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Cape York & Arnhem Land

Join us on this unforgettable experience combining the best of the Top End, 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’.

There are few roads in this remote part of Northern Australia. Your access to this area is aboard one of our expedition cruise vessels Coral Princess or Oceanic Discoverer. Shallow draft and maneuverability make these ships ideal to safely navigate the often uncharted waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait and Arafura Sea.

Experienced and informative Expedition Leaders and Guest Lecturers will accompany you on all excursions. They will point out and interpret the myriad of wildlife you encounter and augment your experiences with on-board discussions and informal lectures. From our informative Guides you will discover the mysteries of the fascinating reef life and habitat.

Day 1 - Depart Cairns

Board your vessel at Trinity Wharf, Cairns at 3:00pm for a 4.00pm departure. This evening meet your fellow travelers and friendly crew as we enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party.

Accommodations: Coral Princess or Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Lizard Island

Explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling 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 Endeavor 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.

Accommodations: Coral Princess or Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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, enjoy swimming and snorkeling and observe the large seabird rookery.

Accommodations: Coral Princess or Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Forbes Island and Magra Island

Enjoy the day exploring historic Forbes Island, its reef provides some fantastic swimming and snorkeling opportunities. This afternoon, visit Magra Island for beachcombing, bird watching and to enjoy the tropical sunset.

Accommodations: Coral Princess or Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - Cape York and Thursday Island

This morning 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. Opt for the opportunity to observe the distinctly different cultures of the Torres Strait Islanders and the Aboriginals whilst enjoy a tour of the island (subject to weather conditions). Following lunch, visit the Gab Titui Cultural Center where the children perform traditional dances. Continuing on to Horn Island we discover the significance of the Torres Strait during World War II. Tonight, travel ashore on Horn Island and stay overnight at the Gateway Torres Strait Resort.

Accommodations: Coral Princess or Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Nhulunbuy (Gove)

This morning board our short charter flight across the Gulf of Carpentaria to Nhulunbuy (Gove). Upon arrival, visit the Yirrkala Art Center. Following a light lunch, enjoy time to discover this frontier town before visiting Nambarra Art Center to see some fine examples of local artwork. This evening enjoy a relaxing stay at the Walkabout Lodge in Gove.

Accommodations: Coral Princess or Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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 enjoy a gourmet Aussie Beach BBQ as the sun spectacularly sets over the Arafura Sea.

Accommodations: Coral Princess or Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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.

Accommodations: Coral Princess or Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Liverpool River and Maningrida

Anchor in the mighty Liverpool River before traveling ashore to explore the Maningrida Art Center, 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.

Accommodations: Coral Princess or Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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. Later visit the Ranger’s Interpretation Center at Black Point.

Accommodations: Coral Princess or Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 - Bathurst and Melville Islands

Today enjoy a true highlight - visiting remote Bathurst and Melville Islands. With traditional Tiwi people as our guides, learn of the unique cultures and visit their fascinating art center. 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 and enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Cocktails.

Accommodations: Coral Princess or Oceanic Discoverer
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12 - Darwin, Disembark

After an early morning breakfast, Arrive into Darwin (the capital of the Northern Territory and gateway to the “Top End”) at 8:00am. Transfer to airport for flights home or your trip extension.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

Reverse Itinerary:
Day 1: Embark Darwin
Day 2: Cobourg Peninsula
Day 3: Arnhem Land coast and Beach BBQ
Day 4: Wessel Islands
Day 5: Gove
Day 6: Gove and Horn Island
Day 7: Thursday Island
Day 8: Forbes Island and reef
Day 9: Davey Reef and Flinders Group of Islands
Day 10: Lizard Island
Day 11: Ribbon Reefs
Day 12: Depart Cairns

Itinerary Notes: 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 and tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.

Included: Accommodation charges on board, services of expedition staff including lectures, briefings, slide/film presentations, and other group activities; group transfers during the cruise; all meals; 24-hour tea/coffee station; landing fees.

Exclusions: Pre and post flights and transfers; personal items such as telephone, internet charges, laundry, bar charges, travel insurance. Government Environmental Management charge of $16.50 per person - payable on board. All rates may be subject to fuel surcharges.

Families & Children: Minimum age 8 years old; however we do not recommend children under 12 years of age participate given the nature of these programs. Child rates may be available upon request.

Arrival & Departure: The Cape York & Arnhem Land 12 day cruise begins in and ends in either Cairns or Darwin. Embarkation time is 3:00pm on day of departure. Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day at 8:00am. Please schedule flights accordingly.

Payment & Cancellation: To secure your reservation a deposit of 10% of the fare is due within 7 days of placing your booking. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

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 by Coral Princess Cruises for any amendments not requiring a date change after booking is confirmed.

Prices for the Cape York & Arnhem Land Cruise aboard the Coral Princess or Oceanic Discoverer are in Australian Dollars. For today's exchange rate visit USD to AUD. We will accept payment in U.S. Dollars based on the exchange rate the day you make your payment.

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

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. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Qualifications: The Cape York and Arnhem Land Expedition Cruise 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. Guests should be sure to bring onboard sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com