Komodo and the Australian Coast port questions.

[dcl999]

We just booked this cruise while onboard. Are the ports normally within walking distance or a short bus ride from town and the excursion sites? Are there tender ports? How long is the approximate transfer time from the airport to the port on each end? We try to avoid long tender/bus rides whenever possible. 
Thanks. 

[CurlerRob]

6 minutes ago, dcl999 said:

We just booked this cruise while onboard. Are the ports normally within walking distance or a short bus ride from town and the excursion sites? Are there tender ports? How long is the approximate transfer time from the airport to the port on each end? We try to avoid long tender/bus rides whenever possible. 
Thanks. 

 

When asking a question like this, it is very helpful if you note the various ports. There are many CC members here who will have been to the various ports, but not necessarily on your specific cruise - they won't know offhand which ports are included.

 

That advice offered, here's a couple of observations:

 

Bali - dockage, but lengthy bus rides for most excursions, mostly due to insane traffic. Take them anyway, the scenery / temples are amazing. Can't help with airport transit.
 

Komodo - tender required, but not long. You can't go ashore without a booked excursion with guide - either ship shorex or personal. Take the 'short walk' tour - all the dragons hang out at the water hole anyway.

 

Darwin - you should dock downtown, easy walk into the city. A number of the excursions will involve bus rides of an hour or more - the NT is a big place.

 

Cairns / Townsville - should be docked downtown, easy and very pleasant walking around both locations. There can be some hour-long bus rides for selected tours.

 

Whitsundays - our stop there some years ago was a tender stop. Mattered not, as we were heading out by boat to snorkel the reef.

 

Brisbane - many years ago. Recent posts suggest that dockage may be at a new site a long way from the city.

 

Sydney - you'll likely dock in White Bay, but may get lucky and snag a berth at Circular Quay. In White Bay, you'll need transport to reach the city - about 30 mins by bus/car, or 15 by ferry if one is operating. In CQ, you are right downtown. SYD airport about 25 minutes by car from downtown.

 

Enjoy your cruise - some of our favourite spots! 🍺🥌

 

 

[ssawjo]

I found Brisbane to be a very livable city when we visited 12 years ago.  Yes, a long time ago.  And the cruise port was closer to the city proper than now.  We are on the same type cruise in 2026, Syndey to Bangkok.  So, any information you get is appreciated.  

 

You may want to post your question on the Asia board also.

[dcl999]

Thanks.

We’re in the very early stages of planning a trip and are debating between a land trip and cruise. From past experiences we know there are pros and cons to both. One of our main objections to cruises is long travel times from the ships.