Your expedition voyage of discovery begins from either Cairns - gateway to the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, Cape York Peninsular and the fascinating islands of the Tomes Strait, or Darwin - gateway to the remote and mysterious Arnhem Land and the famous National Parks of Kakadu and Cobourg Peninsula, areas affectionately known as the "Top End".

The northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef are the most remote and pristine areas of this magnificent national park. Our informative, guided 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 Coral Princess cruises on an expedition that will see you encounter The Top End from the comfort and style of our superb luxury vessel!

11 Night Darwin-Cairns Itinerary - Oceanic Discoverer
Darwin - Wessel Islands - Thursday Island - Cairns
Day 1: 07:00am: Board the Oceanic Discoverer at Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory and gateway to the “Top End”. 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: On Coburg 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: Having cruised through the Bowen Strait and across the Arnhem Land coast we make landfall on the welcoming island of Milingimbi and later in the afternoon we cruise to Elcho Island. The friendly locals proudly welcome and share with us their culture and offer their art pieces for sale.

Day 4: We explore the beautiful islands of the Wessell 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 5: Learn of the history of World War II at Jensens Bay before cruising through “The Hole in the Wall”. Join our Guest Lecturer for a discussion on traditional aboriginal philosophy on Wigram Island.

Day 6: Our guest lecturers will recap on the voyage and share with us their knowledge of the region as we cross the Gulf of Carpentaria to Thursday Island.

Day 7: This morning 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 are guests of the local school when the children perform traditional dances for us. 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, snorkelling, and diving.

Day 9: Davey Reef/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 into the Port of Cairns at approximately 08:00am.

This itinerary is an indication of the reef, islands and coastal areas we visit. While every effort will be made to follow the 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.

Day 2: Lizard Island: Here we explore one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling. As special guests of the Lizard Island Research Station we have an opportunity to learn of the research being undertaken to help understand and preserve the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 3: Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Group to 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. At Davey Reef and Cay we enjoy swimming and snorkelling and observe the large seabird rookery.

Day 4: Forbes Island and reef: Enjoy the day exploring this historical island. Time for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. This afternoon we visit Magra Island for beachcombing, bird watching and to enjoy the tropical sunset.

Day 5: For the early risers we go ashore at Cape York and as the sun rises at the “Tip” we enjoy champagne and welcome the new day. Anchoring at Thursday Island we will 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. We enjoy a tour of the island and are guests of the local school when the children perform traditional dances. Depart Thursday Island for the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Day 6: Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with presentations by our Guest Lecturers, who share with you the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early discoverers of the Arnhem Land coast.

Day 7: Today we sail through the “Hole in the Wall” to the Wessell Islands and weather and tide permitting, enjoy a beach BBQ in the evening.

Day 8: Visit the world renowned art centre at Elcho Island and the new art centre on Milingimbi Island. Here you meet the local artists who have their art exhibited in the famous art galleries of the world, including the Louvre.

Day 9: Arnhem Land. Cruising the Arnhem land coast and Bowen Straits we land in Raffles Bay and learn of the failed Fort Wellington Settlement.

Day 10: On Coburg 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 11: 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 centers. There is the opportunity to purchase their wonderful screen-printing, art, woodcarvings and pottery. Tonight Enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party.

Day 12: 08:00am: Arrive into the 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.

Darwin to Cairns - reverse itinerary boarding Darwin at 7.00 am for an 8.00 am departure. Arriving in Cairns at approx 0800am

Day 2: Lizard Island: Here we explore one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling. As special guests of the Lizard Island Research Station we have an opportunity to learn of the research being undertaken to help understand and preserve the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 3: Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Group to 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. At Davey Reef and Cay we enjoy swimming and snorkelling and observe the large seabird rookery.

Day 4: Forbes Island and reef: Enjoy the day exploring this historical island. Time for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.

Day 5: For the early risers we go ashore at Cape York and as the sun rises at the “Tip” we enjoy champagne and welcome the new day. Anchoring at Thursday Island we will 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. We enjoy a tour of the island and are guests of the local school when the children perform traditional dances. We then visit Horn Island and learn of the significance of the Torres Strait Islands during World War II. Overnight at Gateway Torres Strait Resort.

Day 6: Following a tour of the island we board our charter flight across the Gulf of Carpentaria to Nhulunbuy (Gove). Here we join a tour of the Nabalco bauxite mine and visit the Nambarra and Yirrkala Arts and Crafts centres. Overnight at the Walkabout Lodge.

Day 7: This morning we rejoin Coral Princess and cruise the English Company Islands and Malay Straits. Weather and tides permitting we land at Wigram Island and enjoy a beach BBQ as special guests of Terry Yumbulul, the Traditional Owner of these beautiful islands.

Day 8: Wessel Islands: Cruise through the unique ‘Hole in the Wall”. Here our expert guides and lecturers will share with you the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early discoverers to the Arnhem Land coast.

Day 9: Arnhem Land. Cruising the Arnhem land coast and Bowen Straits we land in Raffles Bay and learn of the failed Fort Wellington Settlement.

Day 10: On Coburg 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 11: 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. Tonight Enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party.

Day 12: 08:00am: Arrive into the 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 the itinerary to make allowances for weather and tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.

This itinerary also operates in reverse from Darwin to Cairns

RETURN TO CORAL PRINCESS CRUISES