Dream Big Down Under: 35 Nights to Circle Australia in Style with Holland America

DEAN NELSON (he/him) CTC, LLD
3 days ago
4 min read

Welcome, globe-trotting trailblazers and sun-kissed wanderers! If your travel mojo is craving something colossal, utterly immersive and fabulously off-the-well-beaten-track, then let’s raise our latte mugs to this one: the 35‑Day Legendary Australia Circumnavigation aboard the elegant MS Noordam with Holland America Line — a swoon-worthy suggestion for the 2026 sailing season on your fabulous must do list. Strap on those sunnies and get ready to sell the dream.

⛵ The Itinerary: A Coast-to-Coast, Ocean-to-Ocean, Aussie Odyssey

We depart from Sydney on 15 November 2026, easing out of the harbour at 17:00.

Here's a snapshot of the major highlights along this 35-night voyage:

Day 3: Arrive Brisbane (08:00-17:00) — city chic meets subtropical vibes.
Day 6-8: Venture into the remote and enchanting landscapes of Alotau, Kiriwina Island, Conflict Islands (Papua New Guinea) — yes, really remote.
Day 10-11: Back on Aussie soil in Cairns & Townsville — gateway to rainforest, reef and laid-back Queensland style.
Mid-legs: Darwin, Broome, Exmouth — wild, rugged, distinctly Western Australia.
Western coast + South Australia: Perth (Fremantle) overnight, Albany, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island — a mix of frontier coastline and nature reserves.
Victoria & Tasmania: Melbourne, Phillip Island, Hobart, Port Arthur — sophistication, wildlife, history, seal-eyed cliffs.
Return to Sydney: 20 December 2026 at around 07:00.

Each day promises new horizons, varied vistas and more Instagram-worthy moments than you can shake a snorkel at.

✨ What Makes This Voyage Truly Unique

Let’s talk about the sizzle behind the sail — what sets this mission apart — so you can brag about it in your next coffee table photobook:

1. True Circumnavigation

This isn’t a simple hop-on/hop-off coastal cruise; it’s a full-blown circle of Australia, blending east to west to south. You’ll see the continent from every angle: tropical north, rugged west, refined south. The immersion level? Off the charts.

2. Remote & Rare Ports

While Sydney and Melbourne are familiar, this itinerary throws in gems like the Conflict Islands and Kiriwina in Papua New Guinea. These are destinations few travellers tick off. Instant exclusivity.

3. Overnights & Late Departures

Highlight: Overnight in Perth gives you more time to explore; late-night exits in other ports mean less rush, more lounge time. Luxury-cruise style.

4. Wildlife & Nature in Full Throttle

From tree kangaroos and cassowaries in Papua New Guinea to Tasmanian devils in Tasmania — the wild factor is high.

5. Onboard Experience with a Dash of Class

With nearly 2,000 guests, the Noordam balances intimate elegance with robust amenities: specialty dining, refined lounges, rich programming for enrichment and relaxation.

🔍 Hidden Gems & Insider Twists You’ll Want to Flag

Because every great sailing has its “secret sauce”. Here are the under-the-radar win-points:

Kangaroo Island: Moments away from Adelaide, this island gem is wild, isolated, and packed with koalas, sea lions and nature walks. Your clients will feel like adventurers.
Phillip Island evening adventure: Penguins, penguins, penguins. A niche but memorable wildlife encounter.
Tasmania’s Port Arthur: History meets haunting landscapes. Opportunity for a more reflective, culture-filled shore excursion.
Exmouth, Western Australia: Snorkel the Ningaloo Reef; fewer crowds than the Great Barrier Reef, but equal wow-factor.
Conflict Islands (PNG): Remote, pristine, and dramatically under-visited — perfect for travellers craving “Somewhere I’ve not been before.”
Overnight in Perth: Gives you the chance to explore beyond the usual tourist trails — perhaps vineyards in the Swan Valley or sunset at Cottesloe Beach.

🎯 Why You Will Want to Board This Voyage

Let’s highlight exactly what makes this voyage irresistible, so you can truly picture yourself on board. ⚠️ Caution extreme FOMO inducing may occur:

Adventure with elegant comfort: For travellers who want more than “sit by the pool for a week” — you will circle an entire continent, but still sleep in comfort, style and with great service.
Exceptional value for the long haul: 35 nights exploring Australia + Papua New Guinea + Tasmania + beyond = huge travel ROI.
Stand-out on social media: From iconic city skylines to untouched tropical islands to rugged western coastlines — blog-worthy and feed-worthy.
Discovery over repetition: Many cruises repeat ports; this one mixes mainstream with hidden-away. You will feel like trailblazers, not tourists.
Timing & uniqueness: 2026 departure means they’ll beat some of the crowd; get in before the “everyone’s doing it” phase hits.
Lifestyle match: Sipping flat whites in Bondi, snorkelling reefs, camel rides at dusk, Tasmanian devil spotting. It’s the kind of story people read, bookmark, and then need to experience first hand.

Why wander the beaten path — circumnavigate it.

Are you ready to join me?

✅ Final Take

If you’re looking for epic, immersive, stylish, wild and memorable, then this “Legendary Australia Circumnavigation” tick-all-the-boxes. It’s the kind of voyage you will want to book now before all the cabins are gone!

Are you ready to go beyond? Book your Holland America Cruise today. Click here to set up a consultation or to book today.

departuresXdean - an independent agent with Personal Travel Mgmt BC Tour registration #2806, TICO #50025786 proud members of the IGLTA and the Ensemble Travel Group.