Torres Strait & Cape York - Cairns to Horn Island
11 Days - Coral Discoverer
Explore the mystical Torres Strait Islands and the remote coastlines to the tip of Cape York. With almost 300 islands dotted across the narrow stretch of water between Cape York and Papua New Guinea, the people of the Torres Strait Islands have a distinct and vibrant culture. An expedition by small ship is the ideal way to access these remote regions and guests will be rewarded with the chances to meet these island communities and share their culture in a low impact and sustainable environment.
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Itinerary Highlights
- Experience the vibrant art, culture and natural beauty of the Torres Strait Islands, including community visits of Badu and Moa Islands
- Land at the northernmost tip of Australia at Pajinka on Cape York for a sunset or sunrise champagne toast
- Snorkel remote reefs and bird-watch at Davie Cay on the northern Great Barrier Reef
- Explore Lizard Island’s reefs and beaches and hike to historic Cook’s Look
- View rock art at Stanley Island, with interpretation by a traditional owner guide
- Learn about Indigenous culture and maritime history at Cooktown and Restoration Island
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Depart Cairns
- Day 2: Cooktown
- Day 3: Lizard Island
- Day 4: Stanley Island, Davie Reef and David Cay
- Day 5: Tijou Reef and Restoration Island
- Day 6: Forbes Island and remote inlets
- Day 7: Cape York and Thursday Island
- Day 8: Badu Island
- Day 9: Moa Island
- Day 10: Torres Strait Island - Expedition stop
- Day 11: Arrive Horn Island
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Day 1: Depart Cairns
Board Coral Discoverer at Cairns Trinity Wharf at 4pm for a 5pm departure. Enjoy afternoon tea onboard and a chance to meet your fellow travellers as we set sail northwards. This evening join guests and the friendly crew as we enjoy the Captain’s welcome drinks and sit down to the first of many delicious dinners.
Day 2: Cooktown
Discover historic Cooktown, with buildings dating back to the 1870s. Here you will have the choice of a guided indigenous cultural tour, or a guided Cooktown historic tour. You will also have the opportunity for time at leisure to explore Cooktown’s attractions which include art galleries, the botanic gardens, James Cook Museum (with original artefacts from the HMB Endeavour), lookouts, and a walk to the top of Grassy Hill.
Day 3: Lizard Island
Enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of Lizard Island. Join an optional hike to Cook’s Look and be rewarded with exceptional views over the Great Barrier Reef. Learn about the tragic fate of Mary Watson on a walk to her cottage. Snorkel from the beach over giant clam gardens and colourful coral and visit the Lizard Island Research Station.
Day 4: Stanley Island, Davie Reef and Davie Cay
Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Island Group and take a walk to view the isolated Endaen Aboriginal rock art guided by a traditional owner who will offer an interpretation. The art here depicts the first sailing ships to visit Queensland shores. At Davie Reef enjoy swimming, scuba, snorkelling or glass-bottom boat tours and see Brown Boobie Bird colonies at Davie Cay.
Day 5: Tijou Reef and Restoration Island
Enjoy snorkel, scuba and glass-bottom boat opportunities of the remote Tijou Reef.
Visit Restoration Island or Resto, as the locals call it. Here Captain Bligh of the infamous Mutiny on the Bounty made his first landfall after a long ocean crossing from Tonga, in May 1789. He named it Restoration Island because the food they found (oysters and native fruits) greatly restored their spirits and because that date was Oak Apple Day, the anniversary of the restoration of King Charles II.
Today Restoration Island is not just a National Park; one-third of the island is leased to David Glasheen, a former mining tycoon, who, after losing his fortune in the Black Friday market crash, decided to live a solitary existence on the island, and has done so for over 2 decades. It is an idyllic coastal island with a granite and volcanic peak 116 metres in height and a beautiful shark tooth-shaped beach spit where guest will enjoy water activities and time to explore the island.
Day 6: Forbes Island and Remote Islets
Enjoy a day exploring Forbes Island, an excellent spot for swimming, scuba, snorkelling or glass-bottom boat tours from the pristine sandy beaches. Hear the story of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster who inhabited this island and visit his gravesite. We also have an opportunity to go beachcombing at a nearby remote island, possibly Magra, Saunders, or Sir Charles Hardy.
Day 7: Cape York and Thursday Island
Step ashore at the northernmost point of the Australian mainland continent as the sun rises, and sip champagne to welcome the new day.
Join an informative tour of Thursday Island to learn about its interesting pearling history and multicultural influences. At Thursday Island we also have free time to explore all the island has to offer, including Gab Titui Cultural Centre, and local shopping.
Day 8: Badu Island
In the morning, we visit the indigenous art centre to watch printmakers at work, with the opportunity to purchase prints that catch your eye.
Enjoy traditional kai kai (Traditional Lunch) prepared by the local community – a feast of locally caught crayfish, fresh & curried fish. Spend the afternoon swimming at a local beach, hosted by traditional owners.
Day 9: Moa Island
Visit the art centre and join in print, weaving and jewellery making workshops with local artists. Watch a traditional dance performance, listen to the gorgeous harmonies of the local singers.
Day 10: Torres Strait Island - Expedition stop
In true expedition style, we will follow the conditions on the day to choose another Torres Strait Island to spend the day visiting, with a chance for cultural experiences and to relax in the pristine and scenic natural surrounds. Potential islands we may visit include Hammond, Prince of Wales, Mer or Erub depending on the conditions on the day.
Day 11: Horn Island
As we set off on our final Xplorer ride, our incredible adventure of Australia’s North comes to an end. At 8:00 am we arrive at Horn Island, with the option for a post-cruise tour.
There are daily flights to Cairns from Horn Island Airport. These are not included in the cruise fare.
Cabin Details
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge, the six spacious Bridge Deck staterooms are 20sqm in size and open out onto private balconies for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Promenade Deck Cat A Stateroom
Encircled by a full-ship promenade, the 19 spacious Promenade Deck (Cat A) staterooms are 18sqm in size and feature picture windows for ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Promenade Deck Cat B Stateroom
Located in the bow of the ship and encircled by a promenade, the Promenade Deck (Cat B) staterooms are 15sqm in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, telephone and Junior King bedding.
Main Deck Cat A Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, the six spacious Main Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm in size and feature large, twin porthole windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Main Deck Cat B Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, the three spacious Main Deck (Category B) staterooms are 18sqm in size and feature twin portholes for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Coral Discoverer Deckplan
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Specifications
- Year of Build: 2005
- Refurbished: 2016
- LOA: 63 metres
- Beam: 13 metres
- Draught: 3 metres
- Gross Tonnage: 1779 tonnes
- Cruising Speed: 10-12 knots
- Max. passengers: 72
- Max. crew: 24
- Tenders: 1 Xplorer, 2 Zodiacs
Whats included?
- On-board accommodation in your selected cabin
- Daily room service
- Daily guided excursions on the Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels, and kayaks where conditions allow
- All meals
- Showcase wines and beer, as well as soft drinks and juices, with lunch and dinner service
- 24 hour coffee and selection of teas
- Presentations, briefings & workshops by the highly experienced Expedition Team
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Events
- Open Bridge Access with the Captain
- Use of all onboard facilities
- All fees & gratuities
What’s not included?
- Arrival, departure or charter flights
- Entry visas/travel permits
- Any transfers not listed as included
- Travel Insurance
- Pre or post accommodation
- Alcoholic beverages outside of lunch and dinner service
- Items of a personal nature including but not limited to phone and internet communications, bar charges (outside of the included drinks package as highlighted) and souvenir purchases
- Any other items not listed as included
Notes
The itinerary is indicative. No two cruises will be the same, with each expedition crafted by our experienced Masters and Expedition Leaders. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.
Tipping is not required. Other cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your account and service charges to your bar invoices. On this cruise, the crew has no other agenda than your delight.