Botanica
Luxury Cruise & Floral Diversity of Australia’s Eastern and Southern Coasts
Cairns to Sydney
Trip Highlights
A Botanical Discovery
Observe a vast range of plants, from tropical species to those that thrive in cooler climates.
Silversea's Silver Nova
Enjoy a 16-night cruise of Australia aboard Silversea’s latest luxury cruise ship, Silver Nova.
Escorted by Sophie Thomson
Join your expert Botanical Guide, Sophie Thomson, and learn about her involvement with Kangaroo Island’s bushfire recovery.
Trip Inclusions
- Escorted by expert Botanical Guide, Sophie Thomson, and a Cruise Director
- 16-night cruise aboard the Silver Nova for up to 30 Botanica guests, and one night’s accommodation in a centrally located five-star hotel
- Return private airport-to-hotel transfers, tipping and porterage, port taxes, plus 49 meals and select beverages
- All sightseeing, shore excursions and entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Explore private gardens along Australia’s east coast with celebrity gardener and TV personality, Sophie Thomson
- Cruise to iconic Australian destinations, including the Whitsundays, Phillip Island and Kangaroo Island
- See a variety of landscapes and flora as you sail the east coast of Australia. Learn about the plants and gardens of Australia at onboard lectures presented by your Botanical Guide
- Visit a range of public and private gardens in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia
Map & Itinerary
Trip Notes
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Fitness Level: Low
- Group Size: Up to 30 Botanica guests aboard Silversea’s Silver Nova, which has a capacity of 728 passengers. Cruise is in partnership with Silversea.
Cairns
Arrive in Cairns and be transferred to your hotel, where you will enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening.
Stay: Cairns, Pullman International or similar
Daily :Cairns Botanic Gardens, Limberlost Nursery Lunch, Private Garden and Embark Silver Nova
This morning, we visit the Cairns Botanic Gardens. Here, we see the new Flecker Gardens, which boasts an amazing display of tropical plants, including the giant titan arum or corpse flower. You will also have time to stroll through a Pandanus wetland to the Centenary Lakes and the Chinese Friendship Garden. We then visit the Limberlost Nursery for lunch, enjoying time to explore their collection of plants, before visiting a beautiful private garden. Afterwards, it’s time to board our ship, home for the next 16 nights. Settle into your cabin before enjoying a Welcome Dinner.
Stay: 16 Nights, Silver Nova
Daily :Day at Sea
Relax aboard our luxurious vessel today as we enjoy a day at sea.
Daily :Whitsunday Islands and Shute Harbour Rainforest Walk
Today we sail to the Whitsunday Islands, docking at Shute Harbour. The stunning views of pristine waters and surrounding scenery are just the beginning of what’s to come on our journey. Venture into the rainforest-clad hills with your Botanical Guide to find beautiful lookout points, such as Mount Rooper, and observe the native plants of the area.
Daily :Day at Sea
Relax aboard our luxurious vessel today as we enjoy a day at sea.
Daily :Mooloolaba - Sunshine Coast Private Gardens, Yandina Ginger Factory and Stringybark Cottage Garden
This morning, arrive in Mooloolaba, one of Queensland’s most popular holiday resorts, set within the heart of the Sunshine Coast. Take a tour to see some of the gardens of the region, including a beautiful private garden that has a large shade house full of rare and unusual plants. We then visit the Yandina Ginger Factory to learn how ginger is grown, harvested and turned into a delicious range of products. Continue to the incredible Stringybark Cottage Garden to enjoy a tour and lunch in a beautiful setting.
Daily :Day at Sea
Enjoy another relaxing day at sea. Once again, enjoy the opportunity to learn more from your Botanical Guide during another special onboard lecture.
Daily :Newcastle – Gardens of the Hunter Valley, Wallis Creek Water Garden and Bath House Garden
Once known as the Steel City, Newcastle is today a thriving hub, flanked by the Pacific Ocean and six beaches on its eastern side and a harbor on its west side. After a short tour of Newcastle, we travel to the renowned winegrowing region of the Hunter Valley. Along the way, we visit the Wallis Creek Water Garden, which showcases five acres of ornamental gardens and nursery ponds. We then arrive at the Hunter Valley Gardens, with its series of themed garden designs. Afterwards, visit the Bath House Garden, a beautiful country garden with climbing roses, stone walls and fruitful green spaces.
Daily :Day at Sea
Relax aboard our ship today, as we spend another day at sea.
Daily :Phillip Island Wildlife Reserve Penguin Parade
Phillip Island is a haven for nature lovers and possesses a rich Indigenous history. Witness the evening parade of the world’s smallest penguins. Just after sunset, thousands of little penguins waddle back from a day at sea to their burrows. Alternatively, you might like to go on a seal watching cruise.
Daily :Melbourne – Gardens of the Mornington Peninsula, Heronswood and Cruden Farm
Arrive in Melbourne this morning. Take a full day tour to visit some of the gardens along the beautiful Mornington Peninsula. See the garden of the late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and the farm she adored. See her picking garden and learn more about her love of gardening. Continue to Heronswood Garden, the home of the Diggers Club. Here, we enjoy a delicious ‘fork-to-fork’ lunch in the old bluestone cottage before taking a tour with the head gardener. Afterwards, we visit an exclusive private garden and meet the owner.
Daily :Day at Sea
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, spending your time aboard the ship as you wish. You may like to attend a special lecture on the Australian climate, presented by your Botanical Guide.
Daily :Adelaide – The Hills, Hans Heysen's Home, Carrick HIll and Adelaide Botanic Gardens Chihuly Exhibition
Arrive in the port of Adelaide this morning. Travel to the Adelaide Hills to visit Hans Heysen’s home and studio, admiring the magnificent gums he was so famous for painting. Enjoy lunch in the cafe before returning to Adelaide to visit Carrick Hill and the Australian Museum of Gardening. Afterwards, wander the grounds of the Adelaide Botanic Garden and see the exhibition of the world’s most celebrated contemporary glass artist, Seattle-based Dale Chihuly. Adelaide is only the third city outside the USA to host a ‘Garden Cycle’ exhibition by the famous artist.
Daily :Kangaroo Island – Flinders Chase National Park, Emu Bay Lavender Farm and Private Garden
Kangaroo Island is the third largest island off the coast of Australia and is known for its outstanding natural beauty. The island is rich in flora and home to fauna seldom seen beyond its shores. Around 30 percent of the island is designated national park land, which has seen it remain one of the world’s great wilderness areas. Today, we visit Flinders Chase National Park, at the western end of Kangaroo Island, which was badly damaged by fire in the summer of 2020. We then visit Emu Bay Lavender Farm for a lavender-themed lunch and a tour of its lavender fields. Afterwards, we visit an exclusive private garden and meet the owner.
Daily :Day at Sea
Relax aboard Silver Nova again today during a day at sea.
Daily :Day at Sea
Enjoy another relaxing day at sea today as we round the south-east coast of Australia. Make the most of the ship’s facilities, before enjoying a special lecture by your Botanical Guide about how travel has inspired their own gardening journey.
Daily :Eden – Gardens of the South Coast
Arrive in the port of Eden, situated in the deep waters of Twofold Bay. Here, we visit a local private garden, as well as a beautiful local nursery, enjoying a talk and demonstration from the owner. This afternoon, you will have free time to explore the town of Eden. You may like to visit the Killer Whale Museum or perhaps try some of the region’s famous oysters. This evening, savour a Farewell Dinner aboard the ship with your fellow travellers.
Daily :Sydney, Disembark Silver Nova
Wake early today as we sail into the stunning Sydney Harbour. After breakfast, disembark the ship and be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Daily :Price & Availability
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November 2024 - November 2024
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Deck Plan
In all we had a fantastic holiday. We would recommend Botanica to all who'll ask.
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