Australian Odyssey: Western Australia & The Abrolhos Islands

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Busselton is a vibrant city on the beach that’s been a timeless holiday destination for generations of West Australian families. The gateway to the world-famous Margaret River wine region, Geographe Bay has some of the most beautiful calm bays of azure waters, perfect for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, and there’s an underwater experience where you can be eye to eye with marine life without getting wet. At the end of the heritage-listed 1.8km-long wooden jetty, the longest in the southern hemisphere, is an underwater observatory that spirals beneath the ocean to the sea floor. Its large windows look out to colourful coral and barnacles attached to the jetty pylons with marine life weaving between. From May to December, spot the spouts of water out in the ocean as tens of thousands of whales pass by on their annual migration. Busselton’s foreshore is abuzz with locals walking and jogging, families playing in the pirate park, tourists marvelling at the jetty and out Geographe Bay and beer lovers enjoying a locally brewed craft beer. Enjoy your final drink with fellow guests on your last evening together.

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Wildflower meadows ablaze with colour, ancient and enchanting rock formations and sweeping stretches of powder-white sand are just a few of Jurien Bay’s attractions. Jurien Bay is a laid-back coastal town known for its excellent fishing and playful sea lions. Australian sea lion colonies can only be found on islands off the coast of Western Australia and South Australia, which makes them one of Jurien Bay’s main drawcards. Sea lions love fish, which is another other drawcard to the region. South of Jurien Bay discover the Pinnacles were formed over millions of years, thousands of soaring limestone spires, reach skywards from the yellow desert sands. The unique lunar-like landscape is at its best at sunrise or sunset when the many spire shadows are long, which feels like you’re standing in a twilight universe on another planet. Photographers fill many memory cards here.. With the salty coastal air filling your lungs, fish and chips or a seafood feast may be on the menu in one of ten dining experiences on board ranging from casual to fine dining. Enjoy an aperitif before the Scenic Eclipse II world-class culinary team prepares another remarkable dining experience. 

Surrounded by beaches, sun-drenched Geraldton in Western Australia is a thriving city facing the Indian Ocean. Located on the Coral Coast, the city has a friendly country town feel but is infused local history and cultural heritage. Like many coastal towns, the dining and café culture is superb and the choice of which restaurant to choose is a happy dilemma for most travellers!Celebrated for its annual display of spectacular wildflowers, Geraldton’s flora attracts visitors from all regions, with guides taking tourists on as much as 300 mile/500 kilometre round trips in order to make sure that they receive the best possible experience. A haven for visitors especially during the cooler months, the views differ year-in year-out and vary greatly depending on the rainfall. Whole fields become blanketed in colour and rare plants, such as the wreath-flower, burst into splendorous bloom. The well-informed guides keep a track of what is flowering where and visitors only have to ask to be pointed in the right direction. With over 300 species of native plants, it is only expected that insects and birds are attracted to the area. Over 120 types of bird have been classified as well as 22 types of reptile and seven types of frog. Happily, the iconic kangaroo also makes the plains their home, so visitors can expect a real Aussie welcome if they happen upon one!

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Home to the Yamatji and Wajarri people, Geraldton has a long history that dates back thousands of years. In 1629, a shipwreck, subsequent mutiny and rescue become a legendary part of Australian folklore. The Batavian coastline, that draws its name from the shipwreck, is widely regarded as one of the most scenic coastlines in Western Australia. Geraldton is a cosmopolitan and diverse seaside town and has a plethora of waterfront shops, cafes and museums to explore.  As you relax on Deck 10, marvel at the rust-coloured rugged coastal cliffs that meet the deep blue ocean. Welcome the contrast of the remote and untouched habitat and coastal town with the elegant furnishings and attentive service on board Scenic Eclipse II. There’s a guest-to-staff ratio 1:1 and state-of-the-art technology fitted on the vessel. The only detail for you to consider is choosing from over 100 varieties of aged whiskey at the Scenic Lounge Bar in which to indulge in.

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The Wallabi Group is the northern-most group of islands in the Houtman Abrolhos, more commonly referred to as the Abrolhos Islands. The Islands are best known for one of the most famous ‘Age of Discovery’ wreck and rescue stories in global maritime history, the shipwreck of the Batavia in 1629. Often described as the Galapagos Islands of the Indian Ocean, there are few places in Australia with more biodiversity than these islands. It’s one of the world's most important seabird breeding sites and it’s the centre of Western Australia's largest single-species fishery, the western rock lobster fishery. This is a truly special destination that few can visit.  Soar above in one of two on board helicopters^ for an aerial perspective of the islands and the incredible waters that surround them. It’s a mesmerising place that includes diverse wildlife and marine experiences. Keep your eyes open for the mischievous Australian sea lions, the star inhabitants of the area. At day’s end, continue the typically West Australian ‘sundowner’ tradition with fellow guests ahead of a delectable meal in one of 10 dining experiences on board.  

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Inscription Point on Dirk Hartog Island is the site of the first evidenced European landing on Australian soil that took place in 1616. Dirk Hartog Island is Western Australia’s largest island, and one of the world’s most important islands for mammal conservation. It is Australia’s most successful restoration projects. Since the early 2000’s it has removed sheep, goats and feral cats from the island and is slowly reintroducing the native mammal species that once occupied the area. You may spot the western grey kangaroos, wallabies and bandicoots. It also has several endemic plant species found nowhere else in the world including the Dirk Hartog Island wattles. Beneath the waterline, see vibrant corals and marine life while swimming and snorkelling. The island's seagrass meadows are some of the largest and most diverse in the world, essential to the survival of dugongs, affectionately known as ‘sea cows’.  Pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and rugged cliffs can be viewed from one of the many vantage points on Scenic Eclipse II. Indulge in 6-star ultra-luxury with up to 10 dining experiences and nine bars & lounges on board Scenic Eclipse II, all part of our truly all-inclusive philosophy.

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Once a romantic pearl fishing town, Denham has slowly transformed, attracting visitors with its unique aquatic and coastal experiences and stunning scenery. Shark Bay, a World Heritage-listed area, is renowned for its exotic flora and fauna, and is home to 10 per cent of the world’s elusive dugong population. It is also a significant historical site, where the first Europeans landed on the Western Australian mainland. You may see emus strolling, kangaroos grazing, and dolphins jumping. Shell Beach is a natural marvel, an ethereal expanse of tiny white shells in place of sand on its beach. The Hamelin Pool Stromatolites, situated in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, are one of the oldest living organisms on earth, with a history dating back over 3,000 years. At nearby Monkey Mia, playful and inquisitive dolphins frequent the shallows close to shore.  Back on board, cocktail in hand, sit back and watch Mother Nature’s free nightly show, another magnificent West Coast sunset. As the sky transitions to pastel hues before finally dark, enjoy stargazing under the sparkling stars. Take a closer look with the on board Swarovski Telescopes available in the Observation Lounge.

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Named Coral Bay in tribute to the beautiful coral gardens which lie mere metres from the pristine sandy beach, this is a picturesque hub for rich marine life experiences. The pristine snorkelling conditions offer colourful coral gardens and over 500 species of fish including the dazzling butterflyfish, angelfish, and clownfish. There may be a unique opportunity to encounter rare dugongs, also known as ‘sea cows’, which can be seen grazing on seagrass in the shallow waters. On land, follow walking trails that weave through national parks and pristine beaches, past tidal pools and turtle-nesting spots. For an accelerated adventure, you may be able to soar above the clifftops with an exhilarating flight in one of the two on board helicopters^.

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Enjoy the luxury of time. This is the first of two days stationed in Exmouth, the northern gateway to wonderous Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area. Ningaloo Reef is Australia’s longest fringing barrier reef and one of the world’s most important biodiversity hotspots.  Between Exmouth and Coral Bay, two Ningaloo Marine Parks run in parallel along the coast, protecting this natural treasure. These marine parks are home to more than 250 species of coral, both soft and hard, that are native to the area. On a snorkelling trip see cabbage corals, brain corals and lavender corals as well as delicate colourful branching corals which form gardens in the shallow lagoons. Ningaloo Marine Park boasts an endless list of molluscs, crustaceans, algae and over 500 species of the most decorated and revered tropical fish in the world, including giant potato cod, sweetlip, spangled emperor and lionfish.

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After an overnight stay in Exmouth, wake slowly and enjoy the morning views on the verandah of your spacious suite over a barista-made coffee brought by your butler. Exmouth is the perfect base to explore the grandiose landscapes of the Cape Range National Park. The spectacular contrasting scenery is a sight to behold. The rugged limestone gorges and arid coastal plain of Cape Range adjoin the pristine turquoise waters of Ningaloo Marine Park. Located within the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage-listed Area, Cape Range is rich and diverse in wildlife, including kangaroos, emus, echidnas, birds and black-flanked rock wallabies. The name ‘Ningaloo’ means ‘land jutting out to sea’ from the local Yinigudura people.  In the evening, join fellow travellers in one of nine bars and lounges for a sundowner over a glass of French champagne, a craft beer, or a perfectly balanced aperitif as you swap stories about the wildlife you’ve spotted and otherworldly landscapes encountered.

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The 265 low-lying islands and islets of the Montebello Islands form a conservation park and the waters surrounding the islands are a protected marine park. The only access to the islands is by small ship, making Scenic Eclipse II the perfect vessel for this a truly unrivalled experience. There are fringing reefs, sandy beaches, sheltered coves, isolated mangrove stands and abundance of marine life including turtles, dolphins, and dugongs, 450 species of fish and over 1000 species of invertebrates. Choose from the many interesting snorkelling locations that include coral reefs and underwater gardens teeming with marine life of all sizes, colours and patterns. Swim or snorkel to see what lies beneath or take a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for exploration above water. With the Discovery Team, Scenic Eclipse II’s team of experts, learn about the explosive history of the area. The islands rose to notoriety when the British military carried out atomic weapons tests in 1952 and 1956, something that may be difficult to comprehend given the serene surrounds. During the day, take the feelings of bliss to a new level after an indulgent pampering treatment* in the expansive 550m2 Senses Spa and emerge feeling renewed

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The Dampier Archipelago, located in the Pilbara, is a breathtaking haven of coral reefs, sponge gardens and more than 650 species of fish. In the cluster of 42 islands set amid crystal-clear waters, find colourful coral reefs and unique marine wildlife including dugongs, whales, dolphins as well as three turtle species that nest on nearby beaches. With the Discovery Team, visit rock art sites and learn about the rich indigenous culture of the area’s five Aboriginal language groups. The rugged landscapes and ancient rock formations make for great hiking and exploration.  Replenish after a day of swimming, snorkelling, paddling and hiking with a sumptuous meal in one of the up to 10 ultra-luxury dining experiences on board Scenic Eclipse II. The panoramic sunset views from the Vitality Pool on the Sky Deck may just be your perfect way to unwind as you take in the stunning surroundings.

Rowley Shoals is regarded as one of the most incredible diving and snorkelling locations in the world. Three coral atolls; Mermaid, Clerke and Imperieuse reefs rise near vertical, from the surrounding crystal-clear waters on the edge of the continental shelf. Spot an array of rare, wonderful and vibrant marine wildlife who live within the corals and make for an exceptional diving and snorkelling exploration. To take full advantage of the location, Le Lapérouse will spend one and a half days at the Rowley Shoals, allowing you to swim and snorkel from Zodiac®.

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Nestled in the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean, the little-known Rowley Shoals is an unforgettable aquatic experience. Explore the Rowley Shoals and Mermaid Reef Marine Parks, a chain of three protected coral atolls with over 200 species of stunning coral formations in every imaginable colour. Regarded as the best example in Australian waters of atolls on the edge of a continental shelf, it covers 540 square kilometres, with depths from less than 15 metres to 500 metres.  Scenic Eclipse will stop here, using her advanced state-of-the-art GPS Dynamic Positioning that allows her to station without dropping anchor onto the sensitive coral seabeds. From the Scenic Eclipse II Marine Deck, explore with a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or snorkel and swim in the shallow lagoons atop the softly swaying coral gardens. Tropical fish, sea turtles and dolphins are just some of the abundant marine life to adorn the area. With its remote location and protected status, Rowley Shoals provide a tranquil respite and a chance to be fully immersed in the serene majesty of the underwater world. You may also be able to soar above for a bird’s eye view of the atolls in one of the two on board helicopters^. A journey to Rowley Shoals promises to be a transformative experience, one that will remain indelibly etched in your memory. 

Traffic in the Broome Harbour (a very busy working harbour) is restricted, requiring special permits for all vehicles accessing the pier area. Guests are not permitted in this area on an individual basis. In order to make disembarkation as smooth as possible Silversea will be providing a group motorcoach transfer from the pier to the airport.  This transfer will depart shortly after the ship is cleared.  Exact timings will be communicated by the ship’s staff.Guests who do not wish to go to the airport immediately following disembarkation will be transferred to Pearl Luggers, located 10 – 15 minutes from the airport, where taxis are available for hire. 

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This is where your unforgettable voyage concludes. Spend an easy final morning in ultra-luxury on board Scenic Eclipse II, perhaps with coffee on your private verandah. Reflect on the rare and wonderous experiences of this once-in-a-lifetime journey and the discoveries of the Western Australian coastline, on land and below the magical underwater world. Take comfort knowing you’ve created a collection of memories and stories for life. Bid farewell to your friendly crew and new friends as you disembark in Broome.  Please book your flight to depart out of Broome 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.