Cruise to Australia and New Zealand and Explore World Heritage Sites!
If you are planning a vacation in 2016, a cruise to Australia and New Zealand should be on your bucket list! This region of the world is full of fabulous World Heritage Sites. In fact, there are 22 in total, 19 in Australia and 3 in New Zealand. World Heritage Sites aren’t the only amazing features in the great down under. Witness some of the most amazing creatures in their natural habitat, visit beautiful structures like the Sydney Opera House, or just relax and enjoy the fabulous beaches. What’s really great about a Cruise to Australia is that most cruises include port stops in both Australia and New Zealand that feature the best World Heritage Sites these countries have to offer!
Cruise to Australia
Reason #1 Great Barrier Reef: If you are taking a Cruise to Australia the Great Barrier Reef is a must! As one of the seven natural wonders of the world it’s truly an experience of a lifetime! Being the largest coral reef system in the world you will have the chance to be immersed in one of the most unique and beautiful creations on Earth. Composed of nearly 3,000 individual reefs, 900 islands, and thousands of different species of sea life, the Great Barrier Reef has plenty to offer! Snorkeling and diving are very popular at the Great Barrier Reef but if you don’t feel like getting wet I would recommend taking an excursion on a glass bottom boat! Trust me, you will see some of the most magnificent natural creations in the world!
Reason #2 Fjordland National Park/Te Wahipounamu: In 1990 Fjordland, also known as Te Wahipounamu, was recognized as a World Heritage Site. Considering the remoteness of the location Fjordland few people have settled in the area, which has allowed wildlife and nature to thrive. A remarkable point of interest in Fjordland include the Sutherland Falls, located south of Milford Sound, that feature some of the world’s largest waterfalls. While in the area try to keep an eye out for some of the most exotic and extraordinary wildlife New Zealand has in this area. For instance, you may find Takahe, a flightless and endangered bird species. In fact, this area is full of rare flightless birds, including the Kakapu and Kiwi birds. This amazing National Park is also home to Milford, Dusky, and Doubtful Sound, popular excursions spots in New Zealand. Milford Sound is a popular area for cruise ships to stop for a while too before embarking on the main land. Not only is it a beautiful site to see but the area is full of natural history.
Reason #3 Sydney Opera House: Beautiful award winning architecture is just one of the reasons the Sydney Opera House became a World
Cruise to Australia
Heritage Site. The Sydney Opera House took sixteen years to be completed and the pride of construction shows in every aspect. If your cruise ports anywhere near Sydney, which chances are it will, you should see one of the over 2,400 events that are held there annually. I would also suggest taking a tour through the building. There are several tours to choose from and tours are usually available daily.
Reason #4 Tasmanian Wilderness: This World Heritage Site is located near Hobart, another popular cruise port stop. Tasmanian is one of the largest conservation sites in Australia and feature some of the most amazing natural beauty to be found. Tasmanian is also home to 5 of the 11 Australian Convict Sites. These penal locations were originally built by the British Empire during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Tasmanian sites include the Brickendon Estates, Cascades Female Factory, Port Arthur Historical Site, Darlington Probation Station, Woolmers Estate, and the Coal Mines Historical Site.
Reason #5: Kakadu National Park: Located in Northern Australia near the port stop of Darwin, the Kakadu National Park is an archaeological
and ethnological reserve. This park has been recognized by the World Heritage Site as having significant cultural and natural values. Aboriginal people have occupied the area for over 40,000 years and approximately 500 aboriginals still reside in the park. Many of their original traditions and beliefs of their culture still remain significant to this day. This area is also full of natural beauty! Don’t forget to check out the waterfalls in this region, they are spectacular!
If you are considering a vacation to the outback make sure to check out at least a few of these amazing World Heritage Sites! Don’t turtle around, book your Cruise to Australia today! Contact one of our experienced, knowledgeable travel advisors at CruiseExperts.com by calling 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784). We’re here to answer any questions you have and to save you as much money on your next vacation as possible! Don’t forget to join our InnerCircle and like us on Facebook for more exclusive offers! Already booked or looking to book soon? Check out our Resource Center for helpful tips!