Australian Natural Adventures

A specialist travel agency for Australia travel andAustralia tours

  Tourism Australia Premier Aussie Specialist
Accredited Tassie, Northern Territory, NT Outback, NSW, Victoria & Queensland Specialists
Matai Fiji Specialist

ORION EXPEDITION CRUISES

Australian operated, Orion Expedition Cruises has developed voyages to encourage guests to become a part of the region they are discovering. Orion is designed to access the inaccessible, all in 5-star luxury. The ship combines the best and the latest in design with maritime and environmental technology, comfort and casual elegance. From the ice- strengthened hull to the chilled champagne and superb cuisine, this is expedition cruising at its finest.

Papua New Guinea, Australia, Antarctica

Papua New Guinea Highalnd Cultures – March 18 & April 9 2009
Each day of this 11 day expedition will reveal yet another aspect to the wonderful cultural diversity of Papua New Guinea and the breathtaking scenery unique to this remote land. This is still a land of magic and spirits despite the best efforts of colonial missionaries over the centuries. A land of 800 languages, the cultural diversity will take your breath away. Whether it is the mysterious art of the Sepik, the fearsome Mudmen of Asaro and their mud “helmets” or the feathered headdresses of a Tufi tribesman, this land never fails to astonish. From volcanic tropical fjords and the flooded crater that is Rabaul’s Simpson Harbour to pristine white sand beaches, the beauty of PNG is wonderfully varied. And along the way are friendly villagers, world-class diving and snorkelling and a region redolent in wartime history.

From $6475 ppts




Papua New Guinea Island Adventure - Voyage of Discovery – March 29 2009
An 11 night exploration of this rich culture encompassing amazing diving, ancient tropical fjords and pristine beaches. The remote and exotic Lamassa and Duke of York Islands are a feature of these spectacular expeditions, so expect to be enchanted by the friendly welcomes of the locals.

From $6475 ppts

Sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure - Voyage of Discovery - December 1 & 14 2009
(Hobart Australia to Bluff New Zealand Dec 1, Bluff to Bluff New Zealand Dec 14)

Protected by the Southern Ocean, secluded and seldom visited, the Australian and New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands, recognised by UNESCO as one of the worlds’ precious regions of unique biodiversity, will be visited by Orion in December 2009.

These remote Nature Reserves enjoy World Heritage status, recognised for their volcanic and glacial geological formations and extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna - much of which is endangered or recovering since being discovered and later plundered in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s by sealers and whalers.

Home to over half of the world’s seabirds, some of which exist nowhere else, this wildlife paradise contains 40% of the world’s albatross species and 50% of the world’s penguin species including the endangered yellow-eyed penguin, plus hundreds of thousands of other endemic birds - petrels, prions and cormorants.

At Snares Island there is every expectation that guests will see Sooty Shearwaters, the endemic Snares Crested Penguins, Snares Fernbird and Tomtits. On Enderby Island expect to see pipits, parakeets and plovers, Hooker’s Sea Lions, and perhaps even the Auckland Island Flightless Teal and Sub-Antarctic Snipe. Campbell Island, home to the Southern Royal Albatrosses, has the highest diversity of breeding albatrosses of any island in the world.

And then there are plant species that have to be seen to be believed, including 5 meter high tree daisies on Snares, giants compared to their relatives in more temperate climates. With convenient embarkation in Bluff (Invercargill, NZ) or Hobart, Orion will head south to visit (depending on voyage) Macquarie, Campbell, Stewart, Snares and Auckland Islands as well as spending time exploring New Zealand’s beautiful Fjordlands (including Milford and Doubtful Sounds).

These two expeditions to the Sub-Antarctic islands are designed for nature lovers and photographers alike. The remnants of the old whaling station on Macquarie Island, the high cliffs and numerous caves and arches formed by marine erosion on Campbell Island and the enormous sea stacks on the southern peninsulas of Snares present dramatic contrast to the prolific bird life, penguins, seals, sea lions and flora in this remote sanctuary.

The expedition team will include the highly respected British zoologist and naturalist Dr John Sparks, who travelled to Antarctica onboard Orion in 2006.

From $7650 ppts.

Orion also explores the Kimberley and Arnhem Land, Melanesia, the Great Barrier Reef, South-east Asia and Antarctica. Pleae call us for full details and sailings.

Contact us for more information and to make your booking

1 877 285 1170