Indian Ocean Ovation-Sydney to Cape Town

Visit the famous Opera House, stroll along the harbor or cruise around it. Climb the Harbor Bridge, take a walk through the Rocks where Sydney began, or enjoy celebrated

Bondi Beach. Head into the beautiful Blue Mountains for a taste of the country; visit a wildlife park and enjoy Australia’s fabulously unique creatures.

Newcastle is a harbour city in the Australian state of New South Wales. Its plentiful beaches are linked by the Bathers Way, a coastal walk stretching between Nobbys Beach and Merewether Beach. The walk provides access to Bogey Hole, a convict-built ocean bath from the colonial period. Also on the path is the 1880s Fort Scratchley, a historic site and a viewpoint for spotting migrating whales.

Discover the local beaches and enjoy the tropical scenery, the seafront promenade, galleries and shops. Venture out to stunning Magnetic Island with its national park, miles of walking trails, wildlife and magnificent coral reefs.

This is the place to see the magnificent rainforest from the Kuranda Railway and visit local wildlife like koalas and emus in a rainforest habitat. Or learn about Aboriginal tradition at the culture park. Explore the town, its charming homes and the lovely botanical garden.

Amidst a land of thriving tribal cultures and pristine mountainous rainforest, Alotau is located in the extreme eastern end of Papua New Guinea where human habitation began over 45,000 years ago. Perched on the edge of Milne Bay, this picturesque hillside town makes the perfect base for exploring the outlying capes, coves and islands. The nearby village of East Cape offers excellent snorkeling, while Fergusson Island brims with fascinating geothermal features such as hot springs, bubbling mud pools, spouting geysers and volcanoes. The quaint settlement of Wagawaga offers beautiful waterfalls and gorgeous scenery from its cove location at the foot of sheer mountains that rise from the southern peninsula.

Named by Captain John Moresby in 1873, the capital of Papua New Guinea was transformed from a sleepy port town into a booming military base during World War II. Explore the cultural exhibits at the National Museum, and stroll the Port Moresby Nature Park – a charming oasis full of local and exotic species, along with over 150 native animals. Travel to nearby Koki or Hanuabada, traditional stilt villages offering remarkable insight into the local culture. For beautiful views of Port Moresby and the surrounding harbor, head up to Paga Hill or Touaguba Hill.

Discover Aboriginal culture and art at the Fine Arts Museum, see the city and its wonderful gardens, or venture into the outback to fabulous Territory Wildlife Park and its many wonders. Or head for the incredible waterfalls at Litchfield National Park. Watch crocodiles at a research station, or take a cruise along the Adelaide River and watch the saltwater crocs leap from the water to catch their prey.

Komodo is one of the 17,508 islands of Indonesia and one of three major islands making up Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to being a popular destination for diving, it is the only natural habitat of the Komodo dragon. The island of Komodo includes approximately 60 square miles of craggy mountains, deep canyons, savannas and monsoon rainforests.

Experience this exquisite island and its gentle people as you explore the lush countryside of terraced rice fields and mountains dotted with temples. Visit a royal palace, watch an entrancing dance performance, or see carvers at work. Enjoy villages filled with beautiful arts and crafts and the daily festivals with villagers parading in their finery to local temples.

Experience this exquisite island and its gentle people as you explore the lush countryside of terraced rice fields and mountains dotted with temples. Visit a royal palace, watch an entrancing dance performance, or see carvers at work. Enjoy villages filled with beautiful arts and crafts and the daily festivals with villagers parading in their finery to local temples.

Semarang is the capital and largest city of Central Java province in Indonesia. It was a major port during the Dutch colonial era, and is still an important regional center and port today.

Discover a delightful city of contrasts, from its old Chinese quarter and colorful Hindu temples to its modern skyscrapers, famous Tiger Balm Gardens and magnificent National Orchid Garden. Stroll along the Esplanade. Take a short cruise along the Singapore River and a tri-shaw ride through town. Visit the Kranji Memorial and Changi Chapel and Memorial, dedicated to those who lost their lives here during World War II.

Discover a delightful city of contrasts, from its old Chinese quarter and colorful Hindu temples to its modern skyscrapers, famous Tiger Balm Gardens and magnificent National Orchid Garden. Stroll along the Esplanade. Take a short cruise along the Singapore River and a tri-shaw ride through town. Visit the Kranji Memorial and Changi Chapel and Memorial, dedicated to those who lost their lives here during World War II.

Experience the many aspects of beautiful Phuket, from its lush landscape and gorgeous beaches to its 19th century Chinese and Western architecture and stunning temples. Visit the fascinating Sea Shell Museum, see the ornate Wat Chalong, watch elephants go through their paces at the elephant camp, and explore the unique and breathtaking Phang Nga National Park. Or just play on one of the island’s fabulous beaches.

See the magnificent splendor of the Shwedagon Pagoda, a golden shrine towering to a height of 326 feet. Nearby visit the Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda with its reclining 230-foot-long Buddha statue, which was completed in 1966. Rising up from the Royal Lake, Karaweik Hall was built in the shape of the mythical Karaweik bird. The Botahtaung Pagoda was named after the 1,000 military leaders who escorted the sacred hair relics of Buddha, brought from India over 2,000 years ago. Opened in 1906 and located near the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel, the Yangon Zoo is noted for its collection of wild animals from around the world.

See the magnificent splendor of the Shwedagon Pagoda, a golden shrine towering to a height of 326 feet. Nearby visit the Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda with its reclining 230-foot-long Buddha statue, which was completed in 1966. Rising up from the Royal Lake, Karaweik Hall was built in the shape of the mythical Karaweik bird. The Botahtaung Pagoda was named after the 1,000 military leaders who escorted the sacred hair relics of Buddha, brought from India over 2,000 years ago. Opened in 1906 and located near the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel, the Yangon Zoo is noted for its collection of wild animals from around the world.

See the magnificent splendor of the Shwedagon Pagoda, a golden shrine towering to a height of 326 feet. Nearby visit the Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda with its reclining 230-foot-long Buddha statue, which was completed in 1966. Rising up from the Royal Lake, Karaweik Hall was built in the shape of the mythical Karaweik bird. The Botahtaung Pagoda was named after the 1,000 military leaders who escorted the sacred hair relics of Buddha, brought from India over 2,000 years ago. Opened in 1906 and located near the Kandawgyi Palace Hotel, the Yangon Zoo is noted for its collection of wild animals from around the world.

Dotted with stately colonial buildings, Sri Lanka’s largest city is quite beautiful and wonderfully frenetic. Explore the museums and temples or watch cricket at Galle Face Green. If the thrilling energy of the city becomes too much, relax under a cinnamon tree in serene Viharamahadevi Park.

Dotted with stately colonial buildings, Sri Lanka’s largest city is quite beautiful and wonderfully frenetic. Explore the museums and temples or watch cricket at Galle Face Green. If the thrilling energy of the city becomes too much, relax under a cinnamon tree in serene Viharamahadevi Park.

Discover the amazing contrasts of this cosmopolitan, Portuguese-founded city with its lovely colonial architecture, Dutch-style palaces, historic churches, Jewish quarter and huge Chinese fishing nets. Or explore tranquil canals by boat and see ancient villages, exquisite scenery, plantations and temples. See Indian cotton made in traditional fashion.

As the capital of the low-lying, coral-bed Maldives, winsome Malé is surrounded by a sea wall, where you might watch the fishing dhonis return with the day’s catch. Also be sure to see Friday Mosque, a masterpiece of filigree-curved coral built in the mid-1600s, and the Mulee-aage Palace.

Gorgeous and romantic, the Seychelles define tropical beauty. A mountain range runs through the spine of Mahé, the largest island, and scenic national parks have sprung up around it, attracting hikers. Still, it’s the idyllic beaches that have immortalized Mahé and its laid-back capital of Victoria, where the Seychellois speak a mellifluous Creole patois.

Gorgeous and romantic, the Seychelles define tropical beauty. A mountain range runs through the spine of Mahé, the largest island, and scenic national parks have sprung up around it, attracting hikers. Still, it’s the idyllic beaches that have immortalized Mahé and its laid-back capital of Victoria, where the Seychellois speak a mellifluous Creole patois.

While the other islands of the fragrant Comoros (known as the “Perfume Islands”) gained independence from France in 1975, Mayotte remained under French rule, and you’ll welcome the influence. The Petit Terre district boasts fine patisseries, boutiques and art galleries, and there’s a French flair everywhere.

Intent on recapturing its former glamour, Maputo once again attracts the rich and famous, whom you may see while sipping a cocktail at the extravagant Hotel Polana. Maputo’s struggle for freedom from Portuguese colonialism is recounted in local museums.

Take an excursion to one of the nearby game reserves or simply gaze over the surrounding waters, where you might get a glimpse of dolphins, whales and kite-surfers. The best view is from the lookout point at Alkantstrand Beach. Richards Bay is a busy port and the myriad of specialized ships will intrigue marine buffs.

British colonial architecture prevails in Durban, yet natural beauty is what characterizes this charming city on the Indian Ocean. Its Golden Mile beach area attracts sunbathers, of course, but also shoppers and those who enjoy walking the promenade. The Juma Masjid deserves a visit, as it’s the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere.

It’s difficult to get lost in Cape Town because gorgeous Table Mountain looms above the city as a reference. For breathtaking views, ride the cable car to the top, or explore this urbane city on foot. Visit the fascinating South African Museum and Planetarium and the culturally significant St. George’s Cathedral.

It’s difficult to get lost in Cape Town because gorgeous Table Mountain looms above the city as a reference. For breathtaking views, ride the cable car to the top, or explore this urbane city on foot. Visit the fascinating South African Museum and Planetarium and the culturally significant St. George’s Cathedral.