On the map below I have identified the ports to be visited on our 2014 Australia cruise aboard the
Dawn Princess. In each port I have also identified many of the points of interest listed on the Princess
Cruises web site in the Port Excursions section. Some points of interest have been difficult to localize
and may not be on the map.
While this map can be manipulated with pan and zoom you should probably use the link below the
map reading "View Australia 2014 in a larger map" to view the detail. When viewed in Google Maps you
can also get an Earth View. Should you wish to explore the map in Google Earth use a Keyhole Markup
Language (KML or KMZ) file which can be imported directly. The file can be downloaded from this
page (see the link in the sidebar). Google Earth will show much more detail than Google Maps.
Should you discover errors in my locations or data please let me know.
View Australia 2014 in a larger map
If you are a member of the travel forum Cruise Critic you should join the Dawn Princess Roll Call for our cruise. There you will find a dialog among cruisers sharing this sailing and much useful information. Below is a sample of useful information from a member known as Aus Traveler. Here is a link to the Dawn Princess - Round Australia - Apr 11, 2014 thread which will give you an opportunity to become a member and join the discussion.
We are not planning to be on this cruise, but will be doing the same itinerary in October/November this year. We have been to the ports previously, so I posted some suggestions on shore tours on the thread for this year's cruise. Some of those going on the 2014 cruise might be interested, and to save you looking it up, I will post it here and hope you find it helpful. I am not sure if your cruise goes to all the ports that this year's cruise does.
My suggestions -
Brisbane - Ships usually dock at Portside in the Brisbane River. Walk up-stream a few hundred metres to the ferry terminal. The ferry is called the RiverCat and it takes passengers on a great scenic trip into the city. Buy an all-day pass. Get off in the centre of the city and walk around the Mall. Take the RiverCat to Southbank (lovely beach and gardens as well as very close to the Art Gallery and Museum), then back on the RiverCat and continue up-river to the University. Stay on for the return trip. If anyone wants to do more, maybe you could go to Lone Pine Sanctuary to see native animals and hold koalas.
Port Douglas - If anyone else is interested in snorkelling, I suggest a company called Reef Sprinter who have an office in the mall at the marine where the tenders pull in. Cost is a bit over $100 for 2.5 hour trip on a jetboat to Low Isles. All equipment is supplied. Alternatively, there are always several tour operators lined up on the walkway from the tender to the mall.
Darwin - The Jumping Crocs at Adelaide River are great. If someone doesn't want to go that far, they can explore the city. I suggest walking into the centre of town (1 km or so level walking) and having a look at Parliament House. You can go inside and at times there are free guided tours. There are WWII tunnels under the city that visitors can walk through. The entrance is underneath the lookout platform that overlooks the harbour. Walk down the staircase to the right of the lookout platform. Small entry fee applies. I also suggest going to the excellent (free) Museum of Northern Territory. You can probably get there on a public bus (enquire at the Tourist Info centre in town)
Broome - Take the free shuttle bus to the tourist info centre where tours will be on sale. You could also walk around the centre of town (it's not big) and look at the multitude of pearl shops.
Lombok - There are cars with drivers waiting in the yard where the tenders come in. Negotiate prices with the 'office' under the tent on the right immediately at the end of the jetty. By the way, pearls are available at excellent prices from several jewellery shops. If anyone is interested in this, I can check on the names/address of the shops we went to.
Geraldton - take the $5 hop-on/hop-off bus from near where the tender drops passengers off. Disembark at the HMAS Sydney memorial (there are usually volunteer guides giving free guided tours); take the next bus and ask to be let off at the Cathedral. St Francis Xavier Cathedral is amazing and there are free guided tours on cruiseship days. This cathedral was designed by a priest/architect and it combines elements of the great cathedrals of Europe in a pint-sized version. The buses don't usually stop here so you will need to walk toward the harbour to the next stop, or go a tiny bit further and go to the (free) museum. It has a great display on the sinking of HMAS Sydney and also on the Batavia. By the way, on the cruise there are likely to be lectures on both the Sydney and the Batavia, so a visit to the museum will be of particular interest.
Fremantle/Perth - I probably recommend a trip to Rottnest Island, mainly to see the quokkas (gorgeous tiny wallaby-like creatures) in the wild. They are so friendly, they come up to you. Otherwise, if you want to see Fremantle & Perth (and I understand that) you could do-it-yourself if you are armed with a map. I suggest getting the train into Perth and walking down Barrack street to the Swan River. Walk around the central part of the city seeing the Swan Bells, Government House, St George's Cathedral, and the Barracks Arch. There is a free CAT bus running around the main central area of the city. Then return to Fremantle and do this part last so you are close to the ship in the latter part of the day. In Fremantle I suggest seeing the historic area - it is very close to the ship (walking distance). I suggest going to the Maritime Museum, the Roundhouse and the Shipwreck Galleries. You could go to the Prison but it is a bit further away from the ship.
Albany - I haven't been there by cruiseship - only by road. We really enjoyed our visit to Whaleworld (a former whaling station). It sounds corny but it isn't.
Adelaide - We have only been there by road. I can post information on what can be done in a day if someone is interested.
Melbourne - I suggest spending the day exploring the centre of Melbourne. It has incredible historic buildings from the Gold Rush era, and you can get around using the excellent tram network. They sell tickets in the cruise terminal. The tram stop is near the end of the jetty. Go to the centre of the city where there is a free city-loop tram. I think the visit there is a Friday so everything will be open. Starting a walking tour at Flinders Street Railway Station, see Federation Square (tourist info available here), St Paul's Cathedral, the old Gaol where Ned Kelly was hanged, Chinatown, Parliament House. One gem I suggest visiting is the ANZ bank at 380 Collins Street (corner Queen St) where the whole ceiling of the banking chamber is covered in gold leaf. Victoria Markets might appeal to some people. It has hundreds of stalls with tourist stuff (hats, T-shirts, leather belts etc. etc.).
Wellington - There is likely to be a shuttle bus into the centre of town, but it is possible to walk. See Te Papa Museum (great), take the cable car to the top of the Botanic Gardens.
Napier - Passengers have to take the free shuttle bus that drops people off at the Tourist Info Centre where there will be great tours on sale.
Tauranga - I suggest going to Rotorua. Either hire a car or van or take a tour offered by tourist operators outside the wharf area. Last time we were there the cost was AUD$80 pp. You could hire a car for $80.
Auckland - The ship docks right in the middle of town. Literally. Walk outside the wharf area and turn left. There will be people selling tickets for a hop-on/hop-off bus. I think the cost is $20. This is a fantastic trip and the price actually covers two bus routes that form a figure 8. I suggest getting off at Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World (fantastic), then getting on a later bus and enjoy the scenery. The two bus routes join up at the Museum. Go inside if you feel inclined. Maybe walk down the grassy slope a bit and go into the glasshouse to see incredible flowers etc. Go on the second bus route.
Sydney - There is so much to see and do.
I hope the above information is helpful.