New Guinea Odyssey

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 - Cairns

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

Depart for an Australian experience into the rainforest. After a 30-minute drive, you will arrive at the Skyrail Rainforest Cable Car Station. Upon arrival, you will board one of the gondolas for an amazing experience over Australia's World Heritage listed tropical rainforest canopy, and into the rainforest itself. Spanning approximately four-and-a-half miles over pristine rainforest, Skyrail allows you to explore the wonders of this ancient tropical rainforest and learn about one of the most botanically fascinating and diverse areas on earth, and includes time at two mid-stations. The easy access walkways at Barron Falls Station take you on three separate lookouts where you will be treated to breath-taking views of Barron Gorge and Barron Falls. This station is where you will find the state-of-the-art Rainforest Interpretation Centre.

At the completion of your Skyrail journey, you will proceed to the centre of Kuranda, a delightful village nestled in the heart of the rainforest. Established as a railway station in the mid-1800s, when logging and mining were large industries on the Atherton Tablelands, Kuranda became known as a place to stock up on goods and also where one could enjoy some culture and sophistication at one of the local hotels. Today, this colourful township is a haven for markets, cafés, and restaurants. After a brief overview of the town, you will have some free time to further explore on your own. No doubt you will want to take the opportunity to browse the shops for local artwork, crafts, opals or aboriginal souvenirs while you are here.

Following your visit to Kuranda, you will board your coach and will return to Cairns for lunch.

After lunch you will take a short panoramic drive of Cairns passing the Cairns Casino and view the Central Mall and the shops in the bustling downtown area. An informative commentary will provide details about the Navy Patrol Base, shipyards and the Sugar Terminal, beyond which lies the Fishing Base, a lucrative source of revenue for this prosperous region. Continuing on, you will venture through the town of Portsmith and the suburbs of Bungalow and Manunda, both of which feature lovely old Queenslander-style houses. A brief stop at the Botanical Gardens affords a chance to stretch your legs and wander among the interesting fauna and flora, before arriving at the hotel.

You will check-in to the hotel Shangri-La the Marina 5*.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 - Cairns

After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

Your hotel:

The five-stars Shangri-La The Marina hotel is located on the waterfront at Marlin Marina, connected to the Pier shopping complex and adjacent to the Trinity Bay Esplanade. You will also find close by, Cairns Convention Centre and Cairns Esplanade. The hotel features a restaurant and two bars, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a sauna and a solarium. It offers a free Wi-Fi access.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

·        1-night accommodation in Deluxe Seaview room at the five-star Shangri-La The Marina Hotel 5*, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

·        Personal expenses.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        As respecting the environment is important to us, we highly recommend you take your filled Ponant water bottle with you after your cruise, so you can use it on shore and avoid the use of plastic bottles whenever it is not strictly necessary.

·        The official check-out time at the hotel Shangri-La The Marina is at 11am.

·       Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Contact of your hotel:

Shangri-La The Marina
Pierpoint Road Cairns
Queensland 4870, Australia
Telephone: +61 7 4031 1411

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Enjoy a 3-day tour in Cairns and marvel at the natural beauty of its surroundings. Explore the Great Barrier Reef, the largest living ecosystem on earth, and dive into one of the world’s oldest rainforests for an unforgettable indigenous experience.

Day 1 - Cairns

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.

You will be transferred to your hotel the Shangri La The Marina 5* and enjoy its facilities. 

Early check in included.

Day and meals at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 – The Great Barrier Reef

After breakfast, you will enjoy a day discovering the Great Barrier Reef.

The Great Barrier Reef is a site of remarkable variety and beauty and contains the world's largest collection of coral reefs; it has 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of molluscs, which make it one of the most complex natural ecosystems in the world. It is unique, as it extends over 14 degrees of latitude, from shallow estuarine areas to deep oceanic waters.

After about an hour of transfer, you will discover the newest and most technologically advanced pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef: you will explore the magnificent coral reefs as you enjoy a glass bottom boat trip and a snorkeling guided tour.

Optional Activity: If you want to observe the seabed closely, you can book a 30 to 45 minutes guided scuba diving as an option at additional cost from your travel adviser. Let yourself be amazed by the colors and the impressive marine wildlife ! Any request made on site will depend on availability.

Lunch will be served on the boat. 

On your return to the hotel, you will have some free time to enjoy the facilities.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel

Day 3 – Daintree National Park

Breakfast at the hotel.

After a 90-minute drive, you will arrive in the Daintree National Park, located in the tropical wilderness of North Queensland. The Daintree Rainforest boasts an incredibly biodiverse landscape with a large concentration of animal and plant species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It is also one of the oldest rainforests on the planet.

You will discover Mossman Gorge, the traditional home of the Kuku Yalanji aboriginal people.
You will join an indigenous guide for a Ngaduku dreamtime walk into the rainforest, learning about age-old traditions as well as flora and fauna along the way. Participate in a smoking ceremony, said to ward off bad spirits, and learn about the uses of different plants during the trek.

You will then enjoy some free time at Mossman Gorge and a lunch in a local café.

After lunch, you will enjoy a guided tour of Wildlife Habitat, an advanced eco-certified wildlife sanctuary where you will have the opportunity to interact with native Australian animals in their recreated natural environments. You will explore unique habitats, hand-feed iconic animals such as kangoroos or koalas, and learn about conservation efforts in this award-winning nature park.

You will then go back to your hotel to enjoy some free time.

Dinner at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.  

Day 4 – Cairns

After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.

You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

Your hotel:

The five-stars Shangri-La The Marina hotel is located on the waterfront at Marlin Marina, connected to the Pier shopping complex and adjacent to the Trinity Bay Esplanade. You will also find close by, Cairns Convention Centre and Cairns Esplanade. The hotel features a restaurant and two bars, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a sauna and a solarium. It offers a free Wi-Fi access.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

·        3-night accommodation in Deluxe Seaview room at the Shangri-La The Marina Hotel 5*, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.

·        Early check-in on day 1.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverage package during meals (mineral water + 1 soft drink and 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide. 

Your programme does not include:

·        Personal expenses.

·        The scuba diving optional activity.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        The official check-out time at the hotel Shangri-La The Marina is at 11am.

·        All diving is subject to successful completion of an on-board medical questionnaire. Certain medical conditions (i.e: asthma) and some medications may exclude individuals from diving. The minimum legal age for diving is 12 years. All divers under 18 years of age must have parent/guardian consent. All equipment is provided by the cruise operator, however it is recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, a swim wear, a towel and sunglasses.

·        As respecting the environment is important to us, we highly recommend you take your filled Ponant water bottle with you after your cruise, so you can use it on shore and avoid the use of plastic bottles whenever it is not strictly necessary.

·        This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Contact of your hotel:

Shangri-La The Marina
Pierpoint Road Cairns
Queensland 4870, Australia
Telephone: +61 7 4031 1411

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 - Darwin

Meet at Darwin Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off your own flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will be transferred to the hotel Hilton Darwin 5*.

Official check-in time at the hotel Hilton is 3.00 pm.

Your luggage can be stored at the hotel before check-in.

The afternoon and dinner are at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - Darwin

Day is at leisure.

Check-out is at 12.00 am.

You will depart the hotel by coach for a panoramic tour of Darwin. Located in Australia's Northern Territory, also known as the "Top End", Darwin is a beautiful tropical city, where over 50 different cultures live and work side by side.

Discover Darwin's rich history and culture and learn about Darwin's role during World War II as you see its many historic wartime landmarks. You will drive past St Marys Cathedral, travel up to and along the Esplanade, the Parliament House, the Old Court House, the Anglican Cathedral. Pass Bicentennial Park, and the Old Town hall ruins.

You will then be transferred to the port of Darwin, to embark on board your ship.

Your hotel:

The Hilton Darwin offers an ideal location in the heart of the city within walking distance of shopping and entertainment. The elegant rooms are light and equipped with contemporary furniture for a warm and comfortable ambience. The hotel features a 10th-floor outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a stylish bar and restaurant.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

·        1-night accommodation in Guest room with harbour view at Hilton Darwin 5*, local standards (or similar) including breakfast.

·        Transfers as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local guide on the group transfer.

Your programme does not include:

·        Dinner on Day 1.

·        Lunch on Day 2.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        Early check-in is available depending on availability and at a supplement. Contact your travel agent for further detail.

·        Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Contact of your hotel:

Hilton Darwin
B 32 Mitchell St
Darwin City NT 0800
Australia
Telephone: (+61) 8 8982 0000

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Set off to discover a region that is as little-known as it is extraordinary during four unforgettable days in the very heart of the bush and the colourful landscapes of Australia’s Northern Territory. In a refined haven, a lodge right in the heart of nature, you will be amazed by the history of this Aboriginal land and the mysteries of preserved nature during a hike, a river cruise or an airboat safari.

Day 1 - Darwin

Meet at Darwin Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will be transferred to the hotel Hilton Darwin 5*.

Official check-in in your room at 15:00.

Afternoon and dinner at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - Darwin/Bamurru Plains

After breakfast and check-out, you may enjoy free time until midday. You will have lunch at the hotel.

Your guide will be waiting for you in the lobby for your transfer to Darwin Airport and check-in to your flight to Bamurru Plains.

We advise you to bring only one piece of hand luggage (15 kg maximum luggage allowance). Your other luggage will be stored safely at the Hilton Darwin throughout your stay at Bamurru Plains.

During a 30-minute panoramic flight, contemplate the region’s luxuriant scenery and the meandering Adelaide River before landing at the Bamurru Plains private airstrip. From the sky, attempt to identify the black spots that pepper the decor. Buffalos hide behind these moving forms, or crocodiles, if you are lucky…

A guide will welcome you on arrival and accompany you to the Bamurru Plains lodge, a 20-minute journey. Enjoy a Wild Bush Luxury presentation, as well as an aperitif out in the wilderness, before your afternoon activity.

Dinner will provide you with an opportunity to share your first impressions outside the lodge’s open kitchen, which will prepare delicious Australian dishes.

Enjoy an exceptional night in a safari bungalow.

Day 3 - Bamurru Plains

Breakfast served in the main lodge.

Day of discovery of the surrounding fauna and flora with various activities organized by the lodge: guided walk, safari, bird watching...

Relax at the lodge to enjoy the magnificent setting or the swimming pool.

Lunch and dinner will be served at the lodge.

Optional activity: You can book with your travel agent, as an option and at an additional cost, an exceptional day excursion to Kakadu National Park. Immerse yourself in the history of the Aboriginal people! Between marshy plains and rock formations, this sumptuous nature reserve is home to some of the most beautiful galleries of Aboriginal rock art in the region. Also included in this excursion : a cruise on the East Alligator River to observe crocodiles and birds, and an explanation of traditional hunting and gathering tools.

Day 4 - Bamurru Plains

A safari in the wilderness of Bamurru Plains is planned for your morning. The airboat ride will give you a unique viewpoint over the surrounding wetlands and enchanting paperbark forests. A guided quad bike adventure also guarantees an original way of exploring the Bamurru territory.

If you wish, your breakfast may be served in an idyllic setting, by the infinity pool that overlooks the flood plains, where agile wallabies roam.

Dive into the pool, discover the region’s history thanks to the lodge’s library or relax in your bungalow during your free time.

A little later, you will be able to go on a safari aboard an open-topped 4-wheel drive vehicle to spot buffalo, wallabies and the many birds of the tropical savannah or on a river cruise on the Sampan Creek, which is part of the Mary River System that forms the western boundary of Bamurru Plains.

The sun will set as you contemplate the local fauna while enjoying your aperitif on the observation platform.

Dinner will be served in the main lodge.

Day 5 – Bamurru Plains/Darwin

The day will begin with a morning safari exploring the private property’s 300 km² (115.8 square miles). Aboard an airboat, marvel at the abundance of wild birds and animals as you move further away from your lodge.

You will be able to freshen up and then it will be time to leave Bamurru Plains: the journey to the airstrip will take 20 minutes.

Board your flight back to Darwin.

Upon arrival at Darwin Airport, you will be transferred to the hotel Hilton Darwin to collect your stored luggage.

After enjoying lunch at the hotel, you will be transferred to the port to board your ship.

Your hotels:

The Hilton Darwin is a five-star hotel with a great location just 15 minutes’ drive from the airport, near the city centre, and overlooking the harbour. All rooms are modern and fully-appointed. Relax on the rooftop or discover Australian cuisine at the restaurant.

Bamurru Plains is a unique spot to enjoy a wilderness experience in style and taste the true luxury of an exclusive stay in a rustic yet chic environment in perfect harmony with the surrounding country. The lodge has been built with a minimal impact on the environment, using native materials. The hot water is solar-generated. Providing exclusive access to nature, Bamurru Plains’ appeal lies in the birdlife and wilderness. All ten Safari Bungalows boast a supremely comfortable bed and high-quality 100% organic cotton linen, a spacious bathroom, an authentic decor. They are also equipped with overhead fans and mesh screen walls allowing the coastal breeze to naturally cool the interior.

Bamurru Plains is a ‘camp’. As such, it exposes guests to the sights and sounds of the surrounding bush. To keep this experience authentic, the Safari Bungalows are not equipped with televisions, CD players, minibars, telephones, or internet access. Hairdryers are available on request.

You will also connect with the bush through gourmet food and wine. Discover Bamurru’s wild secrets with excellent guiding and let nature come to you around the infinity pool.

Your programme includes:

·        1-night accommodation in Standard Room at Hilton Darwin 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.

·        3-night accommodation in Safari Bungalow at Bamurru Plains Lodge, full-board included.

·        Meals as mentioned in the programme.

·        Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea).

·        Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.

·        The services of a local English-speaking guide.

·        Flights Darwin/Bamurru Plains round-trip with a luggage allowance of one 15kg piece.

Your programme does not include:

·        Dinner on day 1.

·        Early check-in and late check-out.

·        Personal expenses.

·        Visa if necessary.

·        Tips for the driver and local guide.

·        Optional activities.

·        Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

·        It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

·        This programme has limited participation.

·        The programme requires the ability to walk on uneven surfaces and up some inclines. It is thus open to reasonably healthy guests with moderate fitness. Guests in wheelchairs can join, but they must be able to stand up to step into vehicles and navigate some small steps in the bungalows. This programme would be unsuitable for anyone who is permanently wheelchair-bound.

·        The luggage allowance on domestic flights between Darwin and Bamurru Plains is restricted to one small bag weighing no more than 15 kg (duffel or cabin bags are preferred, as they are easier to load in the luggage hold).

·        Your main luggage will remain at the hotel Hilton Darwin until day 5 and will be collected on the way to the pier upon your return from Bamurru Plains.

·        We advise you to bring sturdy shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and bush-appropriate clothing (nights can get very warm or cold depending on the season).

·        At Bamurru Plains, a number of activities will be organised as part of the Wildlife Experience, such as airboat safaris, bird watching, bush walking, and river cruises, depending on the weather and local conditions. The programme described above was prepared to give you a good idea of what your Wild Bush Luxury experience at Bamurru Plains will look like, it can be adapted. The times, safari style and location across the 300-km2 private property are subject to local conditions, recommendations for wildlife viewing, and opportunities for maximising enjoyment on the day.

·        Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Contact of your hotels:

Hilton Darwin

32 Mitchell Street,

Darwin City NT 0800,

Australia

Telephone number: +61 8 8982 0000

Bamurru Plains

Mary River Floodplai,

Kakadu NT 0836,

Australia

Telephone number: +61 2 9571 6399

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.