Best places to go for cruises in September

1. Whitsundays

Soft sand beaches, azure waters and the Great Barrier Reef under your feet. Could it be more magical?

Choose between luxury cruises or shorter, more intimate cruises around the Whitsundays. Whatever you do, don't pass up the chance to snorkel or dive amongst the coral and local marine life.

• Departures from: Airlie Beach
• Why September? Warm dry weather is what you're in for when visiting in September. Get in early and you'll avoid the school holiday crowds as well.

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2. Murray River

Cruise down an icon of our nation on a paddle steamer for a truly unique river adventure.

The Murray River travels from New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, though most cruises depart from Victoria.

Along the way you'll encounter native flora and fauna, stop by local river towns and be wined and dined onboard.

• Departures from: Echuca, Victoria
• Why September? As the weather starts to warm you can enjoy life on deck and watch the land as it begins to bloom in spring florals.

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3. Western Australian Coast

Cruise by desert, coral coast, beaches and national parks as you make your way up the Western Australian Coast.

Shorter journeys take you between Perth and the natural wonders of Monkey Mia and Ningaloo Reef while longer cruises can bring you all the way into the rugged terrain of the Northern Territory.

• Departures from: Perth and Geralton
• Why September? August to September is the region's dry season when it's best to explore and the weather isn't super hot. While you've missed whale shark spotting season which is March-June, you're in peak season to catch manta rays, humpback whales, dolphins and dugongs swimming along the coast.

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4. Northern Territory's Top End

Get a taste for the real outback Australia as you meander your way through the Top End.

During the dry season, Kakadu and Katherine are bursting with marine and bird life. Cruises steer you through rusty red gorges and rich wetlands where you may even spy a resident saltwater crocodile.

On tour you'll also get to immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture and have the chance to dip into the waters at Litchfield National Park.

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5. New Caledonia

Indulge in long stretches of sand and natural wonders.

A relatively short distance from Australia, you can easily cruise to this Pacific paradise on a week-long vacation.

Experience a charming mix of French and Melanesian hospitality while you choose to relax or seek out an adventure.

• Departures from: Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne.
• Why September? The month marks the start of the best season to cruise New Caledonia. The weather is warm, rainfall is low and humidity is not as high, not to mention crowds are also smaller at this time of year.

6. Europe

Sail right to the doorstep of Europe’s historical marvels on a European river cruise.

Europe has always been the perfect balance of ancient and modern sights and one of the most relaxing ways to discover it is by river. Capture all of your bucket list must-sees in one go and explore some of the more charming sides of Europe.

• Departures from: Ports in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland are popular starting points.
• Why September? September is our favourite month because of the mild weather, normal water levels and the added benefit that most of the crowds have been and gone.

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7. Transatlantic journeys

Take advantage of big savings while sailing from Europe to the United States.

If you’re all about the journey then a repositioning cruise could be perfect for you. As the cruise line changes location for the new season you can get on board for a transatlantic cruise at a fraction of the cost.

• Departures from: Western European ports like Barcelona, Bergen and Marseille are common starting points.
• Why September? Most repositioning cruises take place in the short time between mid-September and October.

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8. Mediterranean

Explore one of the world’s top cruising destinations away from all the crowds.

See what all the fuss is about with a cruise through a region known not just for its long stretches of coastline but also unparalleled culture and diverse cultural experiences.

• Departures from: Most cruises start from ports in France, Greece, Spain and Italy.
• Why September? While holiday goers suffer through sweltering temperatures during peak season, September is far more pleasant and perfect for sailing.

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