Orion's exploration of the islands of tropical North Queensland will reveal the beauty of Australia’s World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, with ample opportunity for basking on white sandy beaches and snorkelling over vibrant corals teeming with tropical marine life.

Our Tasmania voyages include seldom visited World Heritage and pristine wilderness areas; as you land by Zodiac along the magnificent coastline you’ll discover a land of rich forests, rugged mountains and sparkling highland lakes.

Great Barrier Reef
2012 Departures - March 3 & November 15
Exploring Australia’s Great Barrier Reef on board Orion is like having access to the most beautiful parts of this World Heritage area on a five or six night cruise aboard your own private mega-yacht. The reef is the world’s largest ecological structure and home to over 1,500 species of fish. Orion’s Zodiac safaris allow guests to snorkel and swim over pristine and seldom-visited sections of the reef, alive with corals and teeming with tropical fish. Orion guests will have complimentary access to many of the facilities offered by five star Hamilton Island – including access to the snorkelling heaven of Hardy Reef. Walking trails guide you through the lush rainforest of the National Park all the way to the top of Mt Kootaloo. We sail on to Percy Island to enjoy kayaking in this idyllic setting whilst our crew prepares a fresh seafood beach barbecue. What more perfect way to spend your day than in the shade or in the shallows with a glass of wine in your hand? Make sure you spend some time at either end of your journey in sub-tropical cosmopolitan Brisbane and Cairns with all its natural attractions and World Heritage listed rainforests.

Tropical Reefs & Culture
2012 Departure - September 27
Orion’s exploration of the world famous Great Barrier Reef takes you to the most pristine and unspoilt areas of this Marine Park. Discover the rich diversity of the Torres Strait Islander people at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre on Thursday Island with fascinating historical and cultural artefacts and tools, as well as modern and traditional art.

Explore picturesque Stanley Island, known as Yindayan. Local Aboriginal guides will share the legends, history and culture of the area as well as showing off delicious bush tucker and stunning ‘first contact’ rock art.

Cultural exploits combine with the sheer pleasure of swimming and diving in these turquoise waters. Journey to far northern waters, an unnamed area, which we have christened Orion Reef. One of the most diverse snorkelling areas on the Great Barrier Reef, pristine and seldom visited, alive with corals and teeming with tropical fish.

On secluded Boydong Island, magic snorkelling is followed by a beach barbecue, sea kayaking and guided walks. Unspoilt Lizard Island rises from the blue waters north of Cooktown. Snorkelers are rewarded with coral gardens, brightly coloured tropical fish and giant clams, pristine beaches with perfect white sand sloping gently away from the shore.