Cape York and Arnhem Land
11 nights Cairns – Darwin
Departure Dates
2026: 28 March. 2027: 12 April.
Coral Expeditions
Cape York and Arnhem Land (11 nts)
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
Overview
Australia’s northern coastline weaves together the Great Barrier Reef, Cape York’s remote tip, and Arnhem Land’s ancient art centres.
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Explore Lizard Island and the northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef
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Be immersed in the world’s oldest surviving culture in Arnhem Land
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Stand on the very tip of Australia at Cape York for a champagne sunset
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Visit Thursday Island and learn about the cultures of the Torres Strait
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Learn about Indigenous art at Elcho Island and Maningrida Art Centres
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Discover the Arnhem Land coast, once the trading ground of the Makassan people
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Spend a full day exploring the rugged Cobourg Peninsula for historical ruins and fascinating wildlife
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With a local guide, visit the culturally rich Tiwi Islands
Itinerary Highlights
Arrive at Cairns Trinity Wharf at 4:00pm, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 5:00pm departure. Join your fellow explorers on the Sun Deck for Captain’s Welcome Drinks and sit down to the first of many delicious dinners.
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. Enjoy an optional hike to ‘Cook’s Look’.
Visit Stanley Island (Yindayin) in the Flinders Group and view the isolated Endaen Aboriginal rock art, which depicts the first sailing ships to visit Queensland’s shores. Hear stories from a traditional owner of the Yiithuwarra people. At Davie Cay, enjoy swimming and snorkelling.
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.
Today, experience a rich multicultural heritage through cultural sites, including the Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial and the Torres Strait Flag monument. Visit and purchase art from renowned art centres and view exciting cultural performances.
Have the unique opportunity to visit Badu Island. Visit the fabulous art centre and enjoy the hospitality of the Badu islanders.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with time to attend informative presentations by your guest lecturers.
Visit Australia’s most significant Aboriginal art centre, the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre, and meet artists creating bark paintings that carry ancient stories. In the afternoon, travel through the narrow channel between Raragala and Guluwuru Islands, known as the ‘Hole in the Wall’.
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 famous art galleries around the world, including the Louvre.
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.
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 a demonstration of painting or basket-weaving.
Arrive and disembark at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 8:30am. Post cruise transfers to CBD hotels or the airport are included.
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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