Coral Expeditions, Australia’s pioneering expedition cruise line, and Australian Geographic have extended their successful partnership with new activity planned through to 2022.

Sharing a rich heritage of exploration and a deep commitment to conservation, the extension of this partnership celebrates the success that comes from collaboration, respect and a shared passion for Australia.

This partnership encompasses four new special Australian Geographic Society curated expeditions to explore remote natural and cultural regions in the coastlines of Australia and beyond. These new expeditions include:

  • Battles and Beaches: 75th Anniversary of WWII – a 13-night exploratory voyage through Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and the autonomous region of Bougainville commemorating the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII. Departing 23 October 2020 (Coral Discoverer)
  • Coastal Wilds of Tasmania – a 10-night coastal odyssey from Hobart taking in the Huon River, world heritage Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour, Bruny Island, Maria Island, Freycinet Peninsula and Port Arthur. Departing 17 January 2021 (Coral Discoverer)
    Australian Geographic Society Host: Justin Jones
  • Island Outposts of West Australia – a pioneering 27-night voyage of the island outposts of Australia’s west coast including the Abrolhos, Cocos Keeling and Christmas Islands along with Ashmore Reef. Departing 26 March 2021 (Coral Geographer)
    Australian Geographic Society Host: Chris Bray – adventurer / wildlife photographer
  • Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef – a 7-night journey to the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef to experience world heritage reef and rainforest, indigenous culture, meet diverse marine species and to enjoy solitude. Departing 30 Jun 2021 (Coral Discoverer).

Australian Geographic Society host Justin Jones
Justin Jones
Australian Geographic Society host Chris Bray
Chris Bray

Joining these expeditions will be special guest lecturers representing the Australian Geographic Society who will impart knowledge and share stories through the expedition.

Jeff Gilles, Commercial Director of Coral Expeditions, said that Coral Expeditions and Australian Geographic share common values and a commitment to nature, heritage, culture and environment.

“This is a partnership that is greatly valued by our guests and crew as it brings together two like- minded communities who share a great love and respect for the world around us,” Jeff said.

“We all share a passion for adventure and look forward to an exciting new series of expedition voyages together, along with the chance to connect with and inspire people from across the globe with our activities,” Jeff said. “This is an important and natural partnership for Coral Expeditions. For almost 35 years Coral Expeditions has had one purpose – taking small groups of like-minded explorers on small ships to remote parts of the world with expert guidance and warm Australian hospitality. We are pleased to continue this adventure with a partner which shares both our passion and our uniquely Australian ethos.”

In addition, Coral Expeditions is pleased to support two major new initiatives which include the Talking Australia podcast series broadcast through the Australian Geographic channel and a collaboration with the National Museum of Australia’s “A Portrait of Australia” exhibition which was rolled out across a variety of regional centres across Australia from November 2019.

Coral Expeditions remains the presenting partner of the annual Australian Geographic Society Adventurer of the Year Awards and will continue support of the AG Presents Speakers Roadshow planned to travel Australia and inspire through a series of eight national events on conservation and adventure.

“Having just returned from Papua New Guinea aboard Coral Adventurer, I am energised and uplifted by the experience,” says Chrissie Goldrick, Editor-in-Chief of Australian Geographic. “Small expedition ships are undoubtedly the best way to visit and interact with the small remote communities of this vast, wild island. We were warmly received everywhere we went and treated to genuine cultural experiences that left a deep and lasting impression on all who were there. The expedition leaders and special hosts helped provide context and background to the wonderful people and places we visited, enriching the voyage enormously. We are thrilled to announce our new series of voyages and events with Coral Expeditions and anticipate great new adventures in the years to come.”


About Coral Expeditions

With a history of innovation spanning 35 years, Coral Expeditions is one of Australia’s longest running and most awarded expedition cruise operators. From its beginnings offering eco-friendly cruises on the Great Barrier Reef, the fleet has expanded to four ships, including Coral Expeditions II, Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer, and coming soon, Coral Geographer, which will set sail in January 2021. With every ship purpose-built for expedition cruising, encompassing shallow draught, high manoeuvrability, and dynamic shore tender capabilities, Coral Expeditions offers expedition cruises to the  Great Barrier Reef, The Kimberley , Tasmania, Cape York and Arnhem Land, Papua New Guinea, Spice Islands, Raja Ampat, New Zealand, the Islands of the South Pacific and the Indian Ocean including islands at the edge of Africa.