Up to 35% off worldwide cruises with Norwegian Cruises
Best places to cruise in October
Soak up the sunshine with these beachy getaways before the summer crowds set in.
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
October marks the start of the Australian cruising season. It's a time when some of the world's top luxury liners reposition themselves to dock in our ports and call Australia home.
However, this year things are a little different. Large international cruise ships are still banned from docking in Australia which means cruising outside of Australia is a no.
On the upside, there are plenty of Australian waterways and coasts to explore this month.
Top places to cruise in October
1. Best for whale watching: Hervey Bay
October is the tail end of whale migration season and the best way to see them is on a day cruise. The cruises are specifically geared to catch these majestic creatures in action and often include meals and commentary.
- Departures from: Hervey Bay, Queensland
- Why cruise there in October? Whales are migrating back to Antarctic waters with their baby calves. If you're lucky you might be able to spy one of the little cuties in the water.
2. Best for wilderness cruising: Strahan
Sail through the World Heritage-listed Gordon River and witness the rugged Tasmania wilderness from the comfort of your cruise boat. Once the home of a penal settlement, Strahan is now known for its salmon and trout farms and ancient forests.
- Departures from: Strahan, Tasmania
- Why cruise there in October? The weather around these parts is finally warming up and it's just before peak season so you might get the boat all (or mostly) to yourself.
3. Best for weather: The Queensland coast
Beach after beach, island paradise after island paradise, they're all waiting for you. Choose between sunset cruises, snorkelling cruises and diving cruises from the Gold Coast all the way up to Cairns.
- Departures from: Various
- Why cruise there in October? The weather up north is always nice and October is just the right time to cruise before things really heat up.
4. Best for variety: Sydney Harbour
Sydney Harbour is absolutely magnificent for views, sunshine and quiet inlets made for 2. Choose from historic tall ship cruises, whale watching cruises, high tea cruises with your family or private cruises with your better half.
- Departures from: Sydney, NSW
- Why cruise there in October? Be one of the first to enjoy a day on the harbour when restrictions ease. Take in the sun and re-acquaint yourself with Sydney's spectacular skyline.
See our latest cruise deals
Popular Australia cruises coupon codes
Last checked | Code description | Code |
---|---|---|
16 Jun 2022 | Up to 35% off worldwide cruises with Norwegian Cruises | ******** |
27 Jun 2022 | Up to $100 OBC + 50% off deposits on cruises | ******** |
10 Jun 2022 | Up to $400 OBC worldwide cruises | ******** |
10 Jun 2022 | Up to $200 OBC on Australia cruises | ******** |
23 Mar 2022 | Up to 45% off Australia and New Zealand cruises | ******** |
Latest travel headlines
More guides on Finder
-
Best places to cruise in March
With the change of weather, March is often the last chance for many popular cruise destinations or the start of the warmer, dry season for others.
-
Best places to cruise in December
Spend Christmas hopping between local Christmas markets or bathe in Queensland's blissful beaches.
-
Best cruise destinations in August
Our hit-picks on the exotic locations to cruise around in August before the change of season.
-
Save up to 40% off Royal Caribbean cruises
EXPIRED: Plus nab up to US$300 in onboard credit across hundreds of sailings.
-
5 of the best places to cruise in July
July is a great month for quirky and off-the-beaten-track destinations to suit all kinds of travellers.
-
Best places to cruise in June
June is an ideal month for some of the top cruise destinations whether you’ve packed your bathers or winter woollies.
-
Party cruises in Sydney that’ll really rock your boat
Make it a night to remember with these Sydney Harbour party cruises that will get you up and dancing the night away.
-
Newcastle Harbour cruises
See a whole new side of Newcastle that you can only access from the water on these Newcastle Harbour cruises.
-
Best cruises and cruise destinations in April for Australians
April brings spring flowers, off-peak crowds and an itinerary filled with beaches and ancient cities.
Ask an Expert