12 Day Darwin to Cairns Expedition Cruise

Vessel Information

Coral Princess
Oceanic Discoverer

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!

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 Aborigine, Torres Strait and Tiwi islanders.

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart Darwin

07:00am: Boarding commences. 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: Cobourg Peninsula

On Cobourg 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: Arnhem Land coast and Beach BBQ

Having cruised through Bowen Strait and across the Arnhem Land coast we make landfall on one the beautiful islands of the Wessel 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: Wessel Islands

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

Day 5: Gove

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: Gove and Horn Island

This morning we enjoy time to discover this frontier town before visiting the 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: Thursday Island

This morning we are transferred by ferry to Thursday Island. 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 visit Gab Titui Cultural Centre where the local children perform traditional dances. 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 and snorkelling.

Day 9: Davey Reef and Flinders Group of Islands

At Davey Reef and Cay we enjoy swimming and snorkelling 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 snorkelling and explore the Blue Lagoon.

Day 11: Ribbon Reefs

Enjoy the day snorkelling, 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 Cairns

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

Note

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.

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.