Silversea Luxury Cruises To ALBANY (Western Australia)

Experience the splendid beauty and flavours of the expansive Great Southern wine region during this scenic and relaxing, half-day food and wine excursion.

Albany, Great Southern Wine Region, Padre White Lookout, Morning Tea, Panoramic Views

Depart the pier for the Padre White Lookout where you will enjoy a refreshing morning tea accompanied by spectacular panoramic views of Albany and King George Sound. Continue with scenic approximately 45-minute drive en route to the Great Southern wine region. One of the largest wine-growing regions in Australia, the Great Southern, accounts for almost 40% of all Western Australian grapes grown here, and produces exceptional, award-winning Rieslings, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines.

Denmark, Lakehouse Winery, Wine Tasting, Singlefile Winery, Wine Tasting and Lunch

Next, re-board your coach and tour a couple of the wineries of Denmark, where the cool climate, diversity of vineyard aspects, soils, and exposure to sun and rain present a wide range of varietals not experienced in many other regions of the world. A stop is made for a wine tasting at the Lakehouse Winery, followed by a wine tasting with lunch at the Singlefile Winery. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Explore the history of Albany on-foot during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion through the city.

Albany, Great Southern Museum, Brig Amity Replica

Depart the pier on foot for a guided walking tour through the heart of Albany. This charming city is the oldest Colonial settlement in western Australia, predating Perth and Fremantle by over two years. Your tour begins with a visit to the Great Southern Museum with its Brig Amity replica. During your guided tour, learn about the Menang Noongar people and influence of Mokare, a young Noongar warrior. In addition, hear the stories of the early settlers and convicts, and learn about the region's unique natural landscape, and flora and fauna.

Convict Gaol Museum, Gourmandise & Co., Morning Tea, Patrick Taylor Cottage

Next, walk to the Convict Gaol Museum. Upon arrival, enter the old convict gaol, established in 1852 for imperial convicts transported to Albany as skilled labour. Following your visit, stroll over to a unique café, Gourmandise & Co., for morning tea and a taste of small pastries freshly-baked in the old French tradition. Leaving the café, head for a visit to the Patrick Taylor Cottage. The oldest surviving dwelling in Western Australia, the Patrick Taylor Cottage was built in 1832 by the Morley Brothers.

St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, Visitors Centre

Leaving the Patrick Taylor Cottage, walk over St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church. Following a short tour of the church, your tour concludes with a stroll to the Visitors Centre. Upon arrival, you may opt to take the shuttle back to the pier, or remain in the city for shopping and independent exploration, and return to the ship on your own.

Relax and take in the scenic sights of Albany, the city which grew up around the whaling industry, on this half-day excursion.

You will learn about the city's controversial history at the Historic Whaling Museum by heading south along the Flinders Peninsula. Along the way, you will take in the picturesque scenery of King George Sound.

Historic Whaling Station

Upon arrival to the museum, take a 30-minute guided tour before you are free to explore on your own. The original whaling station in Albany ceased operation in 1978 and now the museum faithfully depicts the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of an industry that supported an entire community. Marvel at the world's largest collection of original marine mammal paintings by artist Richard Ellis of New York. Today, the restored whale chaser Cheynes IV stands high and dry as the centrepiece of the exhibit. This is the only museum in the world created from a working whaling station. Refreshments can be purchased at your own expense.

Torndirrup National Park

Next, re-board the vehicle for the short ride to Torndirrup National Park. Stroll along the park trail to the Gap where you can walk to a lookout of glorious views and dramatic land formations called "The Gap" and "Natural Bridge" where you will see immense forces of nature at work.

At the conclusion of the tour re-board your coach for the transfer back to the ship.

Take in the history and stunning views on this this half-day orientation excursion. Visit the National ANZAC Centre, a newly built, multimillion dollar museum which recognises the ANZAC legend.

Panoramic Drive

Depart the pier and drive along Stirling Terrace, passing a number of Albany's superb Victorian buildings including the Courthouse, Rotunda and Old Post Office. Keep an eye out for Dog Rock, a large granite formation shaped like a dog's head that dominates Albany's central business district.

Torndirrup National Park

Your first stop will be Torndirrup National Park where you can walk to a lookout for glorious views of dramatic land formations called "The Gap" and "Natural Bridge." The Gap drops 78 feet to the raging sea while the Natural Bridge resembles a huge granite suspension bridge spanning the torrent. It's a thrilling vantage point, and for safety purposes, guests should not deviate from marked paths during the walk.

Next, enjoy a brief city sights drive which ends at Mt. Clarence Lookout. Here you'll have more spectacular views which include Princess Royal Harbour, King George Sound and the Albany Wind Farm. In 1791, Captain George Vancouver claimed the southern part of Western Australia for the British Crown. He named the natural harbor the Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound.

National ANZAC Centre

Lastly, visit the National ANZAC Centre, a newly built, multimillion dollar museum which recognises the ANZAC legend. The Anzac spirit or Anzac legend is a concept which suggests that Australian and New Zealand soldiers possess shared characteristics, specifically the qualities those soldiers allegedly exemplified on the battlefields of World War I. Your time here will be self-guided to explore independently. You will also have time to visit the gift shop before you re-board your coach for your return journey to the pier

Go behind-the-scenes with an Aboriginal guide to explore and connect to their country and culture during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Albany, Quaranup, Guided Bush-Walking Tour

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute ride to Quaranup. Upon arrival, journey into the creative, spiritual way of traditional Aboriginal life, and discover an ancient and inspiring culture on Kinjarling Boodja during a guided bush-walking tour.

Ancient Stone Structures, Waterholes, Artefacts, Engravings, Quarry Site, Beach, Flora and Fauna

Led by your Noongar guide, your approximately one-hour walking tour follow the paths walked by the Menang people of Kwooranup (Quaranup), home of the brush-tail wallaby. Along the way, see ancient stone structures, waterholes, artefacts, engravings, a quarry site, beach, and flora and fauna.

Kurrah Mia Aboriginal Arts & Crafts Gallery

Following your tour, continue on to the Kurrah Mia Aboriginal Art Gallery. During your inside visit, your guide explains the meaning, artists and stories behind their art. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach for the drive back to the pier.

Experience an action packed "Incredible Journey" in the sheltered waters of Oyster Harbour and the ancient Kalgan River on this half-day excursion while marvelling at the wildlife and scenic beauty.

Depart the pier for the brief transfer to the Kalgan Queen for a leisurely sightseeing cruise that takes you from the Emu Point Landing to the protected Oyster Harbour and ancient Kalgan River. Your glass-bottom vessel offers excellent underwater views.

During your cruise, hear colourful commentary about Albany's history, bird-life, wildflowers and poetry while enjoying a cup of 'Billy Tea' served with skillet bread, or 'damper'. A highlight of this trip includes the chance to have close interactions with trained pelicans and giant stingrays during the cruise. You can see Kangaroos in the wild and this is a great attraction as we take a quick trip on the banks of the Kalgan in a wagon. There is a live, humorous yet comprehensive commentary which covers local poems, Aboriginal Dreamtime, history, the Anzac legend and so much more.

At the conclusion of the tour re-board the coach for the brief transfer back to the pier.

Walk along a section of the Bibbulmun Track with an experienced guide and discover the native flora and fauna on this half-day trek in the Western Australian countryside.

A short coach transfer takes you to the start of the trail, where your guide awaits. The Bibbulmun Track is a 600-mile (965-kilometre) walking trail that stretches from Kalamunda (Perth Hills) to Albany, across some of the most beautiful and peaceful areas in Western Australia. The track is named after an Aboriginal group from the local area. Although its route does not follow their traditional pathways, you may well become attuned to the spirit of the Bibbulmun people who journeyed on foot over long distances to care for and bond with their land as you walk.

During your 3.6-mile (5.8-kilometre) walk, your guide provides commentary on the flora, fauna and folklore of the trail. Ask questions, take pictures, enjoy the fresh air and scenery.

At the end of your trek, the coach collects you and returns you to the pier..

Experience the organic, award-winning Oranje Tractor Farm with its owners during this immersive, half-day, World Cruise Collection excursion with wine tasting and lunch.

Oranje Tractor Farm

Newly-designed especially for our valued World Cruise guests, your World Cruise Collection tour begins with a short drive to the Oranje Tractor Farm, established in 1996 by Murray Gomm and Pam Lincoln on a 20-acre (about eight-hectare) slice of the beef cattle farm owned by Murray's parents. This certified organic property has an incredibly diversity of produce, including eight acres (about 3.2 hectares) of wine grapes, 30 varieties of fruit trees, a potager garden and a permaculture vegetable garden. Pinot, Riesling, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc are the grape varieties that slowly ripen in the cool climate, resulting in intensely-flavoured wines. In April 2019, Oranje Tractor Wine was a winner in Australia's 'Best Cellar Door Awards' ('Best Additional Experience in the Great Southern' by Gourmet Traveller magazine).

Guided Tour, Tasting Room/Cellar Door, 'Wine Flight', Wines Paired with Local Specialities

Upon arrival, meet the owners of the property, and recreate the experience had by HRH Prince Charles and Lady Camilla on their visit to the property in November 2015. During a guided walking tour of the property, discover the organic vineyard and extensive gardens, including the potager garden and espalier orchard featuring 30 different fruit trees. Following your tour, head to the tasting room/cellar door, which is packed with vintage items and ambient charm. Here, experience a 'Wine Flight', a seated, tutored selection of five wines, including sparkling and fortified wines, paired with local, fresh, organic produce, cheeses, olives, and smoked trout from the farm and region.

Discussion with Murray and Pamela, Tutored Tasting of Local Spirits, 'Ploughman's Lunch'

Next, owners Murray and Pamela entertain World Cruise guests by divulging the secrets to producing intensely-flavoured, award-winning wine, and recounting their organic journey on the property. Learn about their Churchill Scholarship, awarded to investigate organic grape growing, wine production in the U.S. and Europe, the Vin de Champagne Award, and, most recently, vermouth production from their farm-grown botanicals. A tutored tasting of local spirits and lunch is included. Your 'Ploughman's Lunch' features fresh, local produce, artisan cheeses, organic fruit, bread, and accompaniments served with up to two glasses of wine of choice. After lunch, your World Cruise Collection tour concludes with a short drive back to the pier.

The pristine natural beauty of the Australian Southwest is truly a joy to behold. Travelling from Albany to Fremantle, experience spectacular ocean views, soaring trees, lakeside vistas and rolling vineyards. This bespoke overland experience offers a unique pairing of pristine natural beauty with sumptuous cuisine and world-class wines to delight food-and-wine enthusiasts. After disembarking the ship, transfer to Torndirrup National Park to view breath-taking rock formations, then Visit Walpole-Nornalup National Park for a scenic and exhilarating 'Treetop Walk' through the 'Valley of the Giants'. Following lunch at a local restaurant, embark a boat for a wilderness eco-cruise on the National Park marine inlets. At the conclusion of your cruise, transfer to the Karri Valley Resort for check-in, dinner and an overnight stay. After breakfast the next morning, drive to the Margaret River region and visit the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. From here, visit the Leeuwin Estate for a 'Wine Flight' food-and-wine-pairing experience. Your journey continues with a guided tour, wine tasting straight from the barrel and a four-course lunch at the Voyager Estate. Following your visit, head for a guided tour inside the Mammoth Cave, then transfer to the Cape Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. After breakfast on the final morning of your tour, check-out and take a scenic drive to Busselton, situated on Geographe Bay. Upon arrival, take a train-ride to the end of the jetty and visit the Underwater Observatory. After lunch at the Equinox Café, your Mid-Voyage Land Adventure concludes on Day Three with a transfer to the pier in Fremantle. Upon arrival, embark the ship.

Taste the Nature

Duration: 3 Days/2 Nights

Departs from: Albany

Re-join ship: Fremantle

Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Silver Shore Mid-Land Adventure requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis, and the program price is subject to change. Payment in full is due at time of final payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.

All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable for any reason within 90 days of sailing. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this program. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the program fare per person is due.

Visa Information:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Australia. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

Indulge your senses with the pristine natural beauty and exquisite flavours of southwestern Australia during this panoramic, two-night overland excursion.

DAY ONE - Friday, March 27, 2020 - Albany/Beedelup

Transfer to Torndirrup National Park to view breath-taking rock formations

After disembarking the ship, meet your guide and transfer to Torndirrup National Park. Upon arrival, take a stroll to a lookout for breath-taking views of dramatic land formations known as 'The Gap' and 'Natural Bridge'. The Gap plunges approximately 78 feet (about 24 metres) to the raging sea below, whilst the Natural Bridge resembles a huge granite suspension bridge spanning the torrent.

Visit Walpole-Nornalup National Park for a 'Treetop Walk' through the 'Valley of the Giants'

Next, travel the South Coast Highway to Denmark. Upon arrival, a visit is made to Walpole-Nornalup National Park. Take a scenic and exhilarating 'Treetop Walk' through the 'Valley of the Giants', which towers approximately 120 feet (about 36.5 metres) above the forest floor and offers a bird's-eye view of the ancient, old-growth trees.

Lunch at a local restaurant, and a wilderness eco-cruise on the National Park marine inlets

At the conclusion of your visit, a stop is made for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, embark on an approximately 30-minute wilderness eco-cruise on the National Park marine inlets. Along the way, marvel at the unspoilt natural splendour of your surrounds and look for the marine life that inhabits the area.

Transfer to your hotel in the majestic Karri Forest for check-in

Back on land, transfer to the majestic Karri Forest and head to the Karri Valley Resort, situated on the bands of picturesque Lake Beedelup. Upon arrival, proceed for check-in and some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner is at the resort.

Overnight in an ROH Room at the Karri Valley Resort - Beedelup

DAY TWO - Saturday, March 28, 2020 - Beedelup/Margaret River Region

Breakfast, a scenic drive to the Margaret River region and visit to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

After breakfast at the resort, check-out and meet your guide for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to the Margaret River region. Upon arrival, your first stop is at the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, located on the headland of Cape Leeuwin, the most south-westerly point on the Australian mainland. This is the tallest lighthouse in Australia, and looks out to the great southern Indian Ocean.

Visit to the Leeuwin Estate for a 'Wine Flight'

Next, re-board your coach and travel further north to the Leeuwin Estate. Upon arrival, visit the extensive art gallery located onsite, then proceed for a taste sensation; Leeuwin Estate's 'Wine Flight'. This intimate food-and-wine-pairing experience is the perfect introduction to the Margaret River wine region.

Four-course lunch experience at the Voyager Estate

Leaving the Leeuwin Estate, your food and wine exploration continues with a stop at the Voyager Estate. Here, enjoy a four-course lunch prepared by the estate's world-class chefs. Following your gourmet experience, take a guided walking tour of the facility and taste a delicious wine straight from the barrel.

Guided tour inside the Mammoth Cave to see ancient fossilised remains of extinct animals

After lunch, re-board your coach and drive to the nearby Mammoth Cave. This awe-inspiring cave is a natural time capsule, and home to the ancient, fossilised remains of extinct animals. Lead by your guide, enter this massive limestone cave through bushland and via a gently-sloping boardwalk, and marvel at the fossils and your surrounds.

Transfer to the Cape Lodge

Following a day filled with wonderful sights, wine and cuisine, transfer to the Cape Lodge, your accommodation for the night. However, this isn't just your ordinary hotel; Cape Lodge is a private, country house hotel, restaurant and culinary retreat in the heart of the Margaret River region. Here, indulge yourself with luxurious country living, and more amazing food and drink.

Check-in and some free time to freshen-up before dinner

Upon arrival at the Cape Lodge, proceed for check-in and some free time to freshen-up before dinner.

Dinner is at the lodge.

Overnight in an ROH Room at the Cape Lodge - Margaret River Region

DAY THREE - Sunday, March 29, 2020 - Margaret River Region

Breakfast, check-out and a scenic drive to Busselton

After breakfast at the lodge, check-out, meet your guide and depart for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Busselton. This picturesque town is situated on Geographe Bay, and home to the longest, wood-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere; it extends almost 1.24 miles (about two kilometres) out into the bay.

Train-ride to the end of the jetty, and a visit to the Underwater Observatory

Upon arrival, take a small train-ride to the end of the jetty, where a visit is made to the Underwater Observatory.

Lunch at the Equinox Café, and a scenic drive to Fremantle

Following your visit, proceed for lunch at the Equinox Café. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 2.5-hour drive to Fremantle.

Transfer to the pier and ship

Upon arrival in Fremantle, transfer to the pier and embark the ship.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Land Adventure requires an extensive amount of walking, at times over uneven, rocky, sandy, grassy, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, embark/disembark the boat, board/de-board the train and many steps at the sites visited. To a degree, walking is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with a fear of heights, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to bring lightweight, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, raingear, insect repellent, a camera, and local currency for purchases from the ship. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The tour sequence and itinerary may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Only Australian dollars are accepted by all vendors; local ATMs are available in some locations visited.

Programme Includes:

• One-night stay in an ROH Room at the Karri Valley Resort - Karri Valley
• One-night stay in an ROH Room at the Cape Lodge - Margaret River Region
• Two breakfasts, three lunches and two dinners with drinks included
• 'Treetop Walk' through the 'Valley of the Giants'
• Lunch at a local restaurant - Denmark
• Wilderness eco-cruise on the National Park marine inlets
• 'Wine Flight' - Leeuwin Estate
• Tour, wine tasting and a four-course lunch - Voyager Estate
• Inside tour of the Mammoth Cave
• Train-ride to the end of the jetty at Busselton, and a visit to the Underwater Observatory
• Lunch at the Equinox Café - Busselton
• All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, charges incurred by the airlines for excess or overweight luggage, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items. All Land Adventures require a minimum number of participants in order to operate as described. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Silversea's published cruise cancellation policy will remain in effect. All Land Adventure fares are subject to change, and are not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. Onboard Spending Credit may not be applied to the purchase of this programme. All Land Adventures are non-transferable and non-refundable within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Land Adventures are owned by independent contractors and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Land Adventures may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.