Islands & Wildlife of Australia & Indonesia on Seven Seas Explorer

Fly overnight from the UK to Bali and transfer to the port ready to embark the ship upon arrival. Offering the perfect balance between space and intimacy, Seven Seas Explorer boasts modern high-end furnishings and luxury suites, all fitted with their own private balcony. The ship also offers a range of both formal and casual dining settings alongside a whole host of leisure facilities, including everything from a casino to a spa and fitness centre. Settle into your cabin in good time for a welcome dinner later this evening.

Stay: Seven Seas Explorer

Benoa’s charms are most evident in Nusa Dua, one of the most beautiful beaches in already-legendary Bali. In this land of rice terraces, spectacular volcanoes and over 20,000 temples, the main destination is the stunning 17th-century royal temple complex of Pura Taman Ayun in nearby Mengwi, surrounded by a lotus-filled moat, giving it the feel of a garden sanctuary. Another favourite is the Sunset Temple, Tanah Lot. And don’t miss the batik factories for that perfect gift or souvenir.

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With white-sand beaches, cerulean seas and a verdant volcanic backdrop, Gili Mas on Lombok island is simply jaw-dropping. Known as a surfing paradise, it is the perfect spot to revel in the local culture, whether that's visiting the bustling markets in Mataram, or unravelling the island's historical and religious heritage at Mataram's many temples and mosques. Why not embrace the local way of life with a day visit to the charming Sukarara Craft Village, with a chance to purchase fine apparel made with local songket fabric. Lombok is also very well known for its many pristine beaches lined with coconut palms. Senggigi beach, or the quieter Sire beach are perfect for offering stunning views over Mt. Rinjani and the Gili islands.

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Home to the famed pre-historic Komodo dragon, Indonesia's isolated island of Komodo is a natural wonder in its own right. But, as the only place on earth where these giant reptiles can be found in the wild, it is understandable staunchly protected. The island itself is only about 60 square miles, with craggy mountains, tropical savannas and monsoon rainforests, surrounded by a rich marine environment of mangroves, seagrass and coral. On arrival to the island follow a park ranger, listening to ancient tales and blood-curdling stories of these relentless hunters as you seek Komodo dragons in the wild.

Stay: Seven Seas Explorer

Today is a chance to spend some time relaxing on the ship as you cruise the Timor Sea. Why not enjoy a refreshing soak in the infinity pool, or indulge in a spot of pampering in the ship's spa and wellness centre. Make sure you also take the chance to experience the show lounge where you can enjoy Broadway style entertainment, or perhaps a concert of classical music.

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Wake up this morning with an early breakfast in time to watch the ship sail into northern-most Australia. Along the coast of the Northern Territory lies the city of Darwin, isolated by the vast Australia desert. Enjoy a drive through the city with visits to key venues where Darwin’s colorful history is the focus, with sights from its colonial past. For a more nature-focussed day, we recommend a day-trip to the nearby tropical wetlands with a chance to spot an abundance of exotic bird life as well as Darwin's famed jumping crocodiles on Adelaide River.

Stay: Seven Seas Explorer

With another day at sea cruising the Arafura sea between Darwin and your next port of call, you'll have plenty more opportunity to relax on board. For a pre-dinner drink,the elegant Explorer Lounge inspires intimate conversations over perfectly mixed cocktails, accompanied by resident musicians playing soothing live music. And, after enjoying one of a number the ship's restaurants for dinner - ranging from an American Grill to Pan-Asian specialty - you'll be able to watch the sun go down over in the Observation Lounge, or enjoy live music in the Meridian lounge.

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This quaint frontier town, scenically located on Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, Cooktown is the site of Australia’s first European settlement. The town is named after the famous South Seas explorer Captain Cook, and Cook’s Pillar marks the spot where his ship, the Endeavour landed ashore in 1770. Grassy Hill offers a 360° panorama of the countryside and pristine beaches. The area remains a near-wilderness offering dramatic mountains, eucalypts, mangroves and rainforests, heathlands, grasslands and rivers.

Stay: Seven Seas Explorer

Arrive early into Cairns this morning, the capital of Far North Queensland. Before the establishment of the city in 1879, the only inhabitants of this region were the Aborigines, the ancient culture for which Australia is best known. Inland, much of Queensland's circa 700,000 square miles of land remains uninhabited, largely covered by miles of pristine rainforest. Why not explore a portion of this on an unforgettable 90-minute journey through the rainforest by heritage railway, passing impossibly scenic waterfalls, towering bridges and meandering tunnels. On this excursions you'll also get the chance to visit the Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary, encountering free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies. It is also possible to visit the Great Barrier reef from here. A leisurely two-hour luxury catamaran transfer can take you directly from the ship to the Outer Reef. From here you can choose from a range of activities on offer, from independent snorkelling to an onboard underwater viewing chamber, optional scuba or escorted snorkelling.

Stay: Seven Seas Explorer

From the Great Barrier Reef and its tropical islands, to the lush rainforests and World Heritage listed national parks, this once tranquil coastal town has evolved into a modern metropolis, ripe for the discovery of its beautiful natural heritage. We recommend embarking on a scenic excursion to Paluma Range National Park where accompanied by a naturalist, you'll enter the UNESCO-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest for a trail walk. After your walk, relax over lunch served at an eco-friendly mountain lodge nearby. 

Stay: Seven Seas Explorer

Soak up the laid-back, tropical atmosphere of the coastal village of Airlie Beach, with its palm-fringed shores and vibrant outdoor dining restaurants. As the gateway to the Whitsunday islands, we recommend paying a visit with an optional excursion, perhaps on a sleek catamaran taking in the gorgeous scenery. Those a little more adventurous can opt to fly over Whitehaven Beach by helicopter and take in the magnificent scenery from above. Do make sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment. We also recommend taking the opportunity to visit the Great Barrier Reef from here if you haven't already done so.

Stay: Seven Seas Explorer

Continue along the Coral Sea as you pass the Tropic of Capricorn on your way south towards the Sunshine Coast. Spend the day at sea, allowing you more time to take advantage of the multitude of on board facilities. 

Stay: Seven Seas Explorer

With a final day at sea on the cards, why not try out some of the ship's on board sports, with everything from a shuffleboard and bocce court to paddle tennis and a putting green. Or perhaps opt to read a good book at the coffee bar, walk the beautiful garden promenade or dip in the pool-side Jacuzzi for a day of relaxation.

Stay: Seven Seas Explorer

This welcoming beachside city boasts an intriguing maritime history along with beautiful coastline and diverse natural landscapes ranging from lush rainforests to preserved wetlands to coastal sand dunes. After arriving and disembarking, you'll choose from a number of excursions available. We recommend travelling into the Hunter Valley where a 4th-generation family-owned lodge offers one of the regions best vineyards. Enjoy a hearty food and wine-pairing lunch, with each dish accompanied by a Hunter Valley wine that brings out its eclectic flavours. If you're staying in Newcastle, opt for a guided orientation spin through the city, seeing landmarks such as the old Customs House and Christchurch Cathedral.

Stay: Seven Seas Explorer

Arrive early into Sydney this morning where your voyage comes to an end. A transfer will be waiting for you to take you to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK. Speak to our specialists who will be able to advise you about extending your trip in Australia.