Coral Expeditions

Cape York and Arnhem Land – Art Themed (11 nts)

Cape York and Arnhem Land – Art Themed

11 nights Darwin – Cairns

Departure Dates

2026: 21 September. 2027: 14 September.

Cruising map of Coral Expeditions Cape York and Arnhem Land cruise

2026 & 2027 prices – Coral Discoverer

Cabin 2026 & 2027 NRMA** 2026 & 2027 Full fare
Twin Share Twin Share
Main Deck (Category B) N/A $12,990 pp
Main Deck (Category A) N/A $13,700 pp
Promenade Deck (Category B) N/A $14,300 pp
Promenade Deck (Category A) $13,120 pp $16,400 pp
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite $16,320 pp $20,400 pp

**NRMA members – Receive up to 20% off the full cruise fare (Promenade A and above). Savings are subject to availability on selected dates. MYNRMA Members also get complimentary Deposit Protection and 1x complimentary bottle of wine.

Inclusions

  • Post-cruise transfers to CBD hotel or airport
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • All excursions with our Expedition Team
  • Expedition diary, along with a photo gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging
  • Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
  • All meals, chef-prepared on board
  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
  • 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
  • Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs, & Kayaks
  • Pre-cruise transfers
  • Pre and post cruise accommodation
  • Premium Internet services
  • Alcoholic & non alcoholic specialty beverages outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Laundry service (available at a cost)
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Travel Insurance
  • Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
  • Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
Exploring Cape York and the Top End with Coral Expeditions cruises. This photo was taken in the Tiwi Islands.

Overview

Explore Australia’s Northern coastline, where ancient cultures thrive. Visit art centres and remote island communities.

  •  Experience artistic traditions firsthand during workshops with a guest artist 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 Makassan people

Itinerary Highlights

Arrive Darwin Fort Hill Wharf 7:00am, settle into your stateroom before 8:00am departure, steaming towards Tiwi Islands. Visit Bathurst Island with local guides and learn about the unique culture and art centre. Enjoy a welcome cultural performance, a basket-weaving exhibition and a traditional afternoon tea.

Discover Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the remote Cobourg Peninsula, where you can explore unique ecosystems and wildlife. Walk through the Port Essington ruins, learning the fascinating history of the failed Victoria Settlement and early colonial outpost attempts.

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

Friendly locals welcome us to the Galiwin’ku community, proudly sharing their rich culture. Visit the art centre and meet local artists, some of whom are exhibiting unique works in famous world galleries, including the Louvre.

Visit the spectacular Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre, located outside Nhulunbuy, which represents Yolŋu artists from across the region. See the 1988 museum housing Message Sticks from 1935 and the Yirrkala Church Panels from 1963. In the afternoon, visit the Bremer Island eco-sensitive retreat, built in collaboration with the Yolngu people.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with presentations by our guest lecturers. You will hear about the fascinating history of the Makassan traders and early explorers of the Arnhem Land coast.

Have the unique opportunity to visit Badu Island. Visit the fabulous art centre and enjoy the hospitality of the Badu islanders.

The Torres Strait consists of 200 beautiful islands, with only 17 of which are inhabited. Visit the Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial and the Bernard Namok Senior monument, where you can enjoy a traditional dance, storytelling, and music show. Enjoy a sunset champagne in Cape York.

Spend the morning exploring Forbes Island’s excellent swimming, snorkelling, and pristine sandy beaches. Walk to the grave of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster. In the afternoon, visit Piper Islands National Park for beachcombing and wildlife viewing.

Visit Stanley Island, where you can view the isolated Endaen Aboriginal rock art, depicting the first sailing ships to visit Queensland’s shores. See historical artwork that shows the European arrival. At Davie Reef, enjoy swimming, snorkelling, and observing large seabirds, which are protected in the waters.

Explore secluded Lizard Island, with crystal clear waters, swimming, snorkelling and sparkling white beaches. Enjoy a guided walk to Cook’s Look peak, where Captain James Cook sighted navigable passage through the treacherous reef after Endeavour repairs.

Cape York Arnhem Land adventure concludes in Cairns morning, bidding farewell to new friends at 8:00am—complimentary transfer provided to CBD hotels and the airport. Northern Beaches and Port Douglas transfers can be arranged onboard with the Purser at cost, if required.

Embrace the unexpected – it’s part of the adventure. This itinerary is a guide. We adjust plans based on weather, tides, wildlife, and opportunities we encounter. Remote communities may be unavailable due to local customs. Flexibility makes expeditions special.

Coral Discoverer

Life aboard Coral Discoverer in Cape York & Arnhem Land is intimate, soulful, and deeply rooted in ancient landscapes. Sail through timeless landscapes as stories come alive over regionally inspired feasts from an open galley. Stand at the very tip of Australia to toast the sunset with champagne, explore remote communities, or gather for enriching talks led by expert guides. With alfresco moments, shared curiosity, and true Aussie warmth, every day feels both profound and uplifting.

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