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The Art of Arnhem Land cruise is no longer operating. Click to our Australia small ship cruises for current trips.

Hosted by Australia’s pre-eminent collectors of indigenous art, this voyage will undertake an in-depth exploration of the remote art communities along Australia’s Arnhem Land coastline.

Day 1 - Darwin, Northern Territory

Darwin is Australia’s closest city to the equator and the gateway to the Top End. Following bombing during World War II, Darwin was more a frontier town of crocodile and buffalo shooters and pioneer cattlemen. After the city was wiped out by Cyclone Tracy in 1974 it was rebuilt as Australia’s cosmopolitan northernmost tropical capital. Beyond the city lies Litchfield National Park (about 2 hours drive) and to the south-east the teeming wetlands of Australia’s largest national park, Kakadu. Much architecture remains from the city’s early periods, with museums, markets and an incredible diversity of restaurants to keep visitors entertained. The harbour foreshore area is a great place to discover the city’s maritime links. Take a relaxing cruise on an old pearl lugger, a thrilling flight in a seaplane or a gentle hovercraft trip. Spend a day out fishing for barramundi, jewfish, golden snapper and threadfin salmon, or go for the adventure of scuba diving around shipwrecks. At sunset, savor a taste of Asia’s night markets at Mindil Beach, where you can browse the food stalls for a picnic dinner on the beach.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Pirlangimpi (Melville island)

Orion's first stop is Pirlangimpi, a small community on Melville Island in the Tiwi Islands. Visit the Munupi Arts to view the distinctive features of Tiwi art including ceramics and carved totemic Pukumani funeral poles, unique to Tiwi culture. You can visit the remnants of Fort Dundas - one of the original attempts to colonize the Top End, or learn new skills by joining the locals in their small boats to participate in traditional hunting and gathering, spearing fish, collecting mud crabs and items of bush tucker in this pristine marine-eco environment.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 3 - Maningrida

Maningrida is a self-governing indigenous community in the heart of the Arnhem Land. The township dates back to just after WWII, with migration into Maningrida reflected in linguistic variety and cultural diversity evidenced by the different religious ceremonies and multitude of artistic forms in design, music and dance. Recognized nationally and internationally, this is one of the powerhouse art areas of central Arnhem Land. Bark painting, pandanus weaving and wood carvings - especially the Mimi spirits - are all distinctive features of the artistic endeavour. The excellent Djiom Museum is a highlight, showcasing the richness of the ceremonial apparel and intricacies of the material culture.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Elcho Island

This is a scenic and historic location. Local stories reflect the close association between the sea and the local Yolgnu clans, who regularly travelled between islands in bark and (later) dugout canoes. A special feature of Elcho is the Morning Star poles, feather decorated funeral rite poles each distinctive to their clan groups. Yolngu Art is a reflection of the past and allows the individual to find and maintain a connection with the guiding presence of the spirit that represents the past, present and future. Each art work is based upon inherited designs which originate with ancestral beings that created the land. Located on a cliff top south east of the Galiwin'ku town center is an Art Center with spectacular views over Mission Beach, Abbott Island and the surrounding sea.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Jensen Bay / Hole In The Wall

Marchinbar Island is home to some fascinating rock art in the caves and overhangs around Jensen Bay. Only a short walk from the Zodiac beach landing you'll find yourself at these art sites. Only occasionally inhabited through history, this secluded island will enchant you with its solitude and beauty.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Yirrkala

The peaceful, leafy town of Nhulunbuy, the largest in Arnhem Land, lies in a spectacularly scenic region of wildly primeval, ancient landscapes and is justly regarded as one of the last wilderness areas on earth. Just outside of Nhulunbuy is the smaller community of Yirrkala, and it’s Yirrkala’s Shady Beach where we will land today.

The Yolngu people are of this land and are famous for their artworks. An optional visit to the Yirrkala’s art centre will be included in your experience today. This is one of the finest indigenous art galleries in Australia.

The seas surrounding the Gove Peninsula boast some of the best tropical sport and reef fishing opportunities available anywhere in the world and the area is now being acclaimed as one of the last great fishing frontiers.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Merauke

On arrival at Merauke, Orion will clear Customs and Immigration, giving you an opportunity to go ashore, and then immediately depart for the next Australian port.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Thursday Island, Torres Strait – Disembark

The hub of this tiny island is its beautiful harbour which was once home to a fleet of 150 pearl luggers. Commercial fishing and prawning is the main livelihood of the 2300 islanders today.

Thursday Island (traditionally known as Waiben) is recognized as one of the last frontiers in Australia, as it has witnessed some great Australian history. At the Torres Strait Museum learn about the feared Russian invasion of 1898. Had it eventuated the invaders would have been greeted with a salvo from the 6-inch guns which still peer out over the ocean approach from Green Hill Fort, now home of the Museum. Wander through the pearlers’ cemeteries where stories of this once dangerous occupation are revealed. Or take in brilliant, panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands and tropical seas from Lions Lookout.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of cruising unique.

Single, Triple and Quad Travelers: Single travelers may reserve sole occupancy of a twin occupancy stateroom for 25% less than the regular stateroom (twin occupancy) fare in categories JS, A and B. Subject to availability. Some staterooms accommodate a third or fourth person. Adults age 16 years and over pay 50% (children ages 2-15 years pay 25%) of the applicable stateroom category fare when sharing the room with two full-fare guests

Cost Includes: Included in your cruise fare are accommodations aboard Orion, cruise transportation, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programes, use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities, port & handling charges, Zodiac excursions and tender transfers, access to the ship's library, Govt. Fees & Taxes. Fares also include the services of 75 experienced crew.

Not Included: Fares do not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to: travel and medical insurance, laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hair dressing and massage treatments, optional shore experiences, medical treatment, telephone and internet charges.

Deposit and Final Payment: To secure your reservation a deposit of 25% of the fare is required. The deposit must be accompanied by a completed and signed Guest Booking Form and is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment must be received no later than 90 days before sailing. Separate conditions apply to the Cancellation Protection Plan.

Cancellation Policy: The following cancellation fees will apply to all reservations. The day on which written notice is received will determine the applicable penalties.
Day on Which Notice is received Penalty
121 days and over - 50% of deposit
120 - 91 days prior 100% of deposit
90 days or less 100% of fare
No show - no written notice 100% of fare

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with Travel Insurance. Please note that you must purchase your Travel Insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions.


Shoreside Expeditions: We include a number of complimentary shore experiences utilising our Zodiacs. In addition we offer an exciting and diverse selection of optional shore experiences which can be either booked for in advance or reserved onboard and charged to your onboard account. Due to limited numbers on some experiences we recommend you pre-register to avoid disappointment. Details will be provided with your ticket.

Arrival/Departure Information: The Art of Arnhem Land cruise begins in Darwin and ends in Cairns. Embarkation time is between 3:00 – 4:00pm on day of departure. Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day between 9:00 – 10:30am.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to AdventureSmith Explorations when a request for accommodation is made. On every Orion voyage extensive use of the ship’s Zodiacs will be made transporting guests between ship and shore. It is anticipated this travel may be physically demanding from time to time. In order for the crew to determine if safe passage can be offered, guests may be asked to provide additional information, such as a medical assessment of their fitness for expeditionary travel. All guests must sign a disclaimer onboard to participate in offship activities. Guests should be sure to bring onboard sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms & Conditions:. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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