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12 Day Cairns to Darwin Expedition Cruise
From Cairns to Darwin Liveaboard Cruise| What's Included |
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Accommodation in spacious Air-conditioned Staterooms serviced daily| Not Included |
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Itinerary
Oceanic Discoverer Information
11 Night Cruise across the Top of Australia - The Great Barrier Reef to the Outback
An unforgettable experience that combines the best of The Top End, as it is affectionately known, The Great Barrier Reef, Cape York Peninsula, Arnhem Land and the Cobourg Peninsula.
The northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef are the most remote and pristine areas of this magnificent national park. Our journey follows Captain James Cook's voyage of discovery into the communities and cultures of the peoples of this remarkable coast. Experience the diverse cultures of the Aboriginal, Torres Strait and Tiwi Islanders who call this remote and beautiful region 'home'.
Here, nature is an all-powerful force: monsoons rejuvenate the rivers and floodplains, bringing wealth to the cattle ranchers of the savannah lands and providing the lifeblood to the inhabitants of the sleepy coastal towns. The mighty estuarine crocodile is indeed King of the Wild and the waters of the Arafura Sea are alive with marine and birdlife.
Join an expedition that will see you encounter The Top End from the comfort and style of our superb luxury vessel
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Cairns
3:00pm: Board Coral Princess at Trinity Wharf, Cairns for a 4.00pm departure. This evening meet your fellow travellers and friendly crew as we enjoy the Captain's Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party.
Day 2: Lizard Island
We explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast. Enjoy swimming, snorkelling and a walk along the beautiful sandy beach. The energetic may join our guides on a walk to 'Cook's Look' on the island's peak. It was from here, the highest lookout on this part of the reef, that Captain Cook was able to navigate a safe passage back through the treacherous waters after repairing the Endeavour near Cooktown over 200 years ago. A photographer's delight, the views from the lookout over the World Heritage-listed reef and surrounding tropical islands are magnificent.
Day 3: Stanley Island and Davey Reef
Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Group to view the Endaen Aboriginal rock art gallery that depicts 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 Magra Island
Enjoy the day exploring historic Forbes Island, its reef provides some fantastic swimming and snorkelling opportunities. This afternoon we visit Magra Island for beachcombing, bird watching and to enjoy the tropical sunset.
Day 5: Cape York and Thursday Island
This morning we venture ashore at Cape York as the sun rises over the 'Tip' on Australia's northernmost point. Enjoy champagne and welcome the new day. Anchoring at Thursday Island, learn of the history of European settlement and the large pearling fleets. We have the opportunity to observe the distinctly different cultures of the Torres Strait Islanders and the Aboriginals whilst we enjoy a tour of the island (subject to weather conditions). Following lunch we visit the Gab Titui Cultural Centre where the children perform traditional dances. Continuing on to Horn Island we discover the significance of the Torres Strait during World War II. Tonight, we travel ashore on Horn Island and stay overnight at the Gateway Torres Strait Resort.
Day 6: Nhulunbuy (Gove)
This morning we board our short charter flight across the Gulf of Carpentaria to Nhulunbuy (Gove). Upon arrival, we visit the Yirrkala Art Centre. Following a light lunch, enjoy time to discover this frontier town before visiting Nambarra Art Centre to see some fine examples of local artwork. This evening we enjoy a relaxing stay at the Walkabout Lodge in Gove.
Day 7: Hole in the Wall and Beach BBQ
Rejoining Coral Princess we cruise through the narrow 'Hole in the Wall'. Our expert guides and lecturers will share with you the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early discoverers to the Arnhem Land coast. This evening we enjoy a gourmet Aussie Beach BBQ as the sun spectacularly sets over the Arafura Sea.
Day 8: Elcho Island Artists
The friendly locals of Elcho Island proudly welcome us to their community this morning. Enjoy an insight into their culture and meet some of the local artists who have their unique art exhibited in the famous art galleries of the world, including the Louvre. You may wish to attend the local church service to share in the local culture.
Day 9: Liverpool River and Maningrida
We anchor in the mighty Liverpool River before travelling ashore to explore the Maningrida Art Centre, Museum and local 'boutique', where hand painted clothing and fabrics are offered for sale. Later, join the Expedition Leader and guides on an Explorer tour of the river before rejoining our small ship.
Day 10: Cobourg Peninsula
Enjoy a full day to discover the Cobourg Peninsula. Port Essington is famous for its failed Victoria Settlement, and we will be joined by the local National Park rangers who will guide and help us explore the ruins. We will also visit the Ranger's Interpretation Centre at Black Point.
Day 11: Bathurst and Melville Islands
Today we enjoy a true highlight, visiting remote Bathurst and Melville Islands. With traditional Tiwi people as our guides we learn of the unique cultures and visit their fascinating art centre. Our Tiwi hosts will welcome us with a cultural performance and basket-weaving exhibition before we join them for a traditional afternoon tea of damper and billy tea. Tonight we farewell new-found friends as we enjoy the Captain's Farewell Cocktails.
Day 12: Arrive in Darwin
8:00am: Arrive into 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 this itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and any other reasons whatsoever.
Terms & Conditions
Reservations: To make a reservation you have to pay a deposit of 10% of the fare. The balance of the fare is due sixty (60) days prior to departure.
Cancellation and Refund Policy: Notification of cancellation must be received in writing. At the time we receive your cancellation the following penalties will apply:
- Up to 60 days prior to departure - forfeit your deposit of 10% of the fare.
- 30 to 59 days prior to departure - forfeit 50% of the fare.
- 1 to 29 days prior to departure - forfeit 100% of the fare.
A $200.00 per person fee may be charged for any amendments not requiring a date change after booking is confirmed.
Share Policy: Accommodation on the Ship is based on twin share occupancy. If you are travelling alone and wish to share accommodation, a room mate will be assigned to your cabin whenever possible. When pairing room mates we always pair participants of the same sex.
Passenger Health and Responsibility: The passenger admits a full understanding of the nature and character of the Ship and the scope of the activities contemplated by the passenger during the Cruise (including those relating to off Ship activities such as excursions in the Ship's tenders, snorkelling and diving) and assures and undertakes to the carrier:
- that they are in good health and well able to undertake the Cruise and the contemplated activities;
- that they will effect travel insurance sufficient to cover any limitation of liability against them imposed by these Cruise Ticket Conditions should they wish to do so.
- that they accept the risk that they may suffer from sea sickness.
- that they have disclosed any physical or mental disability requiring special attention (including the use of a wheelchair) or treatment at the time when the reservation for the Cruise was made.
- that the passenger accepts that a medical certificate certifying fitness for travel may be required at the carrier's request and if any passenger has had surgery less than three (3) months prior to sailing that passenger must submit a letter from a qualified physician stating that he or she is fit to travel and the carrier reserves the right to deny passage if a passenger requires care and attention which the carrier cannot adequately provide and this decision may be made by the carrier in its sole discretion.
- The carrier reserves the right to refuse or deny participation in activities or programmes either aboard the Ship or off Ship which are sponsored or promoted by the carrier to any passenger who has a past or present medical condition that may present risks if the passenger participates in those activities and any decision in this respect may be made by the carrier in its sole discretion.
- Any charges incurred by passengers for medical reasons including but not limited to physicians, surgeons, hospitals, off Ship accommodation, medication, diagnostic facilities, air ambulance evacuation or ground ambulance shall be the sole responsibility of the passenger.
- for the safety and comfort of passengers smoking is not permitted in the Ship except on open deck spaces outside all air-conditioned and sealed areas of the Ship.
- and the passenger agrees to indemnify the carrier from and against all claims, costs, charges, fines or penalties arising as a result of any claim made against the carrier in this respect.
