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Explore the beautiful coastline of northern Australia

Cape York and Arnhem Land - Art Themed

Darwin to Cairns - Example 12 Day Cruise aboard Coral Discoverer
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Embark on a 12-day cruise aboard the Coral Discoverer starting in Darwin and cruising along Australia’s remote northern coast to Cairns. Explore Bathurst Island in the Tiwi Islands with local guides and visit a traditional art center. Walk through colonial ruins in Port Essington on the Cobourg Peninsula and visit Aboriginal art centers in Maningrida and Yirrkala. Navigate the narrow “Hole in the Wall” between the Wessel Islands and spend time on eco-sensitive Bremer Island. Cross the Gulf of Carpentaria while learning about early explorers. Visit Badu and Thursday Islands, discover Forbes Island or alternate stops, and swim or snorkel at Davie Reef. See Aboriginal rock art on Stanley Island and walk to Cook’s Look on Lizard Island. Conclude your adventure in Cairns.
Landscape of North AustraliaVibrant sunset colors over the Australian coastExplore the wonder of coral reefsExplore the wonder of coral reefsDarwin, AustraliaExplore the beautiful coastline of northern Australia
Highlights
  • Explore Victoria Settlement ruins on the Cobourg Peninsula’s coast
  • Visit Tiwi Islands with insight from knowledgeable local guides
  • Learn about Torres Strait culture on Thursday Island tour
  • Snorkel coral reefs off remote and pristine Lizard Island
Places Visited
  • Australia
  • South Pacific
  • Cairns
  • Darwin
  • Cape York
  • Cobourg Peninsula
  • Elcho Island
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Gulf of Carpentaria
  • Lizard Island
  • Maningrida
  • Northern Territory
  • 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: Darwin, Australia and Tiwi Islands | Embark

Arrive Darwin Fort Hill Wharf 7:00am, settle into your stateroom before 8:00am departure, steaming towards Tiwi Islands. Visit Bathurst Island with local guides and learn about the unique culture and art centre. Enjoy a welcome cultural performance, a basket-weaving exhibition and a traditional afternoon tea.

Day 2-11: Explore Northern Australia

Over the next several days, explore these key destinations:

Cobourg Peninsula
Discover Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the remote Cobourg Peninsula, where you can explore unique ecosystems and wildlife. Walk through the Port Essington ruins, learning the fascinating history of the failed Victoria Settlement and early colonial outpost attempts.

Maningrida
Anchor in the mouth of the Liverpool River and travel ashore to explore the Maningrida Art Centre, museum, and the local boutique, where hand-painted textiles can be purchased.

Elcho Island
Friendly locals welcome us to the Galiwin'ku community, proudly sharing their rich culture. Visit the art centre and meet local artists, some of whom are exhibiting unique works in famous world galleries, including the Louvre.

Yirrkala Art Center & Bremer Island
Visit the spectacular Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, located outside Nhulunbuy, which represents Yolŋu artists from across the region. See the 1988 museum housing Message Sticks from 1935 and the Yirrkala Church Panels from 1963. In the afternoon, visit the Bremer Island eco-sensitive retreat, built in collaboration with the Yolngu people.

Cruising the Gulf of Carpentaria
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with presentations by our guest lecturers. You will hear about the fascinating history of the Makassan traders and early explorers of the Arnhem Land coast.

Badu Island
Have the unique opportunity to visit Badu Island. Visit the fabulous art centre and enjoy the hospitality of the Badu islanders.

Thursday Island | Waiben & Tip of Cape York | Pajinka
The Torres Strait consists of 200 beautiful islands, with only 17 of which are inhabited. Visit the Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial and the Bernard Namok Senior monument, where you can enjoy a traditional dance, storytelling, and music show. Enjoy a sunset champagne in Cape York.

Piper Islands National Park & Restoration Island
Spend the morning exploring Forbes Island's excellent swimming, snorkelling, and pristine sandy beaches. Walk to the grave of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster. In the afternoon, visit Piper Islands National Park for beachcombing and wildlife viewing.

Davie Reef and Flinders Group
Visit Stanley Island, where you can view the isolated Endaen Aboriginal rock art, depicting the first sailing ships to visit Queensland's shores. See historical artwork that shows the European arrival. At Davie Reef, enjoy swimming, snorkelling, and observing large seabirds, which are protected in the waters.

Lizard Island | Dyiigurra
Explore secluded Lizard Island, with crystal clear waters, swimming, snorkelling and sparkling white beaches. Enjoy a guided walk to Cook's Look peak, where Captain James Cook sighted navigable passage through the treacherous reef after Endeavour repairs.

Day 12: Cairns, Australia | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Cape York Arnhem Land adventure concludes in Cairns morning, bidding farewell to new friends at 8:00am—complimentary transfer provided to CBD hotels and the airport. Northern Beaches and Port Douglas transfers can be arranged onboard with the Purser at cost, if required.

Ship/Hotel

Coral Discoverer

Coral Discoverer
Bridge Deck Bar aboard the Coral Discoverer

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$8,845 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, 10 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
  • 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
  • Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging
  • Expedition diary, along with a photo and video gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage
  • Post-cruise transfers (where specified)
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
  • 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)
  • Alcoholic & non-alcoholic specialty beverages outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Premium Internet services
  • Pre-cruise transfers

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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