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11 Nights | Departing Cairns, arriving Darwin | Coral Discoverer
Our expedition across the Tip of Australia offers an immersion into the diverse and ancient Indigenous cultures of remote Cape York, Arnhem Land and the Torres Strait Islands.
On this small ship voyage into prehistoric landscapes, learn about the song-lines and lore that shaped these ancient cultures, allowing your expert guides to interpret your surroundings including the world’s oldest rock art that shows depictions of extinct animals and tells that stories of seafarers long before British colonisation. You will learn how generations have passed down artistic traditions, and how this important cultural legacy is flourishing at world-renown art centres in Yirrkala and Nhulunbuy. Watch Elders share their story through art at Maningrida before sailing to secluded Lizard Island where you will snorkel in azure waters over giant clam gardens and stroll over the white sand beaches of Watsons Bay before taking a tour of Australia Museum’s Lizard Island Research Station, globally recognised as a world-leading research facility on the Great Barrier Reef.
The Cape York and Arnhem Land expedition is a fascinating tapestry that immerses keen explorers in the very best of Australia’s northern coastline.
Guests onboard will explore some of the finest locations of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, enjoy sunrise at the very ‘Tip of Australia’ at Cape York, before venturing into the remote Arnhem Land Coast and the rarely visited Tiwi Islands. Join us aboard Coral Discoverer in Cairns for a remarkable 11-night voyage of discovery to Darwin, visiting otherwise inaccessible locations and developing a rich understanding of the culture of the traditional owners of the Torres Strait and Arnhem Land.
At the start of your expedition, choose to swim and snorkel in the clear tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the northern reef and tour the fascinating Lizard Island Research Station to learn how scientists are preserving the reef for future generations. Savour a glass of champagne as the sun rises over the northern ‘Tip of Australia’ on Cape York Peninsula and discover the fascinating history of the Torres Strait Islands.
As you travel west, you’ll meet artists who have exhibited in galleries around the world, and visit remote art centres. You’ll learn of the Macassan sailors of the 17th century as we cruise the Arnhem Land coast, and experience the warm hospitality of the rarely-visited Tiwi Islanders as they share their ancient culture and traditional lifestyles with us.
Article: R.M Williams Outback Magazine – Northern Wonders
Adjoining Cruise: Save 10% on both cruises when you book an adjoining cruise such as our Kimberley Coastal cruise
Reverse Direction: The same cruise, but Art Themed and departing from Darwin and arriving in Cairns.
| CORAL DISCOVERER | TWIN SHARE PER PERSON | SOLE USE* |
|---|---|---|
| Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom | $16,690 | n/a |
| Promenade Deck (Category A) | $14,290 | n/a |
| Promenade Deck (Category B) | n/a | $19,725 |
| Main Deck (Category A) | $12,550 | n/a |
| Main Deck (Category B) | $11,990 | n/a |
Prices are per person, listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST. *Limited sole use occupancy available.
Embark: Board at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 4:00pm for 5:00pm departure.
Disembark: Arrive and disembark at Darwin Fort Hill Wharf at 08:00am.
The below itinerary is indicative. No two cruises with Coral Expeditions will be the same, with each expedition crafted by our experienced Masters and Expedition Leaders. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. Coral Expeditions suggests that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.
Board Coral Discoverer at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 4:00pm for a 5:00pm departure. Enjoy lunch on board and a chance to meet your fellow travellers as we set sail northwards. This evening join guests and the friendly crew as we enjoy the Captain’s welcome drinks and sit down to the first of many delicious dinners.
Explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast, and venture into the crystal clear waters for swimming and snorkelling or take a walk along the white sand beach. The more energetic may join our guides on a walk to ‘Cook’s Look’ on the island’s peak and the highest lookout on this part of the reef. From this high point, Captain Cook was able to navigate a safe passage back through the treacherous waters after repairing the HMB Endeavour near Cooktown over 250 years ago. A photographer’s delight, the views from the lookout over the World Heritage-listed reef and surrounding tropical islands are magnificent.
Visit Stanley Island 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 snorkelling and observe the large seabird rookery.
Enjoy a day exploring Forbes Island, an excellent spot for swimming or snorkelling from the pristine sandy beaches. Take a walk to the grave of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster.
Go ashore at the northernmost point of the Australian continent as the sun rises, and sip champagne to welcome the new day.
Anchoring at Thursday Island, learn about the historic pearling fleet and the cultural differences between the Torres Strait and Aboriginal peoples. You may also visit other Torres Strait islands, such as Badu or Moa.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with time to attend informative presentations by our guest lecturers.
We travel through the narrow channel between Raragala and Guluwuru Islands, known as the ‘Hole in the Wall’.
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.
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.
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.
Visit remote Bathurst Island. 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.
Arrive in Darwin and disembark at 8:30am.
| Departure | Departure | Arrival | Arrival | Cost Per Person | Cost PP | Ship | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04 April 2021 | 04 Apr 2021 | 15 April 2021 | 15 Apr 2021 | $11,990 to $16,690 | $11,990 to $16,690 | Coral Discoverer | Filling Fast | Book |
| Departure | Departure | Arrival | Arrival | Cost Per Person | Cost PP | Ship | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 July 2021 | 18 Jul 2021 | 29 July 2021 | 29 Jul 2021 | $11,990 to $16,690 | $11,990 to $16,690 | Coral Discoverer | Available | Book |
| Departure | Departure | Arrival | Arrival | Cost Per Person | Cost PP | Ship | Availability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03 April 2022 | 03 Apr 2022 | 14 April 2022 | 14 Apr 2022 | $11,990 to $16,690 | $11,990 to $16,690 | Coral Discoverer | Available | Book |
Your cruise price includes:
Your cruise price does not include:
Tipping not required:
Other cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your account and service charges to your bar invoices. On our vessels, our crew has no other agenda than your delight.
Our friendly reservations specialists are on hand to assist with your booking arrangements to ensure your holiday runs as smoothly as possible. Contact our team on 1800 079 545 during business hours in Australia or email explore@coralexpeditions.com
Comprehensive Travel Insurance is strongly recommended for all travellers as protection against any unforeseen events that may necessitate the cancellation or interruption of your holiday and should be purchased at the same time as you purchase your cruise. It should also include emergency evacuation and repatriation cover.
Beautiful tropical and modern contemporary style is awaiting you at the Novotel Oasis Cairns Resort. Each spacious room features air-conditioning and a private balcony or terrace facing the resort pools, tropical gardens or Cairns city. A short stroll leads to many local restaurants and the Cairns waterfront with it many attractions.
The Pullman Cairns International (formerly Sebel International) is a beautiful five star heritage-style hotel, located right in the heart of the Cairns CBD. The hotel boasts 321 rooms, your choice of Executive Suites, Premium Rooms, Harbour View Rooms, or City Mountain View Rooms. All rooms are very spacious and include private balconies. Bathrooms feature Italian marble, with back-heated mirrors.
Nestled in the heart of Cairns just 200m from Trinity Wharf, the 5-star Pullman Reef Hotel offers luxuriously appointed rooms in an unmistakably Tropical North Queensland style and feature light timbers, plantation shutters, spa bath and private garden balcony. Outstanding service awaits at the Pullman.
Superbly located right on the Esplanade partially overlooking Trinity Harbour and park lands, with easy access to the restaurant precinct, night markets and more. All rooms have private balconies and feature tea and coffee facilities and WIFI. The popular Bushfire Flame Grill features Brazilian inspired, Australian style BBQ.
Located in a prime position close to the waterfront, the Doubletree by Hilton Esplanade offers comfortable and well appointed rooms, a large outdoor pool and friendly, relaxed service. Just a short stroll from all of the attractions of the city, the restaurants of Mitchell Street and art galleries.
Overlooking Darwin Harbour, Hilton Darwin offers fabulous Esplanade views and an ideal location in the heart of the city. Enjoy contemporary features, great location and a welcoming service every time you stay. The elegant rooms and suites are loaded with thoughtful amenities and many have stunning Harbour views. We also offers Mitchell’s Grill restaurant with innovative Australian cuisine, high-floor outdoor pool, gym, flexible meeting space and more.
The Darwin Central Hotel is located on a prime position in the heart of Darwin’s Central Business District on the corner of Smith and Knuckey Streets, opposite the Smith Street Shopping Mall.
Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront is located in the heart of the Darwin Waterfront precinct with close proximity to the CBD and overlooking the Darwin Waterfront Recreational Lagoon and man-made Wave Lagoon.
Adina is the perfect choice for discerning travellers with central locations across Australia, New Zealand and Europe. Offering a range of spacious accommodation for guests including: studios, one, two and three bedroom apartments.