Cape York & Arnhem Land
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- Day 1 Depart Cairns
- Day 2 Lizard Island
- Day 3 Stanley Island & Davey Reef
- Day 4 Forbes Island & Magra Island
- Day 5 Cape York & Thursday Island
- Day 6 Cruising the Gulf of Carpentaria
- Day 7 Hole in the Wall & Wessel Islands
- Day 8 Elcho Island Artists
- Day 9 Liverpool River & Maningrida
- Day 10 Cobourg Peninsula
- Day 11 Bathurst & Melville Islands
- Day 12 Disembark in Darwin
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||
| Main Deck B | Main Deck A | Promenade Deck B | Promenade Deck A | Bridge Deck | |
Solo Travelers:
A 50% single supplement is charged or select the “twin share” program. Book a cabin at the posted fare and the Oceanic Discoverer will attempt to match you with another solo traveler of the same gender. If not possible, enjoy the sole use of the cabin at the twin share price.
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.
Deposit & Payment A 50% single supplement is charged or select the “twin share” program. Book a cabin at the posted fare and the Oceanic Discoverer will attempt to match you with another solo traveler of the same gender. If not possible, enjoy the sole use of the cabin at the twin share price.
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.
Day 1 Depart Cairns
Board the Oceanic Discoverer at Trinity Warf, Cairns. This evening meet your fellow travelers and friendly crew as you enjoy the Captain's Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party.
Day 2 Lizard Island
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 you will have an opportunity to learn of the research being undertaken to help understand and preserve the Great Barrier Reef.
Day 3 Stanley Island & Davey Reef
Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Group to view the Endaen Aboriginal rock art gallery that depicts 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
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
This morning 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 where the children perform traditional dances. Cruise this evening from Thursday Island toward the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Day 6 Cruising the Gulf of Carpentaria
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with presentations by your Guest Lecturers, who share with you the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early explorers of the Arnhem Land coast.
Day 7 Hole in the Wall & Wessel Islands
Today sail through the "Hole in the Wall" to the Wessell Islands. This evening enjoy a gourmet Aussie Beach BBQ as the sun spectacularly sets over the Arafura Sea.
Day 8 Elcho Island Artists
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. You may wish to attend the local church service to share in the local culture.
Day 9 Liverpool River & Maningrida
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 Explorer tour of the river before rejoining your small ship.
Day 10 Cobourg Peninsula
Enjoy a full day to discover to discover the Cobourg Peninsula. Port Essington is famous for its failed Victoria Settlement, and you will be joined by the local National Park rangers who will guide and help you explore the ruins. Also visit the Ranger's Interpretation Center at Black Point.
Day 11 Bathurst & Melville Islands
Today enjoy a true highlight, visiting remote Bathurst and Melville Islands. With traditional Tiwi people as your guides learn of the unique cultures and visit their fascinating art center. Your Tiwi hosts will welcome you with a cultural performance and basket-weaving exhibition before you join them for a traditional afternoon tea of damper and billy tea. Tonight farewell new-found friends while enjoying the Captain's Farewell Cocktail Party.
Day 12 Disembark in Darwin
Arrive into the Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory and gateway to the "Top End".
Itinerary Notes
This itinerary is an indication of the reef, islands and coastal areas hoped to visit. While every effort will be made to follow this itinerary the Oceanic Discoverer reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and any other reasons whatsoever.Cruise Inclusions:
- Accommodation charges on board
- Captain's Welcome and Farewell Cocktails
- Services of expedition staff including lectures
- Briefings, slide/film presentations, and other group activities
- Group transfers during the cruise
- All meals
- 24 hour tea/coffee station
- Landing fees
- Australian Government Goods and Services Tax
Excludes: Pre and Post flights; fuel surcharges if applicable, personal items such as telephone, facsimile charges, laundry, bar charges, travel insurance.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is 15%-25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 70 days days prior to departure.
Final payment by bank transfer, check or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or AmEx. Credit Card payments subject to 3% convenience fee and maximum $15,000 charge.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 70 days days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 70 days or more | Deposit |
| 69-30 days | 55% cruise fare |
| 29-0 days | 100% cruise fare |
Oceanic Discoverer
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 72
- Luxury Expedition Ship
The Oceanic Discoverer is an expedition style cruise ship large enough to provide all the comforts of a larger cruise ship, yet small enough to enable access reef and island sites inaccessible to other vessels. Accommodating a maximum of just 72 guests, your environmental experience will be both personal and memorable.
This multi-million dollar ship has recently been built at NQEA Australia in Cairns. The ship accommodates guests in 36 cabins and has a cruising speed of 14 knots. The shallow draft of the 63m ship allows it to access the isolated places.
Onboard Facilities
What you would expect of a much larger cruise ship:
- Large sundeck
- Spa Pool
- Wireless internet available for laptops, PDAs and onboard computer
- Comprehensive reference library
- Phone and fax facilities
- Lecture lounge with large plasma screen
- Limited laundry facilities
- Two fully stocked cocktail bars
- A range of souvenirs and personal items are available for purchase
- Air-conditioned public areas
Oceanic Discoverer is also equipped with the latest technology active stabilizers and is fitted with state-of-the-art safety and navigational equipment and is the only Australian passenger ship registered with full SOLAS compliance allowing opportunities to explore a multitude of international voyages.
Dining
All meals during the cruise are included. Breakfast and lunch are served in the Dining Room located on the Main Deck and are buffet-style while dinner is table d’hote. Coffee and tea is available 24 hours. Standard hours are breakfast from 7:00-8:30am, lunch at 12:30pm and dinner at 7:30pm however meal times may vary according to the day's activities. Meal times will be advised in the onboard daily bulletins.
Onboard Accommodations
Onboard accommodation comprises of 36 spacious modern staterooms. You can select from Bridge, Promenade or Main Deck staterooms offering a choice of twin or junior king bedding. All staterooms have an ocean view, en-suite facilities, a settee (except Promenade B Staterooms), large wardrobe, desk, luggage storage, individual air-conditioning control, and are serviced daily.
Excursion Boats And Zodiacs
The "Xplorer" is a specially designed aluminum excursion vessel used for the majority of excursions. This vessel has high horsepower engines and will accommodate all passengers at one time. The "Xplorer" will be used for landings and for extensive exploration of rivers and tributaries. For your added convenience and comfort, the "Xplorer" is equipped with an awning and toilet.
Two inflatable landing craft (Zodiacs) are also carried. Designed for expedition work, these large and heavy-duty inflatables are extremely safe. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if the boats damaged. The flat bottom design permits these crafts to land directly onto the beaches. Expect nonetheless to wade through shallow water to reach the shore.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
 | Main Deck B Main Deck, 17.5-18.5 sqm, with either junior king or twin bedding. |
| Main Deck A Main Deck, 18 sqm, with either junior king or twin bedding. | |
| Promenade Deck B Promenade Deck, 14-16 sqm, junior king bedding. | |
| Promenade Deck A Promenade Deck, 16-17.5 sqm, junior king bedding. | |
| Bridge Deck Bridge Deck, 17-18 sqm, junior king or twin bedding. | |
