Along the East Coast of Australia: Beaches & the Great Barrier Reef

Kia Ora and welcome to New Zealand. You’ll begin your journey in the nation’s largest city, Auckland. Home to around a third of the entire New Zealand population, Auckland is a stylish, cosmopolitan city set around two grand harbours. Today, step aboard your 6-star, ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht and be warmly welcomed by the crew. Your personal butler will show you to your spacious suite and you can meet your fellow guests over a glass of chilled champagne in the Observation Lounge. Please book your flight to arrive into Auckland prior to 02:00 PM.

The Bay of Islands is one of the world’s most spectacular sailing destinations, so make sure you’re on your verandah or standing on the terrace of the Observation Lounge as you arrive mid-morning. With its unique sub-tropical climate, around 150 islands and thousands of postcard-perfect coves, this is a little slice of paradise on the North Island.  Scenic Eclipse will anchor off the coast of Russell, the first seaport in New Zealand, dating back to the early 1800s. The town retains much of its historic charm, with its orderly streets, whitewashed houses and the country’s oldest church, the 1835 Christ Church. You can even have a drink at New Zealand’s oldest licensed establishment, the Duke of Marlborough, that still occupies pride of place along the waterfront. Discover deserted beaches, charming villages, remote walking tracks and historic sites. 

Today is yours to do as much or as little as you want as Scenic Eclipse II sails north towards Norfolk Island. Perhaps you’d like to take things slowly, starting with breakfast brought to your suite by your butler, enjoyed on the verandah looking out over the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. Or you could start the day with an invigorating work out in the gym or a class in the Yoga & Pilates studio.  Take some time to explore the ship, from the Sky Bar and outdoor Vitality Pool on Deck 10 to the tranquil Senses Spa on Deck 6 with its steam rooms, saunas, plunge pool and KLAFS Salt Therapy Lounge. Stop for a coffee or a cocktail at one of the nine bars and lounges on board or curl up with a good book in the library of the Observation Lounge. Check the daily program to see what lectures or discussions the Discovery Team are running and learn more about upcoming ports, wildlife or activities on offer. 

Stand on your verandah or on the Sky Deck early this morning and you’ll feel like one of the early seafaring explorers, arriving at a remote island after days at sea. This tiny dot in the middle of the South Pacific is Norfolk Island, more than 800km north-west of the New Zealand coast and almost 1,500km east of Australia. The first thing you’ll see will be the tall Norfolk pines dotted along the clifftops, looking out over windswept coastline, deserted beaches and surging seas.  Though the island is technically part of Australia, it has its own distinct personality and a fascinating past. Settled just weeks after the First Fleet arrived in Sydney in 1788, the island was first used for agriculture before becoming a convict prison famed for its harsh treatment of prisoners. In the 1850s, the island was given to the Pitcairn Islanders, descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian wives. This turbulent history has created a unique culture and language that’s a blend of 18th century English and Polynesian. 

Make the most of a second sea day indulging in the many exceptional dining experiences on board Scenic Eclipse. Start with breakfast al fresco at the Yacht Club (be sure to return later to visit the large gelato fridge). For lunch, Azure Bar & Café serves light meals, pizza and salads that are available for grazing throughout the day. Elements is the ship’s main restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, where the menu ranges from Italian to steak and seafood.   The selection of specialty restaurants on board allows you to dine around the world each night. Channel the spirit of Asia at Koko’s Asian Fusion; choose one of the sunken Japanese-style tables for an authentic ambience. Grab a seat at the bar at Sushi @ Koko’s to watch the chefs at work or enjoy the spectacle of teppanyaki-style dining inspired by the markets of Asia at Night Market @ Koko’s, an exclusive experience for just eight guests at a time. Journey to France at Lumière, a contemporary fine dining French restaurant replete with a luxe Champagne bar. 

Enjoy another luxurious day at sea as Scenic Eclipse II sails to mainland Australia. Today could be the perfect time to relax and recharge in the indulgent Senses Spa on Deck 6. Inside this luxurious retreat you can be pampered with a range of ESPA treatments^ including massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, as well as alternative therapies like Tibetan bowl sound healing. After your treatment, cool off in the Vitality plunge pool on the Senses Spa Pool Deck or warm up in the exclusive KLAFS Salt Therapy Lounge, where heated beds have special healing properties. You’ll also find saunas, steam rooms, therapeutic pressure showers, and a hair and beauty salon within the spa complex.  Once you’re ready to venture out, watch the world slip by as you relax in a cabana on Deck 10, before taking a dip in the Vitality Pool with a refreshing drink in hand. Read a book in the Observation Lounge library or take one with you and find the hanging egg chairs on Deck 7. Alternatively, ask your butler to bring afternoon tea or cocktails to your suite for you to enjoy on the private verandah while marvelling at the endless ocean. 

Lady Elliot Island is your first stop at the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. Adorned with lush rainforest, the island paradise is known for its large population of giant manta rays and turtles. It’s also known for its commitment to sustainability through its use of renewable energy, invasive species eradication and other notable environmental initiatives. Here, the glittering white beaches are made entirely of crushed coral. The highly protected ‘Green Zone’ is a sanctuary for over 1,200 species of marine life and an extraordinary unspoilt coral reef. Walk around the island and take in the lush rainforest surroundings, the centre of the island’s life force.   Then Scenic Eclipse II will continue Lady Musgrave Island. Lady Musgrave Island sits in a lagoon formed by a huge, circular protective coral wall, creating calm and crystal-clear waters. Perfect for first-time snorkellers, the sheltered lagoon is home to the complete cast of the marine “Great 8”, namely, clown fish, giant clams, manta rays, maori wrasse, potato cod, reef sharks, and turtles. Almost completely untouched, the island’s only full-time inhabitants are 22 breeding seabird species.   After a day dipping in and out of the ocean, swimming, snorkelling and marvelling at the colourful natural aquarium, it’s time to relax in ultra-luxury surrounds. Perhaps with a toast of Champagne in one of the nine bars and lounges to congratulate yourself for the unforgettable experiences and the magical marine memories you’re making.  

Great Keppel Island is the quintessential tropical island playground. Paddle serenely along crystal-clear calm waters along the coastline where you may spot turtles, dugongs and playful dolphins. Swim and snorkel from the yacht or from one of the 17 white-sand beaches along Great Keppel’s shore. On the island itself, discover islands rich Aboriginal heritage and abundant native wildlife, including more than 90 species of birds. Those who like to climb can go on the 3.5km rigorous hike up Mount Wyndham, the island’s highest point.   Back onboard, with a cocktail in hand, watch a magnificent island sunset from the comfort of your own suite’s verandah or from the Sky Bar, Sky Deck outdoor seating or private cabanas. As the sky transitions from bright blue to pastel hues until finally dark, enjoy the tropical evening under a trillion sparkling stars. 

Due to its size and environmental credentials, Scenic Eclipse II is one of the few ships able to access this rarely visited island. Middle Percy is sometimes described as Robinson Crusoe Island, a dense wooded hilltop that rises above the depths of the Coral Sea. Explore West Beach and find an eclectic collection of memorabilia of bygone days donated by visiting sailors who’ve stopped beneath the coconut palms at the rustic A-frame hut. Take a walking trail to see magnificent views, secluded bays and sandy beaches. Swim or snorkel in tropical waters or take a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to a secluded beach. Alternatively, relax in the temperature-controlled Vitality Pool on Deck 10, soaking in the panoramic views.

Imagine wide stretches of white sandy beaches, palm trees with fronds gently rustling and hammocks slowly swinging. The easy access from Airlie Beach has made it a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the 74 islands of the Whitsundays. The best way to explore the islands is by cruise, and with Scenic Eclipse II, it’s 6-star ultra-luxury discovery at its finest.   Dive below the crystal-clear water, perfect for snorkelling and visibility of coral and marine life with all colours of the rainbow. Soar above in one of two on board helicopters^ for a birds-eye-view of the iconic love heart-shaped reef. End your perfect day with a glass of France’s finest at the Lumière Champagne Bar or indulge in over 100 varieties of aged whiskey at the Scenic Lounge Bar. Scenic Eclipse II’s truly all-inclusive philosophy ensures you can enjoy premium beverages* all day, every day.

Another day, another incredible tropical paradise. Magnetic Island is two-thirds national park and surrounded by 23 secluded bays and golden beaches. Renowned for its natural beauty and serenity, discover an untouched haven of open roads, Eucalypt trees with sleeping koalas and hiking trails. Lay back and enjoy the panoramic views from a lounge on Deck 10 or relax on your suite’s verandah and take in the dramatic coastline of giant boulders and majestic hoop pines. The island is a sanctuary for native wildlife including rock wallabies, koalas, possums and over 100 different bird species. At Horseshoe Bay on the sheltered north side of the island, there’s a thriving local community sprinkled with eclectic art galleries. Enjoy a sumptuous meal for your final evening in one of up to 10 dining 6-star dining experiences on board Scenic Eclipse II.

Cairns is the only place on Earth where two World Heritage-listed sites collide –the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. This is where your unforgettable voyage concludes. Spend an easy final morning in ultra-luxury onboard Scenic Eclipse II, perhaps with coffee on your verandah served by your own butler. Reflect on the rare and wonderous experiences of your once-in-a-lifetime journey and the discoveries of the magical underwater world. Take comfort knowing you’ve created a collection of memories which will last forever. Bid farewell to your friendly crew and new friends as you disembark in Cairns.  Please book your flight to depart out of Cairns after 12:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.