$4799—Azamara Reef, Whitsundays & K'gari fly-cruise-stay
Fly to Cairns for reef and rainforest, then cruise Australia's stunning East Coast to Sydney Harbour
Why We Love This Deal
Some trips visit Australia’s icons. This 12-night fly-cruise-stay glides through them. Sail directly through the Great Barrier Reef before drifting into the Whitsundays’ turquoise channels. Islands scatter across the horizon. Coral reefs shimmer beneath the surface. Airlie Beach opens the gateway to the Whitsundays without ferry schedules or luggage transfers. Later, wild K'gari (Fraser Island) appears on the horizon. Normally, it means rough 4WD tracks and complicated planning. Here, it’s simply tomorrow’s shore excursion. You begin with a two-night Cairns stay, where reef meets rainforest, with a sailing to Sydney aboard Azamara Pursuit. Boutique ships like this slip easily into smaller coastal ports. The atmosphere feels relaxed, never crowded. The journey traces Australia’s east coast from tropical reef waters to the cooler shores of New South Wales. Sea days soften the transitions between reef, islands and cities. By the time Sydney Harbour appears, the scenery has completely changed. Flights, hotel stay and cruise are already arranged. Just unpack once and watch Australia’s east coast unfold.
Our research found the cruise alone starts from $5439 on Azamara’s website. This package is $4799 and includes more than just the sailing. You’ll also get a one-way flight to Cairns and a two-night hotel stay before departure. That means the cruise, flights and hotel come together for less than the cruise fare alone. Overall, you could save up to $968 per person.
What's included
- One-way economy class from Sydney* to Cairns
- 2-night, 4-star stay in Cairns
- 10-night cruise from Cairns to Sydney onboard Azamara Pursuit
- Ports of call: Cairns, Willis Island (cruising), Townsville, Airlie Beach, Gladstone, K'Gari, Brisbane and Newcastle
- All meals (specialty dining excluded)
- Speciality coffee and teas
- Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including house spirits, wine, and international beers
- 24-hour room service
- Unlimited Self-Service Laundry
- Exclusive Cultural Events
- Pre-paid gratuities
- All port fees and government taxes
When
This itinerary departs Sydney* on 22 November 2027.
Book by 23 March 2026.
Cabin upgrades
Featured prices are based on an Inside cabin while cruising. We've also found savings on cabin upgrades. Upgrade to a Balcony and save up to $1178 per person. Upgrades begin at $900 per person:
- +$900 for an Oceanview cabin
- +$1800 for a Balcony
- +$5400 for a Suite
To find out more, see our partner's website.
Holiday snapshot
Sydney - Cairns - Willis Island (cruising) - Townsville - Airlie Beach - Gladstone - K'Gari - Brisbane - Newcastle - Sydney
Itinerary highlights
Begin with a two-night stay in Cairns, where tropical breezes, vibrant esplanade cafés and access to the Great Barrier Reef set the scene for your adventure.
Embark in Cairns and sail northward into the Coral Sea, awakening to marine panoramas that shift from reef to horizon.
Enjoy scenic cruising past Willis Island, a remote outpost framed by endless blue and the pulse of ocean weather stations far from shore.
Arrive in Townsville, a relaxed tropical city where Magnetic Island views, waterfront markets and coastal walks invite exploration.
Discover Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsundays, where coral-rimmed waters and sailboat-studded bays showcase the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.
Call at Gladstone, a bustling port city where hinterland cruises, river panoramas and local heritage embrace Queensland’s coastal charm.
Experience K’gari (Fraser Island), the world’s largest sand island, with towering rainforests, freshwater lakes and rugged beach highways that define its wild allure.
Explore Brisbane, Queensland’s vibrant capital, blending riverfront culture, bustling precincts and leafy neighbourhoods beneath a subtropical sky.
Visit Newcastle, a lively harbour city where surf culture, historic architecture and coastal vistas create a relaxed yet sophisticated stop.
Conclude back in Sydney, reflecting on reef-sprayed horizons, island escapes and the coastal pulse of eastern Australia’s most iconic destinations.