12 Day Across The Top of Australia 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 unchartered 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

03:00pm: Boarding at Trinity Wharf, Cairns. This evening enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party.

Day 2

Lizard Island: Here we explore one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling. As special guests of the Lizard Island Research Station we have an opportunity to learn of the research being undertaken to help understand and preserve the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 3

Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Group to 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. At Davey Reef and Cay we enjoy swimming and snorkelling and observe the large seabird rookery

Day 4

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

Day 5

For the early risers we go ashore at Cape York and as the sun rises at the “Tip” we enjoy champagne and welcome the new day. Anchoring at Thursday Island we will 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. We enjoy a tour of the island and are guests of the local school when the children perform traditional dances. We then visit Horn Island and learn of the significance of the Torres Strait Islands during World War II. Overnight at Gateway Torres Strait Resort.

Day 6

Following a tour of the island we board our charter flight across the Gulf of Carpentaria to Nhulunbuy (Gove). Here we join a tour of the Nabalco bauxite mine and visit the Nambarra and Yirrkala Arts and Crafts centres. Overnight at the Walkabout Lodge.

Day 7

This morning we rejoin our cruise ship and cruise the English Company Islands & Malay Straits. Weather and tides permitting we land at Wigram Island and enjoy a beach BBQ as special guests of Terry Yumbulul, the Traditional Owner of these beautiful islands.

Day 8

Wessel Islands: Cruise through the unique ‘Hole in the Wall”. Here our expert guides and lecturers will share with you the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early discoverers to the Arnham Land coast.

Day 9

Arnham Land. Cruising the Arnham land coast and Bowen Straits we land in Raffles Bay and learn of the failed Fort Wellington Settlement.

Day 10

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 11

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. Tonight Enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party.

Day 12

08:00am: Arrive into the Darwin the capital of the Northern Territory and gateway to the “Top End”. 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.

View Tour Map

View Ship Layout

Further Information

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.