Best places to cruise in March

1. Great Barrier Reef

Swim, snorkel or dive one of Australia's greatest natural wonders.

Sailings from Cairns out to the Great Barrier Reef run throughout the year. The weather is almost always blissful and the sights incredible.

• Departures from: Cairns, Whitsundays.
• Why March? Low-season with better prices and smaller crowds so you can have the water practically to yourself.

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2. Tasmania

Circumnavigate the entire island by water.

Cruising around the island under Down Under is a unique way to discover all its hidden secrets. You'll also see parts of the island that are off the standard tourist itinerary such as Sheffield, Stanley, Macquarie Harbour and Queenstown.

• Departures from: Hobart.
• Why March? The weather is still warm enough for a dip in the water.

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3. Sydney

Spend a few hours on the water when the weather is just right.

You'll not fall short of Sydney Harbour cruises that offer a little something for everybody. Choose between a private sail or scenic cruise with dinner, drinks, high-tea, a buffet and some commentary along your journey.

• Departures from: Sydney Harbour.
• Why March? Warm weather and fewer crowds.

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1. Kangaroo Island

A little island with a lot to offer.

From bushfires to a pandemic, tourism on Kangaroo Island has been struggling for a while now.

If you've been putting off a trip then this is the time to go and support the local tourism trade.

• Departures from: Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.
• Why March? The cooler months draw in smaller crowds and wildlife is in easy view. Little penguins start to nest in March as well.

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2. Melbourne

The big city that has a little something for everyone.

Melbourne is often called the cultural capital of Australia and for good reason. It's stylish, artsy and often the birthplace of hipster trends around the country.

You can choose to either do a roundtrip cruise or disembark in Melbourne to take in more of the sights before flying home.

• Departures from: Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth.
• Why March? A slew of fun festivals happens in March with something to appeal to most. March is just after the city’s hottest and wettest months so you miss out on those sweltering Melbourne summers.

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3. Great Barrier Reef

Snorkel, dive or swim the largest coral reef system in the world.

As the weather cools down there's one tourist attraction you can bet will stay warm this month: the Whitsundays. Known for its heaven-sent beaches and marine life, it's enjoyed by young and old, solo travellers or multi-generational families.

• Departures from: Most departures are from Sydney or Brisbane.
• Why March? March is still brilliantly warm with temperatures in the high 20s yet it's in between school holiday dates meaning it will be less crowded.

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4. New Zealand

Winter is knocking on the door so it's time to see the last of the summer scenery.

The warmer months will soon be gone so March will be your last chance for those nature-based shore excursions.

While you won't see any snow, you'll be able to visit some of the most picturesque summer spots, like Hobbiton, Marlborough and the hot thermal springs of Rotorua.

• Departures from: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Darwin.
• Why March? You should find lower prices now that the summer crowds have died off.

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5. Los Angeles

Rub shoulders with A-listers in the City of Angels.

The second largest city in the USA is the hub for all things Hollywood. If you're feeling like some childlike fun, head to one of the big theme parks or if you want to soak in all the sights then just pick an area and explore on foot.

• Departures from: Vancouver or San Francisco.
• Why March? The rainy winter season is over and the air is less heavy with smog.

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