Living on the Gold Coast is like having a holiday all year round, but let’s face it – we all need to take a break from reality. The biggest issue we have, though, is where to go? Currently, we’re facing a myriad of restrictions, and this is leading some people to believe that it’s simply easier to stay at home. The truth, though, is that there has never been a better time to start planning your next travel adventure and with an abundance of sensational deals to be had!
Queensland is filled with stunning destinations and holiday options that are as bountiful in activity as they are in stunning scenery – and they offer a whole lot of fun to boot. Carnival Cruise Line is one of these holiday providers, offering a stress-free, all-inclusive holiday that will be setting sail from Brisbane with their biggest range of itineraries yet and takes you to some of the state’s most exciting destinations.
Let’s take a look at popular destinations you could be exploring when you step on board Carnival Spirit – the newest and largest ship with the most balcony rooms to be home ported year-round from Brisbane!
Airlie Beach, North Queensland
Airlie Beach is the mainland hub of the Whitsundays, just a short water crossing from the famous Whitehaven Beach. Airlie is best known for water adventures and beach lazing and offers copious adventures you can enjoy with a shore excursion. Feast on fresh local seafood, grab a snorkel and hit the waters, book a scenic flight that will take you over the Great Barrier Reef, Heart Reef, Hill Inlet and Whitehaven, or hit the waters for an ocean rafting experience you’ll never forget. You could also enjoy some sea kayaking, get up close and personal with some of the world’s most ancient “lizards” on a crocodile safari, jet boat your way across the crystal blue waters or take off on a tall ship sailing adventure! If you want to stick to town, the Airlie Beach Lagoon is popular for swimming (and the views!), while the popular Cannonvale Beach is a tranquil destination and scenic vantage point. Shute Harbour offers stunning views, and the Airlie Beach markets are not to be missed if you want to pick up some local artworks, craft pieces and snacks.
Great Barrier Reef, North Queensland
Fun Fact: The Great Barrier Reef is so vast it can be seen from space! There are more than 1,500 fish species and over 30 marine mammal species that call the Barrier Reef their home and if you’ve never been here before, you are truly missing out on some extraordinary viewing. Extending some 2,300 kilometres, you will cruise along just a small section, but it represents the highlights as you travel through pristine waters teeming with wildlife. You might even come face to face with some majestic Humpback Whales on their annual winter-spring migration. Step off the ship for a shore excursion that allows you to experience diving, snorkelling or swimming in the reef waters. It’s an experience you will never forget.
Cairns & Port Douglas, North Queensland
Whether you choose to stay on board the ship, or step off for a shore excursion, you can explore the stunning sights at both Cairns and Port Douglas when you cruise from Brisbane or from Sydney. With 100-million-year-old rainforests, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics, the stunning Daintree and Mossman Gorge, if you love nature, there is much to see and do in this North Queensland region. You can also connect with the local culture at the art galleries and markets, enjoy lunch with the lorikeets with a delicious meal at one of the area’s award-winning restaurants, or head out on an exciting crocodile exploring boat ride. You can choose from a range of shore excursion options, including a walking tour through Port Douglas, sailing to the beautiful Low Isles, a visit to the Daintree Discovery Centre, or a trip on the Kuranda scenic railway. If you’re an adventure seeker, why not head out jet boating, quad biking, parasailing, horse riding, or white water rafting. The options are endless.
Willis Island, North Queensland
When you take a 7 Day cruise from Brisbane, you’ll have the opportunity for scenic cruising to Willis Island. Located 450 kilometres east of Cairns, Willis Island is found beyond the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea Islands Territory. In fact, it is the only permanently inhabited island in this region. A weather monitoring station is located on the island, set up in the early 1920s. It houses four permanent staff, and up to 10 visiting personnel, at any one point.
Stay tuned into Carnival’s CruiseHealth™ Program for all the latest on maintaining a safe and healthy environment onboard for all. Book your spot now for 2021, or plan beyond in 2022-23 for your next family adventure.
Founded in the United States in 1972, Carnival Cruise Line is the largest cruise line in the world with almost five million guests travelling every year and 23 ships operating worldwide, soon to be 24 with the all-new Mardi Gras ship to join the international fleet. www.carnival.com.au/
