Australia’S West Coast Odyssey

Broome, situated on a peninsula in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, is known as the ‘pearl of the north’ due to its being the home of the South Sea pearls, among the largest commercially harvested cultured pearls in the world. In the 1800s Broome attracted pearl divers from Japan, Malaysia and the Philippines, resulting in the delightful multicultural town it is today. Visitors can witness first-hand how Broome pearls are cultured on a cruise to a local pearl farm, and hear the romantic stories of the original pearl luggers. Read more about Broome, Australia

Karratha is a large modern town established in 1968, accommodating the workforce of the adjoining Port of Dampier in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The port is the world’s second largest bulk export port (Port Hedland 200 km to the east is the largest), exporting iron ore, salt, liquefied natural gas, and liquid ammonia. The town's name, which means 'good country' in the local Aboriginal language, comes from the cattle station from which land was reclaimed for its development. Read more about Karratha, Australia

The Montebello Islands are an archipelago of around 174 small islands (about 35 of which are named) located 128 km off the Pilbara coast of North West Australia. Montebello is Italian for Beautiful Mountain. The islands were economically significant for pearl fishing from the end of the nineteenth century until the outbreak of the Second World War. Read more about Montebello Islands, Australia

Along the remote northern coastline of Western Australias lies Ningaloo Reef. From North to South it stretches some 260 km along the coastline, making it the longest fringing reef in the world. The reef supports a myriad of marine life including over 220 species of colorful coral formations and a huge selection of over 500 species of fish. Read more about Ningaloo Reef, Australia

Along the remote northern coastline of Western Australias lies Ningaloo Reef. From North to South it stretches some 260 km along the coastline, making it the longest fringing reef in the world. The reef supports a myriad of marine life including over 220 species of colorful coral formations and a huge selection of over 500 species of fish. Read more about Ningaloo Reef, Australia

Located on the western coast of the Peron Peninsula 831 km north of Perth, Denham is the westernmost town in Australia, and is named in honour of Captain Henry Mangles Denham of the Royal Navy, who charted Shark Bay in 1858. Today Denham survives as the gateway for the tourists who come to see the dolphins at Monkey Mia, which is located 23 km north-east of the town. The town also has an attractive beach and a jetty popular with those interested in fishing and boating. Read more about Denham, Australia

The Abrolhos Islands lie about 60 kilometers west of Geraldton, on the Western Australian coast, and consist of 122 islands clustered into three main groups: the Wallabi Group, Easter Group and Pelsaert Group, which extend from north to south across 100 kilometers of ocean. The area is home to an abundance of wildlife including sea lions, dolphins, migratory whales and sea birds. The extensive coral reef system stretches for a hundred kilometers and is home to many species. Read more about Abrolhos Islands, Australia

When booking cruises from Fremantle, Perth, there is only one main cruise terminal, built in 1962 the Victoria Quay Cruise Terminal at Fremantle is where all cruises from Fremantle will depart. Fremantle is a day-out destination with historic buildings, eateries, tourist attractions and ferries up the Swan River to the City, and off-shore to Rottnest Island. Cars can set-down passengers and find long-term parking nearby. Read more about Fremantle, Australia