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Access the shore aboard the specially designed expedition vessel Xplorer

Cape York & Arnhem Land

Example 13 Day Cruise aboard Coral Discoverer
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Enjoy the opportunity to explore Australia's northern coastline in this 13-day exploration visiting the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, the ‘Tip of Australia’ at Cape York, the Arnhem Land Coast, and the rarely visited Tiwi Islands. Learn of traditional Tiwi culture in the remote Bathurts and Melville Islands, and enjoy the opportunity to swim or snorkel in the clear tropical waters of Lizard Island. 
Clownfish spotted on snorkeling tripSnorkel the vibrant waters of the South PacificSnorkel off of Australia's beautiful coastNorth Australian bushAccess the shore aboard the specially designed expedition vessel Xplorer
Highlights
  • Enjoy a gourmet Aussie Beach BBQ as the sun sets over the Arafura Sea
  • Visit Thursday Island to learn about the cultures of Torres Strait
  • View indigenous art at the Nhulunbuy art centers and on Echo Island
  • Explore Lizard Island and the northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Embark in Darwin

Boarding commences at Fort Hill Wharf in Darwin ahead of a 6:00 pm departure. This evening enjoy the Captain's Welcome Drinks before sitting down to the first of many delicious dinners as the ship crosses the Arafura Sea.

Day 2: Tiwi Islands

Visit Bathurst and Melville Island and learn from traditional Tiwi people of the unique cultures of the Tiwi islanders. Visit their fascinating art centers and perhaps purchase wonderful screen-printing, art, woodcarvings and pottery. Witness a smoking ceremony, traditional basket weaving, and morning tea with the locals, over freshly-cooked damper and billy tea. 

Day 3: Cobourg Peninsula

Enjoy a full day to discover the Cobourg Peninsula. Port Essington is famous for its failed Victoria Settlement. Local National Park rangers guide exploration of the ruins. Also visit the Ranger's Interpretation Center at Black Point.

Day 4: Liverpool River and Maningrida

Anchor in the mighty Liverpool River and travel ashore to explore the Maningrida Art Centre, Museum and local ’boutique’, where hand painted clothing and fabrics are offered for sale. Join the Expedition Team on an Xplorer tour of the river before rejoining the Coral Expeditions I.

Day 5: Elcho Island Artists

Be welcomed by friendly locals to their Elcho Island community. Enjoy insight into their culture and meet some of the local artists who have their unique art exhibited in the famous art galleries of the world, including the Louvre. Enjoy a gourmet Aussie beach BBQ on one of the beautiful islands while toasting the sunset over the Arafura Sea.

Day 6: Wessel Islands | Hole in the Wall | Gove

Depart the Wessel Islands, cruising through 'The Hole in the Wall', Malay Straits and onward to the port of Nhulunbuy (Gove). On disembarking transfer to the Walkabout Lodge, tonight's accommodation.

Day 7: Gulf of Carpentaria

Guest lecturers recap on the voyage and share their knowledge of the region as the ship crosses the Gulf of Carpentaria to Thursday Island.

Day 8: Thursday Island

During the tour of Thursday Island, learn of the history of European settlement and the large pearling fleets. Have the opportunity to observe the distinctly different cultures of the Torres Strait Islanders and the Aboriginals. Following lunch visit the Gab Titui Cultural Center where the children perform traditional dances. Following a short cruise to Cape York go ashore and enjoy the sunset and champagne at the "Tip".

Day 9: Forbes Island and Reef

Enjoy the day exploring historic Forbes Island. While the reef offers some fantastic swimming and snorkeling opportunities, also enjoy a short walk to the summit and enjoy the outlook over the surrounding reef and islands.

Day 10: Davey Reef | Flinders Group of Islands

At Davey Reef and Cay, enjoy swimming and snorkeling and observe the large seabird rookery. Later go ashore at Stanley Island where the Expedition Leader and guides escort a tour of an Endaen Aboriginal rock art gallery depicting sailing ships of the last century. This is a unique art site seldom visited due to its isolated location.

Day 11: Lizard Island

Spend the day at one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast. Enjoy a climb of Cook's Look, enjoy swimming and snorkeling, and a beach walk. Subject to availability, visit the Lizard Island Research Station and learn more about the research being undertaken to help understand and preserve the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 12: Cooktown

Visit historic Cooktown where Captain Cook took refuge during his voyage of discovery. This evening join the Captain and crew for Farewell Drinks.

Day 13: Disembark in Cairns

  • 1 Breakfast
Cross Trinity Bay before arriving into the Port of Cairns at 8:00 am. Say farewell to the Captain, his staff, and new friends at the end of this great adventure.

Ship/Hotel

Coral Discoverer

Coral Discoverer

Coral Discoverer

The Coral Discoverer is an expedition style cruise ship large enough to provide all the comforts of a larger cruise ship, yet small enough to enable access reef and island sites inaccessible to other vessels.
Coral Discoverer
Bridge Deck Bar aboard the Coral Discoverer

Walkabout Lodge

Cape Arnhem Cliffs

Walkabout Lodge

From your base at the Walkabout Lodge in the center of the town of Nhulunbuy, explore the unique landscape of East Arnhem Land, the magnificent fishing in the waters around the Gove Peninsula, and the traditional culture of the indigenous Yolŋu people. The Walkabout Lodge has 40 guest rooms, all of which are air conditioned and equipped with cable TV, a fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, a private bathroom, and outdoor patio area.
Beach at Cape Arnhem at Twin Eagles
Cape Arnhem
Gaparu Waterfall

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Australia Cruises & Tours.
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
  • 12 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners

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