With almost 300 islands dotted across the narrow stretch of water between Cape York and Papua New Guinea, the people of the Torres Strait Islands have a distinct and vibrant culture. An expedition by small ship is the ideal way to access these remote regions, visiting uninhabited sand cays, remote islands and pristine reef systems. Our expert guides will share their knowledge both above and below the water. With decades of experience and a deep respect for the communities of the region, Coral Expeditions will facilitate an enriching journey accompanied and hosted by local elders who will share the customs and stories of this ancient country.
Highlights
Experience the natural beauty of the Torres Strait Islands
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.
Board Coral Discoverer at Cairns Trinity Wharf. Enjoy afternoon tea onboard and a chance to meet your fellow travellers as you set sail northwards. This evening join guests and the friendly crew as you enjoy the Captain’s welcome drinks and sit down to the first of many delicious dinners.
Discover historic Cooktown, with buildings dating back to the 1870’s. Here you will have the choice of a guided indigenous cultural tour, or a guided Cooktown historic tour. You will also have the opportunity for time at leisure to explore Cooktown’s attractions which include art galleries, the botanic gardens, James Cook Museum (with original artefacts from the HMB Endeavour), lookouts, and a walk to the top of Grassy Hill.
Enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of Lizard Island. Join an optional hike to Cook’s Look and be rewarded with exceptional views over the Great Barrier Reef. Learn about the tragic fate of Mary Watson on a walk to her cottage. Snorkel from the beach over giant clam gardens and colourful coral and visit the Lizard Island Research Station.
Osprey Reef is the summit of an undersea 2,000m mountain located beyond the continental shelf with no landmass visible. Enjoy amazing underwater visibility here, and observe magnificent corals, plummeting drop-offs and many fish in the crystalline waters. Osprey Reef is a highly prized tropical dive location amongst scuba divers, called an ‘oasis for living creatures of all kinds’ by Sir David Attenborough.
Osprey Reef is a true expedition-style destination and your visit is subject to appropriate weather conditions.
Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Island Group and take a walk to view the isolated Endaen Aboriginal rock art guided by a traditional owner who will offer an interpretation. The art here depicts the first sailing ships to visit Queensland shores. At Davie Reef enjoy swimming, scuba, snorkelling or glass-bottom boat tours and see Brown Boobie bird colonies at Davie Cay.
Day 6: Forbes Island | Piper Islands National Park
Enjoy the morning exploring Forbes Island, an excellent spot for swimming or snorkeling from the pristine sandy beaches. Take a walk to the grave of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster. This afternoon visit the Piper Islands National Park for beach combing and wildlife viewing. The Piper group consists of five islands (Beesley, Baird, Farmer, and Fisher Islands, and Kay Islet) that lie off the northeast coast of the Cape York Peninsula. These low and vegetated cays are home to many species of birds and are recognized by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area.
Today will be a truly ‘expedition style’ excursion, as you venture into the labyrinth of creeks and mangrove systems that make up the Escape River mouth. The Escape River is a wild and remote region even by Cape York standards, with an abundance of estuarine crocodiles. Steeped in history, it is where explorer Edmund Kennedy was fatally speared by local aboriginal people in 1849. You will go ashore at Turtle Head Island, where you will visit a small pearl farm and learn about the process from the hosts Rusty and Bronwyn, with a chance to purchase some beautiful jewelry made of pearls and shells (no eftpos facilities, bring cash). Later, head ashore to the Tip of Cape York, the northernmost point of mainland Australia and a true bucket list destination. Sip Champagne and explore the surroundings as the sun sets.
Go ashore to Albany Island, also known as Pabaju in the local language. This idyllic tropical island is closely associated with one of QLD’s worst maritime disasters, the tragic sinking of the RMS Quetta in 1890, in which 134 people lost their lives. Today the island is home to a fishing camp where keen anglers can throw a line in. Enjoy a walk to the island interior to see the graves of the ill-fated Kennedy expedition, beach comb, or take an Xplorer cruise around the bay.
Later visit the ruins at Somerset, where a station was established in Gudang country in 1864. It was the first permanent European settlement on the Cape York Peninsula and was planned to be a port and administrative center for the Torres Strait region, but this remote colony became a violent place presided over by the infamous Jardine family. Here you can see the tombstones of Frank Jardine and his wife.
In the morning, visit the Indigenous art center to watch printmakers at work, with the opportunity to purchase prints that catch your eye. Enjoy traditional kai kai (Traditional Lunch) prepared by the local community – a feast of locally caught fresh fish, curried fish, and crayfish.
Join an informative tour of Thursday Island to learn about its interesting pearling history and multicultural influences. At Thursday Island you also have free time to explore all the island has to offer, including Gab Titui Cultural Centre and local shopping.
Day 11: Horn Island | Disembark
1 Breakfast
As you set off on your final Xplorer ride, your incredible adventure of Australia’s North comes to an 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.
$7,920
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Rates displayed are based on the current exchange rate from the Australian Dollar, and therefore may fluctuate
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
Promenade Deck B
Averaging 160 sq. ft. Four cabins located on the Promenade Deck, equipped with picture windows, desk, telephone and Junior King bedding.
Select a Date
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.
Select a Date
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 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 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 my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Continue browsing the site if you're ok with this. For more info, please see our privacy policy.
/140x140.webp)
