Darwin to Cairns Expedition Cruise

Overview

We are proud to offer you one of the most unique and exciting cruise itineraries: An expedition Across the Top of Australia from the Great Barrier Reef to the Outback.

This is an 11 night exploration of the unique and remote Northern Australian coastline that few have experienced.

Your expedition voyage of discovery begins from either Cairns - gateway to the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, the remote National Parks of Cape York Peninsula and the fascinating islands of Torres Strait, or Darwin - gateway to the remote and mysterious Arnhem Land and the famous National Parks of Kakadu and Cobourg Peninsula, areas known affectionately as ''The Top End''.

Experienced and informative expedition leaders will accompany you on all excursions. They will point out and interpret the myriad of wildlife you encounter and augment your experiences with onboard discussions and informal lectures. From our informative Marine Biologist you will discover the mysteries of the fascinating reef life and habitat. There are few roads in this remote part of Northern Australia.

Your access to this area is aboard the excellently appointed Australian expedition cruise vessel. Her shallow draft and manoeuvrability make her ideal to safely navigate the often uncharted waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait and Arafura Sea. A specially designed excursion boat and inflatable zodiacs allow you to explore otherwise inaccessible areas in speed and comfort.

This voyage offers a singular opportunity for you to explore a land of mystery and intrigue, with fascinating plants and animals found nowhere else in Australia.

From the Great Barrier Reef, Cape York Peninsula, Torres Strait and Thursday Island, to Nhulunbuy, Arnhem Land, Cobourg Peninsula and the Tiwi Islands, you will learn of the success and failures of early explorers and settlers and be fascinated by the diverse cultures of the Aboriginal, Torres Strait and Tiwi Islanders.

The vessel is a 35 metre luxury catamaran designed for maximum stability and guest comfort. The ship is fully air-conditioned with on-board accommodation for 48 guests. Accommodation is spacious and individually air conditioned with private bathrooms and a choice of full size single and double beds.

Itinerary

Day 1

07:00am: Board the Coral Princess at Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory and gateway to the “Top End”. Depart Darwin at 08:00am for the Tiwi Islands. This afternoon we visit Bathurst and Melville Islands. With traditional Tiwi as our guides we learn of the unique cultures of the Tiwi people and visit their fascinating art centres. There is the opportunity to purchase their wonderful screen-printing, art, woodcarvings and pottery. This evening enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party.

Day 2

On Coburg Peninsula, Port Essington is famous for the ruins of the failed Victoria Settlement. Here we use the services of the National Park Rangers to guide and help us explore the ruins. We will also visit the Ranger’s Interpretation Centre at Black Point.

Day 3

Having cruised through Bowen Strait and across the Arnham Land coast we make landfall on one the beautiful islands of the Wessell Group. Here our expert guides and lecturers will share with you the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early discoverers. Time and tides permitting we will enjoy a beach BBQ on one of these uninhabited islands.

Day 4

We spend the day cruising and exploring the Wessell and English Company Islands.

Day 5

We cruise through “The Hole in the Wall”, Malay Straits and berth in the port of Nhulunbuy (Gove). On disembarking we are transferred to the Walkabout Lodge, tonight’s accommodation.

Day 6

This morning we join a tour of the Nabalco bauxite mine and Nambarra Art Centre.

After lunch we visit the Yirrkala Arts and crafts centre and transfer to the airport for our charter flight across the Gulf of Carpentaria to Horn Island. Here we enjoy a tour of the island and learn of the significance of the Torres Strait Islands during World War II. Accommodation tonight is at the Gateway Torres Strait Resort.

Day 7

This morning we are transferred by ferry to Thursday Island and rejoin Coral Princess. During the tour of Thursday Island we learn of the history of European settlement and the large pearling fleets. We will also have the opportunity to observe the distinctly different cultures of the Torres Strait Islanders and the Aboriginals. This afternoon we are guests of the local school when the children perform traditional dances for us. Following a short cruise to Cape York we go ashore and enjoy the sunset and champagne at the “Tip”.

Day 8

Forbes Island and reef: Enjoy the day exploring this historical island. Time for swimming, snorkeling, diving and reef fishing.

Day 9

Davey Reef/Flinders Group of Islands: at Davey Reef and Cay we enjoy swimming and snorkeling and observe the large seabird rookery. We then go ashore at Stanley Island and view the Endaen Aboriginal rock art gallery depicting sailing ships of the last century. This is a unique art site seldom visited due to its isolated location. Time permitting we will also go ashore at Cape Melville famous for its peculiar mass of granite boulders that have tumbled down to the waters edge.

Day 10

Lizard Island: Here we spend the day at one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast. We have the opportunity to climb Cook’s Look, enjoy swimming and snorkeling and explore the Blue Lagoon.

Day 11

Ribbon Reefs. Enjoy the day snorkeling, swimming and coral viewing on the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. This evening join the Captain and crew for his farewell cocktail party.

Day 12

Arrive into the Port of Cairns at approximately 08:00am.

View Tour Map

Further Information

View Oceanic Discoverer Layout
View Coral Princess Layout

 

What's Included

Accommodation charges on board, services of expedition staff including lectures, briefings, slide/film presentations and other group activities. Group transfers during the cruise, all meals, 24 hour tea/coffee station, landing fees

What's Not Included

Pre and post flights and transfers, personal items such as telephone, facsimile charges, laundry, bar charges, travel insurance.

Optional Cost

Helicopter flights to Mitchell Falls: approx. $330 per person

Notes

This itinerary is an indication of the reef, islands and coastal areas we visit. While every effort will be made to follow this itinerary we do reserve the right to vary the itinerary to make allowances for weather and tidal conditions and any other event that may effect the operation of the vessel.