Island Encounter cruise from either Brisbane or Sydney.

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Nouméa, New Caledonia

Nouméa is the capital of the South Pacific archipelago of New Caledonia. A cosmopolitan city, brimming with culture, personality and French influences, Nouméa acts the gateway to New Caledonia's islands and magnificent beaches.

P&O Cruises offer a wide variety of shore experiences for young and old.

Discover Signal Island via Zodiac, lose yourself at Lemon Bay Beach and Anse Vata, where you can experience a little taste of the French Riviera. In Anse Vata there are a fantastic array of restaurants specialising in their own Plats Du Jour (dish of the day), as well as local and other regional specialties to try. Walk the promenade at Lemon Bay Beach for a great selection of foodie delights.

For the adrenalin junkies, there is the Tree-to-Tree Adventure in Koghi Forest. Put your balance and bravery to the test in the treetops. Swing, slide and climb your way through an adventure course, up to 20 metres above the ground. If climbing trees is not up your alley, enjoy a nature walk in the Mont Koghi rainforest and take in the natural beauty of the area.

Plus there are Segway, kayak and bicycle experiences to get involved in, or you can just soak up the sun on one of the magnificent beaches.

P&O cruises to Nouméa all year round. From Sydney, choose the Taste Of New Caledonia, Explore the Loyalty Islands, Fiji Adventure itineraries or select departures of the Discover Vanuatu cruise. From Brisbane, the 7-night Pacific Island Hopper or the Bounty Discovery, departing Auckland also call at Nouméa.

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Lifou

Lifou is the largest island in the archipelago of coral atolls known as the Loyalty Islands. Long stretches of white sand beach, small coves, limestone caves, grottos and imposing cliffs provide some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Pacific.  It is part of New Caledonia so you can see the French influence.  We say its like Paris without the Eiffel Tower and everything else!

Discover the best of Lifou on a P&O Shore Tour. Jinek Bay is one of the most pristine marine ecologies in the South Pacific. It holds one of the world’s most diverse ranges of coral and more than 2000 fish species. When you purchase your Marine Reserve Pass all proceeds go back to the local community to help sustain the beautiful underwater ecosystem.

Luecila and Luegoni Beaches are particularly beautiful. Spend the day snorkelling, swimming or just lying on the soft white sand. Alternatively, join the Forest and Secret Grotto tour for a guided walk to a hidden grotto. Or, take the Melanesian Encounter tour and learn about fascinating Melanesian culture in a traditional village.

Select departures of A Taste of New Caledonia, Explore the Loyalty Islands or Discover Vanuatu cruises call at Lifou, or from Brisbane, choose select Pacific Island Hopper and Discover Vanuatu itineraries.

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The Conflict Islands, Papua New Guinea

Conflict Islands is a coral atoll comprising of 21 uninhabited pristine islands found off the east coast of Papua New Guinea. It bears a name completely at odds with the serenity of the area and is currently under consideration for a World Heritage Marine Site.

There is so much to see and do. Lap up the scenery on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak. Take a tour of the Conflict Island Turtle Nursery and interact with baby green and hawksbill turtle hatchlings, or you can get involved in the turtle conservation initiative by adopting and naming your own turtle.

Reef snorkelling, diving, glass bottom boat or outrigger canoe tours are available, or book a private beach picnic on a remote patch of pristine white sand.

Visit the Conflict Islands on the New Guinea Island Encounter cruise from Brisbane or Sydney and the 10-night Solomon Sea Island itinerary departing from Cairns.

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Port Vila, Vanuatu

Set around Vila Bay and a series of lagoons, beaches and offshore islands, Port Vila is an energetic & lively town with colourful market stalls selling souvenirs, produce and local handicrafts, waterfront restaurants and cafes with some lingering French influence.

Of all the places we visit, Vila has the most shore tours, so you really are spoilt for choice. For those that like to take the path less travelled, there are jet boats or ATV experiences, open-air buggy adventures, glass bottom boat and snorkel safaris, horse trekking or a jungle zip line to choose from. Cascade Waterfalls is a must-do. This 50m high waterfall with naturally eroded rock swimming ponds set amidst jungle-like rainforest is beautiful. Trek to the waterfall to swim or abseil into the rock pools at the base of the falls. Stand underneath the waterfall while the water cascades over you.

For the more culturally inclined, visit a traditional Melanesian village to witness fascinating time-honoured traditions, tribal dress, cultural music, dancing and enjoy a traditionally prepared Melanesian feast.

The world is your oyster in Port Vila.

Visit Port Vila on Discover Vanuatu or select Pacific Island Hopper itineraries departing from Sydney, Brisbane or Adelaide. The 12-night Fiji Adventure cruise from Sydney or the 10-night Bounty Discovery cruise departing Auckland also call at Port Vila.

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Mystery Island, Vanuatu

Get stuck on a desert island on purpose.

Mystery Island is a tiny, uninhabited islet in Vanuatu’s Tafea Province, in the South Pacific. Only reachable by cruise ship, it's too special to not visit.

Take a P&O Shore Tour and choose from glass bottom kayak and snorkelling tours, with snorkelling gear available for hire or purchase onboard. For the culturally inclined, book our Modern Village Tour and spend the day learning how the local Aneityum families live. Plus, there is some local shopping to enjoy. Choose from an array of local handicrafts, sarongs, woven hats & floral shirts. You'll be sure to find a special keepsake to take home.

Visit Mystery Island on Discover Vanuatu or select Pacific Island Hopper itineraries departing from Sydney, Brisbane or Adelaide. The 12-night Fiji Adventure cruise from Sydney or the 10-night Bounty Adventure cruise departing Auckland also call at Mystery Island.

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Vanuatu Dreaming in Santo

Santo is located on Espiritu Santo, the largest island in the Vanuatu archipelago. With some of the most jaw-dropping beautiful beaches in the archipelago, including Champagne Beach and Lonnoc Beach, Santo is peppered with colourful coral reefs and clear, sheltered coastlines. Big attractions include snorkelling or diving over dumped WWII memorabilia, a rich Vanuatu culture and the famous blue holes.

Visit Santo on select Discover Vanuatu or Pacific Island Hopper itineraries from either Sydney, Brisbane or Adelaide.

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Sand Tobogganing - Moreton Island, Tangalooma

Feel the need for speed?

Moreton Island - Tangalooma is home to one of the world’s highest coastal sand dunes and sand tobogganing is just one of those things you ‘have’ to try.

Either sliding down while standing up, with your feet strapped in like a snowboard, lying on your stomach or sitting with your knees up, on a waxed piece of board you will be able to reach speeds of up to 40km per hour.

And the thrill of zooming down the dune is absolutely exhilarating.

Available to all P&O guests on the Desert Safari Shore Tour, this is an experience perfect for adventure seekers young and old.

Moreton Island - Tangalooma cruises can be booked as a 4-day P&O Short Break or part of the Barrier Reef Discovery itinerary, both from Sydney.

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Great Barrier Reef

Australia's Great Barrier Reef is 'great' in every single way. You can swim, snorkel, dive and cruise this living phenomenon. One of the world's seven natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef is World Heritage listed and rich with intricate coral gardens, tropical fish, molluscs, reef sharks, dolphins and turtles.

P&O shore tours allow guests to experience this amazing and unforgettable area. Board a high-speed catamaran, then get up close & personal with the reef, swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving.

You can take a P&O shore tour and visit the Great Barrier Reef from either Airlie Beach, Cairns or Port Douglas. Check out the 7-night Barrier Reef Discovery cruise from Brisbane or a 10-night cruise from Sydney. Additionally, from Brisbane, take a P&O Short Break to Airlie Beach.

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Must Do Experiences - Moreton Island, Tangalooma

Just for you - a glorious snapshot of all the ‘must do’ Moreton Island, Tangalooma experiences available to P&O guests.

For the adventurous-at-heart, there is parasailing, quad biking, snorkelling, whale watching, jet boating, sand tobogganing stand-up paddle boarding, and much more. For those wanting to experience the island in a quieter fashion, P&O have tender boats providing a regular service from the ship to Tangalooma Resort Jetty throughout the day. Explore pop-up food and beverage stalls, local coffee shops, or enjoy a delicious meal at Fire and Stone the Asian fusion restaurant @ Tangalooma Resort.

The Moreton Island cruise is available as a 4-day P&O Short Break or part of the Barrier Reef Discovery itinerary, both from Sydney.

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Comedy Cruises

Celebrate all things comedy with P&O Cruises. No matter what gives you the giggles, our comedy cruise program is sure to put a smile on your face. Laugh yourself silly at The Big Laugh Comedy Festival, our flagship comedy festival at sea, or hop aboard one of our Short Break Comedy Cruises for 3-4 days of belly laughs.

Departing from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Auckland, and Adelaide, these short breaks give you a chance to see live shows by your favourite comedians, participate in comedy workshops, and perform in front of your fellow guests (if you have the nerve).

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The Whitsundays

The Whitsundays consist of 74 exquisite islands and provide easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, a World Heritage listed underwater phenomenon that traces the Queensland coast for more than 2,300km.

Most of the Whitsundays islands are uninhabited, peppered with dense rainforest, an abundance of wildlife, hiking trails and perfect white sandy beaches. The area is world-renowned, and a once-in-a-lifetime Aussie travel experience, with Airlie Beach acting as its central hub.

P&O Cruises to Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays all year round. Cruise from Brisbane on the 7-night Barrier Reef Discovery or from Sydney take a 10-night round trip on the same itinerary. Then explore the incredible Great Barrier Reef from the three stunning ports of Airlie Beach, Cairns and Port Douglas.

Alternatively, book onboard a 4-night Short Break cruise departing from Brisbane and spend a day exploring Airlie Beach and the amazing Whitsundays.

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Sunset Dolphin Feeding - Moreton Island, Tangalooma

Enjoy sunset dolphin feeding @ Tangalooma Resort on Moreton Island, Available on the Wild Dolphin Discovery Shore Tour, P&O guests have the opportunity to hand-feed wild dolphins @ dusk near Tangalooma jetty. An unforgettable experience for all.

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Snorkelling - Moreton Island, Tangalooma

Snorkelling at Tangalooma is renowned for how spectacular it is. Home to 15 dramatic shipwrecks teeming with tropical reef fish and brightly coloured coral it is a haven for snorkelling enthusiasts. Join the Snorkelling the Wrecks Shore Tour to explore this underwater wonderland and keep an eye out for dolphins, wobbegongs, or dugongs playing nearby.

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Hobart

Hobart is a charming little city with a big personality & some sea salty charm. It has one of the finest deep-water harbours in the world, filled with ferries, fishing boats, ships & yachts. Coupled with a colourful waterfront precinct peppered with markets, new craft-beer bars, cafes & restaurants.

Explore on foot by wandering around the famous Salamanca Markets, Battery Point and Sandy Bay. Alternatively join a P&O Shore Tour to Bruny Island or the Tahune Forest in the Huon Valley.

P&O cruises to Hobart on the 8-night Taste of Tasmania cruise from Sydney, Adelaide & Melbourne.

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Cairns

Cairns is a modern & vibrant city, known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas and the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest.

Bounded by the glorious Coral Sea on one side and lush rainforest hinterland on the other, Cairns promises a cruise holiday experience, grounded in the unparalleled beauty of Australian nature, both on land and at sea.

Experience spectacular reefs, ancient rainforests & golden beaches blended with an alfresco dining scene full of cafes, restaurants and bustling markets.

P&O cruises to Cairns all year round. Join the 7-night Barrier Reef Discovery cruise from Brisbane or the 10-night cruise from Sydney.

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Port Douglas QLD

Port Douglas is a beautiful coastal gem, nestled on the Coral Sea about an hour north of Cairns. Once a sleepy port for local gold mines, this coastal QLD town has emerged as an unmissable cosmopolitan cruise destination. Rich in both culture and natural beauty, Port Douglas is the perfect bridge between the Great Barrier Reef and the World Heritage listed, Daintree National Park.

Make the most of your time in Port Douglas on a P&O Shore Tour. See the sights by riverboat, catamaran, coach, stretch limo, or on foot.

Visit Port Douglas on a P&O Barrier Reef Discovery cruise departing from Brisbane (7 nights) and Sydney (10 nights). You’ll also visit idyllic Airlie Beach and Cairns.

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Sunset Photo Tips

Do you have a keen eye for photography? Have you ever captured that kaleidoscope of colours that only an ocean sunset can deliver?

If you are a dedicated Cruiseling, you know just how spectacular the combination of the sun & sea can be.

Kevin Boag, as well as being one of our favourite Hotel Directors, is a skilled amateur photographer.

He takes us through some tips & tricks for taking a perfect sunset shot, whilst he relaxes in Koh Samui Thailand, during our cruise pause.

Short Breaks

P&O Short Breaks are the ideal quick getaway that will make you feel like you've been on a complete holiday without all the stress of planning one.

P&O offers a large range of Short Breaks between 2-4 nights and take you to some of Australia’s premier destinations, including the beautiful Whitsundays and Moreton Island - Tangalooma. Or, if you're after something a little more gourmet, try Kangaroo Island, Port Lincoln or Eden. Enjoy side-splitting comedy on a themed Comedy Short Break or bring out the big hair and shoulder pads on an '80s themed Short Break.

When you’re ready to get away, we can help you find a cruise. There really is something for everyone!

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Local Australian Cruises

At P&O, we truly believe that there’s no place quite like home.

We have an incredible range of local cruises designed to show you the many treasures that exist in our own backyard.

From the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach & sunny Cairns in QLD to Great Oyster Bay, Burnie & Cradle Mountain in Tasmania. Discover the magic of Port Douglas or hidden treasures of Moreton Island, Tangalooma. There is surprise & delight around every corner.

Now, more than ever, is the time to plan a cruise holiday, where you don't have to stray too far from home.

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Airlie Beach

Cruising is a great way to disconnect & spend quality time with family & friends.

While we may not be able to cruise now, we can certainly start planning our future cruises, and exploring our own beautiful Australian backyard is perfect for this.

In Airlie Beach QLD, discover one of the seven natural wonders of the world, dive into clear waters or just soak up the relaxed vibe. It is the perfect spot to explore the Whitsundays; a stunning 74-island archipelago that spans the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. From the moment you arrive, you will discover why water lovers worldwide call it '100 Magic Miles'. Cruise to Airlie Beach from Brisbane or Sydney on the Great Barrier Reef Discovery Cruise. Additionally, from Brisbane, take a P&O Short Break.

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Moreton Island, Tangalooma

Become a tourist in your own backyard, and discover Tangalooma Island Resort on stunning Moreton Island, the 3rd largest sand island in the world, located in tropical Queensland.

An area famous for its eco-tourism and abundance of local wildlife, Moreton Island is one of Australia's natural treasures.

P&O Cruises offer a wide variety of on-shore activities that allow you to experience this amazing slice of paradise. Tangalooma Island Resort has a unique wild dolphin up close & personal, hand-feeding experience. Plus for the closet adventurers, tobogganing down impossibly high sand dunes, parasailing, quad biking or snorkelling the island’s famous shipwreck, are activities accessible to all P&O guests.

Available as a 4-day P&O Short Break or part of the Barrier Reef Discovery itinerary, both cruising from Sydney, a P&O Tangalooma Moreton Island cruise is not be missed.

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