11 Night Cruise sailing from Cairns to Darwin aboard Coral Expeditions I.

Day 1: Depart Cairns
Board Coral Expeditions I at Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 10.00am for an 11:00am departure > enjoy lunch on board and a chance to meet your fellow travellers as we set sail northwards > this evening join guests and the friendly crew as we enjoy the Captain’s welcome drinks and sit down to the first of many delicious dinners

Day 2: Lizard Island
Explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast > 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 Endeavour near Cooktown over 200 years ago > a photographer’s delight, the views from the lookout over the World Heritage-listed reef and surrounding tropical islands are magnificent

Day 3: Stanley Island and Davey Reef
Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Group > view the Endaen Aboriginal rock art gallery that depicts sailing ships of the last century; this is a unique art site seldom visited due to its isolated location > at Davey Reef and Cay we enjoy swimming and snorkelling and observe the large seabird rookery

Day 4: Forbes Island and Magra Island
Enjoy the day exploring historic Forbes Island, its reef provides some fantastic swimming and snorkelling opportunities > visit Magra Island for beachcombing and bird watching > enjoy the tropical sunset

Day 5: Cape York and Thursday Island
Venture ashore at Cape York as the sun rises over the ‘Tip’ on Australia’s northernmost point > sip champagne and welcome the new day > anchoring at Thursday Island, learn of the history of European settlement and the large pearling fleets > take the opportunity to observe the distinctly different cultures of the Torres Strait Islanders and the Aboriginals whilst we tour the island > visit the Gab Titui Cultural Centre where the children perform traditional dances > at Horn Island we discover the significance of the Torres Strait during World War II > tonight, regain land legs as we stay overnight at the Gateway Torres Strait Resort on Horn Island

Day 6: Nhulunbuy (Gove)
Board our short charter flight across the Gulf of Carpentaria to Nhulunbuy (Gove) > upon arrival, visit the Yirrkala Art Centre > take time this afternoon to discover this frontier town before visiting Nambarra Art Centre to see some fine examples of local artwork > this evening we enjoy a relaxing stay at the Walkabout Lodge in Gove

Day 7: Hole in the Wall and Beach BBQ
Rejoining our ship, we cruise through the narrow ‘Hole in the Wall’ > our expert Expedition Team will share with you the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early discoverers of the Arnhem Land coast > tonight, enjoy a gourmet Aussie beach BBQ as the sun spectacularly sets over the Arafura Sea

Day 8: Elcho Island Artists
The friendly locals of Elcho Island proudly welcome us to their community this morning > gain insight into their culture and meet some of the local artists who have their unique art exhibited in the famous art galleries of the world, including the Louvre > consider attending the local church service to share in the local culture

Day 9: Liverpool River and Maningrida
Anchor in the mighty Liverpool River > travel ashore to explore the Maningrida Art Centre, Museum and local ’boutique’, where hand painted clothing and fabrics are offered for sale > join the Expedition Team on an Xplorer tour of the river before rejoining our small ship

Day 10: Cobourg Peninsula
Discover the Cobourg Peninsula today > join local guides in Port Essington, famous for its failed Victoria Settlement > explore and learn about the ruins > visit the Ranger’s Interpretation Centre at Black Point

Day 11: Bathurst and Melville Islands
Visit remote Bathurst and Melville Islands > with traditional Tiwi people as our guides, we learn of the unique cultures and visit their fascinating art centre > our Tiwi hosts welcome us with a cultural performance and basket-weaving exhibition before we join them for a traditional Australian afternoon tea of damper and billy tea > tonight farewell new-found friends as we enjoy the Captain’s farewell drinks

Day 12: Arrive in Darwin
Arrive into Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory and gateway to the ‘Top End’ > disembark at 8.00am