One of the hottest travel styles currently is expedition cruising. Why? Because you are generally on a ship with around 200 passengers, everything is included, it is a wonderful learning experience with like-minded people and you travel to remote parts of the globe. Most but not all of these are in the polar regions, both the Antarctic (whose season is just about to begin) and the Arctic. These regions are remarkably different, and adventurous travellers seem to enjoy exploring both areas of the world. There are different styles of ship, from the old Russian icebreakers to super luxurious expedition ships, and a range in between.

Australian company Aurora Expeditions has crafted a unique space in the world. With a passion that burns as strongly now as it did 32 years ago when they started, Aurora loves adventure, exploring wild places and sharing the experience with friends, with a maximum 132 passengers on their purpose-built small expedition ships. Onboard, you will find the naturalist team are delighted to share their knowledge with you as you explore wild places that stir the soul, experiencing unforgettable immersive expeditions.
The real adventure happens off-ship. The expeditions are all about more opportunities for you to get off-ship and explore and connect with the remote destinations we visit. It’s all about connecting you with the natural environment, because when you disembark, we want you to be richer in your knowledge and understanding of our planet than you were when you stepped onboard.
Respectful travel is at the heart of Aurora’s ethos. They are about supporting and empowering people, communities, the places we visit, the extraordinary wildlife we encounter and the nature we connect with. Discover the unspoilt landscapes, endemic wildlife and spectacular glaciers of Antarctica, venture where elusive polar bears roam across the sea ice in the Arctic, or explore the lush rainforests, turquoise waters and incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica. Discover some of Scotland’s far-flung and rugged islands, where only adventurous souls dare visit and explore the vast wilderness and iconic national parks on a Patagonia Trek.
Explore the raw beauty, diverse and abundant wildlife, unique to each region itself, alongside their world-class Expedition Team. Antarctica offers rich and diverse wildlife, making it one of the most pristine and wild places to visit, with a vast range of penguins, sea birds, seals and whales. The Arctic has one of the richest and most diverse wildlife habitats, ranging from the elusive polar bears to musk oxen, arctic foxes, reindeer, arctic hare and whale species. Costa Rica has the most biodiverse rainforests with the most flamboyant birdlife, whereas in Scotland look out for otters, dolphins, seals, and basking sharks. In Patagonia explore some of the most iconic national parks and lookout for Andean condors soaring overhead, armadillos, guanacos, and pumas.
If you are ready for your own adventure, join us for afternoon tea when Alex from Aurora comes to the Mountain to share her knowledge.
·      Thursday 12th October at 3pm.
·      RSVP 07 5545 1600 or travel@travellingplaces.com.au
PHOTO COMPETITION
·      We invite you to submit a photo or two for the 2024 calendar. High resolution shots are best.
·      Drop in with a USB stick or email travel@travellingplaces.com.au
·      Competition closing soon!