Cape York & Arnhem Land

CORAL DISCOVERER

Coral Discoverer is exceptionally nimble and maneuverable, with a shallow draught to get up close to destinations, ocean views from all public spaces, an expansive open-air sun deck, all outside-facing staterooms, and state-of-the-art tools for exploration including the Xplorer, zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, and kayaks. A floor-to-ceiling refurbishment in 2018 meant she was updated to perfectly accommodate Coral Expeditions’ style of expedition cruising.

CORAL DISCOVERER FACT SHEET

CUISINE & WINE

At Coral Expeditions dining is a celebration of great food and good company enjoyed in extraordinary destinations. People and place are key to enjoyable dining experiences, where food becomes the vehicle for conversation and creating memorable occasions. Our approach to cuisine is about simplicity and generosity, creating dishes bursting with flavour made from fresh ingredients sourced locally and sustainably wherever possible.

MORE ABOUT CUISINE & WINE

TRADITIONAL INDIGENOUS ROCK ART

View the Endaen Aboriginal rock art gallery at Stanley Island; this is a unique art site seldom visited due to its isolated location that depicts sailing ships of the last century. We may also have the opportunity to view a rock art site near Somerset, depending on the tide.

SWIMMING AND SNORKELLING OPPORTUNITIES

There will be 3-4 swimming/snorkelling opportunities on this itinerary at Lizard Island, Davie Reef, Forbes Island and Bremer Island (subject to weather conditions). Please note scuba diving is not offered on this itinerary.

HIKES ON THIS EXPEDITION

Most walks are leisurely strolls along beaches, however, there are some more strenuous walks on offer. There are some more moderate-to-difficult walks on offer, including those at Stanley Island and Albany Island, which range in duration from a half hour to three hours, often with steep and hot conditions. An alternative excursion will be offered in place of these higher impact walks, such as a cruise in the Xplorer tender vessel to observe wildlife or a short and easy walk along the beach or a boardwalk.

The Expedition Team will always advise walking conditions and mobility requirements for each excursion. It is important that you advise Reservations and later, the Expedition Team, if you have any mobility issues. We may need to plan to accommodate the restrictions you may face.

WEATHER & SEA CONDITIONS

March/ April is a transitional month in the tropical northern regions of Australia, marking the end of the wet season and the beginning of the dry season. As such, there can be some instability with weather patterns at this time of year – rain is possible but so are calm, sunny days. Daily temperatures will range from low to mid 30 degree Celsius, and the evenings will have lows in the mid to low 20s. It will still be quite humid at this time of year, although dropping off from the summer months.

For much of your Cape York & Arnhem Land cruise, we steam close to the coast or travel through the protection of the Great Barrier Reef. When travelling through more open waters, such as the Gulf of Carpentaria, there is always the possibility of more moderate-rough conditions – this is the case at any time of year. April is a cross over time between wet and dry season so wind and sea conditions can be a bit unpredictable. The Captain and Purser will ensure all guests are aware of daily cruising conditions and take the appropriate measures for safety and seasickness prevention.

RECOMMENDED READINGS

• Cairns: Reef to Rainforest – Peter Jarver
• The Great Barrier Reef – James Bowen & Margarita Bowen
• The Great Barrier Reef – Len Zell
• Endeavour: The Ship and the attitude that changed the World – Peter Moore
• Australia: The Land Where Time Began – M.H. Monroe
• Donald Thomson in Arnhem Land – Donald Thomson
• Carpentaria – Alexis Wright
• Singing the Coast – Margaret Sommerville and Tony Perkins
• The Fethafoot Chronicals – Pemulway Weeatunga

Packing Tips

View The Packing Check-list

CUISINE & WINE

At Coral Expeditions dining is a celebration of great food and good company enjoyed in extraordinary destinations. People and place are key to enjoyable dining experiences, where food becomes the vehicle for conversation and creating memorable occasions. Our approach to cuisine is about simplicity and generosity, creating dishes bursting with flavour made from fresh ingredients sourced locally and sustainably wherever possible.

MORE ABOUT CUISINE & WINE

TRADITIONAL INDIGENOUS ROCK ART

View the Endaen Aboriginal rock art gallery at Stanley Island; this is a unique art site seldom visited due to its isolated location that depicts sailing ships of the last century. We may also have the opportunity to view a rock art site near Somerset, depending on the tide.

SWIMMING AND SNORKELLING OPPORTUNITIES

There will be 3-4 swimming/snorkelling opportunities on this itinerary at Lizard Island, Davie Reef, Forbes Island and Bremer Island (subject to weather conditions). Please note scuba diving is not offered on this itinerary.

HIKES ON THIS EXPEDITION

Most walks are leisurely strolls along beaches, however, there are some more strenuous walks on offer. There are some more moderate-to-difficult walks on offer, including those at Stanley Island and Albany Island, which range in duration from a half hour to three hours, often with steep and hot conditions. An alternative excursion will be offered in place of these higher impact walks, such as a cruise in the Xplorer tender vessel to observe wildlife or a short and easy walk along the beach or a boardwalk.

The Expedition Team will always advise walking conditions and mobility requirements for each excursion. It is important that you advise Reservations and later, the Expedition Team, if you have any mobility issues. We may need to plan to accommodate the restrictions you may face.

WEATHER & SEA CONDITIONS

March/ April is a transitional month in the tropical northern regions of Australia, marking the end of the wet season and the beginning of the dry season. As such, there can be some instability with weather patterns at this time of year – rain is possible but so are calm, sunny days. Daily temperatures will range from low to mid 30 degree Celsius, and the evenings will have lows in the mid to low 20s. It will still be quite humid at this time of year, although dropping off from the summer months.

For much of your Cape York & Arnhem Land cruise, we steam close to the coast or travel through the protection of the Great Barrier Reef. When travelling through more open waters, such as the Gulf of Carpentaria, there is always the possibility of more moderate-rough conditions – this is the case at any time of year. April is a cross over time between wet and dry season so wind and sea conditions can be a bit unpredictable. The Captain and Purser will ensure all guests are aware of daily cruising conditions and take the appropriate measures for safety and seasickness prevention.

RECOMMENDED READINGS

• Cairns: Reef to Rainforest – Peter Jarver
• The Great Barrier Reef – James Bowen & Margarita Bowen
• The Great Barrier Reef – Len Zell
• Endeavour: The Ship and the attitude that changed the World – Peter Moore
• Australia: The Land Where Time Began – M.H. Monroe
• Donald Thomson in Arnhem Land – Donald Thomson
• Carpentaria – Alexis Wright
• Singing the Coast – Margaret Sommerville and Tony Perkins
• The Fethafoot Chronicals – Pemulway Weeatunga