Cape York & Arnhem Land - Indigenous Art Themed
12 Days - Coral Discoverer
Explore Northern Australian coastline and immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of Indigenous Australia, with this exclusive Cape York & Arnhem Land itinerary. This expedition will be focusing on Australian art and curated by traditional artist, Brian Robinson, as we will be taking you into some of the continent’s most acclaimed art centres. On board, you will also have the opportunity to create your own unique piece with an art class hosted by Brian himself.
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Itinerary Highlights
- Be immersed in the world’s oldest surviving culture in Arnhem Land
- Spend a full day exploring the rugged Cobourg Peninsula
- Experience the history and way of life of the Tiwi people at Bathurst Island
- See Indigenous art being created at the remote art centres along the Arnhem Land coast
- Visit art centres that have exhibited around the world and provide a deep and enriching understanding of Australia indigenous history
- Stand on the very tip of Australia at Cape York for a champagne sunrise or sunset
- Snorkel the clam gardens at Lizard Island, and coral gardens of the northern Great Barrier Reef
- Discover the renowned art, culture, and hospitality of the beautiful Torres Strait Islands
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Embark in Darwin
- Days 2-11: Make your way over the tip of Australia
- Day 12: Disembark in Cairns
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Day 1: Embark in Darwin
Board at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 7:00am ahead of our 8:00am 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 - 11: Explore the Top End of Australia
Over the next few days explore the wonders of the top end of Australia.
This itinerary is covering remote regions. Your Captain and Expedition Team will make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximise guest experience. The itinerary is indicative - some variation may occur due to weather conditions, safety or local community requirements.
Below is a selection of the key destinations visited.
TIWI ISLANDS
Visit remote Bathurst Island. With local Tiwi guides, we learn of the unique culture and visit the art centre. Be welcomed with a cultural performance and basket-weaving exhibition before enjoying a traditional Australian afternoon tea of damper and billy tea.
COBOURG PENINSULA
Discover Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the Cobourg Peninsula. Join Park Rangers in Port Essington, famous for the failed Victoria Settlement, and explore the ruins while learning about the fascinating history of this early colonial outpost.
MANINGRIDA
Anchor in the mighty Liverpool River and travel ashore to explore the Maningrida Art Centre, museum, and the local boutique, where hand-painted textiles can be purchased.
ELCHO ISLAND: GALIWIN'KU AND GAWA
The friendly locals of Elcho Island proudly welcome us to their community this morning. Meet some of the local artists who have their unique art exhibited in the famous art galleries of the world including the Louvre. In the afternoon, visit the community and school of Gawa.
HOLE IN THE WALL AND WESSEL ISLANDS
We travel through the narrow channel between Raragala and Guluwuru Islands, known as the ‘Hole in the Wall’
YIRRKALA ART CENTRE
Visit the spectacular Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre at Yirrkala, outside of Nhulunbuy. Here, the Yirrkala Art Centre represents Yolŋu artists from around the region.
Established in 1976 as an act of self-determination, the art centre has forged a vibrant path for Yolŋu contemporary art. The museum built in 1988 houses a collection of works detailing historical artefacts and important moments, including the Message Sticks from 1935 and the Yirrkala Church Panels from 1963.
CRUISING THE GULF OF CARPENTARIA
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with presentations by our guest lecturers. You will hear about the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early explorers of the Arnhem Land coast.
BADU ISLAND & TORRES STRAIT
Have the unique opportunity to visit Badu Island. Visit the fabulous art centre and enjoy the hospitality of the Badu islanders. We may visit additional Torres Strait Islands, such as Thursday Island and Moa Island.
NORTHERNMOST POINT OF CAPE YORK
Cruise to the Tip of Cape York and enjoy champagne while the sun sets.
FORBES ISLAND
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.
DAVIE REEF AND FLINDERS GROUP
Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Group, and view the isolated Endaen Aboriginal rock art depicting the first sailing ships to visit Queensland shores. At Davie Reef, enjoy swimming and snorkelling and observe the large seabird rookery.
LIZARD ISLAND
Explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland coast. Venture into the crystal clear waters for swimming and snorkelling or take a walk along the sparkling white beach. An energetic guided walk leads to Cook’s Look – from this peak, Captain James Cook was able to sight a navigable passage through the treacherous reef after repairing the HMB Endeavour.
Day 12: Disembark in Cairns
Arrive in Cairns and disembark at 8:00am.
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
- Expert Expedition Team, including Marine Biologists and Guest Lecturers, and a local Parks & Wildlife Guide
- Daily guided excursions on the Explorer and Zodiac tender vessels
- Comprehensive and fully guided sightseeing in each port
- Use of all onboard facilities, including a reference library
- All meals throughout your cruise, Australian cuisine prepared fresh in our galley
- Showcase wines and selected beer, as well as soft drinks, with lunch and dinner service
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Events
- Open Bridge Access with our Captain
- 24 hour coffee and selection of teas
- 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), laundry charges and souvenir purchases
- Any other items not listed as included
Notes
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.