LE-SOLEAL-Jewels of the West Coast cruise itinerary

ALONG AUSTRALIA'S SOUTH COAST

13 Night Ponant Cruise Itinerary - Le Soleal - Fremantle to Hobart, Tasmania

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Embark on an epic exploration of Australia's wild and varied Southern coastline for a taste of the many faces of this beautiful country.

Starting in the heritage city of Fremantle, head South down the coast of Western Australia to the city of Albany, with its whaling, convict and settler history.

Beach and nature lovers will be in paradise at Esperance, with squeaky-clean beaches, turquoise waters, untouched islands and colour-filled wildflower country, including Australia's whitest beach - Lucky Bay!

Discover the beauty of the Recherche Archipelago, a biodiversity hotspot filled with marine life, breeding colonies of Australian fur seal, New Zealand fur seal and the Australian Sea Lion, as well as an abundance of bird species.

Sample and savour the exceptional seafood of South Australia's Port Lincoln and the famous wine and gastronomic experiences of McLaren Vale.

Continue on to Tasmania, including King Island's beautiful beaches, delicious food (from succulent beef and rich gourmet cheese, to crayfish plucked from the Island's crystal clear waters), great nature walks and unique wildlife. What better way to round out an unforgettable voyage than with a visit to the Tamar Valley, known for its award-winning wines and considered one of the world's top 10 wine routes!

You'll then disembark in Hobart - Tasmania's capital, where its captivating history, picturesque waterways and rugged mountains will make sure you never want to leave.

DAY 1 - FREMANTLE

The vibrant city of Fremantle blends the old with the new, creating an enriching cultural experience. Maritime, convict and colonial history can be explored in one of the best-preserved examples of a 19th century port streetscape on Earth, while buzzing markets, lively bars and casual street cafés give you a taste of 21st century life with the locals. If you're hitting the heritage trail, be sure to include a visit to the Western Australian Maritime Museum, World Heritage listed Fremantle Prison and Western Australia's oldest public building, the Roundhouse.

DAY 2 - SEA DAY

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.

DAY 3 - ALBANY

Wyndham is the northernmost town in Western Australia and in many ways is the gateway to the Kimberley. It is surrounded by some of the most spectacular landforms, rivers and wetlands in the Kimberley. Three extra excursions are available here: Ord River Tour; Bungle Bungle Scenic Flight; El Questro Tour.

DAY 4 - ESPERANCE

The journey up the King George River is nothing short of breathtaking. The 80-metre-high sides of the gorge display varying degrees of weathering of the ancient Warton sandstone. The colours and textures of the gorge change with the light as you travel further up the river creating a continual changing scenery that is simply stunning. The journey culminates at the King George twin falls; the highest single-drop falls in the whole of the Kimberley (80 m or 260 ft). Fed by wet season run-off the level of water cascading over the falls varies from year to year. Your Expedition Team will escort you in either the Zodiacs® or ships tenders to the foot of the twin falls, and explain all about the stunning geological formations of the canyon.

DAY 5 - RECHERCHE ARCHIPELAGO

Jar Island contains ancient rock art galleries depicting the Gwion Gwion style unique to the Kimberley region. Mainly neglected by, or unknown to, the early European researchers of Aboriginal culture in the Kimberley in favour of the dominant and more dramatic Wandjina art, Gwion Gwion art has in recent years gained world prominence. It is generally thought that this art may extend back to over 30,000 years before our time and represents the first wave of seagoing colonisers of the Australian continent. As it is, these are the oldest detailed depiction of human figures in the world. Join your Expedition Team ashore for a short walk, past some fascinating rock formations, to the site of the Gwion Gwion art galleries.

DAY 6 & 7 - SEA DAY

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.

DAY 8 - PORT LINCOLN

With a population of approximately 14,500 and situated on Boston Bay – one of the largest protected natural harbours in the world – Port Lincoln is the seafood and aquaculture capital of Australia. Home to the country’s largest commercial fishing fleet, renowned for its southern bluefin tuna, King George whiting, Western King prawns and Southern Rock lobster. The pristine waters of the Eyre peninsula are home to thriving aquaculture industries for Kingfish, Mussels and the famous Coffin Bay oysters. The Eyre Peninsula also boasts a boutique food industry producing honey, olives, fudge, dried fruits, sea salts and capers, just to name a few. With more than 2000 km of pristine coastline, quality seafood is the region’s hero.

DAY 9 - FLEURIEU PENINSULA

Victor Harbour overlooks the beautiful Encounter Bay and is the Gateway to the Fleurieu Peninsula offering some of South Australia's finest coastal, scenic and culinary experiences. The region is home to the internationally renowned McLaren Vale - the home of sustainable wine production, world-renowned labels and unparalleled gastronomic experiences. At the heart of one of Australia’s oldest and most acclaimed wine regions, McLaren Vale boasts more than 100 cellar doors and a multitude of culinary offerings from handmade cheeses and chocolates to olives and almonds. You will have the opportunity to take a tour showcasing the regions fine wines and gourmet produce.

DAY 10 - SEA DAY

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.

DAY 11 - KING ISLAND, TASMANIA

King Island is anchored in the middle of the Bass Strait between Victoria and Tasmania’s NorthWest coast. Surrounded by some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, King Island imports the world’s best surfers and exports produce sought by the world’s top chefs : succulent beef, rich gourmet cheese and crayfish plucked from the Island’s crystal-clear waters. It's quiet and easy going here, but there's something interesting at every turn – from a lighthouse and offshore shipwrecks – to the island's great nature walks and unique wildlife. You will have the opportunity to uncover the island's stories at the museum and cultural centre in the town of Currie or to take a guided trail of the island's produce, culture, history, flora and fauna.

DAY 12 - TAMAR VALLEY, TASMANIA

Tasmania is a land that should be savoured slowly…with a glass of fine wine in hand and friendly locals to guide you on your way. The Tamar Valley Wine Route is regarded as one of the world’s top 10 wine routes with over 32 wineries to explore. Showcasing some of the finest award winning wines. The unique cool climate location produces elegant wines of exceptional quality. There is so much more to the Tamar Valley than just wine. There’s the Tamar Valley Arts Trail, a unique space where you can meet the artist in their studio. The Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre, which shows the workings of the old mine, recalls the boom days of gold, the events of the 2006 mine rescue and Tamar Valley history.

DAY 13 - SEA DAY

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.

DAY 14 - HOBART, TASMANIA

Hobart occupies a wonderful location at the mouth of the Derwent River, overseen by majestic Mt Wellington and surrounded by natural bushland. The Tasmanian capital is Australia's second-oldest city, after Sydney, and the picturesque waterfront is bordered by 19th-century warehouses and colonial mansions. Salamanca Place is packed with shops, galleries and restaurants and the fascinating Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a short ferry ride from the quay. Hobart is within easy reach of some of Tasmania's best-known destinations, from historic Port Arthur and the rugged Tasman Peninsula to Bruny Island, the Huon and Derwent Valleys and Mount Field National Park.

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