Cape York & Arnhem Land

No two Cape York & Arnhem Land cruises are the same. Each expedition is crafted by experienced captains and expedition leaders around weather and community requirements. Below is a selection of the key destinations visited.

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.

At Sea & Hole in the Wall (Gugari Rip)

Travel through the narrow channel between Raragala and Guluwuru Islands, known as the Hole in the Wall (Gugari Rip).

Yirrkala Art Center, Nhulunbuy (Gove) & Bremer Island (Dhambaliya) 

Visit the spectacular Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Center at Yirrkala, outside of Nhulunbhuy. Here, the Yirrkala Art Center represents Yolgnu artists from around the region. Established in 1976 as an act of self-determination, the art center has forged a vibrant path for Yolgnu contemporary art. The museum built in 1988 houses a collection of works detailing historical artifacts and important moments, including the Message Sticks from 1935 and the Yirrkala Church Panels from 1963.

In the afternoon, go ashore to Bremer Island, or Dhambaliya as it is known to the traditional owners of the area. This island is home to an eco-sensitive beach retreat built in partnership with the Yolgnu people of the region. Spend the morning beachcombing, bird watching and taking in the scenic surrounds.

Day at Sea

Enjoy a day at sea with presentations and art workshops by the onboard guest lecturer and artist. You will also hear about the fascinating history of the Makassan traders and early explorers of the Arnhem Land coast.

Badu Island Art Center

At rarely visited Badu Island, visit the Art Center and view fine examples of printmaking, etching and carvings produced by local artists, some of whose works are collected by the National Gallery of Australia and displayed all over the world. Enjoy the hospitality of the locals with a delicious kai-kai of locally caught seafood.

Thursday Island (Waiben) & Tip of Cape York (Pajinka)

Join an informative tour of Waiben (Thursday Island) to learn about its interesting pearling history and multicultural influences. Also enjoy free time to explore all the island has to offer, including Gab Titui Cultural Center and local shopping. Later, surrounded by glistening sea and bathed in the glow of twilight, enjoy sundowner drinks and the company of like-minded explorers as you relax and watch the sun gently sink below the horizon at
the Tip of Cape York—the northernmost point of the Australian mainland continent.

Forbes Island

Enjoy a day exploring Forbes Island, an excellent spot for swimming or snorkeling from the pristine sandy beaches. Hear the story of Bêche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster who inhabited this island and visit his gravesite. Depending on tides, visit the remote Piper Islands for bird watching and beachcombing, or the island home of million dollar castaway David Glasheen at Restoration Island (Ma’alpiku). It is here Captain Bligh of the infamous Mutiny on the Bounty made his first landfall after a long ocean crossing from Tonga, in May 1789.

Stanley Island (Yindayin) & Davie Reef

This morning, visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Group. View the Endaen Aboriginal rock art gallery with interpretation by a Traditional Custodian of this region. This is a unique art site seldom visited due to its isolated location that depicts sailing ships of the previous centuries. This afternoon snorkel the remote and pristine Davie Reef, and tide permitting land on the cay to observe bird life.

Lizard Island (Dyiigurra)

Explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland coast. Venture into the crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling 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 HMS 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.

Cooktown (Gungardie)

Visit historic Cooktown, where Captain Cook took refuge during his voyage of discovery. Embark on a guided walk led by your expedition team along the esplanade and learn about history of the town, a Cooktown coach tour will also be available. The Milbi Wall at the Wharf tells the story of the Guugu Yimithirr people in hand-painted tiles, and the views from Grassy Hill over the Endeavour River are spectacular. Visit the Cooktown Museum and
examine the relics of Australia’s exploration era.

Arrive in Cairns and disembark at 8:00am. Complimentary post-cruise transfer to a central business district hotel, or airport, following disembarkation. Transfers to the Northern Beaches or Port Douglas can be arranged on board with the Purser (added cost), if not already arranged prior to embarkation.

No two Torres Strait & Cape York cruises are the same. Each expedition is crafted by experienced captains and expedition leaders around weather and community requirements. Below is a selection of the key destinations visited.

Cooktown

Come ashore in historic Cooktown and learn the history of the Guugu Yimithirr, the first people of this ancient country. Discover recent European history with a visit to the site where Lt. James Cook beached HMB Endeavour to effect repairs in 1770. Wander through the rare flora collection at the Botanic Gardens and visit James Cook Museum, to learn the story of Cook’s landing as told from an Aboriginal perspective and to see artifacts on display. Later, cruise towards Lizard Island, arriving in time for sunset.

Lizard Island

Explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast, and venture into the crystal clear waters for swimming and snorkeling or take a walk along the white-sand beach. The more energetic may join the guides on a walk to Cook’s Look on the island’s peak. From this high point, Lieut. Jams Cook found a safe passage through the treacherous reef after repairing the HMB Endeavour near Cooktown over 250 years ago. The views from the lookout over the reef and islands are magnificent. Later, snorkel over giant clam gardens in the lagoon.

Remote Osprey Reef

One of the world’s best dive sites, Osprey Reef is a submerged atoll in the Coral Sea. The top of a mountain which rises from the seafloor, surrounded by a vast ocean, it draws many beautiful and rare marine creatures to its plummeting walls. Osprey Reef is a highly prized tropical dive location amongst scuba divers, called an “oasis for living creatures of all kinds” by Sir David Attenborough. The vibrant corals and crystal-clear waters make it an unforgettable place to discover. Here, spend time in the water exploring the 100-foot-deep lagoon and drift diving the walls, where you may see large pelagic fish, rays and sharks drawn in from the surrounding deep blue to this ocean oasis. Osprey Reef is a true expedition-style destination and this visit is subject to appropriate weather conditions.

Stanley Island & Davie Reef

Visit Stanley Island 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 an traditional owner of the Yiithuwarra people. At Davie Reef, enjoy swimming and snorkeling and observe the large seabird rookery.

Forbes & Restoration Islands

At Forbes Island, walk to the grave of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster, beachcomb on sweeping beaches and snorkel in the tropical waters. Later visit Restoration Island, with its tall palm trees and white beaches, which was named by Captain Bligh who landed here after the mutiny on the Bounty. It is the home of millionaire castaway David Glasheen. Visit David and stroll on the beach.

Tip of Cape York (Pajinka)

This morning, set foot on the northernmost point of Australia—the tip of Cape York! Celebrate with a glass of sparkling at this iconic location while watching the sunrise over the Gulf of Carpentaria. Later visit historical sites at Somerset, Possession Island and Albany Island.

Torres Strait: Badu Island

In the morning, visit the indigenous art center 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 fresh fish, curried fish and crayfish. Spend the afternoon swimming at a local beach, hosted by traditional owners.

Torres Strait: Moa Island

Visit the art center and join in print, weaving and jewelry-making workshops with local artists. Watch a traditional dance performance and listen to the gorgeous harmonies of the local singers.

Torres Strait: Thursday Island (Waiben)

Join an informative tour of Thursday Island to learn about its interesting pearling history and multicultural influences. At Thursday Island you also have free time to explore all the island has to offer, including Gab Titui Cultural Center and local shopping.

At 8:00am, 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.

No two Torres Strait & Cape York cruises are the same. Each expedition is crafted by experienced captains and expedition leaders around weather and community requirements. Below is a selection of the key destinations visited.

Torres Strait: Thursday Island (Waiben)

Join an informative tour of Thursday Island to learn about its interesting pearling history and multicultural influences. At Thursday Island you also have free time to explore all the island has to offer, including Gab Titui Cultural Center and local shopping.

Torres Strait: Moa Island

Visit the art center and join in print, weaving and jewelry-making workshops with local artists. Watch a traditional dance performance and listen to the gorgeous harmonies of the local singers.

Torres Strait: Badu Island

In the morning, visit the indigenous art center 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 fresh fish, curried fish and crayfish. Spend the afternoon swimming at a local beach, hosted by traditional owners.

Tip of Cape York (Pajinka)

This morning, set foot on the northernmost point of Australia—the tip of Cape York! Celebrate with a glass of sparkling at this iconic location while watching the sunrise over the Gulf of Carpentaria. Later visit historical sites at Somerset, Possession Island and Albany Island.

Forbes & Restoration Islands

At Forbes Island, walk to the grave of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster, beachcomb on sweeping beaches and snorkel in the tropical waters. Later visit Restoration Island, with its tall palm trees and white beaches, which was named by Captain Bligh who landed here after the mutiny on the Bounty. It is the home of millionaire castaway David Glasheen. Visit David and stroll on the beach.

Stanley Island & Davie Reef

Visit Stanley Island 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 an traditional owner of the Yiithuwarra people. At Davie Reef, enjoy swimming and snorkeling and observe the large seabird rookery.

Remote Osprey Reef

One of the world’s best dive sites, Osprey Reef is a submerged atoll in the Coral Sea. The top of a mountain which rises from the seafloor, surrounded by a vast ocean, it draws many beautiful and rare marine creatures to its plummeting walls. Osprey Reef is a highly prized tropical dive location amongst scuba divers, called an “oasis for living creatures of all kinds” by Sir David Attenborough. The vibrant corals and crystal-clear waters make it an unforgettable place to discover. Here, spend time in the water exploring the 100-foot-deep lagoon and drift diving the walls, where you may see large pelagic fish, rays and sharks drawn in from the surrounding deep blue to this ocean oasis. Osprey Reef is a true expedition-style destination and this visit is subject to appropriate weather conditions.

Lizard Island

Explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast, and venture into the crystal clear waters for swimming and snorkeling or take a walk along the white-sand beach. The more energetic may join the guides on a walk to Cook’s Look on the island’s peak. From this high point, Lieut. Jams Cook found a safe passage through the treacherous reef after repairing the HMB Endeavour near Cooktown over 250 years ago. The views from the lookout over the reef and islands are magnificent. Later, snorkel over giant clam gardens in the lagoon.

Cooktown

Come ashore in historic Cooktown and learn the history of the Guugu Yimithirr, the first people of this ancient country. Discover recent European history with a visit to the site where Lt. James Cook beached HMB Endeavour to effect repairs in 1770. Wander through the rare flora collection at the Botanic Gardens and visit James Cook Museum, to learn the story of Cook’s landing as told from an Aboriginal perspective and to see artifacts on display. Later, cruise towards Lizard Island, arriving in time for sunset.

The incredible adventure of Australia’s North comes to an end. Disembark Cairns at 8:00am.