Cape York & Arnhem Land - Darwin to Cairns - 11 Nights

Description

Discover destinations with fascinating histories, vibrant cultures and abundant flora and fauna. Visit seldom seen Indigenous rock art gallery at far-flung Stanley Island and discover wonders of nature at Lizard Island from climbing to the summit of the island to taking to the waters of the lagoon over the fringing reef and giant clam garden.

Steeped in colourful histories and diverse wildlife, visit locations such as Bremer Island (Dhambaliya) – this picturesque islands is home to an eco-sensitive beach retreat built in partnership with the Yolgnu people. Explore the ruins of the famous failed Victoria Settlement at Port Essington on the Cobourg Peninsula. Experience unspoiled natural landscapes along the rugged northern coastline and see biodiverse lands of dense mangrove forests to coastal woodlands.

Discover remote coastal locations including the Tiwi Islands, also known as the ‘Island of the Smiles’. Experience the island rich in untouched nature, visit Tiwi ladies basket weaving and painting, and experience a traditional smoking ceremony and totem dance. The Cape York and Arnhem Land expedition is a fascinating tapestry that immerses explorers in the very best of Australia’s northern coastline.

Trip Name

Cape York & Arnhem Land - Darwin to Cairns - 11 Nights

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Passenger Capacity: 120 Built: 2020 Expedition capabilities > Two trademark Xplorer tenders seat all passengers and facilitate comfortable shore excursions > Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration > Lecture lounge for daily expedition briefings and expert presentations > Small onboard library featuring books on destinations and wildlife > Shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems allowing access to locations closed to large cruise ships Marine immersion > Navigator lounge in the bridge > Over 1000 square metres of open deck space including a wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views > Engine room tours and a high level of crew interaction with guests Food and wine features > Single seating dining with communal table serves buffet breakfast and lunch, and multi-course table d’hote dinners > Showcase galley with viewing window creating fresh small-batch cuisine featuring Australian and local produce > Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks > Curated wine cellar featuring boutique wines and exceptional vintage Australian reds Guest comfort > All outside-facing guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; the majority have a private balcony > Active stabilisers to dampen sea motion > Well-equipped gym > Passenger elevator > Wi-Fi available in all guest areas

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1 - Darwin

After SailSAFE checking commencing at 2pm at the Darwin Cruise terminal, board the Coral Geographer at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 4pm ahead of our 5pm departure. Spend time getting to know your fellow travellers and enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks before the first of many delicious dinners.

Day 2 - Tiwi Island

Visit Bathurst Island in the Tiwi Islands, known as the ‘Island of the Smiles’. With local Tiwi guides, explore the Early Mission Precinct and unique Tiwi-style Catholic Church, visit Tiwi ladies as they work on weaving on painting, and experience a totem dance and traditional smoking ceremony before enjoying some homemade damper at morning tea and visiting the local Arts and Crafts centre.

Day 3 - Couburg Peninsula

Discover Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the Cobourg Peninsula. Join our expedition team in Port Essington, famous for the failed Victoria Settlement, and explore the ruins while learning about the fascinating history of this early colonial outpost.

Day 4 - Cruising Arafura Sea and the Hole in the Wall

After a relaxing day cruising the Arafura sea, this afternoon we will arrive to Gugari Rip. Otherwise known as the ‘Hole in the Wall’, this narrow gap marks where one island was split in two after the last ice age. Cruise through the narrow gap on our Xplorer tenders.

Day 5 - Bremer Island

This morning we go ashore to Bremer Island, or Dhambaliya as it is known to the traditional owners of the area. This island is home to an eco-sensitive beach retreat built in partnership with the Yolgnu people of the region. Spend the day beachcombing, swimming, bird watching, and taking in the scenic surrounds.

Day 6 - At sea

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, attend presentations and mingle with your fellow guests as we cruise east towards Cape York.

Day 7 - The tip of Cape York

Spend the day exploring the Tip of Cape York and its surround islands and rivers. Depending on tides, we may visit the ruins of the settlement at Somerset, which was once home to the infamous Jardine family, for which the mighty Jardine River is named. Or visit Albany Island, final resting place of members of the ill-fated Kennedy expedition. We will finish the day going ashore at Pajinka – the most northerly point of mainland Australia – to enjoy sunset sippers as we watch the sunset.

Day 8 - Remote Islands of Cape York

Spend the day exploring remote islands of northern Cape York. Depending on tides, we will visit Magra Islet or the Piper Islands National Group for beachcombing. Or perhaps Restoration Island, known as Ma’alpiku to the Kuuku Y’au people: in May 1789 it was where Captain Bligh, after the mutiny on the Bounty, first set foot on Australian soil. It is now the home to millionaire castaway David Glasheen.

Day 9 - Stanley Island

Go ashore at Stanley Island and walk to an aboriginal rock art gallery. This is a unique art site seldom visited due to its isolated location, and shows unique examples of contact period rock art. Later depending on tides, we will go ashore at Flinders Island (Wurriima) or perhaps land on the beach at Cape Melville, a remote national park characterised by the massive, tumbled boulders of the Melville range. This area is known as Othawa to the aboriginal traditional owners.

Day 10 - Lizard Island

Experience an unforgettable day at one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland coast, Lizard Island (Jiigurru). An early morning climb to Cook’s Look takes us to the summit of the island, where Lieutenant James Cook looked for a safe passage for his ship Endeavour in 1770. Later walk to Mary Watson’s cottage and here the tragic story of her time here. Spend the afternoon swimming and snorkelling in the lagoon over the fringing reef and giant clam garden. Jiigurru is a sacred place for the Dingaal aboriginal people. It was here that young boys were brought for initiation and that important meetings between Elders of neighbouring clans were held. These islands also provided a base for collecting shellfish, fish, turtles and dugong.

Day 11 - DAY 12 - Arrive Cairns

Today we arrive into Cairns at Trinity Wharf for disembark at 8:00am, with post-cruise transfers are included.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Discover destinations with fascinating histories, vibrant cultures and abundant flora and fauna
Visit seldom seen Indigenous rock art gallery at far-flung Stanley Island
Explore the ruins of the famous failed Victoria Settlement at Port Essington on the Cobourg Peninsula
Discover remote coastal locations including the Tiwi Islands, also known as the ‘Island of the Smiles