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Waterfall in the Australian outback

Cape York & Arnhem Land

Cairns - Darwin - Example 12 Day Cruise aboard Coral Discoverer
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Embark on a 12-day Cape York & Arnhem Land cruise aboard Coral Discoverer, exploring the remote coastline of Northern Australia. Discover Lizard Island’s crystal-clear waters, walk to ‘Cook’s Look,’ and snorkel the clam gardens. Visit Flinders Group for ancient Aboriginal rock art and explore Forbes Island’s beaches. Stand at Cape York’s northernmost tip and visit Thursday Island’s cultural landmarks. Experience Indigenous art at Yirrkala, Elcho Island, and Maningrida. Navigate the dramatic ‘Hole in the Wall,’ cruise through the Gulf of Carpentaria, and explore the Tiwi Islands’ art and traditions. At the Cobourg Peninsula, walk among the ruins of Fort Victoria and search for wildlife in the national park. Throughout the journey, enjoy insightful lectures, cultural encounters, and stunning natural beauty.
Rock formations along the coast of KimberlyNightcliff Jetty, Darwin, AustraliaSnorkel the clear, tropical watersLandscape of North AustraliaSnorkel off of Australia's beautiful coastWaterfall in the Australian outback
Highlights
  • Stand at Australia's northernmost tip on Cape York
  • Snorkel vibrant reef systems, including Davie Reef and lagoons
  • Visit cultural centers in Elcho Island and Maningrida
  • Explore Cobourg Peninsula’s wildlife and Fort Victoria ruins
Places Visited
  • Australia
  • South Pacific
  • Cairns
  • Darwin
  • Cape York
  • Cobourg Peninsula
  • Elcho Island
  • Forbes Island
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Gulf of Carpentaria
  • Lizard Island
  • Maningrida
  • Oceania
  • Stanley Island
  • Thursday Island
  • Tiwi Islands
  • Yirrkala
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Cairns, Australia | Embark

Arrive at Trinity Wharf (berth to be advised) by 4:00 pm and settle into your stateroom before the 5:00 pm departure. Get familiar with the ship’s amenities, then head to the Sun Deck for Captain’s Welcome Drinks. Enjoy your first onboard dinner as the journey along Northern Australia’s coast begins.

Day 2-11: Explore Northern Australia

Over the next several days, explore the following destinations:

Lizard Island
Explore remote Lizard Island, one of the most scenic islands along the Queensland coast. Swim or snorkel in crystal-clear waters, walk along white-sand beaches, or hike to “Cook’s Look,” the highest point on the island. From here, Captain Cook once navigated a safe route through the reef. Later, snorkel over giant clam gardens in the island’s lagoon.

Flinders Group, Davie Reef & Piper Islands
Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Group to view isolated Endaen Aboriginal rock art that depicts the first sailing ships along Queensland’s shores. Hear stories shared by a traditional Yiithuwarra owner. At Davie Reef, swim, snorkel, and observe a large seabird rookery. Later, explore the bird-filled Piper Islands, a chain of five low-lying vegetated cays.

Forbes Island
Spend the day swimming or snorkeling from pristine beaches on Forbes Island. Walk to the grave of Frederick Lancaster, a 19th-century beche-de-mer fisherman.

Thursday Island & Torres Strait Islands
Take a guided coach tour across Thursday Island to learn about its cultural and historical landmarks. Stop at the Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial and the monument to Bernard Namok Sr., designer of the Torres Strait Islands Flag. Browse and purchase art at local galleries and enjoy traditional performances.

Tip of Cape York
Stand at the northernmost point of Australia—Cape York’s iconic tip. Toast the moment with a glass of sparkling wine as the sun sets over the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Gulf of Carpentaria
Cruise through the Gulf of Carpentaria and attend expert-led presentations during a day at sea.

Yirrkala & Hole in the Wall
At Yirrkala, visit the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Center, home to Yolngu artists. View contemporary art, historical artifacts, and important cultural pieces like the Yirrkala Church Panels. Later, cruise through the dramatic “Hole in the Wall,” a narrow channel between Raragala and Guluwuru Islands.

Elcho Island
Receive a warm welcome from the Elcho Island community. Meet local artists whose work appears in major museums around the world, including the Louvre.

Maningrida
Go ashore to visit the Djomi Museum and the Babbarra Women’s Center. Browse and purchase unique Indigenous textiles and artworks directly from local artists.

Cobourg Peninsula – Victoria Settlement
Explore Garig Gunak Barlu National Park and walk among the ruins of Fort Victoria. Learn about the failed British settlement and search for local wildlife, including monitor lizards and crocodiles.

Tiwi Islands
Join a smoking ceremony and dance on the Tiwi Islands. Learn about Tiwi culture from local guides, visit the art center, and enjoy traditional demonstrations in painting and weaving. End the visit with damper and billy tea, a classic Australian bush refreshment.

Day 12: Darwin, Australia | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive and disembark at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 8:30am. Post cruise transfers to CBD hotels or the airport are included. If you’re not transferring directly to the airport why not spend the day enjoying the tropical city of Darwin with its landscaped waterfront and harborside Wave Pool.

Ship/Hotel

Coral Discoverer

Coral Discoverer
Bridge Deck Bar aboard the Coral Discoverer

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$8,585 2-3 travelers
Rates displayed are based on the current exchange rate from the Australian Dollar, and therefore may fluctuate
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.
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.
Promenade Deck B
Averaging 160 sq. ft. Four cabins located on the Promenade Deck, equipped with picture windows, desk, telephone and Junior King bedding.
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.
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.
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 11 Dinners
  • 11 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and kayaks
  • All excursions with our Expedition Team
  • Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
  • Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
  • Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
  • Post-cruise transfers (in most destinations)
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry Service
  • Entry visas/Travel permits
  • Alcoholic drinks including beer and wine outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Internet 
  • Pre-cruise transfers
  • Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
  • Pre and post cruise accommodation
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Optional Extras (in some destinations)

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

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