Silversea’s flagship luxury vessel, Silver Nova, left Melbourne on 14 October for a unique 47-day tour of Australia, taking passengers to 23 destinations around the continent, from the country’s most iconic cities to rarely visited and unspoiled places such as Busselton, Albany and Kangaroo Island.
Bert Hernandez, president of Silversea, said he was ‘delighted to return to Australia once again with Silver Nova, the first in our innovative Nova Class and the most luxurious ship to sail in the region’. Silversea is regarded as the leading name in luxury and expedition travel.
Branded as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ immersive luxury experience, the voyage will allow passengers to visit many of Australia’s iconic cities and hidden gems, according to Hernandez. A total of 170 onshore excursions are planned, complemented by special culinary events as part of Silversea’s S.A.L.T. (Sea & Land Taste) programme.
A culinary journey of the region
The S.A.L.T. experience will feature renowned local chefs in Adelaide and Hobart, as well as masterclasses using regional ingredients.
In Adelaide, guests will join chef Tom Tilbury for a guided tour of the Botanic Gardens, learning about sustainable and seasonal ingredients, before enjoying a four-course luncheon with South Australian wine pairings at the Botanic Lodge. In Hobart, the celebrated chef Analiese Gregory will host a ‘Wild Tastes’ masterclass at Bowmont on the banks of the Huon River, after a scenic drive through Tasmania’s countryside. The two chefs and Balinese culinary expert Tjok Maya Kerthyasa will also join the Silver Nova to host S.A.L.T. events on board, offering guests a rare opportunity to interact with some of the region’s most innovative culinary experts.
Itinerary highlights, from reefs to rainforest
After a Bon Voyage luncheon at Albert Park Lake, the vessel departed. The first stop was Eden, followed by an overnight stay in Sydney to enjoy its unparalleled harbour views. Further stops include Newcastle’s coastal culture and Brisbane’s vibrant waterfront. Further north, guests will explore Mooloolaba, Fraser Island (K’gari), Shute Harbour (Whitsunday Islands) and Townsville. Guests will enjoy another overnight stay in Cairns, followed by visits to Port Douglas and Cooktown, before arriving in Darwin for a third overnight stay.
In Port Douglas, guests will be treated to an unforgettable evening at Flames of the Forest on 30 October. Nestled I the heart of the Wet Tropic of North Queensland, this unique dining experience offers guests the chance to enjoy exquisite cuisine in a dreamlike rainforest setting, where they will dine by candlelight surrounded by nature.
Excursions range from flightseeing over the UNESCO-listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, to snorkelling with a Master Reef Guide and cruising through the Whitsundays by small boat.
After spending a night in Darwin, where guests will have the chance to explore Australia’s tropical wilderness, the ship will head north to Benoa in Bali, Indonesia, where passengers can experience the country’s heritage.
Travellers will visit Fremantle (Perth), Busselton, Albany, Esperance and Port Lincoln along the West and South Coast, before continuing on to Adelaide for another overnight stay, as well as visiting Kangaroo Island and Robe. Excursions include an insight into Australia’s pearl culture at the Broken Bay Pearl Farm in New South Wales, as well as the S.A.L.T. programme.
The cruise is scheduled to end in Melbourne on 30 November 2025.
What makes this journey special
A full circumnavigation of Australia is a rarity in the luxury cruise market. What sets this voyage apart is its blend of extraordinary experiences: exploring remote nature reserves, the Great Barrier Reef, tropical rainforests and rarely visited coastlines – all from the comfort of a truly high-end setting.
