Cape York & Arnhem Land

Arrive at Trinity Wharf (berth to be advised) at 4:00pm, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 5:00pm departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard before joining your fellow explorers on the Sun Deck for Captain’s Welcome Drinks and sit down to the first of many delicious dinners.

Explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast, and venture into the crystal clear waters for swimming and snorkelling or take a walk along the white sand beach. The more energetic may join our guides on a walk to ‘Cook’s Look’ on the island’s peak and the highest lookout on this part of the reef. From this high point, Captain Cook was able to navigate a safe passage back through the treacherous waters after repairing the HMB Endeavour near Cooktown over 250 years ago. A photographer’s delight, the views from the lookout over the World Heritage-listed reef and surrounding tropical islands are magnificent. Later, snorkel over giant clam gardens in the lagoon.

Visit Stanley Island (Yindayin) in the Flinders Group and view the isolated Endaen Aboriginal rock art depicting the first sailing ships to visit Queensland shores, and hear stories from a traditional owner of the Yiithuwarra people. At Davie Reef, enjoy swimming and snorkelling and observe the large seabird rookery. Later we visit the Piper Islands Group, a group of 5 low, vegetated cays abounding with birdlife.

Enjoy a day exploring Forbes Island, an excellent spot for swimming or snorkelling from the pristine sandy beaches. Take a walk to the grave of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster.

At Thursday Island embark on a coach tour to view the many sites of this historic and culturally diverse island. Disembark at the Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial, and at the monument to Bernard Namok Senior who designed the Torres Strait Islands Flag. Visit and purchase art from renowned art centres and view exciting cultural performances.

Set foot on the northernmost point of Australia – the tip of Cape York. Celebrate with a glass of sparkling at this iconic location as you watch the sunset over the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with time to attend informative presentations by our guest lecturers.

The friendly locals of Elcho Island proudly welcome us to their community at Galiwin’ku. Visit the art centre and meet some of the local artists, some of whom have their unique art exhibited in the famous art galleries of the world including the Louvre.

Travel ashore to explore the Djomi museum and the Babbarra Women’s Centre. Maningrida is home to a remarkable art centre and this is a unique opportunity to purchase sought-after Indigenous artworks and textiles directly from the community.

The Garig Gunak Barlu National Park is a pristine wilderness. Now it is virtually uninhabited and here we will explore the ruins of historic Fort Victoria and hear the stories of the failed settlement. On a nature walk, learn about bush tucker plants and look for monitor lizards and crocodiles.

Be welcomed to the Tiwi Islands with a smoking ceremony and dancing. With local Tiwi guides, learn about the unique Tiwi culture and visit the art centre. Enjoy a cultural performance and painting or basket-weaving demonstration before enjoying a traditional Australian morning tea of damper and billy tea.

Arrive and disembark at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 8:30am. Post cruise transfers to CBD hotels or the airport are included. If you’re not transferring directly to the airport why not spend the day enjoying the tropical city of Darwin with its landscaped waterfront and harbourside Wave Pool.