Expedition Cruises Of Cape York, Arnhem Land & The Torres Strait
Become immersed in the ancient Indigenous cultures and prehistoric landscapes of Australia’s northern coastline on a voyage of discovery that takes you far off the beaten track in Arnhem Land, to the very tip of Australia at Cape York, and into the Torres Strait. Experience traditions unchanged for centuries, sacred rock art and remote lands only permitted accessible by a fortunate few. Learn and understand the song lines and lore that shaped this ancient culture, and allow your expert guides to interpret ancient rock art. See how generations have passed on artistic traditions, and how this important cultural legacy is being kept alive today. Coral Expeditions has had the privilege of introducing guests to this remarkable culture for over three decades, so guests receive personal experiences conducted with the utmost respect and cultural sensitivity.
Explore the remote Cape York & Arnhem Land, focusing on renowned Indigenous art centres. This themed expedition will be curated by a traditional artist who will provide an in-depth, immersive experience in these culturally rich areas. There will be hosted art classes onboard, giving you the opportunity to create your own unique pieces.
Departs October 2023 & 2024, August 2025
Discover the Northern Australian coastline and experience rich culture and history. Explore the far reaches of Cape York, visit Indigenous rock art sites and spend time in the remote communities of Arnhem Land and the Torres Strait. Stand on the very tip of Australia and learn how the people of the Tiwi Islands keep their culture alive.
Departs March 2024 & April 2025
With almost 300 islands dotted across the narrow stretch of water between Cape York and Papua New Guinea, the people of the Torres Strait have a distinct culture. A small ship expedition is the ideal way to access these remote regions and guests will have the opportunity to meet these island communities and share their culture in a sustainable environment.
Departs October 2024
Cape York, Arnhem Land & Torres Strait Voyage Logs
Discover Australia’s Top End onboard Coral Discoverer
The nimble and manoeuvrable Coral Discoverer is ideally built for this region. Her shallow draught enables her to get up close to destinations. She also boasts ocean views from all public spaces, making Cape York, Arnhem Land & The Torres Strait come alive from onboard. Xplorer and Zodiac boats are ideal for exploring the incredible and remote waterways on these expeditions.
Cruising Australia’s Remote North
Our team of Expedition Leaders and regular Guest Lecturers have a wealth of knowledge of the unique landscapes, flora and fauna and Indigenous cultures of Australia’s north. Passionate explorers, marine biologists, and naturalists, they provide onboard lectures and interpretation. Meet the Tiwi people of Bathurst and Melville Islands, the Yolngu clans of Arnhem Land, and the Torres Strait Islanders of Thursday, Badu and Moa Islands. You’ll also discover a remote and captivating natural wilderness as you swim and snorkel over the colourful coral gardens of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, go ashore on rarely visited islands, and cruise through coastal rivers shaped by countless monsoon seasons.
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair Partnership
Understanding the Remarkable Lands of Northern Australia with Ian Morris
Connecting with Art, Culture & Community through Cape York, Arnhem Land & the Torres Strait
Posts from our Cape York & Arnhem Land voyages
📷 Some of the great photos from Coral Discoverer at Thursday Island and Cape York while on her Cape York and Arnhem Land expedition!
Visit our website to learn about our Cape York & Arnhem Land voyages
#CoralDiscoverer #CapeYork #ThursdayIsland #SeeAustralia #expeditioncruise #travel #cruise
Mar 29
"Our day began at Forbes Island, where Ian gave a historical rundown of the island before guests were given the opportunity to either go snorkelling or take a stroll to Frederick Lancaster`s grave. After a successful morning, we returned to Coral Discoverer and departed for Farmer Island, where we walked around the island, finding various marine critters and seeing many of the small honeyeaters and woodswallows. Later on, we had the pleasure of listening to a musical performance by the Traditional Owner, Danny Gordan, who played the guitar and sang for us. His outstanding performance earned him a standing ovation from the guests."
- Expedition Leader Jamie Anderson, 26 March 2023
Visit our website to discover Cape York & Arnhem Land
#CoralDiscoverer #CapeYork #ArnhemLand #FrobesIsland #FarmerIsland #SeeAustralia #expeditioncruise #travel #cruise
Mar 27
Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Island Group and take a walk to view the isolated Endaen Aboriginal rock art guided by a traditional owner who will offer an interpretation. The art here depicts the first sailing ships to visit Queensland shores.
🎥 Expedition Leader: @karla_inthewild
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#expedition #cruise #expeditionleader #indigenous #exploreaustralia #cruiseship #australianadventure #weareexplorers #takemetoaustralia #seeaustralia #discoveraustralia #australiagram #wanderoutyonder #adventure #adventuretourism #explore #visitqueensland #queensland #thetip
Nov 5
"Today the conditions were fantastic at Osprey Reef, the visibility was incredible. There were lots of pelagic fish hanging around the drop-off and plenty of different reef fish as well. It was some of the best snorkeling I’ve ever seen. We departed for another mooring at Osprey in the afternoon. It was just as good as the morning with an abundance of marine life to marvel at".
- Expedition Leader Alistair Kent, 29 Oct 2022
#hellotorresstrait #seeaustralia #capeyork #queenslandtravel #thisisqueensland #ExploreTNQ #CoralDiscoverer
Oct 31
Enjoy a day exploring Forbes Island, an excellent spot for swimming, scuba, snorkelling or glass-bottom boat tours from the pristine sandy beaches. Hear the story of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster who inhabited this island and visit his gravesite.
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🎥 Expedition Leader @karla_inthewild
#CoralExpeditions #CoralDiscoverer #ExploreTNQ #ExploreCairnsGBR #SeeAustralia #HolidayHereThisYear #GreatBarrierReef #Cairns #thetip #ExpeditionCruise #ThisIsQueensland
Oct 28
"It was a lovely calm day at Forbes Island and the water was very refreshing. While snorkeling we saw a reef system that has been battered in the past but is recovering well with lots of small fish as well as giant clams and new coral. Our next stop was Farmer Island, where we walked around talking about the abundance of birds we saw as well as all the marine critters we found on the exposed reef flats".
- Expedition Leader Alistair Kent, 27 Oct 20022
#hellotorresstrait #seeaustralia #capeyork #queenslandtravel #thisisqueensland #ExploreTNQ #CoralDiscoverer #thetip
Oct 28
"Upon arrival at Turtlehead Island we met Rusty and Bron who own and operate Torres Pearls. We gathered in the shade and Bron introduced us to the coulourful history of the island. Then Rusty started talking about the pearling industry and their farm. Our visit to Turtlehead Island is always a good one. Rusty and Bron are always happy to see us, and Rusty’s yarns could keep us laughing and engaged all day. Next we headed up the Escape river for a mangrove cruise. We saw many different bird species and talked about the biodiversity of FNQ. Arriving at the tip some of us were eager for more exploring but for those that were happy to stay on the boat enjoyed a glass of bubbles as they watched the sunset and a beautiful one it was".
- Alistair Kent, 26 Oct 2022
#hellotorresstrait #seeaustralia #capeyork #queenslandtravel #thisisqueensland #ExploreTNQ
Oct 27
"Our Circumnavigation of Australia guests awoke to a stunning morning at the mouth of the Escape River. The famous Rusty and his beautiful wife Bronwyn were there to welcome us with open arms as we landed the Xplorer on Torres Pearl Farm. Our guests were able to explore this remote Pearl Farm and the layers of history on its grounds. Rusty then welcomed us all into his outdoor display centre and gave our guests an amazing insight into the growing, seeding, harvesting and production of his beautiful saltwater pearls. After many yarns and a few sneaky pearl purchases it was time to wave goodbye to our old friends. We then went for a cruise up the Escape River in amongst the mangroves systems. Whimbrels were scattering from their mangrove perches letting out their distinct high pitch calls. A Torresian Kingfisher was perched high in tree top looking on intently for its next meal. Ian explained the intricacies of the mangrove habitats and its inhabitants. Back onboard, Goyma gave a presentation on "Bush Foods of Northern Australia". Afterwards it was time for afternoon tea and the Reef Pilot had organised us a special transit through Albany passage, so while we were transiting through this narrow gap between the historical settlement of Sommerset and Albany Island, Ian gave some interesting interpretation from the Bridge Deck Aft. This evening we had made it to the Northern most Tip of Australia. We landed the Xplorers just next to the sign and we were able to enjoy a champagne on the shore and celebrate this milestone on our epic lap around Australia."
- Expedition Leader Cara Cavanagh, 23 Oct 2022.
#CircumnavigationOfAustralia #AustraliaCircumnavigation #CoralAdventurer #ExpeditionCruise #Cruise #SeeAustralia #TheTip #ExploreTNQ #CapeYork #AdventureTravel
Oct 24
Thursday Island is traditionally the land of the Kaurareg Aboriginal people, located 30 kilometres form the northern tip of Cape York, Queensland.
Torres Strait Creole is the dominant language spoken by the Islanders, although English is also spoken.
Both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures merge in this region with their traditions being passed down from generation to generation. With open arms they invited us to come and learn about their sea-faring history, connection to the stars and land and their traditional hunting practices.
Their connection to land, passion for their culture and smiles are infectious!
🎥 Expedition Leader: @karla_inthewild
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#expedition #thursdayisland #torresstrait #expeditionleader #exploreaustralia #cruiseship #australianadventure #weareexplorers #takemetoaustralia #seeaustralia #discoveraustralia #australiagram #wanderoutyonder #adventure #adventuretourism #explore #visitqueensland #queensland
Oct 23
Some photos from the week exploring Stanley Island, Forbes Island, The Tip and Mutee Heads.
#CoralDiscoverer #SeeAustralia #TheTip
Oct 22
Some great photos from our Cape York & Arnhem Land Indigenous Art-themed expedition sailing now.
Discover the voyage on our website.
#SeeAustralia #CapeYork #LoveCruise #CoralDiscoverer #CIAF #IndigenousArt #AdventureTravel
Oct 7
Great shot of a brown boobie bird and chick at Davie Cay, with Coral Discoverer and the Xplorer in the background! Captured by guest Julie @roamingredshoes on our Cape York Torres Strait voyage 3 Nov 2021.
🗺️ Cape York & Torres Strait voyages departs 12 & 22 October 2022 between Cairns and Horn Island.
#CoralDiscoverer #CapeYork #TorresStrait #BoobieBird #SeeAustralia #Cruise2022 #ExpeditionCruise
Jan 12
