Day 1 : Sydney

Sydney is Australia''s showcase: the oldest settlement, the largest and most thriving city, the cultural melting pot. It curves around idyllic Port Jackson, where sandstone cliffs and bright islands complement the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Wander the cobbled colonial streets of the historic Rocks quarter, or tour the mansions of Watson''s Bay.

Day 2 : At Sea

Day 3 : Brisbane

Nestled between the Gold Coast to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north, laid-back Brisbane makes the most of its magnificent beaches, offering an ideal blend of Aussie ease and urban energy. Wander in the lush Botanical Gardens, shop in the Queen Street Mall, or enjoy the countless cafes and restaurants along the banks of the Brisbane River.

Day 4 : At Sea

Day 5 : Willis Isl.

Day 6 : Cairns

The Great Barrier Reef city of Cairns is the northernmost city of Queensland and is located amidst endless stretches of white sandy beach, attracting visitors from around the world. Although Cairns is the scuba-diving capital of the Great Barrier Reef, you can also wander along the Esplanade, with its remarkable views over Trinity Bay, or explore the Heritage Walk with its fascinating insights into the city's history.

Day 7 : At Sea

Day 8 : At Sea

Day 9 : At Sea

Day 10 : Darwin

Named after evolutionist Charles Darwin, this tropical city on the top end of Australia is a former frontier town with a rough-and-tumble past. Darwin's growth was achieved back in 1871 with the discovery of gold at Pine Creek, and today a number of historic buildings from that era remain. Darwin is also the center of the aboriginal community, the world's oldest culture. From here, you can visit Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage Site renowned not only for its Australian wildlife but Aboriginal rock art.

Day 11 : At Sea

Day 12 : At Sea

Day 13 : Kimberley Coast

Day 14 : Broome

Tiny Broome sits in the windswept "Far Corner" of western Australia, on the scenic, arid shores of the Indian Ocean. It became famous early in the century for its pearls and mother of pearl, some of Australia's finest. Pearls are still important here, but tourist attractions -- including the dramatic pearl fishermen's cemetery, and superb ten-mile-long Cable Beach - are Broome's greatest wealth.

Day 15 : At Sea

Day 16 : At Sea

Day 17 : Geraldton

Day 18 : Perth

In the Far West of Down Under, the twin cities of Fremantle and Perth are like David and Goliath. Fremantle is a quaint colonial town of terraced houses, and a bay that was heaven for America's Cup yachts. Perth has bloomed into a sky-scrapered metropolis, though life remains peaceful on "Millionaires' Row," and in flower-filled Kings Park.