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Houses along the shoreline of Thursday Island

Saltwater Country and Culture

Darwin to Cairns - Example 14 Day Cruise aboard Coral Adventurer
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Experience Australia’s northern coastline on a 14-day cruise from Darwin to Cairns aboard Coral Adventurer. Cruise through the Tiwi Islands, Arnhem Land, Cape York, and the Torres Strait. Engage directly with Tiwi, Yolŋu, Gumatj, and Torres Strait Islander communities through art, dance, storytelling, and hands-on cultural activities. Cruise RAMSAR-listed wetlands, observe diverse birdlife, and walk coastal trails revealing ancient rock art and Makassan trade history. Visit Thursday Island, Masig, Mer, and Stanley Island to learn how culture, climate, and creativity shape daily life. Zodiac cruises, guided walks, and onboard talks deepen understanding. This voyage stands apart through rare access, community-led experiences, and a strong focus on Indigenous agency, culture, and connection to sea country.
Rugged coastline of Stanley Island and Cape MelvilleTiwi Islands cultural statueTiwi Islands local peopleCoastline of Galiwin'kuViews from Stanley IslandHouses along the shoreline of Thursday Island
Highlights
  • Visit Tiwi Islands communities through art, dance, and storytelling
  • Land on Stanley Island to view rare rock art of ships
  • Share cultural experiences with Gumatj people at Bawaka homeland
  • Discover Thursday Island history of pearling and Torres Strait identity
Places Visited
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 | Wurrumiyanga | Embark

Board in Darwin and sail to the Tiwi Islands. Engage with local artists through performances and storytelling. Visit Tiwi Design and the Patakijiyali Museum to explore the Tiwi people’s cultural practices and creative heritage.

Day 2-13: Arnhem Land, Torres Strait, and Tiwi Islands Exploration

strong>Melville Island | Milikapiti
Experience traditional Tiwi knowledge meeting modern sustainability. Visit Milikapiti Farm and Nursery and hear from Tiwi Land and Sea Rangers on their pioneering role in Australia’s carbon economy.

RAMSAR Wetlands, Cobourg Peninsula
Cruise through Australia’s first RAMSAR-listed wetlands at sunrise. Encounter mangroves, monsoon forests, and over 230 bird species during an Xplorer-led birdwatching expedition across this globally significant ecosystem.

Elcho Island | Galiwin’ku
Engage with Yolŋu culture through bark painting, spear making, and bush tucker walks. Meet students from the local Maritime College and gain insight into how traditional knowledge shapes future pathways.

Daliwuy Bay, Cape Arnhem
Walk the 3.2km coastal trail with Dhimurru Rangers to view the heritage Wurrwurrwuy stone pictures, records of early trade with Makassan visitors. Later, cruise along striking volcanic red coastlines by Xplorer.

Port Bradshaw | Bawaka
Be welcomed to Bawaka homeland for stories, song, and dance with the Gumatj people. Share lunch with locals and cruise to the secluded Lonely Beach, where the land and sea connect in quiet splendor.

At Sea
Sail eastward, taking time to reflect on the stories, knowledge, and landscapes shared. Enjoy onboard presentations and horizon views as you cross towards the Torres Strait.

Thursday Island & Pajinka (The Tip)
Tour Thursday Island’s cultural landmarks and hear stories of the Torres Strait flag and pearl diving past. As evening falls, raise a glass at Pajinka, the northernmost point of Australia.

Masig (Yorke) Island
Join the vibrant Masig Island community for dance, music, and conversation about resilience and climate action. Enjoy a traditional meal and optional workshops in weaving, bush foods, or spear fishing.

Mer (Murray) Island
Visit the ancestral lands of Eddie Mabo and meet local artisans of the Black Bamboo enterprise. Explore the volcanic shores of Waua Islet and hear how community creativity sustains cultural and economic strength.

Sea Day
Sail the Coral Sea’s tranquil waters, with time for reflection and discussions led by the guest lecturers on Indigenous agency, art, and the environment.

Stanley Island | Yindayin
Disembark for a guided walk to the remarkable rock art galleries depicting early European sailing ships. Learn from Traditional Owners about the reclamation of their ancestral lands.

Day 14: Cairns | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive in Cairns at 9:00am. Disembark after breakfast with included transfers to local hotels or the airport, carrying with you the spirit of saltwater country and its people.

Ship/Hotel

Coral Adventurer

Coral Adventurer
Coral Adventurer
Coral Adventurer

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$11,370 2-3 travelers
Rates displayed are based on the current exchange rate from the Australian Dollar, and therefore may fluctuate
Coral Adventurer
Coral Deck Stateroom
Identical to the Promenade Deck Staterooms except for their location one deck below. These staterooms have twin portholes rather than picture windows.
Coral Adventurer
Promenade Deck Stateroom
Located below the Explorer deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk, and armchair are included.
Coral Adventurer
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
Comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk, and armchair are included.
Coral Adventurer
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk, and armchair are included.
Coral Adventurer
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
Suites are equipped with a lounge area, minibar, and personal coffee machine. They have special King sized beds which can be separated into two singles.

Notes

Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates
Included
  • 13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners
  • 13 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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