Cruises Around Australia from Melbourne 2026, 2027 & 2028 Deals
Cruises from Melbourne around Australia trace a longer, wilder route than most east coast departures, swinging west across the Bight before the country turns red and tropical. Station Pier puts you on the water early, so the scenery starts changing almost as soon as you’ve left port.
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| Round Australia 🛳️ Princess Cruises ⚓ 24 nights on Grand Princess 📍 Melbourne → Sydney 📅 6 Apr 2027 – limited cabins available Was Now AU$8,599pp (AU$354pp/night) Gratuities included |
| Round Australia 🛳️ Princess Cruises ⚓ 25 nights on Grand Princess 📍 Melbourne → Sydney 📅 24 Oct 2027 – $100 onboard credit Was Now AU$6,999pp (AU$279pp/night) Gratuities included |
| Round Australia 🛳️ Princess Cruises ⚓ 24 nights on Grand Princess 📍 Melbourne → Sydney 📅 6 Mar 2028 – limited cabins available Was Now AU$7,199pp (AU$299pp/night) Gratuities included |
What to Know Before You Book
- There are only three round Australia departures on Grand Princess. With this few sailings on the calendar, popular dates and the better cabins (balconies and suites especially) tend to go early, so it’s worth deciding sooner rather than later once you’ve found a date that suits.
- These cruises finish in Sydney, not back in Melbourne. All three itineraries are one way, so you’ll need to factor in a flight home, or a few days in Sydney before you fly, when you’re working out total cost and time off.
- You’re looking at the better part of a month away, not a quick getaway. At 24 to 25 nights, this is a proper chunk of leave, so it’s worth checking with work and confirming you can be away that long before you start comparing dates.
- Sailing dates are tied to the season. Crossing the Great Australian Bight is smoother outside the rougher winter months, which is part of why round Australia departures tend to cluster at certain times of year. Exact dates can shift from year to year, so it’s worth confirming before you commit.
- Some port calls are weather dependent. Round Australia itineraries often include remote stops along the northern and western coastlines, and these can occasionally be adjusted or skipped if conditions on the day don’t allow it. Worth going in with a flexible mindset about the exact list of ports.
Plan Your Stay in Melbourne
| Stay in Melbourne CBD A night or two near Docklands or the CBD before you sail makes the Station Pier departure far less stressful than arriving the same morning. |
| Things to do in Melbourne Since your cruise starts here, it’s worth a day or two beforehand for the laneways, Queen Victoria Market or a Yarra Valley trip. |
| Book your cruise with us and enjoy discounted transfers! 🚐 Airport → Cruise Terminal 🏨 CBD Hotel → Cruise Terminal 🛳️ Cruise Terminal → Airport 👥 Shared or Private Options No hassle, no stress. |
Explore Australia’s Top Ports
| Adelaide, SA South Australia’s capital sits close to some of the country’s best wine regions, with the Barossa Valley and Adelaide Hills both within easy reach for a half day tour. |
| Perth, WA Fremantle’s port town charm sits right next to Perth’s CBD, so you can wander historic streets or head into the city for the afternoon. |
| Broome, WA This old pearling town on the edge of the Kimberley pairs Cable Beach’s white sand with genuine outback isolation you won’t find anywhere else on the route. |
| Darwin, NT Australia’s tropical capital feels worlds away from anywhere else on this cruise, with Mindil Beach markets and Top End culture both worth your time ashore. |
| Cairns, QLD Your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, with reef tours, rainforest day trips to the Daintree, and the Skyrail cableway all launching from here. |
| Sydney, NSW Your cruise ends here, so leave time to see the Opera House and Harbour Bridge properly before flying home or extending your trip. |
FAQs for Round Australia Cruises from Melbourne
- Are there many sea days on these cruises?
A Melbourne round Australia voyage usually has more sea days than port days, since some of the longest stretches in the country, like Cairns to Darwin, have very little in between. Expect long, easy days at sea broken up by major port calls. - Is the Great Australian Bight rough to cross?
The Bight can have noticeable swell, which is part of why most round Australia departures are scheduled outside the cooler months. Modern stabilisers handle it well, but if you’re prone to seasickness it’s worth packing medication just in case. - Do I need to book my own flight home from Sydney?
Yes. Since the cruise finishes in Sydney rather than returning to Melbourne, you’ll need to sort a flight home or onward travel yourself, separate from the cruise booking. - What’s the best time of year to do a round Australia cruise?
Most departures run between September and April, when conditions across the Bight and the tropical north are more settled. Outside that window, few ships attempt the full circumnavigation. - Will the weather be very different from one end of the cruise to the other?
Quite a bit. You’ll start in cooler southern conditions around Melbourne and Adelaide, then move into genuine tropical heat and humidity by the time you reach Broome, Darwin and Cairns, so pack for both. - Can I book just part of the cruise instead of the full 24 to 25 nights?
On some departures, yes. Princess often allows you to join or leave at certain ports partway through, known as a segment booking, which suits travellers who can’t take the full month off. - Is this cruise more suited to older travellers?
Longer cruises like this do tend to attract an older crowd, mainly because of the time commitment involved. That said, the itinerary and onboard activities suit a wide range of ages, particularly retirees and anyone with a flexible schedule. - How far in advance should I book?
With only three Grand Princess departures running this route, preferred cabins and dates can be claimed well ahead of the sailing, so it’s worth getting in early once you’ve settled on a date. - Where do I park for a Melbourne departure?
Station Pier has paid parking available, though many Melbourne cruisers prefer booking a hotel nearby the night before, or arranging a transfer, rather than leaving a car for a few weeks. - Do I need travel insurance for a cruise that stays within Australia?
You won’t need a passport, but it’s still worth taking out travel insurance for a trip this long, in case of medical issues, cancelled port days or an unexpected flight home. Check with your insurer on what’s covered for domestic cruising.
Thinking about one of these Melbourne round-trip cruises?
Give us a call or drop us a message. We can check cabin availability, special rates, and help you pick the cruise that’s right for you.
