Brochures Brochures
1800 079 545 Australia +61 7 4040 9999
1800079545
Coral Expeditions Mobile menu
Close
Cape-York-Arnhem-Land-Cruise-Indigenous-Art-Expedition

Cape York & Arnhem Land - Art Themed

Cairns to Darwin11 nightsAll InclusiveFrom $12,990.00* PP

Commencing in Darwin, voyage to the Tiwi Islands, and experience unique cultural performances and learn the history of the islands. A visit to Tiwi Designs, one of the oldest and most artistically diverse art centres in Australia, reveals the rich artistic heritage in stunning carvings, paintings, and fabric printing. At Maningrida, visit the Arts Centre, the Djomi Museum, and the Babbarra Women’s Centre. Be welcomed to remote townships on Elcho Island, and visit the Elcho Island Art Centre at Galiwin’ku. Each stop is another opportunity to experience the creative expression of one of the world’s oldest cultures and hear their stories. We continue on to the Torres Strait Islands. Here you will witness the traditional and contemporary blend of Torres Strait art forms. At the very tip of Australia, enjoy champagne as you look south toward the Great Barrier Reef.  As we approach the end of our expedition, see rock art from the contact period at rugged Stanley Island, and have an opportunity to snorkel at vibrant reefs. Join Coral Expeditions on this exciting expedition to the far reaches of Australian’s Northern coastline.

  • Experience these artistic traditions firsthand during workshops with internationally recognised Torres Strait artist Brian Robinson who will be travelling onboard
  • Be immersed in the world’s oldest surviving culture in Arnhem Land
  • Spend a full day exploring the rugged Cobourg Peninsula for historical ruins and fascinating wildlife
  • With a local guide, visit the remote and culturally rich Tiwi Islands
  • Learn about Indigenous art at Elcho Island and Maningrida Art Centres
  • 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
  • Explore Lizard Island and the northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef
  • Discover the Arnhem Land coast, once the trading ground of the Makassan people

Itinerary

Darwin Port

Arrive at Darwin Fort Hill Wharf at 8:00am, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 9:00am departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard as you spend the day getting to know your fellow travellers. Enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks before the first of many delicious dinners.

Note for 5 October 2025 Darwin departure: Coral Adventurer will depart from Darwin East Arm wharf on 5 October 2025. This departure will include pre-cruise transfers due to the location of the wharf.  A pick-up location will be advised to guests in pre-departure documents. The pick up with be at 6 am for an 7 am boarding. 

Coral Expeditions tiwi islands

Visit remote Bathurst Island, where 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.

Cobourg Peninsula

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.

coral-expeditions-thumbnail-420x250-cape-york-elcho-island.jpg

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.

Hole in the Wall-Northern Australia-Coral Expeditions

We travel through the narrow channel between Raragala and Guluwuru Islands, known as the ‘Hole in the Wall’.

Visit the spectacular Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre at Yirrkala, outside of Nhulunbuy.  Here, the Yirrkala Art Centre represents Yolŋu artists from around the region.

Established in 1976 as an act of self-determination, the art centre has forged a vibrant path for Yolŋu 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.

This afternoon visit Bremer Island, or Dhambaliya as it is known by the traditional owners of the area. This island is home to an ecosensitive beach retreat built in partnership with the Yolgnu people of the region. Spend the morning beachcombing, bird watching and taking in the scenic surrounds.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with presentations by our guest lecturers. You will hear about the fascinating history of the Makassan traders and early explorers of the Arnhem Land coast.

Badu Island

Have the unique opportunity to visit Badu Island.  Visit the fabulous art centre and enjoy the hospitality of the Badu islanders.

Join an informative tour of Thursday Island to learn about its interesting pearling history and multicultural influences. At Thursday Island we also have free time to explore all the island has to offer, including Gab Titui Cultural Centre and local shopping.

Northern Australia Coral Expeditions Cape York

Cruise to the Tip of Cape York and enjoy champagne while the sun sets.

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.

 

*Guests travelling onboard the Coral Adventurer will not visit Forbes Island. On this day the guests will visit Piper Island and Restoration Island.

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. At Davie Reef, enjoy swimming and snorkelling and observe the large seabird rookery.

Cooks-look-Lizard-Island-Coral Expeditions-Northern Australia

Explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland coast. Venture into the crystal clear waters for swimming and snorkelling or take a walk along the sparkling white beach. An energetic guided walk leads to Cook’s Look – from this peak, Captain James Cook was able to sight a navigable passage through the treacherous reef after repairing the HMB Endeavour.

Cairns wharf departure port

Our Cape York Arnhem Land adventure concludes in Cairns this morning as we bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew, disembarking at 8:00am.

A complimentary transfer is provided to CBD hotels or the airport. Transfers to the Northern Beaches or Port Douglas can be arranged on board with the Purser (at cost), if not already arranged prior to embarkation.

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

Available

Promenade Deck (Category A)

Picture Window - 18m2

Available

Promenade Deck (Category B)

Picture Window - 15m2

Last Stateroom

Main Deck (Category A)

Rectangle Windows - 18m2

Available

Main Deck (Category B)

Porthole Windows - 18m2

Available
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

Available

Main Deck (Category B)

Porthole Windows - 18m2

Available
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

Available

Main Deck (Category A)

Rectangle Windows - 18m2

Available

Main Deck (Category B)

Porthole Windows - 18m2

Available
Book this Departure
Bridge-Deck-Suite---Coral-Adventurer

Bridge Deck Balcony Suite

Private Balcony - 55.8m2

Last Stateroom

Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

Last Stateroom
Explorer-Deck-Stateroom---Coral-Adventurer

Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom

Private Balcony - 21.4m2

Available

Promenade Deck Stateroom

Picture Window - 17m2

Available

Coral Deck Stateroom

Porthole Window - 17m2

Last Stateroom
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
  • 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 drinks (including beer and wine) 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

Coral Discoverer is exceptionally nimble and manoeuvrable, with a shallow draught to get up close to destinations. Much loved by loyal Xplorers for its truly intimate onboard atmosphere, Coral Discoverer carries a maximum of 72 guests. More About Coral Discoverer >

Travel Insurance is not included in your cruise fare. We highly recommend all guests to obtain comprehensive travel insurance with remote area evacuation coverage. Please refer to our Pre-Cruise Checklist page for facts that should be considered and shared when speaking with Travel Insurance suppliers regarding travel insurance.

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.

We now offer two wine selections that guests may purchase in addition to our new house selection of wines. These packages showcase contemporary choices of Australian wines and French Champagne. More About Cuisine & Wine >

  • A Taste of Australia Selection | 6 Bottles | $280.00
  • Connoisseur Selection | 6 Bottles | $400.00

Our Cruise Collection Merchandise including expedition gear is also available for purchase in our onboard gift shop. View our Cruise Collection here >

When it comes time for the exciting time of packing for your cruise, our packing lists are available to assist you. More specific information regarding weather conditions in your destination will be included in your Cruise Documentation which you will receive prior to your cruise.

Find your Cape York Arnhem Land expedition packing list here.

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.

There will be multiple swimming/snorkelling opportunities on this itinerary at Lizard Island, Davie Reef, Forbes Island and Bremer Island (subject to weather conditions). These opportunities are a guide and not all are guaranteed.

Please note scuba diving is not offered on this itinerary.

  • 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

Cairns Post Cruise Transfer: A complimentary transfer is provided to CBD hotels or the airport. We recommend allowing sufficient time to arrive for your flight in the event of any delays in disembarkation. Transfers to the Northern Beaches and Port Douglas can be arranged onboard with the purser (at a cost) if not already arranged prior to embarkation.

We want to ensure that your journey with us is smooth and hassle-free. To help you prepare for your cruise, refer to our Pre-Cruise Checklist for more detailed information on the milestones leading up to your voyage.

Articles You Might Be Interested In

Cape York And Arnhem Land Cairns to Darwin Coral Expeditions

Northern Australia’s Tropical Summer

Turtle

Love at First Sight

Lizard Island

Lizard Island for True Explorers

Accommodation Nearby

Cairns-Pullman Cairns International

Cairns – Pullman International

Cairns-Doubletree by Hilton Hotel

Cairns – DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

Darwin - Hilton Darwin

Darwin – Hilton Hotel

Darwin - Doubletree by Hilton Esplanade

Darwin – Doubletree by Hilton Esplanade

Other itineraries You May Be Interested In

The Kimberley Cruise with Coral Expeditions

The Kimberley Cruise

Departs Broome & Darwin | 10 Nights

Save 10% on an adjoining cruise

Swift-Bay-Rock-Art-Gallery

Best of the Kimberley & Tiwi Islands

Departs Broome & Darwin | 10 Nights

Subscribe to Be Among The First To Know

Sign up to join our community and be notified of new releases, special offers & behind the scenes articles.