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Explore the beautiful coastline of northern Australia

Cape York & Arnhem Land - Art Themed

Cairns - Darwin - Example 12 Day Cruise aboard Coral Discoverer
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Embark on a 12-day cruise aboard Coral Discoverer from Darwin through the Tiwi Islands, Arnhem Land, and Torres Strait. Begin with experiences at Tiwi Designs, exploring the oldest and most diverse art centers in Australia, and continue to Maningrida, where visits to the Arts Centre, Djomi Museum, and Babbarra Women’s Centre offer insights into indigenous artistic heritage. Discover the Elcho Island Art Centre at Galiwin’ku and witness the blend of traditional and contemporary art forms on the Torres Strait Islands. Stand at the tip of Australia, enjoying a champagne sunset, and explore the historical ruins and wildlife at the Cobourg Peninsula. Engage in workshops with renowned Torres Strait artist Brian Robinson, gaining firsthand experience in indigenous artistic traditions. Journey through Arnhem Land, exploring its rugged coast and learning about the ancient Makassar trading culture. Dive into the vibrant reefs of the Great Barrier Reef at Lizard Island, concluding an enriching expedition along Australia’s northern coastline.
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
  • Experience the world’s oldest surviving culture in Arnhem Land
  • Explore the beautiful Cobourg Peninsula and its huge variety of wildlife
  • Witness the vibrant culture of the Tiwi people at Bathurst Island
  • Explore Lizard Island and the northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef
Activities
Places Visited
  • Australia
  • South Pacific
  • Cairns
  • Darwin
  • Cape York
  • Cobourg Peninsula
  • Elcho Island
  • Forbes Island
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Gulf of Carpentaria
  • Hole in the Wall
  • Lizard Island
  • Maningrida
  • Oceania
  • Stanley Island
  • Thursday Island
  • Tiwi Islands
  • Torres Strait
  • Wessel 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 | Embark

Arrive at Darwin Fort Hill Wharf at 8:00 am, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 9:00 am departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard as you spend the day getting to know your fellow travelers. Enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks before the first of many delicious dinners.

Day 2-11: Explore Northern Australia

Over the next several days, here are some of the locations you will visit:

WURRUMIYANGA (TIWI ISLANDS)

Visit remote Bathurst Island, where with local Tiwi guides we learn of the unique culture and visit the art centre. Be welcomed with a cultural performance and basket-weaving exhibition before enjoying a traditional Australian afternoon tea of damper and billy tea.

PIRLANGIMPI (TIWI ISLANDS)

Today visit remote Melville Island and learn about both traditional and contemporary art on a visit to wholly Indigenous-owned Munupi Arts at Pirlangimpi. We will have the opportunity to purchase traditional Tiwi artworks including paintings, fabrics, carving, pottery, and clothing at island prices.

COBOURG PENINSULA

Discover Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the Cobourg Peninsula. Join Park Rangers in Port Essington, famous for the failed Victoria Settlement, and explore the ruins while learning about the fascinating history of this early colonial outpost.

MANINGRIDA

Anchor in the mighty 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: GALIWIN'KU AND GAWA

The friendly locals of Elcho Island proudly welcome us to their community this morning. Meet some of the local artists who have their unique art exhibited in the famous art galleries of the world including the Louvre. In the afternoon, visit the community and school of Gawa.

HOLE IN THE WALL AND WESSEL ISLANDS

We travel through the narrow channel between Raragala and Guluwuru Islands, known as the ‘Hole in the Wall’.

YIRRKALA ART CENTRE

Visit the spectacular Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre at Yirrkala, outside of Nhulunbuy.  Here, the Yirrkala Art Centre represents Yolŋu artists from around the region.

Established in 1976 as an act of self-determination, the art center has forged a vibrant path for Yolŋu contemporary art. The museum built in 1988 houses a collection of works detailing historical artefacts and important moments, including the Message Sticks from 1935 and the Yirrkala Church Panels from 1963.

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 & TORRES STRAIT

Have the unique opportunity to visit Badu Island.  Visit the fabulous art center and enjoy the hospitality of the Badu islanders. We may visit additional Torres Strait Islands, such as Moa Island.

THURSDAY ISLAND (WAIBEN)

Join an informative tour of Thursday Island to learn about its interesting pearling history and multicultural influences. At Thursday Island we also have free time to explore all the island has to offer, including Gab Titui Cultural Centre and local shopping.

TIP OF CAPE YORK (PAJINKA)

Cruise to the Tip of Cape York and enjoy champagne while the sun sets.

FORBES ISLAND (WUTHARA)

Enjoy a day 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.

DAVIE REEF AND FLINDERS GROUP

Visit Stanley Island (Yindayin) in the Flinders Group, and view the isolated Endaen Aboriginal rock art depicting the first sailing ships to visit Queensland shores. At Davie Reef, enjoy swimming and snorkeling and observe the large seabird rookery.

LIZARD ISLAND (DYIIGURRA)

Explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland coast. Venture into the crystal clear waters for swimming and snorkeling or take a walk along the sparkling white beach. An energetic guided walk leads to Cook’s Look – from this peak, Captain James Cook was able to sight a navigable passage through the treacherous reef after repairing the HMB Endeavour.

Day 12: Cairns, Australia | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Our Cape York Arnhem Land adventure concludes in Cairns this morning as we bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master, and crew, disembarking at 8:00 am.

Ship/Hotel

Coral Discoverer

Coral Discoverer
Bridge Deck Bar aboard the Coral Discoverer

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$9,365 2-3 travelers
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
  • 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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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
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