More than 900 islands scatter along Queensland’s coastline, from World Heritage-listed K’Gari (Fraser Island) and the Percy Isles National Park, to the unspoiled paradise of the Whitsundays and Tropical North Queensland. Discover lush rainforests, endless turquoise waters, swaying coconut palms and beaches that boast brilliant white silica sand that is among the purest in the world.
An Australian adventure with a difference, this island-hopping experience makes the most of our ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Sailing where the big ships cannot, we slip into the best but less-visited sanctuaries...read more of the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays. Starting in the birthplace and hometown of Scenic’s head office, Newcastle, the 9-day Chairman’s Voyage is an equal balance between nature and urbanism. Australia might be considered on the other side of the world for some, but the breathtaking landscapes are well worth the trip. Get your binoculars ready as we wind along the coast to beautiful beaches, regional cities and World Heritage sites in the tropical paradise of Queensland.
Itinerary
Embark in Newcastle, one of Australia’s hippest destinations, and the second-largest city in New South Wales after Sydney. Once known for its steel production industry, the city’s old wharves and warehouses have been transformed into the lively Honeysuckle precinct, which buzzes with waterfront cafés, restaurants and hotels. Within easy reach are six stunning beaches, the world-renowned Hunter Valley wine region and Australia’s largest coastal saltwater lake, Lake Macquarie. Please book your flight to arrive into Newcastle prior to 02:00 PM.
Settle into yacht life and enjoy the services and activities onboard. Indulge in the Senses Spa, cool off in the pool, or relax with a drink as we spend a leisurely day sailing north. (B/L/D)
Stretching 123km long, this World Heritage site is the largest sand island in the world. Anchoring near Kingfisher Bay Jetty, we will be joined by local indigenous guides on our fleet of Zodiacs for a natural culture expedition along the western side of Fraser Island and through the marine reserve of the Great Sandy Strait. Visit the historic Central Station, where you can walk along the peaceful banks of Wanggoolba Creek as it flows through the rainforest. Stroll along the foreshore or swim in the clear waters of Lake McKenzie, famous for its pure white silica sand. (B/L/D)
Gladstone is the southern gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the world. This dynamic regional city is a perfect base for snorkelling day trips, boating, canoeing and fishing. Further south, surrender to the slower pace of the coastal communities of?Tannum Sands,?1770 and Agnes Water, or witness?turtles hatching?at?Deepwater National Park. (B/L/D)
Only accessible by light plane or ship, the Percy Islands are known for the isolated anchorages surrounded by forest. On Middle Percy, the A-frame hut beneath the coconut palms at West Beach hosts an eclectic collection of flotsam and jetsam donated by visiting sailors. Have fun browsing the boat name plaques, flags, buoys and driftwood. (B/L/D)
The gateway to the Whitsundays and the Great Barreir Reef, Airlie Beach is a coastal town with palm-fringed beaches, eternal summer and a laid-back vibe. It is an essential stop on any east-coast voyage. (B/L/D)
Enjoy the many scenic trails, including the Forts Walk, to almost certainly spot a koala resting in the trees overhead. For a more relaxed pace, spend the afternoon at Horseshoe Bay, with ample time to soak up the sun on the beach and visit the local art galleries. (B/L/D)
The Coral Sea Islands Territory extends east and south from the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, covering 51 islets and cays, alongside 30 separate reefs and atolls. Willis Island is the only permanently inhabited island, with four staff employed at the weather monitoring station, which was established in 1921 to provide a cyclone early warning service for Queenslanders. Coral Sea Marine Park, one of the world’s largest marine parks, protects 16 different seafloors, 15,000 km² of reef systems and an abundance of corals, fish, sea stars, clams and sea cucumbers. Landings are prohibited, but if time and weather permit, you will have the opportunity to explore the Willis Islets on a Zodiac tour. (B/L/D)
Disembark in Cairns, the only place on Earth where two World Heritage sites collide – Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Please book your flight to depart out of Cairns after 12:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)
Life Onboard Scenic Eclipse II
Brochure
Scenic Eclipse Worldwide (2023-24)
Discover a world of exquisite natural beauty, where wildlife is abundant and each day brings experiences like no other to share with family and friends when you return and indulge in truly all-inclusive luxury on board The World’s First Discovery Yachts.
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Note Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Scenic. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Scenic. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.