Icons of Australia 2022
Small ship specialist, Cruise Traveller, is offering a new luxury rail, sail and stay adventure through the Kimberley and Central Australia in August 2022.
Available until September 30, 2021, the exclusive, slow-travel Icons of Australia package which pairs a bucket-list Ponant voyage through the Kimberley with a must-do journey through the heart of the continent aboard the famous The Ghan Expedition train.
The new 16-night package begins on August 25, 2022, with a night in Broome before guests board Ponant’s luxurious, 264-guest ship, Le Soleal, for a 10-night expedition voyage to Darwin. Boasting a refined and intimate, French-styled elegance, Le Soleal offers a fine dining restaurant and grill restaurant, panoramic lounge, theatre, library, open-air bar, pool, an expert expedition team and personalised service.
Twice the size of Victoria, the ancient and remote Kimberley wilderness is best and most easily seen from small ships like Ponant’s exploration yachts which get close to spectacular waterfalls, indigenous rock art, abundant wildlife and majestic coastal cliffs that glow flame red at sunset.
The cruise from Broome to Darwin will showcase towering King George Falls, wildlife-rich Montgomery Reef, crocodile habitats and the world-renowned natural wonder of Horizontal Falls where the ocean surges at high tide through a narrow break in the cliffs. Included are guided excursions on Zodiacs and an open-bar aboard the elegant ship.
At the end of the cruise, two nights are included in a Darwin hotel with breakfast, allowing free time to explore the Top End capital, before the adventure continues inland with a three-night iconic rail journey aboard The Ghan Expedition from Darwin to Adelaide. Once onboard enjoy all-inclusive dining, fine wines and beverages as well as unforgettable Off Train Experiences in Katherine, Alice Springs, Manguri and Coober Pedy, including a spectacular dinner under the stars at the historic Telegraph Station in Alice Springs.
Reliving the golden era and romance of rail travel, guests will travel in a Gold Service Twin Cabin with a private ensuite, panoramic window and in-cabin music. In the lounge and restaurant cars, guests can enjoy all-inclusive fine wines and beverages, hearty breakfasts, two-course lunches and three-course dinners prepared by onboard chefs. The fine, locally-inspired cuisine is sourced using regional ingredients in partnership with local suppliers and providores.
Ending in Adelaide and including excursions and drinks on the cruise and rail journey, the 16-night Icons of Australia package is available from A$17,465 per person, twin-share, in a Superior Oceanview stateroom. Valid for bookings made by September 30, 2021, and conditions apply.