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.

Maningrida
Anchor in the mighty Liverpool River and travel ashore to explore the Maningrida Art Center, museum, and the local boutique where hand-painted textiles can be purchased.

Day At Sea: Hole in the Wall & Wessel Islands
Travel through the narrow channel between Raragala and Guluwuru Islands, known as the Hole in the Wall.

Yirrkala Art Center & Bremer Island
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: Cruising the Gulf of Carpentaria
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
Have the unique opportunity to visit Badu Island. Visit the fabulous art center and enjoy the hospitality of the Badu islanders.

Thursday Island (Waiben) & Tip of Cape York (Pajinka)
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. Later, cruise to the Tip of Cape York—the northernmost point of the Australian mainland continent—and enjoy champagne while the sun sets.

Forbes Island (Wuthara)
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.

*Guests travelling onboard the Coral Adventurer will not visit Forbes Island. Instead, guests will visit Piper Island and Restoration Island.

Davie Reef & Flinders Group
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. At Davie Reef, enjoy swimming and snorkeling and observe the large seabird rookery.

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.

Your Cape York Arnhem Land adventure concludes in Cairns this morning as you bid farewell to newfound friends, the Master and crew, disembarking at 8:00am.

A complimentary transfer is provided to central business district hotels or the airport. Transfers to the Northern Beaches or Port Douglas can be arranged on board with the Purser (at 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 (Gungardie)
This morning, 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 the 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 James Cook Museum and examine the relics of Australia’s exploration era.

Lizard Island (Jiigurru)
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.

Osprey Reef – Coral Sea
Osprey Reef is the summit of an undersea 6,561-foot (2,000m) mountain which rises from the seafloor. It is a highly prized tropical dive location amongst scuba divers, and 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 98-foot-deep (30m) lagoon and drift diving the walls, where you may see large pelagic fish, rays and sharks drawn in from the surrounding deep blue to enjoy the richness of this ocean oasis. Osprey Reef is a true expedition-style destination and your visit is subject to appropriate weather conditions.

Stanley Island & Davie Reef
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 interpretation. The art here depicts the first sailing ships to visit Queensland shores. At Davie Reef, enjoy swimming, scuba, snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tours and see brown boobie bird colonies at Davie Caye.

Forbes Island & Piper Islands National Park
Enjoy the morning exploring Forbes Island, an excellent spot for swimming or snorkeling from the pristine sandy beaches. Take a walk to the grave of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster. This afternoon, visit the Piper Islands National Park for beach combing and wildlife viewing. The Piper group consists of five islands (Beesley, Baird, Farmer and Fisher Islands and Kay Islet) that lie off the northeast coast of the Cape York Peninsula. These low and vegetated cays are home to many species of birds and are recognized by Bird Life International as an Important Bird Area.

Turtle Head Island & The Tip of Cape York (Pajinka)
Today will be a truly expedition style excursion, as you venture into the labyrinth of creeks and mangrove systems that make up the Escape River mouth. The Escape River is a wild and remote region even by Cape York standards, with an abundance of estuarine crocodiles. Steeped in history, it is where explorer Edmund Kennedy was fatally speared by local aboriginal people in 1849. Go ashore at Turtle Head Island, where you will visit a small pearl farm and learn about the process from your hosts Rusty and Bronwyn, with a chance to purchase some beautiful jewelry made of pearls and shell (cash only). Later, head ashore to the Tip of Cape York, the northern most point of mainland Australia and a true bucket list destination. Sip champagne and explore the surrounds as the sun sets.

Albany Island & Somerset
Go ashore to Albany Island, also known as Pabaju in the local language. This idyllic tropical island is closely associated with one of Queensland’s worst maritime disasters, the tragic sinking of the RMS Quetta in 1890, in which 134 people lost their lives. Today the island is home to a fishing camp where keen anglers can throw a line in. Enjoy a walk to the island interior to see the graves of the ill-fated Kennedy expedition, beachcomb, or take an Xplorer cruise around the bay.

Later, visit the ruins at Somerset, where a station was established on Gudang country in 1864. It was the first permanent European settlement on the Cape York Peninsula, and was planned to be a port and administrative center for the Torres Strait region, but this remote colony became a violent place presided over by the infamous Jardine family. Here you can see the tombstones of Frank Jardine and his wife.

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.

Thursday Island (Waiben)
The Torres Strait is home to 200 strikingly beautiful islands, however only 17 are inhabited. 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. Watch a cultural performance before enjoying free time to explore all the island has to offer, including Gab Titui Cultural Center and local shopping.

This morning, disembark and set off on your final Xplorer ride, as your incredible adventure of Australia’s north comes to an end. At 8:00am, arrive at Horn Island, where a complimentary post-cruise transfer to the airport or local accommodation will be available.

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.

Thursday Island (Waiben)
The Torres Strait is home to 200 strikingly beautiful islands, however only 17 are inhabited. 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. Watch a cultural performance before enjoying free time to explore all the island has to offer, including Gab Titui Cultural Center and local shopping.

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.

Albany Island & Somerset
Go ashore to Albany Island, also known as Pabaju in the local language. This idyllic tropical island is closely associated with one of Queensland’s worst maritime disasters, the tragic sinking of the RMS Quetta in 1890, in which 134 people lost their lives. Today the island is home to a fishing camp where keen anglers can throw a line in. Enjoy a walk to the island interior to see the graves of the ill-fated Kennedy expedition, beachcomb, or take an Xplorer cruise around the bay.

Later, visit the ruins at Somerset, where a station was established on Gudang country in 1864. It was the first permanent European settlement on the Cape York Peninsula, and was planned to be a port and administrative center for the Torres Strait region, but this remote colony became a violent place presided over by the infamous Jardine family. Here you can see the tombstones of Frank Jardine and his wife.

Turtle Head Island & The Tip of Cape York (Pajinka)
Today will be a truly expedition style excursion, as you venture into the labyrinth of creeks and mangrove systems that make up the Escape River mouth. The Escape River is a wild and remote region even by Cape York standards, with an abundance of estuarine crocodiles. Steeped in history, it is where explorer Edmund Kennedy was fatally speared by local aboriginal people in 1849. Go ashore at Turtle Head Island, where you will visit a small pearl farm and learn about the process from your hosts Rusty and Bronwyn, with a chance to purchase some beautiful jewelry made of pearls and shell (cash only). Later, head ashore to the Tip of Cape York, the northern most point of mainland Australia and a true bucket list destination. Sip champagne and explore the surrounds as the sun sets.

Forbes Island & Piper Islands National Park
Enjoy the morning exploring Forbes Island, an excellent spot for swimming or snorkeling from the pristine sandy beaches. Take a walk to the grave of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster. This afternoon, visit the Piper Islands National Park for beach combing and wildlife viewing. The Piper group consists of five islands (Beesley, Baird, Farmer and Fisher Islands and Kay Islet) that lie off the northeast coast of the Cape York Peninsula. These low and vegetated cays are home to many species of birds and are recognized by Bird Life International as an Important Bird Area.

Stanley Island & Davie Reef
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 interpretation. The art here depicts the first sailing ships to visit Queensland shores. At Davie Reef, enjoy swimming, scuba, snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tours and see brown boobie bird colonies at Davie Caye.

Osprey Reef – Coral Sea
Osprey Reef is the summit of an undersea 6,561-foot (2,000m) mountain which rises from the seafloor. It is a highly prized tropical dive location amongst scuba divers, and 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 98-foot-deep (30m) lagoon and drift diving the walls, where you may see large pelagic fish, rays and sharks drawn in from the surrounding deep blue to enjoy the richness of this ocean oasis. Osprey Reef is a true expedition-style destination and your visit is subject to appropriate weather conditions.

Lizard Island (Jiigurru)
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.

Cooktown (Gungardie)
This morning, 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 the 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 James Cook Museum and examine the relics of Australia’s exploration era.

This morning, your incredible adventure of Australia’s north comes to an end. At 8:00am, disembark at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal, with post-cruise transfers included to the airport and central business district hotels.