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Captured on expedition by Quentin Chester at Gugari Rip

Cape York & Arnhem Land

Cairns to Darwin11 nightsAll InclusiveFrom $12,990.00* PP

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 the islands of the northern Great Barrier Reef, enjoy sunrise at the very ‘Tip of Australia’ at Cape York, and visit art centres in remote Arnhem Land before venturing to Cobourg Peninsula and exploring the Tiwi Islands.
Join us aboard Coral Discoverer in Cairns for a remarkable 11-night voyage of discovery. Develop a rich understanding of the diverse culture in these areas and explore pristine seascapes as we make passage for Darwin through the remote eastern and northern Australian coastlines.

• Explore Lizard Island and the northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef
• Be immersed in the world’s oldest surviving culture in Arnhem Land
• Stand on the very tip of Australia at Cape York for a champagne sunset
• Visit Thursday Island and learn about the cultures of the Torres Strait
• Learn about Indigenous art at Elcho Island and Maningrida Art Centres
• Discover the Arnhem Land coast, once the trading ground of the Makassan people
• Spend a full day exploring the rugged Cobourg Peninsula for historical ruins and fascinating wildlife
• With a local guide, visit the culturally rich Tiwi Islands


Itinerary

Cape York_Arnhem Land_Cairns_Darwin_11 Nights

Cairns wharf departure port

Arrive at Trinity Wharf (berth to be advised) at 4:00pm, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 5:00pm departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard before joining your fellow explorers on the Sun Deck for 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. Later, snorkel over giant clam gardens in the lagoon.

Visit Stanley Island (Yindayin) in the Flinders Group and view the isolated Endaen Aboriginal rock art depicting the first sailing ships to visit Queensland shores, and hear stories from a traditional owner of the Yiithuwarra people. At Davie Reef, enjoy swimming and snorkelling and observe the large seabird rookery. Later we visit the Piper Islands Group, a group of 5 low, vegetated cays abounding with birdlife.

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.

At Thursday Island embark on a coach tour to view the many sites of this historic and culturally diverse island. Disembark at the Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial, and at the monument to Bernard Namok Senior who designed the Torres Strait Islands Flag. Visit and purchase art from renowned art centres and view exciting cultural performances.

Northern Australia Coral Expeditions Cape York

Set foot on the northernmost point of Australia – the tip of Cape York. Celebrate with a glass of sparkling at this iconic location as you watch the sunset over the Gulf of Carpentaria.

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Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with time to attend informative presentations by our guest lecturers.

coral-expeditions-hole-in-the-wall-beach-bbq

Visit the spectacular Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre at Yirrkala, outside of Nhulunbuy. Here, the Yirrkala Art Centre represents Yolngu artists from around the region. Established in 1976 as an act of self-determination, the art centre has forged a vibrant path for Yolngu contemporary art. The museum built in 1988 houses a collection of works detailing historical artefacts and important moments, including the Message Sticks from 1935 and the Yirrkala Church Panels from 1963. Late this afternoon we travel through the narrow channel between Raragala and Guluwuru Islands in the Wessels Group, known as the ‘Hole in the Wall’.

torres-strait-islands-coral-expeditions

The friendly locals of Elcho Island proudly welcome us to their community at Galiwin’ku. Visit the art centre and meet some of the local artists, some of whom have their unique art exhibited in the famous art galleries of the world including the Louvre.

Travel ashore to explore the Djomi museum and the Babbarra Women’s Centre. Maningrida is home to a remarkable art centre and this is a unique opportunity to purchase sought-after Indigenous artworks and textiles directly from the community.

Cobourg Peninsula

The Garig Gunak Barlu National Park is a pristine wilderness. Now it is virtually uninhabited and here we will explore the ruins of historic Fort Victoria and hear the stories of the failed settlement. On a nature walk, learn about bush tucker plants and look for monitor lizards and crocodiles.

Coral Expeditions tiwi islands

Be welcomed to the Tiwi Islands with a smoking ceremony and dancing. With local Tiwi guides, learn about the unique Tiwi culture and visit the art centre. Enjoy a cultural performance and painting or basket-weaving demonstration before enjoying a traditional Australian morning tea of damper and billy tea.

Darwin

Arrive and disembark at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 8:30am. Post cruise transfers to CBD hotels or the airport are included. If you’re not transferring directly to the airport why not spend the day enjoying the tropical city of Darwin with its landscaped waterfront and harbourside Wave Pool.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. 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.



Fares & Availability

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 20m2

Fully Booked

Promenade Deck (Category A)

Picture Window - 18m2

Fully Booked

Promenade Deck (Category B)

Picture Window - 15m2

Fully Booked

Main Deck (Category A)

Rectangle Windows - 18m2

Fully Booked

Main Deck (Category B)

Porthole Windows - 18m2

Fully Booked
Book this Departure

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 20m2

Available

Promenade Deck (Category A)

Picture Window - 18m2

Available

Promenade Deck (Category B)

Picture Window - 15m2

Fully Booked

Main Deck (Category A)

Rectangle Windows - 18m2

Last Staterooms

Main Deck (Category B)

Porthole Windows - 18m2

Fully Booked
Book this Departure

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 20m2

Available

Promenade Deck (Category A)

Picture Window - 18m2

Available

Promenade Deck (Category B)

Picture Window - 15m2

Fully Booked

Main Deck (Category A)

Rectangle Windows - 18m2

Fully Booked

Main Deck (Category B)

Porthole Windows - 18m2

Fully Booked
Book this Departure

Prices are per person twin share, listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST.  Booking Terms & Conditions >
For solo traveller rates see our Solo Traveller Program.


Additional Information

Inclusions:

  • All excursions with our Expedition Team
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
  • Snorkelling equipment
  • Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
  • All meals, chef-prepared on board
  • Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
  • Expedition diary, along with a photo and video gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage
  • Post-cruise transfers
  • Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging

Not Included:

  • Pre-cruise transfers
  • Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
  • Pre and post cruise accommodation
  • Travel Insurance
  • Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
  • Alcoholic & non alcoholic specialty beverages outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Laundry service (available at a cost)
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Optional Extras (in some destinations)

OTHER INFORMATION

 

More Information
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