Along Australia’s South Coast
Snapshot
- 14 days / 13 nights
- Aboard Le Jacques-Cartier
- Cruise Holiday
- Luxury
- Fremantle to Hobart
- Departs 10 December 2024
From
$13,380*
per person twin share
Overview
Platinum Cruise Club Bonus €200 per person onboard credit!
Embark on an all-new unforgettable 14-day itinerary to discover the southern shores of Australia aboard Le Jacques Cartier. You will fall under the spell of this multi-faceted and magnificent country, with its wild landscapes and unique panoramas.
Why Ponant?
Setting sail aboard one of Ponants intimate luxury ships, you will explore breathtaking destinations and access secret ports larger vessels can’t reach, whilst indulging in personalised service, where the quintessence of private yachting and barefoot luxury permeates each moment of your voyage.
All-inclusive small ship itineraries
All-inclusive expeditions include Zodiac outings & shore excursions with the expedition team, onboard lectures from naturalists, all meals & open bar, 24h room service, unlimited Wi-Fi, butler service for suites, plus: French luxury brands on board including: Hermés, Ladurée, Lenôtre, Charles Heidsieck, Sothys & more.
Expedition specialists
PONANT expedition leaders and destination specialists are some of the best in the industry. Naturalists, marine biologists, photographers, historians… They are passionate and knowledgeable about the destinations they visit and want to share it with you!
*Advertised price is based on per person in a Deluxe Stateroom on Deck 3 on 10 December 2024 departure. Price correct as of 12 August 2024, subject to availability and can be changed at any time.
Inclusions
- 13 night tropical expedition from Fremantle to Hobart
- All onboard meals
- All onboard beverages including mini-bar
- Regular outings and shore expeditions via easy to access Zodiac®
- A highly qualified expedition team of geologists, historians, cultural experts, marine biologists, naturalists and conservationists
Highlights:
- An all-new cruise discovering the beauty of Australia’s southern coast, featuring idyllic scenery and the exploration of abundant biodiversity.
- Outings and shore visits in zodiac inflatables with a team of experienced naturalist guides.
- Visit the remarkable national ANZAC centre and whaling museum in Albany.
- Discover the pristine scenery of Esperance and the Recherche Archipelago.
- Savour the delights of Port Lincoln, the seafood and aquaculture capital of Australia.
- Experience one of Australia’s oldest and most acclaimed wine regions, McLaren Vale.
- Enjoy King Island’s exceptional produce, culture, history, flora and fauna.
- Sample the gourmet produce and world renowned fine cool climate wines of the Tamar Valley.
- Hear tales of convicts, mariners and miners in Northern Tasmania.
Included in your Stateroom
- Individually-controlled airconditioning
- Stateroom layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, communicating staterooms available (Children welcome)
- Minibar
- Flat screen satellite TV
- Video on demand
- Bose™ Bluetooth speaker
- Desk with stationery
- Safe
- Hermès® bath products
- Dressing table, bath robes, Hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 110V American (two flat pins) /220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- 24hr room service
- Inclusive Internet access Wi Fi
Itinerary
Day 1 - Fremantle
The vibrant city of Fremantle blends the old with the new, creating an enriching cultural experience. Maritime, convict and colonial history can be explored in one of the best-preserved examples of a 19th century port streetscape on Earth, while buzzing markets, lively bars and casual street cafés give you a taste of 21st century life with the locals. If you're hitting the heritage trail, be sure to include a visit to the Western Australian Maritime Museum, World Heritage listed Fremantle Prison and Western Australia's oldest public building, the Roundhouse.
Day 2 - At Sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 3 - Albany
The breathtaking beauty of Albany's rugged coastline creates a fitting backdrop to a dramatic whaling, convict and settler history and a sensational south coast adventure. This charming city marks the spot where the first European settlers set foot in Western Australia, and much of their legacy remains today. You can also follow the extraordinary stories of the first convoy of ANZACs departed for the battlegrounds of the First World War in the National ANZAC Centre. You'll also find some of the town's biggest tales in the Historic Whaling Station, the only museum of its kind to be housed in a former whaling station. The industry met its end in 1978, creating a safe port of call for migrating humpback, southern right and blue whales.
Day 4 - Esperance
Esperance was named for the French frigate Espérance captained by Huon de Kermadec on Antoine Bruni d'Entrecasteaux's 1791 expedition to find the lost ships of Jean-François de La Pérouse. It is located 720 kilometres east-southeast of Perth and has a population of just over 12,000. Regarded as a beach and nature-lover's dream, Esperance is blessed with squeaky-clean beaches, turquoise waters, untouched islands and colour-filled wildflower country. Among its most famous beauty spots is Australia's whitest beach, Lucky Bay - set against a stunning seascape of 110 islands of the Recherche Archipelago.
Days 5-6 - Recherche Archipelago
The Archipelago of the Recherche, known locally as the Bay of Isles, is a group of 105 islands, and over 1500 rocky outcrops off the southern coast of Esperance, Western Australia. The islands stretch 230 kilometres from East to West and to 50 kilometres offshore. The area is a biodiversity hotspot partly due to the influence of the Leeuwin current which supports a rich diversity of marine life. Breeding colonies of Australian fur seal, New Zealand fur seal and the Australian Sea Lion have been recorded on various islands including Cooper and Salisbury Islands. The archipelago has also been identified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA) supporting over 1% of the world populations of flesh-footed shearwaters, along with breeding colonies of the endemic Recherche Cape Barren goose, sooty oystercatchers and fairy terns. If time and weather permit, you will have the opportunity to explore the coastal environments and view the wildlife from our fleet of zodiacs.
Day 7 - At Sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 8 - Port Lincoln
With a population of approximately 14,500 and situated on Boston Bay – one of the largest protected natural harbours in the world – Port Lincoln is the seafood and aquaculture capital of Australia. Home to the country’s largest commercial fishing fleet, renowned for its southern bluefin tuna, King George whiting, Western King prawns and Southern Rock lobster. The pristine waters of the Eyre peninsula are home to thriving aquaculture industries for Kingfish, Mussels and the famous Coffin Bay oysters. The Eyre Peninsula also boasts a boutique food industry producing honey, olives, fudge, dried fruits, sea salts and capers, just to name a few. With more than 2000 km of pristine coastline, quality seafood is the region’s hero.
Day 9 - Fleurieu Peninsula
Victor Harbour overlooks the beautiful Encounter Bay and is the Gateway to the Fleurieu Peninsula offering some of South Australia's finest coastal, scenic and culinary experiences. The region is home to the internationally renowned McLaren Vale - the home of sustainable wine production, world-renowned labels and unparalleled gastronomic experiences. At the heart of one of Australia’s oldest and most acclaimed wine regions, McLaren Vale boasts more than 100 cellar doors and a multitude of culinary offerings from handmade cheeses and chocolates to olives and almonds. You will have the opportunity to take a tour showcasing the regions fine wines and gourmet produce.
Day 10 - At Sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 11 - King Island, Tasmania
King Island is anchored in the middle of the Bass Strait between Victoria and Tasmania’s NorthWest coast. Surrounded by some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, King Island imports the world’s best surfers and exports produce sought by the world’s top chefs : succulent beef, rich gourmet cheese and crayfish plucked from the Island’s crystal-clear waters. It's quiet and easy going here, but there's something interesting at every turn – from a lighthouse and offshore shipwrecks – to the island's great nature walks and unique wildlife. You will have the opportunity to uncover the island's stories at the museum and cultural centre in the town of Currie or to take a guided trail of the island's produce, culture, history, flora and fauna.
Day 12 - Tamar Valley, Tasmania
Tasmania is a land that should be savoured slowly…with a glass of fine wine in hand and friendly locals to guide you on your way. The Tamar Valley Wine Route is regarded as one of the world’s top 10 wine routes with over 32 wineries to explore. Showcasing some of the finest award winning wines. The unique cool climate location produces elegant wines of exceptional quality. There is so much more to the Tamar Valley than just wine. There’s the Tamar Valley Arts Trail, a unique space where you can meet the artist in their studio. The Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre, which shows the workings of the old mine, recalls the boom days of gold, the events of the 2006 mine rescue and Tamar Valley history.
Day 13 - At Sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 14 - Hobart, Tasmania
Hobart occupies a wonderful location at the mouth of the Derwent River, overseen by majestic Mt Wellington and surrounded by natural bushland. The Tasmanian capital is Australia's second-oldest city, after Sydney, and the picturesque waterfront is bordered by 19th-century warehouses and colonial mansions. Salamanca Place is packed with shops, galleries and restaurants and the fascinating Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a short ferry ride from the quay. Hobart is within easy reach of some of Tasmania's best-known destinations, from historic Port Arthur and the rugged Tasman Peninsula to Bruny Island, the Huon and Derwent Valleys and Mount Field National Park.
* Term and conditions apply:
All pricing subject to change and availability.
Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change.
Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies.
Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.