Australian Odyssey: Western Australia & The Abrolhos Islands

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

The Rowley Shoals are located over 180 nautical miles west of Broome, Western Australia. The are a chain of three spectacular, pristine coral atolls, Mermaid Reef, Clerke Reef, Imperieuse Reef with a pair of small sandy islands - Bedwell and Cunningham. Perched on the edge of Australia's continental shelf, the shoals cover 80 square kilometers. Read more about Rowley Shoals, 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

Exmouth is a small resort town situated just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, 1100km north of Perth in Western Australia. The location was a WWII military base, and the town was established in 1967 to support the nearby US Naval Communication Station. Some structures are still used by the Australian navy. Read more about Exmouth, Australia

Exmouth is a small resort town situated just north of the Tropic of Capricorn, 1100km north of Perth in Western Australia. The location was a WWII military base, and the town was established in 1967 to support the nearby US Naval Communication Station. Some structures are still used by the Australian navy. Read more about Exmouth, Australia

Australia’s capital city, Canberra (pop. 410,000), is situated at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory, roughly mid-way between Sydney and Melbourne. The city was designed by two American architects and construction commenced in 1913. Read more about Canberra (Batemans Bay), 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

Steep Point is the westernmost point of the Australian mainland, located within the Shark Bay World Heritage site in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia. Dirk Hartog Island is immediately north of Steep Point across the South Passage. Read more about Steep Point, 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

Geraldton, located about 450 km north of Perth, boasts a beautiful coastline overlooking the Indian Ocean and rolling hills and breakaway ranges inland. The Chapman and Greenough Rivers frame the city to the north and south. This superb positioning, year-round sunny climate, combined with the friendly feel of a modern country town, makes for an enjoyable visit. Read more about Geraldton, Australia

A serene coastal town in Western Australia, known for its turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and the nearby Jurien Bay Marine Park. It’s a hub for water activities like fishing, swimming, and snorkeling. The area is also popular for sea lion encounters, which are a major attraction for tourists. Read more about Jurien Bay, Australia

Margaret River is a town in the SW of Western Australia, located in the valley of the Margaret River, 277 km south of Perth, the state capital. It is located 9 km inland from the Indian Ocean. An exciting dimension to the Margaret River cruises, passengers come ashore at Busselton, which has at 1.8km the world’s longest jetty. Read more about Margaret River, 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