Your cruise
Sapphire Princess · 4-night Australia & South Pacific round trip from Fremantle
Dec 11 – Dec 15 · 4 nights ·
Day 1 Fremantle (board) · Day 2 at sea · Day 3 Margaret River · Day 4 at sea · Day 5 Fremantle (step off)
What you do Ride in a luxury vehicle through Margaret River's legendary wine country, tasting benchmark Cabernets and Chardonnays at boutique estates rarely accessible to larger groups. An expert local guide unlocks cellar doors that define Australian fine wine.
What to expect Your guide collects you at the pier and whisks you into the rolling vine country of Margaret River in a premium air-conditioned vehicle. You'll visit four to five handpicked estates — think Voyager Estate's Cape Dutch grandeur and intimate family-run cellars — tasting structured reds and mineral whites paired with regional cheeses and charcuterie. Guides share the geology, the climate, and the stories behind each wine, turning a tasting into a masterclass. The day concludes with a gourmet lunch at a heritage estate before a relaxed return to Busselton.
Good to know Tours run approximately 6–7 hours; confirm your ship's all-aboard time and request a pier pick-up when booking. Pre-book well in advance as small-group spots (typically 6–8 guests) sell out quickly on cruise-call days. Designated driver is included — drink freely.
Versus the ship tour Strictly small-group in a luxury vehicle with a passionate local guide who tailors stops to your palate — including hidden boutique estates not on the tourist trail. The unhurried pace and private cellar-door access make this genuinely bucket-list.
book direct with Up Close & Local Tours → · the full guide →
What you do Descend into two of Margaret River's most spectacular limestone caves — Lake Cave with its ethereal underground lake, and Jewel Cave with its cathedral-scale formations. A fully guided experience reveals 350 million years of geological wonder.
What to expect Lake Cave is the jewel of the region: you descend a spiral staircase into a cavern where a tranquil underground lake mirrors an impossibly delicate suspended crystal table — one of the most photographed natural wonders in Australia. Your ranger-guide explains the geology and the living cave ecosystem with infectious enthusiasm. Jewel Cave, near Augusta, is the largest show cave in WA, its soaring chambers draped with colosseum-scale stalactites and shawl formations lit to dramatic effect. Both tours are strictly limited in group size to protect the environment and ensure an intimate atmosphere.
Good to know Lake Cave is ~55 km south of Busselton; Jewel Cave is ~110 km south near Augusta — factor in travel time carefully against your all-aboard. Hire a private driver or book a guided tour that combines both caves with transfers. Caves maintain a cool 17°C year-round — bring a light layer. Book guided entry slots in advance at busy times.
Versus the ship tour Expert cave guides deliver an intimate, interpretive journey through formations found nowhere else on Earth — suspended crystal formations, a perfectly still underground lake reflecting stalactites, and a cave ecosystem billions of years in the making.
book direct with Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association (CaveWorks / Margaret River Caves) → · the full guide →
What you do Walk the Southern Hemisphere's longest timber jetty, then descend into an underwater observatory to encounter a technicolour artificial reef — all without getting wet. Or don a mask and snorkel the Busselton Jetty Underwater Sculpture Trail for a truly unforgettable encounter.
What to expect Board the heritage interpretive train that trundles 1.8 km along the historic timber piles to the jetty's end, where the cylindrical underwater observatory awaits. Through floor-to-ceiling windows you'll watch batfish, wobbegong sharks, and tropical fish drift past a reef that has colonised the century-old jetty piles. For the more adventurous, qualified guides lead small-group snorkel tours along the Underwater Sculpture Trail — a series of sculptures at 3–5 metres depth festooned with marine life. The jetty itself, at 1.8 km, is a feat of heritage engineering with interpretive panels at every turn.
Good to know The jetty is right at Busselton — a short transfer from the cruise terminal, making it ideal for tight schedules. Observatory entry includes the train ride; book the snorkel add-on in advance as spaces are limited. Snorkellers should be comfortable swimmers; wetsuits and all gear are provided. All-aboard timing is very manageable from this location.
Versus the ship tour The Busselton Jetty is one of Australia's most iconic structures, and the underwater observatory — sitting 8 metres below the surface amidst a thriving artificial coral reef — is accessible only here. The snorkel sculpture trail is a unique art-meets-ocean experience found nowhere else in the world.
book direct with Busselton Jetty Inc. (Official Jetty Operators) → · the full guide →
What you do Stand at the very tip of the Australian continent where the Indian and Southern Oceans collide, then climb the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia for panoramic views that stretch to the edge of the world. A genuinely once-in-a-lifetime geographic moment.
What to expect The drive south through karri-forested countryside to Augusta is itself scenic, arriving at a headland that feels like the edge of the Earth. Your heritage guide leads you up the 176 steps of the 1896 limestone tower, narrating the stories of shipwrecks, lighthouse keepers, and the pivotal role this beacon played in Southern Ocean navigation. From the lantern room, the two-toned sea stretches to Antarctica in one direction and to Africa in another. The surrounding grounds hold waterwheel ruins, a heritage cottage, and whale-watching vantage points (June–September season). Allow time to simply stand at the confluence and feel the ocean meet.
Good to know Cape Leeuwin is approximately 110 km from Busselton — allow 1.5 hours each way and plan a full-day private transfer to make it worthwhile. Combine with Jewel Cave for an epic south-coast day. Book tower climb tickets at the site or in advance online. Wear sturdy, flat shoes for the tower. Check whale-watching season for a spectacular bonus.
Versus the ship tour Cape Leeuwin is one of the world's great maritime landmarks — the meeting point of two oceans, a working lighthouse since 1896, and the departure point for countless historic voyages. The tower climb with a heritage guide delivers history, drama, and views that photograph onto your memory permanently.
What you do Follow a curated trail of the region's finest artisan food producers — hand-crafting single-origin chocolates, farmhouse cheeses, berry wines, and small-batch spirits. This is the edible soul of Margaret River, away from the cellar-door crowds.
What to expect Begin at The Grove Distillery & Brewery, rated one of Margaret River's top experiences, where the distiller guides you through a tasting of hand-crafted gin, whisky, and craft beer made from local ingredients in a stunning bush setting. Continue to the Margaret River Chocolate Company for a guided bean-to-bar tasting of single-origin couverture chocolates. Stop at The Berry Farm, a beloved working farm producing berry wines, jams, and sweets in an orchard setting perfect for a long, lazy dessert lunch. At Scoops Farm or a local cheesery, sample farmhouse varieties with sourdough fresh from a wood-fired oven. Every stop is a conversation with a maker.
Good to know Most producers are clustered within a 20-km radius of Margaret River town — a private hire car or guided food tour (bookable via margaretriver.com) keeps the day efficient and leisurely. Allow 5–6 hours for the full circuit. Most tasting rooms open from 10am; check seasonal hours for The Berry Farm. This experience pairs beautifully as a half-day complement to a morning wine tour.
Versus the ship tour Where wine tours follow well-worn paths, this gourmet circuit takes you behind the scenes with the artisans themselves — hand-rolling truffles, tasting aged farmhouse cheeses, and sipping single-malt whisky straight from the cask in a working craft distillery with a remarkable 4.6-star rating.
What you do Explore two of WA's most breathtaking coastal landscapes — Hamelin Bay, where wild stingrays glide through gin-clear shallows at your feet, and Canal Rocks, a wild granite formation sculpted by the Indian Ocean into arched channels and natural blowholes.
What to expect Your expert local guide drives you along the Cape to Cape coast, stopping first at Canal Rocks — a dramatic granite headland where the Indian Ocean surges through carved channels and detonates in towering spray. A short boardwalk delivers you to the best vantage points, and in whale season (June–September) southern right and humpback whales pass just offshore. At Hamelin Bay, wade into the glassy shallows where large, wild southern eagle rays and stingrays glide around your ankles — an extraordinary, no-barrier wildlife encounter. The beach itself, backed by the ruins of a 19th-century jetty, is postcard-perfect and largely uncrowded. The guide narrates the ecology and history throughout.
Good to know Hamelin Bay is approximately 90 km south of Busselton — allow a full day with a private or small-group guided tour for the best experience. Stingrays are most reliably present in calm mornings; confirm with your operator. Wear water shoes for Hamelin Bay wading and sun protection for the exposed Canal Rocks walk. Book via Margaret River Discovery Co. directly for the best small-group experience.
Versus the ship tour Hamelin Bay's resident stingrays — large, utterly wild, and completely accustomed to wading humans — create a wildlife encounter of rare intimacy. Paired with the savage beauty of Canal Rocks at sunset or mid-swell, this is WA's wild coastline at its most theatrical and unforgettable.
book direct with Margaret River Discovery Co. → · the full guide →
What you do Escape to Rottnest Island — a car-free paradise where turquoise bays, limestone cliffs, and the world-famous quokka await. Cycle at your own pace through pristine scenery that feels utterly untouched.
What to expect Board a high-speed catamaran from Fremantle's B-Shed Ferry Terminal — a short stroll from the cruise berth — and arrive on Rottnest in under 30 minutes. Collect a premium hired bike and set off on the island's 26 km circuit, dipping into sheltered coves like The Basin and Little Salmon Bay, snorkelling gin-clear water over reef. Encounter the legendary quokka, one of the world's happiest-looking animals, entirely at your leisure. Return with golden-hour cocktails aboard the ferry as the sun drops over the Indian Ocean.
Good to know Ferries depart from B-Shed, Fremantle Harbour — approximately 10 minutes' walk from the cruise terminal. First sailing typically 07:30; last return 17:30. Pre-book your preferred departure online to secure a bike; peak season (Oct–Apr) sells out fast. Allow ample time: last return ferry should be at least 2 hours before all-aboard.
Versus the ship tour Rottnest is entirely car-free, meaning your bike IS your luxury vehicle — no traffic, no queues, just 63 pristine beaches discovered at a pace that suits you. The island's 20 nominated bays each feel like a private resort beach.
book direct with Rottnest Express (official Rottnest Island ferry & bike operator) → · the full guide →
What you do Descend into the underground water tunnels hand-carved by convict labour beneath Fremantle's UNESCO World Heritage–listed prison. This is one of Australia's most visceral and awe-inspiring heritage experiences.
What to expect Your expert guide leads you into a labyrinth of 19th-century water tunnels that snake beneath the prison grounds, illuminated only by candlelight — an atmosphere of extraordinary drama. Above ground, the main cell blocks and gallows tell the stories of Western Australia's most notorious convicts with unflinching detail. The Triple Package adds the Great Escape (WWII escape history) and the Prison Tour for a complete immersion. Tours run rain or shine — the sandstone walls keep temperatures cool and atmospheric year-round.
Good to know Fremantle Prison is a 10-minute taxi or rideshare from the cruise terminal (The Terrace, Fremantle). Book tickets directly online in advance — Tunnels Tours sell out on port days. Comfortable walking shoes essential; portions of the tunnel require crouching. Allow 2–3 hours for the full package.
Versus the ship tour The Tunnels Tour is strictly limited in group size and ventures into candlelit convict-hewn passages inaccessible to standard visitors — a genuinely rare, subterranean world where Australia's brutal colonial history is felt in every chisel mark.
book direct with Fremantle Prison (official) → · the full guide →
What you do Plunge from 15,000 ft in tandem with a master skydiving instructor over the impossibly blue Indian Ocean and white sands of Rottnest Island. This is arguably Australia's most spectacular skydive backdrop.
What to expect Transfer by high-speed ferry to Rottnest Island where your licensed tandem master briefs you in full before you board a dedicated jump aircraft. At 15,000 ft, the turquoise geometry of Rottnest's 63 bays spreads beneath you before 60 seconds of pure freefall at 200 km/h. The parachute deploys for a graceful 5-minute canopy glide over white beaches and reef — a panorama that few ever witness. Touch down on the island, catch your breath, and enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring before the return ferry.
Good to know Book as early as possible — spaces are strictly limited and port days fill fast. Weight limit 110 kg; must be 16+. Jump is weather-dependent; check forecast before booking and confirm with operator. Total time on island approximately 4–5 hours; ensure return ferry aligns with all-aboard. Ferry departs from B-Shed, Fremantle.
Versus the ship tour The jump altitude, the island setting, and the inclusion of ferry transfer make this a seamlessly packaged once-in-a-lifetime adventure — the aerial panorama of Rottnest's bays, reefs, and the distant Perth skyline is unmatched anywhere in Western Australia.
book direct with Skydive Geronimo Rottnest → · the full guide →
What you do Glide along the Swan River on a premium lunch cruise framed by Perth's gleaming skyline, riverside parklands, and the gentle hills of the Swan Valley — Western Australia's oldest wine region.
What to expect Board at Barrack Street Jetty in Perth city (or connect from Fremantle) for a leisurely 2.5-hour lunch cruise along the iconic Swan River. A two-course menu showcases Western Australian seafood and seasonal produce paired with local wines and craft beers. Floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air decks offer uninterrupted views of Kings Park, the city skyline, and elegant riverside mansions. Expert commentary weaves in the river's Indigenous Noongar history and Perth's colonial past throughout.
Good to know Barrack Street Jetty in Perth CBD is approximately 25 minutes from the Fremantle cruise terminal by train (Fremantle Line, AUD 5.30 one-way) or 30 minutes by taxi. Advance booking essential; confirm departure times align with all-aboard. Smart-casual dress recommended. Some departures run directly from Fremantle — confirm at time of booking.
Versus the ship tour A true sense of place: floating through the heart of the Swan River with a curated menu of local Western Australian produce and wines, the perspective of Perth from the water is one the city's own residents consider unmissable.
book direct with Captain Cook Cruises Perth → · the full guide →
What you do A bespoke private day tour pairing hands-on wildlife encounters at Caversham Wildlife Park — kangaroos, koalas, wombats — with curated tastings at boutique Swan Valley wineries and gourmet producers.
What to expect Your private guide and luxury vehicle collect you directly from the cruise terminal. First stop: Caversham Wildlife Park, where you hand-feed kangaroos, hold koalas for photographs, and encounter wombats and Tasmanian devils — all at a relaxed, unhurried pace. The afternoon shifts to the Swan Valley, Western Australia's oldest wine region just 30 minutes from Perth, for private tastings at award-winning boutique wineries and artisan providores specialising in local honey, chocolate, and nougat. Your guide curates the stops around your preferences and dietary requirements throughout.
Good to know Pickup directly from Fremantle cruise terminal by arrangement — confirm pickup point when booking. Full-day tours typically run 08:00–17:00; align with all-aboard time when booking. Caversham Wildlife Park is in Whiteman Park, approximately 35 minutes from Fremantle. Book in advance as private vehicles are limited on peak port days.
Versus the ship tour An entirely private vehicle and dedicated local expert means your itinerary, pace, and lunch stops are yours to shape — no fixed group schedule. Private access to the Swan Valley's finest small producers, unavailable to coach tours, elevates this well beyond a standard wildlife visit.
What you do Explore Rottnest Island's breathtaking underwater world — living coral gardens, shipwrecks, and resident sea lions — guided by a marine expert on a small-group snorkel boat built for this reef.
What to expect A purpose-built snorkel vessel departs from Thomson Bay settlement, weaving between Rottnest's sheltered bays and reef systems to find the calmest, clearest conditions on the day. Your marine guide briefs you on the reef ecosystem before you slip into water of startling clarity — visibility frequently exceeds 15 metres. Sites may include the historic Shark Alley, Little Salmon Bay coral gardens, and sections of WWII-era wrecks colonised by marine life. High-quality snorkel sets, stinger suits, and flotation aids are provided.
Good to know Combine with the Rottnest Express ferry from Fremantle's B-Shed (see ferry details above) and book the snorkel tour independently on the island. Pre-booking strongly recommended in peak season (Oct–Apr). Tour duration approximately 2–2.5 hours; allow a full day on the island. Suitable for confident swimmers; no diving certification needed.
Versus the ship tour Small groups (typically 10–12 maximum) and a dedicated marine naturalist guide transform what could be a simple swim into an immersive reef ecology lesson — pointing out nudibranchs, wobbegong sharks, and the unique seagrass meadows that distinguish Rottnest's marine park.
book direct with Rottnest Island Snorkelling (Rottnest Island Authority — official experiences) → · the full guide →
What you do Ride in a luxury vehicle through Margaret River's legendary wine country, tasting benchmark Cabernets and Chardonnays at boutique estates rarely accessible to larger groups. An expert local guide unlocks cellar doors that define Australian fine wine.
What to expect Your guide collects you at the pier and whisks you into the rolling vine country of Margaret River in a premium air-conditioned vehicle. You'll visit four to five handpicked estates — think Voyager Estate's Cape Dutch grandeur and intimate family-run cellars — tasting structured reds and mineral whites paired with regional cheeses and charcuterie. Guides share the geology, the climate, and the stories behind each wine, turning a tasting into a masterclass. The day concludes with a gourmet lunch at a heritage estate before a relaxed return to Busselton.
Good to know Tours run approximately 6–7 hours; confirm your ship's all-aboard time and request a pier pick-up when booking. Pre-book well in advance as small-group spots (typically 6–8 guests) sell out quickly on cruise-call days. Designated driver is included — drink freely.
Versus the ship tour Strictly small-group in a luxury vehicle with a passionate local guide who tailors stops to your palate — including hidden boutique estates not on the tourist trail. The unhurried pace and private cellar-door access make this genuinely bucket-list.
book direct with Up Close & Local Tours → · the full guide →
What you do Descend into two of Margaret River's most spectacular limestone caves — Lake Cave with its ethereal underground lake, and Jewel Cave with its cathedral-scale formations. A fully guided experience reveals 350 million years of geological wonder.
What to expect Lake Cave is the jewel of the region: you descend a spiral staircase into a cavern where a tranquil underground lake mirrors an impossibly delicate suspended crystal table — one of the most photographed natural wonders in Australia. Your ranger-guide explains the geology and the living cave ecosystem with infectious enthusiasm. Jewel Cave, near Augusta, is the largest show cave in WA, its soaring chambers draped with colosseum-scale stalactites and shawl formations lit to dramatic effect. Both tours are strictly limited in group size to protect the environment and ensure an intimate atmosphere.
Good to know Lake Cave is ~55 km south of Busselton; Jewel Cave is ~110 km south near Augusta — factor in travel time carefully against your all-aboard. Hire a private driver or book a guided tour that combines both caves with transfers. Caves maintain a cool 17°C year-round — bring a light layer. Book guided entry slots in advance at busy times.
Versus the ship tour Expert cave guides deliver an intimate, interpretive journey through formations found nowhere else on Earth — suspended crystal formations, a perfectly still underground lake reflecting stalactites, and a cave ecosystem billions of years in the making.
book direct with Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association (CaveWorks / Margaret River Caves) → · the full guide →
What you do Walk the Southern Hemisphere's longest timber jetty, then descend into an underwater observatory to encounter a technicolour artificial reef — all without getting wet. Or don a mask and snorkel the Busselton Jetty Underwater Sculpture Trail for a truly unforgettable encounter.
What to expect Board the heritage interpretive train that trundles 1.8 km along the historic timber piles to the jetty's end, where the cylindrical underwater observatory awaits. Through floor-to-ceiling windows you'll watch batfish, wobbegong sharks, and tropical fish drift past a reef that has colonised the century-old jetty piles. For the more adventurous, qualified guides lead small-group snorkel tours along the Underwater Sculpture Trail — a series of sculptures at 3–5 metres depth festooned with marine life. The jetty itself, at 1.8 km, is a feat of heritage engineering with interpretive panels at every turn.
Good to know The jetty is right at Busselton — a short transfer from the cruise terminal, making it ideal for tight schedules. Observatory entry includes the train ride; book the snorkel add-on in advance as spaces are limited. Snorkellers should be comfortable swimmers; wetsuits and all gear are provided. All-aboard timing is very manageable from this location.
Versus the ship tour The Busselton Jetty is one of Australia's most iconic structures, and the underwater observatory — sitting 8 metres below the surface amidst a thriving artificial coral reef — is accessible only here. The snorkel sculpture trail is a unique art-meets-ocean experience found nowhere else in the world.
book direct with Busselton Jetty Inc. (Official Jetty Operators) → · the full guide →
What you do Stand at the very tip of the Australian continent where the Indian and Southern Oceans collide, then climb the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia for panoramic views that stretch to the edge of the world. A genuinely once-in-a-lifetime geographic moment.
What to expect The drive south through karri-forested countryside to Augusta is itself scenic, arriving at a headland that feels like the edge of the Earth. Your heritage guide leads you up the 176 steps of the 1896 limestone tower, narrating the stories of shipwrecks, lighthouse keepers, and the pivotal role this beacon played in Southern Ocean navigation. From the lantern room, the two-toned sea stretches to Antarctica in one direction and to Africa in another. The surrounding grounds hold waterwheel ruins, a heritage cottage, and whale-watching vantage points (June–September season). Allow time to simply stand at the confluence and feel the ocean meet.
Good to know Cape Leeuwin is approximately 110 km from Busselton — allow 1.5 hours each way and plan a full-day private transfer to make it worthwhile. Combine with Jewel Cave for an epic south-coast day. Book tower climb tickets at the site or in advance online. Wear sturdy, flat shoes for the tower. Check whale-watching season for a spectacular bonus.
Versus the ship tour Cape Leeuwin is one of the world's great maritime landmarks — the meeting point of two oceans, a working lighthouse since 1896, and the departure point for countless historic voyages. The tower climb with a heritage guide delivers history, drama, and views that photograph onto your memory permanently.
What you do Follow a curated trail of the region's finest artisan food producers — hand-crafting single-origin chocolates, farmhouse cheeses, berry wines, and small-batch spirits. This is the edible soul of Margaret River, away from the cellar-door crowds.
What to expect Begin at The Grove Distillery & Brewery, rated one of Margaret River's top experiences, where the distiller guides you through a tasting of hand-crafted gin, whisky, and craft beer made from local ingredients in a stunning bush setting. Continue to the Margaret River Chocolate Company for a guided bean-to-bar tasting of single-origin couverture chocolates. Stop at The Berry Farm, a beloved working farm producing berry wines, jams, and sweets in an orchard setting perfect for a long, lazy dessert lunch. At Scoops Farm or a local cheesery, sample farmhouse varieties with sourdough fresh from a wood-fired oven. Every stop is a conversation with a maker.
Good to know Most producers are clustered within a 20-km radius of Margaret River town — a private hire car or guided food tour (bookable via margaretriver.com) keeps the day efficient and leisurely. Allow 5–6 hours for the full circuit. Most tasting rooms open from 10am; check seasonal hours for The Berry Farm. This experience pairs beautifully as a half-day complement to a morning wine tour.
Versus the ship tour Where wine tours follow well-worn paths, this gourmet circuit takes you behind the scenes with the artisans themselves — hand-rolling truffles, tasting aged farmhouse cheeses, and sipping single-malt whisky straight from the cask in a working craft distillery with a remarkable 4.6-star rating.
What you do Explore two of WA's most breathtaking coastal landscapes — Hamelin Bay, where wild stingrays glide through gin-clear shallows at your feet, and Canal Rocks, a wild granite formation sculpted by the Indian Ocean into arched channels and natural blowholes.
What to expect Your expert local guide drives you along the Cape to Cape coast, stopping first at Canal Rocks — a dramatic granite headland where the Indian Ocean surges through carved channels and detonates in towering spray. A short boardwalk delivers you to the best vantage points, and in whale season (June–September) southern right and humpback whales pass just offshore. At Hamelin Bay, wade into the glassy shallows where large, wild southern eagle rays and stingrays glide around your ankles — an extraordinary, no-barrier wildlife encounter. The beach itself, backed by the ruins of a 19th-century jetty, is postcard-perfect and largely uncrowded. The guide narrates the ecology and history throughout.
Good to know Hamelin Bay is approximately 90 km south of Busselton — allow a full day with a private or small-group guided tour for the best experience. Stingrays are most reliably present in calm mornings; confirm with your operator. Wear water shoes for Hamelin Bay wading and sun protection for the exposed Canal Rocks walk. Book via Margaret River Discovery Co. directly for the best small-group experience.
Versus the ship tour Hamelin Bay's resident stingrays — large, utterly wild, and completely accustomed to wading humans — create a wildlife encounter of rare intimacy. Paired with the savage beauty of Canal Rocks at sunset or mid-swell, this is WA's wild coastline at its most theatrical and unforgettable.
book direct with Margaret River Discovery Co. → · the full guide →
The same trip, elevated
The same gateway on a more luxurious line — lead-in fare per person, same fare as booking direct.