2022-08-01
2025-01-01
from$ 6440 AUD
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Ship
Le Laperouse
Le Laperouse
City
Cairns to Brisbane
Cairns to Brisbane
Up to 30% Off - Ponant Bonus
2022-08-01
2025-01-01
Overview
Allow yourself to fall under the spell of this itinerary in Australia that has been specially designed for guests looking for unspoiled islands and turquoise lagoons. You will set sail aboard Le Lapérouse for a 9-day expedition cruise with PONANT to discover the treasures of the Great Barrier Reef. Starting in Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, set sail towards Willis Islets in the Coral Sea Territories featuring more than 30 separate reefs along with the spectacular Coral Sea Marine Park. Willis Island also features on this cruise; its monitoring station was established in 1921 to provide early cyclone warnings services to Queensland. Lying some 50 kilometres to the north-east of the world-renowned Whitsunday Islands, you will reach Hardy Reef, which boasts unique marine biodiversity in this area. You will continue your exploration of the Australian coast with the exploration of Percy Island, whose shallow waters beckon you in for a dip, and Lady Musgrave Island, which is ideal for snorkelling. Both are located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, a gigantic ecosystem of coral reefs that can be seen from space. Finally, Le Lapérouse will reach Fraser Island, a charming islet with sandy cliffs in striking colours. You will be captivated by these landscapes of freshwater lakes surrounded by rainforest with a splendid biodiversity, before sailing on to Brisbane, your disembarkation port.
Departures
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Cruise Itinerary
Washed by the Coral Sea, the harbour town of Cairns is located on Australia's north-east coast. The seafront esplanade is a popular place for locals and visitors to walk, swim and picnic under the shade of swaying palm trees. The hills surrounding Cairns form the gateway to the Queensland Rainforests, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site for their fauna and flora from the Gondwana era.
The Coral Sea Islands Territory is an territory of Australia extending east and south from the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, with 51 islets and cay along with 30 separate reefs and atolls, Willis Island being the only permanently inhabited island. The Willis Island weather monitoring station was established in 1921 to provide a cyclone early warning service for Queensland, and four weather observers usually live on the island. The recently established Coral Sea Marine Park is one of the world’s largest marine parks, and protects 16 different seafloor, 15,000 km² of reef systems an abundance of corals, reef fishes, sea stars, clams and sea cucumbers. Whilst landings are prohibited. If time and weather permit, you will have the opportunity to explore the Willis Islets from our fleet of zodiac.
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 kilometres along Australia’s tropical East Coast. It supports a wide diversity of life and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981. Hardy Reef is home to the innovatively designed Reefworld pontoon, ideally situated in shallower waters with protection from the surrounding sea conditions. You will be transferred by zodiac to the pontoon which provides easy access to the aquatic realm either by semi-submersible, underwater viewing chamber, snorkelling or diving. There is also undercover seating and tables, sun decks, freshwater showers and change rooms.
The explorer Matthew Flinders described the cove at West Bay on Middle Percy Island as "one of the prettiest little places imaginable". The largest of the three islands in the group, Middle Percy is a favourite stop for cruising yachtsmen en-route between the tropical north and southern seas. An A-frame hut on the beach at West Bay is decorated with memorabilia and souvenirs from these yachts. After a short zodiac ride to the beach at West Bay, you can relax on this picture postcard beach or take a refreshing swim in the clear waters. For the more energetic, there are walking trails where you may catch a glimpse of some of the native and introduced wildlife.
Lady Musgrave is an uninhabited 14 hectares coral cay on Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This island is a nesting place for green turtles and loggerhead turtles. It also attracts large numbers of birds including Wedge-tailed shearwaters (Mutton Birds) which nest in burrows in the ground. Small white tip reef sharks and leopard sharks can be seen in the shallows around the island, while the coral lagoon, with its multitude of fish and coral species, is perfect for snorkelling.
Lying off the coast of Queensland just south of the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser is the world’s largest sand island. Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1992 for its outstanding natural universal values, Fraser Island is characterised by long uninterrupted white beaches, strikingly coloured sand cliffs, majestic tall rainforests and numerous crystal clear freshwater lakes. Called K'gari by its Aboriginal inhabitants, the island contains many sites of archaeological, social and spiritual significance dating back more than 5,000 years. After a short tender transfer ashore, Guests can enjoy a coach tour of Fraser Island taking in Lake McKenzie, the rainforest at Central Station and the giant stands of Satinay trees at Pile Valley.
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
The sunny capital of Queensland awaits on the edge of Moreton Bay on Australia's East coast. Discover the abundance of tropical plants in the nearby Brisbane Botanic Gardens. The Queensland Museum is one of the Queensland Cultural Centre's five cultural venues and one of the city's crown jewels. Delve into local history and find out more about this Australian state's astonishing past. A stone's throw away are the spectacular green spaces of the South Bank Parklands, a contemporary district dotted with restaurants, cafés and shops.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Le Laperouse
Vessel Type: Luxury Length: 127 metres Passenger Capacity: 92 cabins Built: 2017/2018 Featuring innovative and environmentally-friendly equipment, elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with large windows, and lounge areas that open onto the outside, this new limited-capacity yacht boasting just 92 cabins and suites will offer you a truly unique cruising experience. Aboard this ship that flies the French flag, you will experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel. RESTAURANTS As it is an essential part of French culture, gastronomy will naturally have pride of place aboard this new ship. Through its two restaurants, Le Lapérouse will invite you on a journey to elegance and epicureanism. In a relaxed atmosphere, a first dining area located on Deck 3 and able to seat 70 will serve grilled meats daily, along with a variety of salads and desserts. To the back of Deck 4, you will find a 260 m² panoramic restaurant which can accommodate all of our passengers in a single sitting. Designed differently to that on our other ships, this dining area, which opens onto the outside, will have a buffet of salads, desserts and cheeses at your disposal. Our discreet and attentive crew will provide table service for hot meals. PUBLIC AREAS Like Le Boréal and its sisterships, Le Lapérouse has many common areas that are designed and equipped to meet all of your needs while preserving the intimacy of each passenger. A 140 m² reception area includes: A reception/concierge desk, An excursions desk, The ship’s administrative services, The sales office, manned by our Guest Relations Officer, Our 50 m² boutique which sells clothing, jewellery, beauty products, postcards and various accessories, Toilets accessible to passengers with reduced mobility. A new hydraulic platform with adjustable height provides: Easier boarding than on any other cruise ship, Easier Zodiac embarkation and disembarkation for expeditions, Easier access to the sea for swimming and practising various water sports such as kayaking or paddle-boarding. A pool deck offering: A pool with a panoramic view, equipped with a counter-current swimming system, A pleasant solarium, An outdoor bar and lounge with armchairs and sofas. A 200 m² main lounge which can accommodate all of our passengers to share convivial moments and to host activities organised during the day or evening. Lastly, a theatre that seats 188, equipped with: The latest sound and lighting technology, A LED wall as the stage backdrop, for the projection of high-resolution images and videos.
Highlights
• A cruise to discover some of the Coral Sea’s treasures, from unspoiled islands to turquoise lagoons with an exceptional biodiversity. • Zodiac shore visits with your expedition team. • Many opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing on unspoiled islands, with white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water. • View the remote Willis Islets and their associated cays. • From Hardy Reef, the opportunity to observe some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs and diverse undersea life. • Relax on the picture-perfect Percy Island.
Map
