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Uncover the cultural and natural treasures of Australia’s far north on our immersive Cape York & Arnhem Land Expedition—an extraordinary 11-night voyage from Cairns to Darwin aboard Coral Discoverer. This journey offers rare access to remote shores, where Australia’s First Nations heritage, maritime history, and astonishing biodiversity converge. From snorkelling Lizard Island’s coral gardens and sipping champagne at Cape York’s windswept tip, to witnessing ancient art practices in Arnhem Land and walking the rich red cliffs of Cobourg Peninsula, each day brings new encounters with a land largely untouched by time. Guests will meet local communities in Elcho Island, Maningrida, and the Tiwi Islands, delving into vibrant traditions and the enduring legacy of Australia’s oldest cultures. With expert guides, breathtaking landscapes, and heartfelt connections, this is a journey of profound discovery—where coastlines whisper stories older than the continent itself.
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Day 1
Depart Cairns
Arrive at Cairns Trinity Wharf at 4:00 pm, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 5:00 pm departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard before joining your fellow explorers on the Sun Deck for Captain’s Welcome Drinks and sit down to the first of many delicious dinners.
Meals: D
Day 2
Lizard Island (Dyigurra)
Explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast, and venture into the crystal clear waters for swimming and snorkelling or take a walk along the white sand beach. The more energetic may join our guides on a walk to ‘Cook’s Look’ on the island’s peak and the highest lookout on this part of the reef. From this high point, Captain Cook was able to navigate a safe passage back through the treacherous waters after repairing the HMB 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. Later, snorkel over giant clam gardens in the lagoon.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Stanley Island (Yindayin) & Davie Cay
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, and hear stories from a traditional owner of the Yiithuwarra people. At Davie Cay, enjoy swimming and snorkelling and observe the large seabird rookery.
Day 4
Forbes Island & Piper Islands National Park
Enjoy the morning 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. This afternoon we 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 north-east coast of the Cape York Peninsula.
Day 5
Thursday Island (Waiben) & Cape York
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. Visit and purchase art from renowned art centres and view exciting cultural performances. Later in the afternoon set foot on the northernmost point of Australia – the tip of Cape York. Celebrate with a glass of sparkling at this iconic location as you watch the sunset over the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Day 6
Badu Island
Have the unique opportunity to visit Badu Island. Visit the fabulous art centre and enjoy the hospitality of the Badu islanders.
Day 7
Cruise the Gulf of Carpentaria
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with time to attend informative presentations by our guest lecturers.
Day 8
Yirrkala & the 'Hole in the Wall'
Visit the spectacular Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre at Yirrkala, outside of Nhulunbuy. Here, the Yirrkala Art Centre represents Yolngu artists from around the region. Established in 1976 as an act of self-determination, the art centre has forged a vibrant path for Yolngu 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. Late this afternoon we travel through the narrow channel between Raragala and Guluwuru Islands in the Wessels Group, known as the ‘Hole in the Wall’.
Day 9
Elcho Island
The friendly locals of Elcho Island proudly welcome us to their community at Galiwin’ku. Visit the art centre and meet some of the local artists, some of whom have their unique art exhibited in the famous art galleries of the world including the Louvre.
Day 10
Cobourg Peninsula
The Garig Gunak Barlu National Park is a pristine wilderness. Now it is virtually uninhabited and here we will explore the ruins of historic Fort Victoria and hear the stories of the failed settlement. On a nature walk, learn about bush tukka plants and look for monitor lizards and crocodiles.
Day 11
Tiwi Islands
Be welcomed to the Tiwi Islands with a smoking ceremony and dancing. With local Tiwi guides, learn about the unique Tiwi culture and visit the art centre. Enjoy a cultural performance and painting or basket-weaving demonstration before enjoying a traditional Australian morning tea of damper and billy tea.
Day 12
Trip Concludes in Darwin
Arrive and disembark at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 8:30am. Post cruise transfers to CBD hotels or the airport are included. If you’re not transferring directly to the airport why not spend the day enjoying the tropical city of Darwin with its landscaped waterfront and harbourside Wave Pool.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
Our voyages are designed for curious travellers — not just passengers. While our itineraries offer a range of activities, from gentle zodiac cruises to more challenging hikes and paddles, it’s important to understand the nature of this experience before you join us. These expeditions are suitable for most travellers with an adventurous spirit, good health, and the ability to move confidently around a vessel — especially in variable weather and sea conditions. Some shore landings and excursions may involve uneven terrain, wet landings, or light scrambling. Boarding zodiacs and navigating the boat may require balance and agility, though our experienced team is always on hand to assist. Each trip may include a variety of optional activities, most of which require no prior experience. Of course, all activities are optional — you’re always welcome to stay aboard and enjoy the ship at your own pace. Not sure if this trip is right for you?
Get in touch with our team — we’re here to help you choose the experience that best suits your interests, comfort, and curiosity.
Coral Discoverer a smaller expedition yacht, is designed to take you to destinations that are inaccessible to larger vessels. Her shallow draught and maneuverability make her highly versatile. She boasts ocean views from all public spaces, all outside-facing staterooms (some with balconies), and state-of-the-art tools for exploration including the Xplorer, zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, and kayaks. Her Xplorer bar and adjacent sundeck lounge with 360-degree views are much-loved features. Carrying only 72 passengers, she offers an intimate expedition experience larger ships cannot replicate. Coral Discoverer conducts expeditions across Australia’s coast – Tasmania, Cape York and Arnhem Land and the Kimberley. Australian flagged and staffed by an Australian and New Zealand crew, your experience aboard Coral Discoverer will be memorable.
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge, the six spacious Bridge Deck staterooms are 20sqm (215 square feet) 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. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage.
Size: 20sqm - Private Balcony - Twin or junior king beds
Promenade Deck (Category A) Stateroom
Encircled by a full-ship promenade, the 19 spacious Promenade Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage.
Size: 18sqm - Picture Window - Twin or junior king beds
Promenade Deck (Category B) Stateroom - Sole Use Occupancy
Located in the bow of the ship and encircled by a full-ship promenade, the two Promenade Deck (Category B) staterooms are 15sqm (160 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, telephone and Junior King bedding. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage. These rooms are allocated for Sole Use occupancy.
Size: 15sqm - Picture Window - Twin or junior king beds
Main Deck (Category A) Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, the six spacious Main Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) 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. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage.
Size: 18sqm - Twin Portholes - Twin or junior king beds
Main Deck (Category B) Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, the three spacious Main Deck (Category B) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) 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. The compact ensuite has a toilet, shower and ample storage.
Per Person, Twin Share
Yes. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout and passengers are able to modify room temperature in their cabin. Please note, for safety reasons the windows and portholes do not open.
Voltage onboard Coral Discoverer is 220/250v, 50Hz AC (standard Australian 3 pin plug). A slanted 2-pin adapter plug will work while onboard, however, with the 3rd pin missing, the item will not be grounded. For our international guests, a limited number of adapters are available onboard but we recommend you bring your own if required. Please check your equipment to be sure you bring what is necessary for your personal needs. Bathrooms onboard Coral Discoverer are equipped with both 110V and 200/240V outlets for electric shavers only.
While travelling through remote areas, you may not have access to Internet/mobile reception through your own provider for extended periods of time. Our fleet is equipped with advanced satellite and 4G broadband connectivity providing reliable and high-speed service when exploring remote areas. Complimentary access to standard WiFi will be available to all guests as part of their fare inclusion, enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging. There is also the option to purchase a package upgrade enabling access to higher bandwidth. In addition, to help you keep in touch with news from home, we subscribe to a daily news service, and copies of this publication are made available to guests each day. Note: Internet access on the ship is contracted to an external industry service provider and is a satellite connection. While every effort is made to ensure uninterrupted service, from time to time there may be disrupted service due to lack of satellite coverage or other technical issues that are beyond our control. Internet access is best in public areas but not guaranteed in staterooms due to the steel structure of the ship.
Upon embarkation, we automatically open your personal onboard account. For your security, we ask that you sign for your orders from our bar, shop, or make any other onboard purchases. At the end of the voyage your account may be settled in AU$ cash; by Visa, MasterCard or American Express (we regret no Travellers Cheques).
Prevention is key – you should discuss appropriate measures with your doctor or pharmacist prior to travel. If you do become seasick, please advise the Purser so they can attend to your needs promptly and appropriately. A variety of seasickness preventions and treatments are available onboard.
Basic toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and hand soap will be provided in your cabin. Shaving kits and dental kits are available on request. Hairdryers and separate towels for swimming and bathroom use are provided.
We recommend that you arrive to the embarkation port on the day prior to departure incase of any flight delays or issues. Ask our staff for flight and accommodation options.
No. There is no elevator or passenger lift aboard Coral Discoverer. There are approximately 12-13 steps on each flight of stairs.
The atmosphere onboard is casual and relaxed. There is no formal dress code, and ‘smart casual’ attire is suggested for dinner. A suggested packing list is included in your documents.
Limited laundering services are available onboard. Laundry bags and forms are stored in your wardrobe for collection by Cruise Attendants. Charges for this service will be posted to your onboard account. As the service is for laundering only, ironing services are not provided. Mini ironing boards and irons are available from the Reception desk.
Yes. There is a resource library onboard with an excellent selection of books covering natural history, geology, local cultures, and flora & fauna, as well as fictional novels and games to enjoy.
No. There are no luggage restrictions on Coral Discoverer, and there is ample room to store luggage in your cabin under your bed or in the wardrobe. Please note any airline restrictions when packing if travelling by air to or from your cruise.
No. The laws governing our liquor license prohibit alcohol being brought onboard by guests.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Explore places the big ships can’t with the widest selection of genuine small-ship, activity-first cruising. On Water Expeditions offers exceptional value, quality services, no hidden costs, and plenty of inclusions.
Don't watch the action sail past your window, dive into it! Designed for active travellers, these itineraries give you more time to adventure off the boat.
Activity is built into every journey. From paddling to hiking, enjoy a basecamp-style experience that injects fun, meaningful connections and thrilling adventure into it.
Each voyage is thoughtfully selected for low-impact exploration, supporting genuine conservation and sustainability while respecting local communities and environments.
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