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.
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
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.
Arrive at Darwin Fort Hill Wharf by 8:00 am and settle into your stateroom before the 9:00 am departure. Spend the day exploring the ship’s amenities and getting to know fellow travelers. In the evening, join the Captain’s Welcome Drinks followed by the first of many dinners onboard.
Note for October 5, 2025, Darwin departure: Coral Adventurer departs from Darwin East Arm Wharf on October 5, 2025. Due to the wharf location, pre-cruise transfers are included. Pick-up is scheduled for 6:00 am from a designated location, which will be shared in your pre-departure documents. Boarding begins at 7:00 am.
Over the next several days, explore these key destinations:
WURRUMIYANGA (TIWI ISLANDS)
Step ashore on Bathurst Island and meet local Tiwi guides who share insights into Tiwi culture. Visit the art center, watch a cultural performance, and see a basket-weaving demonstration. Enjoy traditional Australian damper and billy tea.
COBOURG PENINSULA
Discover Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the remote Cobourg Peninsula. In Port Essington, walk through the ruins of the Victoria Settlement with park rangers and learn about its colonial history.
MANINGRIDA
Anchor in the Liverpool River and head ashore to explore the Maningrida Art Center, museum, and boutique, where hand-painted textiles are available for purchase.
HOLE IN THE WALL AND WESSEL ISLANDS
Cruise through the narrow channel between Raragala and Guluwuru Islands, famously called the “Hole in the Wall.”
YIRRKALA ART CENTER AND BREMER ISLAND
Visit the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Center at Yirrkala, home to contemporary Yolŋu art and historical artifacts like the 1935 Message Sticks and 1963 Church Panels. In the afternoon, explore Bremer Island (Dhambaliya), where a beach retreat built in partnership with the Yolŋu people offers beachcombing, birdwatching, and scenic walks.
CRUISING THE GULF OF CARPENTARIA
Relax during a day at sea with guest lectures on Makassan traders and early European explorers of Arnhem Land.
BADU ISLAND
Visit Badu Island’s acclaimed art center and experience the islanders’ hospitality.
THURSDAY ISLAND (WAIBEN)
Take a guided tour of Thursday Island and learn about its pearling history and cultural diversity. Use your free time to visit the Gab Titui Cultural Center or shop at local stores.
TIP OF CAPE YORK (PAJINKA)
Sail to the northernmost point of mainland Australia and toast the view with champagne as the sun sets.
FORBES ISLAND (WUTHARA)
Spend the day swimming or snorkeling from the beaches of Forbes Island. Take a short walk to the grave of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster.
DAVIE REEF AND FLINDERS GROUP
Stop at Stanley Island (Yindayin) to view Aboriginal rock art that depicts early European sailing ships. Swim, snorkel, and see seabirds at Davie Reef.
LIZARD ISLAND (DYIIGURRA)
Swim and snorkel in clear waters or walk along the beaches of Lizard Island. Hike to Cook’s Look, where Captain Cook spotted a safe passage through the reef.
Day 12: Cairns, Australia | Disembark
1 Breakfast
The Cape York Arnhem Land adventure concludes in Cairns this morning as you bid farewell to newfound friends, the Master, and crew, disembarking at 8:00 am.
A complimentary transfer is provided to CBD hotels or the airport. Transfers to the Northern Beaches or Port Douglas can be arranged on board with the Purser (at cost), if not already arranged prior to embarkation.
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.
$8,715
Rates displayed are based on the current exchange rate from the Australian Dollar, and therefore may fluctuate
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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.
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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.
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Promenade Deck B
Averaging 160 sq. ft. Four cabins located on the Promenade Deck, equipped with picture windows, desk, telephone and Junior King bedding.
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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.
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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
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
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