High above, on land and below water, the colours of the Western Australian coast seem too beautiful to be real. Remote coral reefs teem with marine life, idyllic islands fringed with powder-white beaches, bright blue skies, vivid sunsets, and sparkling night skies that are filled with a trillion stars. On this grand voyage, journey to some of the world’s most remote and ecologically important sites, places of untouched natural beauty very few people visit.
Day
1 Broome, Australia
Welcome on board Scenic Eclipse II, where your unforgettable
voyage in 6-star ultra-luxury begins. Embark in Broome with
time to settle into your spacious verandah suite before joining
fellow guests in one of the nine bars and lounges for what the
locals refer to as a ‘sundowner’.
Meal: D.
Day
2 Rowley Shoals
Nestled in the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean, the littleknown
Rowley Shoals is an unforgettable aquatic experience.
Explore the Rowley Shoals and Mermaid Reef Marine Parks, a
chain of three protected coral atolls with over 200 species of
stunning coral formations in every imaginable colour. Regarded
as the best example in Australian waters of atolls on the edge
of a continental shelf, it covers 540 square kilometers, with
depths from less than 15 meters to 500 meters.
Scenic Eclipse will stop here, using her advanced state-of-theart
GPS Dynamic Positioning that allows her to station without
dropping anchor onto the sensitive coral seabeds. From the
Scenic Eclipse II Marine Deck, explore with a kayak or standup
paddleboard, or snorkel and swim in the shallow lagoons
atop the softly swaying coral gardens. Tropical fish, sea turtles
and dolphins are just some of the abundant marine life to
adorn the area. With its remote location and protected status,
Rowley Shoals provide a tranquil respite and a chance to be
Cruise Cruise start/finish 1 Overnight stay
fully immersed in the serene majesty of the underwater world.
A journey to Rowley Shoals promises to be a transformative
experience, one that will remain indelibly etched in your
memory.
Meals: B.L.D.
Day
3 At Sea
This morning, you can do as much or as little as you want.
Perhaps soak in the comforts of your luxuriously appointed
suite, which cocoons you with the comforts of a 6-star hotel.
Or take some time to explore your Discovery Yacht. Visit the
Sky Bar and outdoor Vitality Pool on Deck 10, where you can
bask in the tropical sun as the world slip by from the comfort
of a private cabana. Stop for a coffee or a cocktail at one of
the nine bars and lounges on board. Curl up with a good book
in the library of the Observation Lounge or take one with you
and find the hanging egg chairs on Deck 7. For something
more active, check the daily program to see what lectures or
discussions the Discovery Team are running and learn more
about upcoming ports, wildlife or activities on offer.
Meals: B.L.D.
Day
4 Dampier Archipelago
The Dampier Archipelago, located in the Pilbara, is a
breathtaking haven of coral reefs, sponge gardens and more
than 650 species of fish. In the cluster of 42 islands set amid
crystal-clear waters, find colourful coral reefs and unique
marine wildlife including dugongs, whales, dolphins as well
as three turtle species that nest on nearby beaches. With
the Discovery Team, visit rock art sites and learn about the
rich indigenous culture of the area’s five Aboriginal language
groups. The rugged landscapes and ancient rock formations
make for great hiking and exploration.
Meals: B.L.D.
Day
5 Montebello Islands
The 265 low-lying islands and islets of the Montebello Islands
form a conservation park and the waters surrounding the
islands are a protected marine park. There are fringing reefs,
sandy beaches, sheltered coves, isolated mangrove stands
and abundance of marine life including turtles, dolphins,
and dugongs, 450 species of fish and over 1000 species of
invertebrates. Choose from the many interesting snorkelling
locations that include coral reefs and underwater gardens
teeming with marine life of all sizes, colours and patterns.
Swim or snorkel to see what lies beneath or take a kayak or
stand-up paddleboard for exploration above water. With the
Discovery Team, Scenic Eclipse II’s team of experts, learn about the explosive history of the area. The islands rose to notoriety when the British military carried out atomic weapons tests in 1952 and 1956, something that may be difficult to comprehend given the serene surrounds.
Meals: B.L.D.
Day
6 Exmouth
Enjoy the luxury of time. This is the first of two days stationed in Exmouth, the northern gateway to wonderous Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area. Ningaloo Reef is Australia’s longest fringing barrier reef and one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots.
Between Exmouth and Coral Bay, two Ningaloo Marine Parks run in parallel along the coast, protecting this natural treasure. These marine parks are home to more than 250 species of coral, both soft and hard, that are native to the area. On a snorkelling trip see cabbage corals, brain corals and lavender corals as well as delicate colourful branching corals which form gardens in the shallow lagoons. Ningaloo Marine Park boasts an endless list of molluscs, crustaceans, algae and over 500 species of the most decorated and revered tropical fish in the world, including giant potato cod, sweetlip, spangled emperor and lionfish.
Meals: B.L.D.
Day
7 Exmouth
Exmouth is the perfect base to explore the grandiose landscapes of the Cape Range National Park. The spectacular contrasting scenery is a sight to behold. The rugged limestone gorges and arid coastal plain of Cape Range adjoin the pristine turquoise waters of Ningaloo Marine Park. Located within the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage-listed Area, Cape Range is rich and diverse in wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, echidnas, birds and black-flanked rock wallabies. The name ‘Ningaloo’ means ‘land jutting out to sea’ from the local Yinigudura people.
Meals: B.L.D.
Day
8 Bateman Bay
Named Coral Bay in tribute to the beautiful coral gardens which lie mere metres from the pristine sandy beach, this is a picturesque hub for rich marine life experiences. The pristine snorkelling conditions offer colourful coral gardens and over 500 species of fish including the dazzling butterflyfish, angelfish, and clownfish. There may be a unique opportunity to encounter rare dugongs, also known as ‘sea cows’, which can be seen grazing on seagrass in the shallow waters. On land, follow walking trails that weave through national parks and pristine beaches, past tidal pools and turtle-nesting spots.
Meals: B.L.D.
Day
9 Denham
Once a romantic pearl fishing town, Denham has slowly transformed, attracting visitors with its unique aquatic and coastal experiences and stunning scenery. Shark Bay, a World Heritage-listed area, is renowned for its exotic flora and fauna, and is home to 10 per cent of the world’s elusive dugong population. It is also a significant historical site, where the first Europeans landed on the Western Australian mainland. You may see emus strolling, kangaroos grazing, and dolphins jumping. Shell Beach is a natural marvel, an ethereal expanse of tiny white shells in place of sand on its beach. The Hamelin Pool Stromatolites, situated in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, are one of the oldest living organisms on earth, with a history dating back over 3,000 years. At nearby Monkey Mia, playful and inquisitive dolphins frequent the shallows close to shore.
Meals: B.L.D.
Day
10 Dirk Hartog Island
Dirk Hartog Island is Western Australia’s largest island, and one of the world’s most important islands for mammal conservation. It is Australia’s most successful restoration projects. You may spot the western grey kangaroos, wallabies and bandicoots. It also has several endemic plant species found nowhere else in the world including the Dirk Hartog Island wattles. Beneath the waterline, see vibrant corals and marine life while swimming and snorkelling. The island’s seagrass meadows are some of the largest and most diverse in the world, essential to the survival of dugongs, affectionately known as ‘sea cows’.
Meals: B.L.D.
Day
11 Abrolhos Islands
The Wallabi Group is the northern-most group of islands in the Houtman Abrolhos, more commonly referred to as the Abrolhos Islands. The Islands are best known for one of the most famous ‘Age of Discovery’ wreck and rescue stories in global maritime history, the shipwreck of the Batavia in 1629. Often described as the Galapagos Islands of the Indian Ocean, there are few places in Australia with more biodiversity than these islands. It’s one of the world’s most important seabird breeding sites and it’s the centre of Western Australia’s largest single-species fishery, the western rock lobster fishery. This is a truly special destination that few can visit.
Meals: B.L.D.
Day
12 Geraldton
Home to the Yamatji and Wajarri people, Geraldton has a long history that dates back thousands of years. In 1629, a shipwreck, subsequent mutiny and rescue become a legendary part of Australian folklore. The Batavian coastline, that draws its name from the shipwreck, is widely regarded as one of the most scenic coastlines in Western Australia. Geraldton is a cosmopolitan and diverse seaside town and has a plethora of waterfront shops, cafes and museums to explore.
Meals: B.L.D.
Day
13 Jurien Bay
Wildflower meadows ablaze with colour, ancient and enchanting rock formations and sweeping stretches of powder-white sand are just a few of Jurien Bay’s attractions. Jurien Bay is a laid-back coastal town known for its excellent fishing and playful sea lions. South of Jurien Bay discover the Pinnacles were formed over millions of years, thousands of soaring limestone spires, reach skywards from the yellow desert sands. The unique lunar-like landscape is at its best at sunrise or sunset when the many spire shadows are long, which feels like you’re standing in a twilight universe on another planet. With the salty coastal air filling your lungs, fish and chips or a seafood feast may be on the menu in one of ten dining experiences on board ranging from casual to fine dining.
Meals: B.L.D.
Day
14 Busselton
Busselton is a vibrant city on the beach that’s been a timeless holiday destination for generations of West Australian families. The gateway to the world-famous Margaret River wine region, Geographe Bay has some of the most beautiful calm bays of azure waters, perfect for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, and there’s an underwater experience where you can be eye to eye with marine life without getting wet. At the end of the heritage-listed 1.8km-long wooden jetty, the longest in the southern hemisphere, is an underwater observatory that spirals beneath the ocean to the sea floor.
Meals: B.L.D.
Day
15 Fremantle (Perth)
This is where your unforgettable voyage concludes. Bid farewell to your friendly crew and new friends as you disembark in Fremantle.
Meal: D.