Southern Australia Coastal Discovery

Departing Fremantle, share the ‘Humpback Highway’ with leviathans returning to Antarctica and possibly a dolphin escort. Round Australia’s south-west corner, home to the lovely Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, which marks where the Indian and Southern oceans meet. In the afternoon, conditions permitting, we hope to Zodiac cruise along Chatham Island’s soaring granite cliffs. Not to be confused with New Zealand’s Chatham Islands (first sunrise on Earth – each day), Australia’s Chatham Island is a nature reserve that’s home to NZ fur seals, flesh-footed shearwaters, little penguins and WA’s only threatened plant, the cliff-hanging fern Asplenium obtusatum.

Wake to a stretch of Southern Ocean 70 km off the coast that looks just like the surrounding sea – but it’s not. Below the surface is Bremer Bay Canyon, which each summer redirects a cold, salty Antarctic current up from the deep. When the nutrient-rich waters hit the surface, they create a biological hotspot unlike any on Earth. Breaching orcas, dolphins, sperm whales and giant squid are just part of the marine life frenzy. Blue sharks have been seen following orcas. The phenomenon is still relatively new, so keep track of any new sightings. Even pygmy blue whales pass through the area. If conditions allow, we’ll launch Zodiacs for an experience you’ll never forget.

Awake amidst the Recherche Archipelago, a chain of 105 islands and some 1200 islets that stretch from near Esperance in the west, to near Israelite Bay in the East. In 1803, explorer Matthew Flinders left two anchors behind, just off Middle Island, the largest in the archipelago. We hope to land here and hike to the beautiful pink, Lake Hillier, and learn the story of pirate Black Jack Anderson, a violent sealer who set off from here to raid shipping between Albany and Adelaide. Ours will take a more-gentle approach, swimming from pristine white beaches in turquoise waters shared with Australian sea lions and New Zealand fur seals. Exploring rarely visited islands and to photograph Recherche Cape Barren geese, rock parrots, red-eared firetails and a host of reptiles including Rosenberg’s monitor. Marvel at the raw beauty of these wilderness isles, while enjoying Southern Ocean sundowners.

After nearly a week of intense exploration, relax and enjoy entertaining talks about explorers who first mapped the wild coast to the north of us, and the natural history of the region we’re approaching. Step out on deck to watch for southern right and blue whales, and to photograph seabirds accompanying the ship.

Continue our course parallel to the Great Australian Bight, the vertical cliff-lines marking when Antarctica separated from Australia when Gondwana broke apart. We ship cruise the Head of the Bight, where Southern Rights and pygmy blue whales come to calve, and Australian sea lions breed in small colonies along the cliffs. Above the cliffs is the spare scenery of the Nullarbor Plain. After lunch, we reach the dramatic Investigator Group of islands, just off the western shores of Eyre Peninsula. If conditions permit, Zodiac ashore on Pearson Island to look for Cape Barren geese, rare lizards and rock wallabies as well as fairy penguins, short-tailed shearwaters and rock parrots.

Delight in a day of adventure with the striking scenery of the Eyre Peninsula and Coffin Bay as the backdrop. Zodiac-cruise or paddle crystal-clear waters, stroll along unspoilt beaches or enjoy a hike amongst the coastal heath and woodlands of the National Park. Search the skies for the white-bellied sea eagles and osprey that breed along this coastline. Overnight we enter the Spencer Gulf to enjoy the treasures of the Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area. The rich waters of the adjacent marine park are home to one of the world’s largest colonies of Australian sea lions.

Marvel at the regenerative powers of nature while exploring Australia’s third-largest island from the comfort of your floating base camp. Following on from the devastating bushfires of January 2020 this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see new life bursting forth, the return of koalas, wallabies, echidnas and dunnarts, and the pleasure of islanders as they show off the beauty of their home. From swimming with dolphins and sea lions, to participating in post-fire ecological surveys. Explore spectacular granite coastlines and gain new insights into habitat restoration from renowned experts. Local artists will share their perspectives, and guides will introduce their natural world.

After breakfast, farewell your expedition team and disembark to be transferred to the airport or your hotel.

Important note: In the spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea state and other conditions beyond our control.