This Cape York and Arnhem Land small ship expedition is a fascinating voyage combining the very best of Australia’s northern coastline, exploring the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the ‘Tip of Australia’ at Cape York, the Arnhem Land Coast and the rarely visited Tiwi Islands. Come aboard the Coral Discoverer in Cairns for a remarkable 11-night voyage of discovery to Darwin, visiting otherwise inaccessible locations and meeting the friendly indigenous people of the Torres Strait and the Top End.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Board the Coral Discoverer at Trinity Wharf, Cairns. This evening meet fellow travelers and friendly crew while enjoying the Captain's Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party.
Day 2: Lizard Island
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling and a walk along the beautiful sandy beach. As special guests of the Lizard Island Research Station learn of the research being undertaken to help understand and preserve the Great Barrier Reef.
Day 3: Stanley Island & Davey Reef
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Group to view the Endaen Aboriginal rock art gallery depicting sailing ships of the last century. This is a unique art site seldom visited due to its isolated location. At Davey Reef and Cay enjoy swimming and snorkeling and observe the large seabird rookery.
Day 4: Forbes Island & Magra Island
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy the day exploring historic Forbes Island. Its reef provides some fantastic swimming and snorkeling opportunities. This afternoon visit Magra Island for beachcombing, bird watching and to enjoy the tropical sunset.
Day 5: Cape York & Thursday Island
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Venture ashore at Cape York as the sun rises over the "Tip" on Australia's northernmost point. Enjoy champagne and welcome the new day. Anchoring at Thursday Island, learn of the history of European settlement and the large pearling fleets. Have the opportunity to observe the distinctly different cultures of the Torres Strait Islanders and the Aboriginals whilst enjoying a tour of the island. Following lunch visit the Gab Titui Cultural Center, which showcases and promotes the heritage of the Torres Strait, before crossing the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Day 6: Cruising the Gulf of Carpentaria
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with presentations by Guest Lecturers, who share the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early explorers of the Arnhem Land coast.
Day 7: Hole in the Wall & Wessel Islands
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sail through the "Hole in the Wall" to the Wessell Islands, which are perhaps the most remote and isolated islands found anywhere on the Australian coast. Enjoy a gourmet Aussie Beach BBQ as the sun spectacularly sets over the Arafura Sea.
Day 8: Elcho Island Artists
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The friendly locals of Elcho Island proudly welcome you to their community this morning. Enjoy an insight into their culture and meet some of the local artists who have their unique art exhibited in the famous art galleries of the world, including the Louvre. The island is also home to renowned indigenous musician Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. Attend the local church service to share in the local culture.
Day 9: Liverpool River & Maningrida
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Anchor in the mighty Liverpool River before traveling ashore to explore the Maningrida Art Center, Museum and local "boutique", where hand painted clothing and fabrics are offered for sale. Later, join the Expedition Leader and guides on an Xplorer tour of the mighty river.
Day 10: Cobourg Peninsula
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy a full day to discover to discover the Cobourg Peninsula. Port Essington is famous for its failed Victoria Settlement. Local National Park rangers guide an exploration of the ruins. Also visit the Ranger's Interpretation Center at Black Point.
Day 11: Bathurst & Melville Islands
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy a true highlight, visiting remote Bathurst and Melville Islands. With traditional Tiwi people as guides, learn of the unique cultures and visit their fascinating art center. Tiwi hosts share a cultural performance and basket-weaving exhibition before a traditional afternoon tea of damper and billy tea. Say farewell to new-found friends while enjoying the Captain's Farewell Cocktail Party.
Day 12: Disembark in Darwin
1 Breakfast
Arrive into Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory and gateway to the "Top End".
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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Main Deck B
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Three cabins located on the Main Deck, equipped with twin portholes, desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
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Main Deck A
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Six cabins located on the Main Deck, equipped with twin porthole windows, desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
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Promenade Deck B
Averaging 160 sq. ft. Four cabins located on the Promenade Deck, equipped with picture windows, desk, telephone and Junior King bedding.
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Promenade Deck A
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Eighteen cabins located on the Promenade Deck, equipped with picture windows, sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
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Bridge Deck
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Five cabins located on the Bridge Deck, equipped with picture windows, sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Notes
Solo Travelers:
Solo cabin occupancy is limited and based on availability in Promenade Deck B cabins only. Single supplement is an additional 50%.
Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian or New Zealand Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates.
Initial deposit is variable, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.