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Best places to cruise in October

Soak up the sunshine with these beachy getaways before the summer crowds set in.

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Stephanie Yip
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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. There is still a port ban on large international cruise ships 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

Whale in Hervey Bay.

1. 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 October? Whales are migrating back south with their baby calves. If you're lucky you might be able to spy one of the little cuties in the water.
Book your Hervey Bay whale watching cruise

Romantic Private Yacht Cruise and Seafood Platter.

2. Sydney Harbour

Sydney Harbour is absolutely magnificent for views, sunshine and quiet inlets made for two. Choose from historic tall ship cruises, high tea cruises with your family or private hires with your better half.

  • Departures from: Sydney, NSW
  • Why October? You can take advantage of the October long weekend or a sunny weekend for a staycation that will truly impress.
Find your Sydney sailing

Bonnet Island Lighthouse as seen from the Gordon River Cruise Boat at Hells Gates in Macquarie Harbour in Tasmania.

3. 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 October? The weather around these parts is finally warming up and it's not quite peak season so you might get the boat all (or mostly) to yourself.
Book your Strahan cruise

Great Barrier Reef ocean waters.

4. 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 October? The weather up north is always nice and October is a treat as it hasn't yet reached those scorching summer temperatures.
Book your Queensland cruise

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