Eastern Australia Intensive Cruise: Sydney, Brisbane & Great Barrier Reef

Situated on Australia's east coast is Sydney, the capital city of New South Wales. Cruising guests have the privilege when departing Sydney ports to view the iconic and famous Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge while leaving Sydney Harbour. In 1973, the Opera House completed construction and is the most popular building in Australia and one of the most famous in the world. Read more about Sydney, Australia

A top-ten city in Lonely Planet's 'Best in Travel 2011' guide, Newcastle, surrounded by eight beaches, is situated 162 km N of Sydney at the mouth of the Hunter River. Presently the largest coal exporting harbour in the world, it is also an elegant and attractive city, full of historic buildings and interesting walks. Make sure you take note of the Historic Markers in the CBD as they are integral to the many walks that take you to fascinating places. Read more about Newcastle, Australia

Queensland's Capital city Brisbane, which boasts more than 280 sunny days annually, is situated in what's called the "sunshine state." Brisbane is renowned for its sophisticated museums and art galleries, gorgeous botanic gardens, premium shopping in the CBD and Moreton Bay. The city is traversed by the Brisbane River, which provides excellent access to the north and south via the public transport system and well-known CityCats. Admire the sights of the river city and explore the riverfront landmarks with the wind in your hair. Read more about Brisbane, Australia

Fraser Island, off Australia’s eastern Queensland coast, is the world's largest sand island, stretching over 120km, and visited only by 4-wheel drive vehicles. Panoramic viewpoints include Indian Head, a rocky outcrop on the island's easternmost tip, and the Cathedrals, a cliff famous for sculpted ribbons of coloured sand. It's a destination with popular beaches and swimming sites at Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby, and other freshwater pools. Read more about Fraser Island, Australia

Gladstone, in Queensland, Australia, boasts sun, sea, national parks, and is the gateway to the south of the Great Barrier Reef – a vibrant part of the reef that has remained relatively untouched. While out on the water you can visit the nearby islands, including Herron Island, which is renowned for reef diving, and the uninhabited Wilson Island. Inland from the coastline you will find Cania Gorge National Park, which is abundant with sandstone cliffs. Read more about Gladstone, Australia

Bordered by the Great Barrier Reef in the calm waters of the Coral Sea, the 74 tropical islands of the Whitsundays lie midway up the Queensland coast. A secluded haven of natural wonders, they are Australia's answer to the cruising grounds of the Caribbean. A visit to the Whitsundays - surrounded by natural beauty, dotted with secluded beaches, and friendly towns from which to explore - is a wonderful experience. Read more about Whitsundays, Australia

Townsville is a city on the NE coast of Queensland, Australia. Adjacent to the central section of the Great Barrier Reef, the city has direct access to the beach. It lies in the dry tropics region, with old gold mining towns, rainforest waterfalls and a relaxed Queensland ambience that add up to 'life in Townsville'. Read more about Townsville, Australia

Cairns is a Far North Queensland city located on the northeast coast of Australia. This laid-back city is just over a 2 hour flight from Brisbane, Queensland’s state capital. With a backdrop of rainforest mountains, Cairns is known to be the gateway of 2 iconic Australian sites, The Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Read more about Cairns, Australia