27-night Australian Territories Remote Islands Expedition Cruise (Fremantle to Darwin)

FRI 26 MAR 2021 : DEPART FREMANTLE

Board Coral Geographer in Fremantle where there is time to settle into your cabin before our 9:00am departure. Spend the day exploring Coral Geographer and become acquainted with our advanced expedition ship and all her facilities including wrap-around Promenade Deck, Open Bridge with Navigator Lounge, Vista Deck, Lounge, Gym and Cocktail Bars. As dusk falls meet your fellow travellers, the Master and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.

ABROLHOS ISLANDS

The Abrolhos Islands are a low-lying archipelago of 122 islands and reefs 60km off Geraldton. These National Park islands are surrounded by the southernmost coral reef and hold significant places in Australia’s history as the resting place for Dutch shipwrecks Batavia and Zeewijk. The Batavia shipwreck, recovery of artefacts 300 years later and the discovery of graves is one of Australia’s most fascinating maritime stories.

Batavia was laden with gold and silver coins and bound for the Spice Islands with 322 passengers and crew onboard when she ran aground on Morning Reef in 1629. Shipwrecked survivors scrambled ashore, but mayhem and massacre ensued as a mutinous crew lusted after power as a bounty of treasure lay within Batavia’s wrecked hulk. In their bloodthirsty quest for control, the mutineers dispatched a contingent of soldiers to what we now know as West Wallabi Island, hoping they would quickly perish without food or water. Instead, the soldiers flourished, surviving on wallaby and a freshwater spring they found and building a makeshift fortress to repel the murderous mutineers. This simple structure, little more than rocks piled atop each other amongst low-lying scrub, became the first European construction in Australia, and the ruins are still visible today.

Historic shipwreck aside, the waters surrounding the Abrolhos Islands are the main attraction. Abundant marine and birdlife are lured by the warm waters of the Leeuwin Current. The islands are a significant seabird breeding ground for millions of shearwaters, noddies and terns. But it is the inquisitive sea lions who steal the underwater limelight. Swimming and snorkelling with these curious mammals as they frolic playfully with swimmers is an undisputed highlight of our Abrolhos Islands stopover.

SHARK BAY

Shark Bay is Australia’s most westerly point and one of just four West Australian World Heritage Sites. UNESCO recognises Shark Bay for three exceptional natural features. It has the largest and richest sea-grass beds in the world, which in turn attracts a large dugong (also known as sea cows) population. But it is the ‘living fossil’ stromatolites of Hamelin Pool which attract the most attention in these parts, as the oldest life forms on earth at an estimated 3.7 billion years old.

By comparison, Indigenous Australians’ 22,000-year occupation of Shark Bay makes them relative newcomers. In 2018 Indigenous Malgana and Nhanda people were granted native title rights, giving them unhindered access to occupy, hunt and fish the red sand country they have roamed for eons. Ancient midden sites have been found in the ochre-hued sand of Peron Peninsula and Dirk Hartog Island.

Dirk Hartog Island was named after 17th century Dutch sailor Dirk Hartog when the Roaring Forties took his ship Eendracht close to the ‘Southland’ coast while enroute to Batavia (present-day Jakarta) to trade for spices. Hartog stayed long enough to ascertain (incorrectly) the land was uninhabited and of little interest. Nevertheless, he marked his arrival by nailing a pewter dinner plate to a post on the cliff top before resuming course for the Spice Islands. Hartog thus became the first known European to land on Australia’s west coast and the second to step ashore on New Holland (Australia) after countryman Willem Janszoon.Englishman and natural historian William Dampier followed 83 years later, recording the first detailed botanical drawings of flora and fauna and naming the region after the proliferation of marine life sighted.

AT SEA

Enjoy five luxuriant sea days at leisure as we cruise north-westwards towards the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Join our Expedition Team for a fascinating program of activities, demonstrations and informative presentations.

COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS

Thousands of coconut palms rise above the horizon as Coral Geographer nears the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Emerging from the cobalt-blue Indian Ocean, a horseshoe-shaped string of low-lying atolls rimmed by powder-soft white beach sand appear adrift upon a turquoise lagoon. Beach expert Brad Farmer named Cossies Beach at Direction Island the best in Australia.

This abundance of palm trees is the legacy of a copra plantation established by the original ‘King of Cocos Islands,’ Scottish merchant seaman John Clunies-Ross. In the 1820s Clunies-Ross ruled this sunshine-blessed paradise as his private kingdom, bringing in indentured Malay labourers to work his coconut plantation. Their 500-odd Cocos Malay descendants, plus a handful of Australian government employees, make up the entire population of Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

In 1985 Cocos residents voted to become a democratically run, self-governing Australian territory. Self Determination Day is the biggest festival of the year and Coral Geographer’s visit is timed to join in the celebrations. The festival promises a beguiling clash of Cocos Malay dances, Scottish line dancing and a colourful boat regatta between traditional jukong sailing boats

Cocos’ remote location makes it a significant habitat and rookery for seabirds – oft-sighted species include red-footed boobies, noddies, white terns, frigate birds and the Rufus night heron. The ridiculously aquamarine lagoon rimmed by Direction, West and Home Islands is inhabited by turtles, manta rays, reef sharks, dolphins and colourful tropical fish.

AT SEA

Enjoy a relaxing sea day at leisure as our program of activities, demonstrations and informative presentations continue.

CHRISTMAS ISLAND

In stark contrast to beach-lined Cocos, Christmas Island’s topography is all craggy outcrops befitting its topography as a flat-topped summit of a 4,500m underwater mountain (Switzerland’s Matterhorn is 4,478m). With just 360m of the mount visible, Christmas Island’s near-vertical underwater cliffs make it a world-class scuba diving and snorkelling destination.

Nature dominates at Christmas Island with 60% of the island a national park protecting its unique flora and fauna. A mammoth robber crab population, some the size of toasters and weighing as much as 4kg, command the spotlight. The annual spawning of the 100 million or so red crabs is considered one of the world’s greatest migration when traffic is redirected to allow crabs safe access to the sea. Endemic seabirds like the endangered Abbott’s booby’s and Christmas Island frigate birds nest here as well as migratory great cormorants and lesser frigate birds being regular visitors.

Beyond these extraordinary wildlife watching opportunities, Christmas Island’s interior is graced with stands of rainforest pierced by waterfalls and caves carved by freshwater springs and pummeling seas. Sea cliffs grace much of the 80km long coastline, giving way momentarily to picturesque coves and beaches bookended by weathered limestone outcrops.

Home to a harmonious multicultural community who have themselves travelled far across the seas, Christmas Islanders embrace visitors to their remote island outpost.

AT SEA

Enjoy four luxuriant sea days at leisure as our program of activities, demonstrations and informative presentations continue.

ASHMORE REEF

The uninhabited and protected Australian External Territory of Ashmore Reef lies in the Timor Sea on the edge of the Continental Shelf. Ashmore Reef Marine Park encompasses three low-lying islands that barely rise above sea level along with a vast lagoon circled by a fringing reef. Approximately 100,000 seabirds, such as greater frigate birds, crested terns and white-tailed tropicbirds breed here annually. Additionally, tens of thousands of migratory birds travelling between northern Asia and Australia feed, and green turtle nests, at Ashmore. Snorkelling in the marine park offers a rare opportunity to explore remote, protected coral reefs with their abundance of marine life.

AT SEA

Our penultimate day onboard is spent at sea as we reminisce about our Island Outposts adventures with new friends and enjoy our last evening over Captain’s Farewell Drinks.

THU 22 APR 2021 : ARRIVE DARWIN

Coral Geographer arrives into Darwin at 8:00am. Farewell your Master, crew and fellow guests at disembarkation at 9:00am. A post cruise transfer to the city or airport is included.

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.

Embark: Board at Fremantle at 8:00am on Fri 26 March 2021

Disembark: Arrive at Darwin at 8:00am on Thu 22 April 2021

• Coral Deck Stateroom - from $19,990 pp twin share / from $29,985* sole use
• Promenade Deck Stateroom - from $23,500 pp twin share / from $35,250* sole use
• Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom - from $28,200 pp twin share / from $42,300* sole use
• Bridge Deck Balcony Suite - from $37,600 pp twin share / Solo not available

*Limited sole use occupancy available.

Freecall our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to secure your bookings as cabins are selling fast on this amazing journey. We can also assist with booking international flights, accommodation and arrange your travel insurance.

As a sister ship to Coral Adventurer (launched April 2019), the Coral Geographer (arriving in 2021) will remain true to our nature of authentic expeditions. When designing our next generation of ships, we stubbornly resisted the trend to go large and glitzy so we can remain small enough to go to untouched places, focusing on bringing small numbers of like-minded guests closer to nature and cultures with personal attention and professional Australian service. The 120-passenger ship will feature the same state-of-the-art specifications and expedition features, however due to popular demand, she will have an increased number of 6 bridge deck suites with horizon bathtubs.

CORAL DECK STATEROOM:

Coral Deck Staterooms are located below the Promenade Deck and are identically furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles.A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included.A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage.A porthole window gives you views of the world outside. Coral Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres.

PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM:

Promenade Deck Staterooms are located below the Explorer deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles.A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included.A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage.A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside. Promenade Deck Staterooms are 17 square metres

EXPLORER DECK BALCONY STATEROOM:

Our Explorer Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles.A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. A compact en-suite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas. These staterooms are located on the Explorer deck. Explorer Deck Balcony Staterooms are 21.4 square metres

BRIDGE DECK BALCONY SUITE:

There will be 6 spacious and elegant suites featured on the Coral Geographer. They will be equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine. Along with special King sized beds which can be separated into two singles. An 3.5 square metre private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two. The unique outside-facing bathroom with floor to ceiling windows will be the feature of the suites, with an infinity bathtub with sky views. A complimentary minibar is replenished daily. Bridge Deck Balcony Suites are 37.5 square metres

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 on the Coral Geographer 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 Geographer 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 on board 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.

If I want to Scuba Diver onboard, do I need to prepare anything?

For persons who wish to participate in either Certified diving or Introductory diving (also referred as Resort diving) you must be in good health for diving. A medical history of heart or lung disorders, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or narcolepsy shall prevent you from diving unless a medical certificate that addresses the condition is produced. To avoid disappointment on your cruise Coral Expeditions highly recommends you complete a dive medical prior to your journey and encourages certified divers who may not have dived in recent years to complete refresher courses.

Do I need a passport?

All Coral Expedition ships are Australian flagged, therefore when doing a domestic cruise the ships do not leave domestic waters.