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Commencing in Darwin, voyage to the Tiwi Islands, and experience unique cultural performances and learn the history of the islands. A visit to Tiwi Designs, one of the oldest and most artistically diverse art centres in Australia, reveals the rich artistic heritage in stunning carvings, paintings, and fabric printing. At Maningrida, visit the Arts Centre, the Djomi Museum, and the Babbarra Women’s Centre. Be welcomed to remote townships on Elcho Island, and visit the Elcho Island Art Centre at Galiwin’ku. Each stop is another opportunity to experience the creative expression of one of the world’s oldest cultures and hear their stories. We continue on to the Torres Strait Islands. Here you will witness the traditional and contemporary blend of Torres Strait art forms. At the very tip of Australia, enjoy champagne as you look south toward the Great Barrier Reef. As we approach the end of our expedition, see rock art from the contact period at rugged Stanley Island, and have an opportunity to snorkel at vibrant reefs. Join Coral Expeditions on this exciting expedition to the far reaches of Australian’s Northern coastline.
• Experience these artistic traditions firsthand during workshops with internationally recognised Torres Strait artist Brian Robinson who will be travelling onboard
• Be immersed in the world’s oldest surviving culture in Arnhem Land
• Spend a full day exploring the rugged Cobourg Peninsula for historical ruins and fascinating wildlife
• With a local guide, visit the remote and culturally rich Tiwi Islands
• Learn about Indigenous art at Elcho Island and Maningrida Art Centres
• Stand on the very tip of Australia at Cape York for a champagne sunset
• Visit Thursday Island and learn about the cultures of the Torres Strait
• Explore Lizard Island and the northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef
• Discover the Arnhem Land coast, once the trading ground of the Macassan people
Day 1 - Depart Darwin
Make your way to check-in before boarding at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 8:00am ahead of our 9:00am departure. There will be a light breakfast available upon boarding. Spend the day getting to know your fellow travellers and enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks before the first of many delicious dinners.
Day 2 - Wurrumiyanga (Tiwi Islands)
Visit remote Bathurst Island, where 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.
Day 3 - Pirlangimpi (Tiwi Islands)
Today visit remote Melville Island and learn about both traditional and contemporary art on a visit to wholly Indigenous owned Munupi Arts at Pirlangimpi. We will have the opportunity to purchase traditional Tiwi artworks including paintings, fabrics, carving, pottery and clothing at island prices.
Day 4 - 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.
Day 5 - 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.
Day 6 - 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.
Day 7 - 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’.
Day 8 - 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.
Day 9 - 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.
Day 10 - 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 Moa Island.
Day 11 - Thursday Island
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 12 - Tip Of Cape York
Cruise to the Tip of Cape York and enjoy champagne while the sun sets.
Day 13 - 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.
Day 14 - 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.
Day 15 - 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 16 - Arrive In Cairns
Our Cape York Arnhem Land adventure concludes in Cairns this morning as we bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master and crew, disembarking at 8:00am.
A complimentary transfer is provided to CBD hotels or the airport. Transfers to the Northern Beaches or Port Douglas can be arranged on board with the Purser (at cost), if not already arranged prior to embarkation.
Coral Discoverer is exceptionally nimble and maneuverable, with a shallow draught to get up close to destinations, ocean views from all public spaces, an expansive open-air sun deck, all outside-facing staterooms, and state-of-theart tools for exploration including the Xplorer, zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, and kayaks. A floor-to-ceiling refurbishment in 2018 meant she was updated to perfectly accommodate Coral Expeditions’ style of expedition cruising. Australian flagged and staffed by an Australian and New Zealand crew, your experience aboard Coral Discoverer will be exceptional.
| Luxury star rating: | |
| Guests #: | 72 |
| Crew #: | 24 |
| Ice Class: | |
| Speed: | 9 |
| Refurbished: |
| Year built: | |
| Length: | 63m |
| Width: | 13 |
| Draft: | 3 |
| Tonnage: | 1779 |
| Registry: | |
| Elec Outlets: |
We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.
