Cruises along the East Coast of Australia

It’s a great time to get out and about again and although we can’t go “anywhere" we want in the world, the majority of us can go anywhere we want to go in Australia.

If you’re having trouble deciding what to do, or you have an idea of where you want to go, and you’re after a holiday with a difference, a cruise is a perfect option.

With an itinerary that’s already set, cruises offer a stress-free holiday option that provide excellent value for money.

Carnival Cruise Line offers everything from simple three-day getaway cruises that are ideal for first-time cruisers or those with limited time, through to 10-day adventures that will take you into open East Coast waters and north to the Great Barrier Reef.

Cruises depart from Sydney or Brisbane, and allow you the freedom to do as much as you want, or as little as possible, while you’re on a break from reality.

Where to go and for how long

Departing from both capitals, three-day cruises take you out to explore local waters, into the open ocean and back, as you enjoy the onboard facilities.

These getaways give you a great taste of life onboard – and they’re an ideal way to escape the pressures of life and technology, too.

If you have an extra day, why not take a cruise from Brisbane up to Airlie Beach and jump on a shore excursion to see the Whitsunday Islands?

Airlie Beach, QLD — Onboard a short cruise from Brisbane take an extra day to explore the Whitsundays from Airlie Beach. Image courtesy Carnival Corp.

You’ll sail past secret beaches teeming with white sands, admire the view of the Great Barrier Reef from the deck, and you’ll have a full day to explore the beauty of Airlie Beach itself, including the lagoon, boardwalk, and local shops and markets (if you’re there on a Saturday).

From Sydney, a four-day cruise will take you up to Tangalooma Resort on Moreton Island, where you’ll have a full day off-ship to explore the beautiful beaches near Tangalooma Island Resort.

Snorkelling Moreton Island, QLD — Snorkelling the Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton Island, QLD. Image courtesy Carnival Corp

Book in a Sea Scooter Safari to get up close to the famous Tangalooma Shipwrecks, which were deliberately sunk in the 1960s to create a break wall for small boats. In that time, they have become home and a haven to abundant coral and marine life.

Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton Island, QLD — The Tangalooma Wrecks were sunk in the ’60’s off, Moreton Island, QLD to create a reef for snorkelling. Image courtesy Carnival Corp.

Further itineraries departing Sydney will take you past Victoria and across into Tasmanian waters, where you’ll cruise through to the Tasman Peninsula, stopping off at the historic Port Arthur site on five-day cruises.

This World Heritage-listed site is one of the best-preserved convict sites in Australia and is a former penal colony steeped in history.

Enjoy a day exploring here, before setting sail for the capital Hobart*, where you can explore the convict-era architecture, Salamanca Market, museums, shopping, parks, and much more. (*Port orders vary).

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

The best of the ocean

If you’re planning a cruise, you likely already have a love of the ocean, and without a doubt, one of the most popular destinations in Australia is the Great Barrier Reef.

Sea turtle Great Barrier reef, QLD — A sea turtle swims over the Great Barrier Reef, QLD. Image courtesy Carnival Corp.

With Carnival Cruise Line, you can set sail to this impressive World Heritage playground, departing Brisbane for seven days and Sydney for 10 days.

Snorkelling Great Barrier Reef, QLD — Snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, QLD. Image Courtesy Carnival Corp.

Explore the world’s largest and longest coral reef system, stretching more than 2,300 kilometres in length – with more than 2,900 reefs and 900 islands.

Cruise along the Coral Sea with dolphins alongside and, if you depart between June and October, you might even share the waters with majestic humpback whales, as they make their annual migration.

An aerial view of the Great Barrier Reef, QLD. Image courtesy Carnival Corp.

The Great Barrier Reef is so magnificent it can be seen from outer space, and it is home to more than 1,500 fish species, 134 species of sharks and rays, six species of marine turtle and more than 30 species of marine mammals.

If you’ve never been, a Great Barrier Reef cruise is a must-have on your bucket list.

Why choose an Aussie cruise?

Aside from the views and exploration experience, a domestic cruise also offers much more.

To start with, departing and cruising locally means you don’t have to worry about passports and visas.

With flights now back in action between most capital cities and relaxation on quarantine rules for most states, you can easily book a flight to get to Sydney or Brisbane for departure. This saves you any stress in the preparation.

With Carnival, all you need to do is choose your cruise, pack your bags and arrive at the cruise terminal. Carnival handles the rest.

If you’re on limited holiday leave, you won’t waste any time waiting around in airport lounges or trying to find your hotels. Instead, you’ll have one room for the entire journey, and all you need to do is wake up each day, make your way to the dining room or the pool, and start enjoying the view.

There are days where you will have the choice to leave the ship and explore the mainland, while other days the toughest decision you’ll have is whether you want 24/7 pizza or a la carte dining.

There’s plenty on board to keep the entire family happy, including waterslides, swimming pools, karaoke, an international food plaza, piano bar, seaside movies, spa and even the adults-only Carnival Serenity Retreat. But by far the best thing about a cruise is that everything is done for you.

Once you’re onboard and have your room settled, all you need to worry about is what you’re going to do next. Your meals are all prepared for you, your room is attended to by friendly cabin stewards, and you have your own “driver" taking you to some of Australia’s most intriguing destinations.

What more could you want?

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Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.

The beaches fringing Bate Bay – Cronulla, North Cronulla, Wanda, Elouera and Greenhills – have topped Tourism Australia’s 2026 list of best Australian beaches (as curated by Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer). For locals, it’s less revelation, more recognition.

The mood shifts from the moment you step off the T4 train service from Central to Cronulla and catch a glimpse of the ocean. At dawn, the Esplanade is already buzzing with regulars, and by mid-morning, parents have staked out a toasty spot on Cronulla Beach where excited toddlers clamber over rocks, and the Jellybean swim squad at Oak Park have donned their bright pink caps while singing Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.

By the afternoon, towels are being collected from across the sand as visitors wander back to Cronulla in loose formation.

North Cronulla beach — Dive into the world’s best beaches.

That’s the thing about Bate Bay beaches. This isn’t a story about a single beach. This long, uninterrupted sweep of sand and sea, where you can walk for kilometres without breaking stride, is not just enjoyed over summer; it’s a year-round destination. Here, Cronulla’s buzz gives way to Wanda’s wild edges, before stretching out to the quieter reaches of Greenhills.

But while Bate Bay’s beaches may have taken top honours in the 2026 Best Australian Beaches list, they’re only part of the drawcard. Sutherland Shire stacks up as a full-spectrum coastal escape, where good food, national park adventures and on-the-water experiences sit within easy reach of the shoreline. Whether you’re planning a long weekend or stretching out a stay, here’s how to make the most of Cronulla beyond the sand, sea and surf.

Beyond the beaches

Dining

The Sutherland Shire dining scene delivers from early morning to late at night with a mix of vibrant cafes, bars and pubs. Start your day at Grind Espresso, where the coffee comes strong and fast. From there, drift towards HAM for pastries, best eaten buttery warm.

By midday, locals linger across sun-lit tables. Loaf and Next Door appeal to the surfers who come in for snacks after chasing waves. Blackwood’s Pantry and The Press are also popular for breakfast and lunch, while Pilgrim’s continues to hold a special place in the hearts of vegans.

Newer arrivals signal where Cronulla is heading: Homer Rogue Taverna is being hailed as one of the best restaurants in Cronulla, with the confidence that comes from understanding what locals want. Ask a local to reveal their favourite restaurant for a special occasion, and it’ll likely be Pino’s Vino e Cucina al Mare, Yalla Sawa or Alphabet Street. Summer Salt, Sealevel, Benny’s, Bobbys and Pippis are a few of the best waterfront restaurants in the Shire.

Finally, when most places are winding down, Duke’s Providore shifts gears to become Duke’s After Hours – a low-lit romantic spot perfect for a date night. Parc Pavilion, Northies Cronulla and bars The Blind Bear, Las Chicas and Low & Lofty’s are also part of Cronulla’s identity.

Visit Bundeena

Bundeena Ferry Wharf — Catch a ferry to Bundeena.

A short ferry ride from Cronulla, Bundeena offers a counterpoint to Cronulla’s mighty surf beaches. If Cronulla is the Shire’s social heart, Bundeena – or Bundenesia, as it’s affectionately known – is the place to go to exhale and unwind.

Hop on the ferry from Cronulla, and within 30 minutes, you’ll be inhaling the eucalyptus-scented air. Check the creative pulse of the local community by timing your visit with the Bundeena Maianbar Art Trail on the first Sunday of every month.

One of the best things to do in Bundeena is paddle into Cabbage Tree Basin with Bundeena Kayaks. Follow the five-kilometre Jibbon Beach Loop Track that leads past quiet coves to ancient Indigenous rock art, or simply find a stretch of pearl-white sand to relax on.

Pristine walking trails

Royal National Park Cape Baily Walking Track — Cool off with a coastal stroll.

Beyond the coastline, Sutherland Shire offers myriad ways to shift gears. Royal National Park – the oldest national park in Australia – sits just minutes from the surf. Clifftop walks trace the edge of the continent, the rugged bushland is threaded with creeks and hidden waterfalls, and a network of tracks rewards those willing to go a little further.

Take the Coast Track, where the land drops cleanly into the ocean over sheer cliffs that have been stacked together like giant Jenga. Or veer inland, where pockets of forest cool the air and filter the light. It’s a reminder of how close nature sits to the bustle of suburbs in the Sutherland Shire.

Enjoy whale watching

humpback whale sighting noosa experiences — Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)

Twist your binoculars until the ocean is in focus, stretched like a creased blue sheet all around. Come May, the East Coast becomes the humpback highway. Thousands of whales migrate along this stretch of coastline each year, their movements tracked by keen eyes from vantage points like the Cape Solander platform in Kamay Botany Bay National Park, one of the best places for whale watching in Australia. There’s something quietly thrilling about seeing that first telltale spout or the arc of a breaching body against the vastness of the sea. From June to October, whale-watching cruises depart from Cronulla, offering a closer look at the migration.

Awards come and go. But places like Cronulla endure because they belong as much to the visitors as they do the early-morning swimmers, walkers and surfers.

Plan your escape at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

Cruises along the East Coast of Australia

It’s a great time to get out and about again and although we can’t go “anywhere" we want in the world, the majority of us can go anywhere we want to go in Australia.

Where to go and for how long

The best of the ocean

Why choose an Aussie cruise?

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This stretch of Sydney beaches topped the annual Best Australian Beaches list

Bate Bay’s sweep of beaches has been crowned Australia’s best for 2026, placing Sutherland Shire in the spotlight as a top coastal destination just south of Sydney’s CBD.