Cape York & Arnhem Land Expedition Cruise (Cairns-Darwin or vice versa)

The below itinerary is indicative. No two cruises with Coral Expeditions will be the same, with each expedition crafted by our experienced Masters and Expedition Leaders. 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.

The following itinerary is based on the Cairns to Darwin cruise.

• Embark: Board at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 4:00pm for 5:00pm departure
• Disembark: Arriveat Darwin Fort Hill Wharf at 08:00am and disembark

DAY 1: DEPART CAIRNS

Board Coral Discoverer at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 4:00pm for a 5:00pm departure.Enjoy lunch on board and a chance to meet your fellow travellers as we set sail northwards. This evening join guests and the friendly crew as we enjoy the Captain’s welcome drinks and sit down to the first of many delicious dinners.

LIZARD ISLAND

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.

FLINDERS GROUP AND DAVIE REEF

Visit Stanley Island 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.

FORBES ISLAND

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.

NORTHERNMOST POINT: CAPE YORK

Go ashore at the northernmost point of the Australian continent as the sun rises, and sip champagne to welcome the new day.

THE TORRES STRAIT ISLANDS

Anchoring at Thursday Island, learn about the historic pearling fleet and the cultural differences between the Torres Strait and Aboriginal peoples. You may also visit other Torres Strait islands, such as Badu or Moa.

CRUISING THE GULF OF CARPENTARIA

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

HOLE IN THE WALL AND WESSEL ISLANDS

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

ELCHO ISLAND: GALIWIN'KU AND GAWA

The friendly locals of Elcho Island proudly welcome us to their community this morning. Meet some of the local artists who have their unique art exhibited in the famous art galleries of the world including the Louvre. In the afternoon, visit the community and school of Gawa.

MANINGRIDA

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.

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.

TIWI ISLANDS

Visit remote Bathurst Island. 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.

DAY 12: ARRIVE DARWIN

Arrive in Darwin and disembark at 8:30am.

Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

Cairns to Darwin departing 23 March 2023 (Very limited availability) OR Darwin to Cairns departing 11 October 2023

• Main Deck (Category B) - from $12,970 per person twin share
• Main Deck (Category A)- from $14,090 per person twin share
• Promenade Deck (Category B) - from $21,990 per person Sole Use only
• Promenade Deck (Category A) - from $16,350 per person twin share
• Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom - from $20,300 per person twin share

Cairns to Darwin departing 31 March 2024 OR Darwin to Cairns departing 09 October 2024

• Main Deck (Category B) - from $13,220 per person twin share
• Main Deck (Category A)- from $14,360 per person twin share
• Promenade Deck (Category B) - from $22,410 per person Sole Use only
• Promenade Deck (Category A) - from $16,660 per person twin share
• Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom - from $20,700 per person twin share

Call our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to book your cabin or to check availability. We can also assist with flights and additional accommodation if you wish to extend your stay.

Prices are per person, listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST. All fares and offers are subject to availability. *Limited sole use occupancy available.

Launched in 2005, Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard for small ship cruising in Australia. Refurbished in November 2016, she continues to raise the bar to new levels of sophistication in expedition cruising in the Southern Hemisphere.

MAIN DECK (CATEGORY B) STATEROOM

Located close to the Dining Room, our three spacious Main Deck (Category B) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature twin portholes for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.

MAIN DECK (CATEGORY A) STATEROOM

Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature large, twin porthole windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.

PROMENADE DECK (CATEGORY B) STATEROOM

Located in the bow of the ship and encircled by a full-ship promenade, our two Promenade Deck (Category B) staterooms are 15sqm (160 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, telephone and Junior King bedding.

PROMENADE DECK (CATEGORY A) STATEROOM

Encircled by a full-ship promenade, our 19 spacious Promenade Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.

BRIDGE DECK BALCONY STATEROOM

Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge, our six spacious Bridge Deck staterooms are 20sqm (195 square feet) in size and open out onto private balconies for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.

Before you sail, you will also receive detailed pre-departure documents providing a range of information on your packing, your destination, and your ship.

What level of fitness is required?

A cruise with Coral Expeditions is suitable for guests of all fitness levels, however a reasonable level of mobility is required to travel and enjoy all your cruise itinerary has to offer. All guests should be in good general health, able to walk reasonable distances over sometimes uneven terrain, and stand during excursions. Hikes and walks do vary in intensity and where possible groups will be split to suit easy and moderate walkers. For most activities a relatively low level of exertion is required.

You will need to climb into and out of zodiacs and other excursion tenders for excursions ashore: there will be staff and crew members on hand to assist. Ashore, you must be able to walk moderate distances over sometimes rough terrain. Although the Coral Adventurer features a lift, it is still essential that all guests have reasonable agility to use the steep stairways between decks. Participants will most enjoy the remarkable opportunities these expeditions offer if they travel with a spirit of adventure.

Getting on and off the ship for shore excursions?

Your small ship is equipped with a fleet of excursion tenders to make travelling ashore as simple and comfortable as possible. The unique excursion tender ‘Xplorer’ ensure that even the least intrepid adventurer can explore ashore with ease. Our excursion boats board directly from the ship’s main deck, before the hydraulic platform gently lowers into the water, avoiding the need to clamber aboard or get your feet wet.

The unique Xplorer tenders, comfortably appointed with shading and onboard toilet facilities, enable penetration inland, with explorations up shallow rivers and streams, to waterfalls and other amazing landscapes. Our inflatable Zodiacs and kayaks enable guests an up-close-and-personal view of reefs, islands and atolls and allow peaceful explorations to out of the way places.

Tipping not required:

Other cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your account and service charges to your bar invoices. On this vessel, your crew has no other agenda than your delight.

Is there a Doctor or Nurse onboard?

While senior crew are trained in remote area first aid, it is important to note that we do not employ doctors or nurses on board our cruises. As our itineraries cover remote regions, they are not suitable for those with serious medical conditions.

What should I pack?

We recommend that you pack simply and lightly. Clothing that you can layer will prepare you for all kinds of weather. More specific information regarding clothing and the weather conditions in your destination are included in your Cruise Documentation which you will receive prior to your cruise.

Do I need to bring spending money? What might I need to pay for onboard?

Upon embarkation, we will automatically open your personal shipboard account. We operate a chit system and for your security, ask that you sign each chit as you order from our bar, shop or make any other onboard purchases. At the end of the voyage your account may be settled in Australian dollars cash, and by American Express; Visa; MasterCard or Diners Club.

Can I get my laundry done during my trip?

Laundry services are available onboard the Coral Adventurer, however the service is limited. Laundry bags and forms are stored in your wardrobe for collection by your cruise attendants. Charges for this service will be posted to your onboard account. As the service is for laundering only, please ask the hospitality staff if you require an iron and ironing board.

What about the Environmental Management Charge on itineraries that include the Great Barrier Reef?

Since the 1st April 1998, the Australian Government has levied an Environmental Management Charge (EMC) on Tourist Operators for all visitors over 4 years of age travelling to the Great Barrier Reef and its environs. The Environmental Management Charge (EMC) of $19.50 per person will be automatically added to your onboard account by for settlement prior to disembarkation. Please note the EMC charge is subject to change annually. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has the responsibility for the management and protection of the Great Barrier Reef. Funds raised by the EMC are being used to ensure the continued sustainability of the “Reef” and its environs for future generations.