For each port on the Melbourne to Melbourne segment there are links to check the expected weather conditions and another link to the available Princess Excursions.
Melbourne - Embarkation April 11, 2014 - Depart: 1800
Embarkation will be at Station Pier, Outer West. There is plenty to do around Melbourne or in the surrounding country.
Weather
Excursions
Sydney - April 13, 2014: 0700 - 1600 - Embarkation for some, Debarkation for others and a port visit for the remainder.
We will berth at the White Bay Cruise Terminal. Plan ahead as current information indicates private ground transportation may be limited.
Weather
Excursions
My research indicates that Princess is now offering shuttle service between the port and Central Station for $12 AUD per person if booked on board. You may be able to do it for less by taxi for 2 or more. However, once at Central there is a free public shuttle on route 555 running every 10 minutes between Central and Circular Quay. Another option from Central is a $22 AUD per person Day Pass which gets you on busses, trains and ferries covering much of the city.
Brisbane - April 15, 2014: 0800 - 1800
We are expected to berth at the Portside Wharf, Hamilton which is the Brisbane Cruise Ship Terminal. This terminal is well up the mouth of the Brisbane River. There is access to the City CAT about 1 km to the west (about a 10 minute walk) and 1.5 km to the east. There may also be shuttle busses to the city.
Weather
Excursions
Port Douglas - April 18, 2014: 0700 - 1700
We will anchor and use the tenders at this port. Weather can be a problem here and many tours are water based. Be careful booking private tours to the reef as the cruise line may not for a late return.
Weather
Excursions
Darwin - April 21, 2014: 0900 - 1600
Here we will dock at the Fort Hill Wharf. The town is about 15 minutes away on foot and there should be plenty of transportation available.
Weather
Excursions
Broome - April 23, 2014: 0400 - 1600
The berth appears to be at the end of a long jetty and there should be a shuttle to take you to the Visitor Centre in town, about 8 km away.
Weather
Excursions
Kimberley Coastline - April 24, 2014: 1700 - 2000 - Coastal Cruising
Lombok, Indonesia - April 26, 2014: 0900 - 1900
Here we will use the tenders again. The general tone of information indicates that a Visa may be required and may be purchased on board. It is unclear if ship’s tours include the cost of the Visa.
Weather
Excursions
Fremantle (Perth) - April 30, 2014: 0700 - 1700
We berth in Fremantle at Victoria Quay for excursions in Perth. Getting around in Fremantle should be relatively simple. Perth itself is about 19 km away and can be accessed using local cabs. It will be difficult to visit both in a single day so make your choice.
Albany - May 1, 2014: 1200 - 1700
The port is convenient to the city and a walking tour is a possibility and there are usually free shuttle busses to town if you wish to avoid the 1.5 km hike.
Weather
Excursions
Adelaide - May 4, 2014: 0800 - 1800
Here we berth at the Outer Harbour and it is quite a distance to Adelaide. There should be a free shuttle to Port Adelaide and regular public transportation to Adelaide. You might also consider a visit to Glenelg which is on the coast south-west of Adelaide.
Weather
Excursions
Melbourne - Debarkation (for some) May 6, 2014 Arrival: 0800
Weather
Excursions
Here is an excerpt from a Cruise Critic post by “Aus Traveler” with recent port information. Here is a link to the Dawn Princess - Round Australia - Apr 11, 2014 thread on Cruise Critic which will give you an opportunity to become a member and join the discussion.
I hope it might be helpful if I make a few comments on your ports of call. Some comments might repeat what Cruise2dance has on their post.
Melbourne. Either take the shuttle bus into Melbourne or go by light rail. Tickets can be purchased at the information desk in the terminal building. They give concessions to interstate seniors/pensioners, but not overseas seniors. In the centre of Melb there is a free tram running around the CBD with commentary.
Sydney White Bay. There is no public transport. I don't know if Princess will have a shuttle to the middle of the city. Otherwise taxis are the only option.
Brisbane. Walk to the CityCat (ferry) stop. After leaving the cruise terminal turn to the left and walk around the shopping complex then head diagonally towards the 'end' of the ship that points up-stream. It will be clear where to go. It would take probably 20 minutes from leaving the ship.
Port Douglas. Tender to marina/shopping mall (small one). Tour operators will be set up on the walkway after you leave the tender. A good reef trip is Reef Sprinter who have a shop in the shopping mall.
Darwin. Either $10 shuttle bus to the tourist information centre or walk, probably 20 minutes easy walk. After leaving the cruise terminal, turn to the right and go along the causeway, then across the floating bridge. Walk another 50m (approx) then diagonally to the right to a glass elevator that will take you up to the level of the city. Just walk straight out, across the road and you are in the middle of Darwin.
Broome. Free shuttle bus to the middle of town. There will be volunteers with tourist information, and later in the day with cold water while you wait for the shuttle bus back to the ship. Tours will be on sale in the tourist information office that is only a short distance from where the bus leaves you.
Lombok. Princess always arranges visas ($25) for everyone on the ship and charges your on-board account. Tender service. Cars/vans with drivers are waiting in the enclosed yard at the end of the dock. Arrange prices etc. with the men standing on the right. When we were there recently our group haggled the price down. In retrospect that probably wasn't a good idea. They agreed to the price but we got an older vehicle where the air-con hardly worked. Not good in the heat and humidity. We had a driver and a guide who spoke excellent English. Great day.
Fremantle. If you want to look around Fremantle take the free shuttle bus to the information centre. Volunteers will be there to help you. You can then take the free hop-on/hop-off bus that does a larqe circuit around town. If you do this have a look at the Shipwreck Galleries and the Maritime Museum.
Perth - walk from the Fremantle cruise terminal to the railway station. You will see the pedestrian bridge over the railway line. In Perth there is a free bus around the centre of the city.
Albany - free shuttle bus into town (or walk but it is up hill). In town there will be tours on offer.