ocean-cruise
Cape York & Arnhem Land - Art Themed - 2026
From $16,400 per person
11 days
Ship: Coral Discoverer
From $16,400 per person
11 days
Ship: Coral Discoverer
Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.
Depart Darwin & Tiwi Islands
Arrive at Darwin Fort Hill Wharf at 7:00am, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 8:00am departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard as we steam towards the Tiwi Islands. During our time in Bathurst Island with local guides we learn of the unique culture and visit the art centre. Be welcomed with a cultural performance and basket-weaving exhibition before enjoying a traditional Australian afternoon tea of damper and billy tea. In the evening as we return to the ship enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks before the first of many delicious dinners.
Cobourg Peninsula
Discover Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the Cobourg Peninsula. Walk through 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 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.
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. Later tides permitting, the ship will cruise through the Hole in the Wall – also known as Gugari Rip – a narrow channel in between Raragala and Guluwuru Islands that formed when one island was split into two in the last ice age.
Yirrkala Art Centre & Bremer Island
Visit the spectacular Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre at Yirrkala, outside of Nhulunbuy. Here, the Yirrkala Art Centre represents Yolŋu artists from around the region.
Established in 1976 as an act of self-determination, the art centre has forged a vibrant path for Yolŋu 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.
This afternoon visit Bremer Island, or Dhambaliya as it is known by the traditional owners of the area. This island is home to an ecosensitive beach retreat built in partnership with the Yolgnu people of the region. Spend the morning beachcombing, bird watching and taking in the scenic surrounds.
Cruising the Gulf of Carpentaria
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.
Badu Island
Have the unique opportunity to visit Badu Island. Visit the fabulous art centre and enjoy the hospitality of the Badu islanders.
Thursday Island (Waiben) & Tip of Cape York (Pajinka)
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. Later experience ancient Torres Strait Islander culture with an unforgettable traditional dance, storytelling and musical show. Late afternoon cruise to the Tip of Cape York and enjoy champagne while the sun sets.
Piper Islands National Park & Restoration Island
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. In the 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. These low and vegetated cays are home to many species of birds and are recognised by Bird Life International as an Important Bird Area.
Davie Reef and Flinders Group
Visit Stanley Island (Yindayin) in the Flinders Island Group, and view the isolated Endaen Aboriginal rock art depicting the first sailing ships to visit Queensland shores. At Davie Reef, enjoy swimming and snorkelling 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 snorkelling 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 HMB Endeavour.
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Coral Discoverer is a purpose-built expedition vessel offering an intimate, immersive experience in some of the world’s most remote and pristine coastal regions. Designed for exploration, comfort, and community, this 72-passenger ship provides a relaxed, Australian style of cruising with a strong focus on environmental stewardship and authentic engagement with nature and culture. With her shallow draught and maneuverable design, Coral Discoverer can access destinations that larger ships simply cannot reach, making her an ideal platform for expeditionary travel.
Launched in 2005 and extensively refurbished in 2016, Coral Discoverer combines robust expedition capabilities with understated elegance. The ship is equipped with a fleet of inflatable Zodiacs and a unique Xplorer tender—a custom-built excursion vessel that launches directly from the ship’s stern. These assets allow for seamless shore landings and up-close encounters with hard-to-reach coastlines, coral reefs, and river systems.
Accommodations aboard Coral Discoverer are spacious and comfortable, with all 36 staterooms above deck and featuring ocean views. Categories include Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms, Promenade Deck Staterooms, and Main Deck Staterooms, each outfitted with modern furnishings, en-suite bathrooms, and thoughtful amenities. The ship fosters a relaxed onboard atmosphere, with a single-seating dining room, open bridge policy, and informal dress code encouraging genuine connection among guests and crew.
The onboard culinary program highlights fresh, locally sourced ingredients and regional Australian wines, served in the open-plan dining room or on the sundeck during special alfresco meals. The ship’s communal spaces, including the lecture lounge, bar, library, and outdoor sun deck with a hot tub, create a warm, sociable environment that is a hallmark of Coral Expeditions.
Expedition experiences aboard Coral Discoverer are guided by a knowledgeable team of naturalists, marine biologists, and historians who lead excursions and deliver engaging onboard lectures. Whether exploring the Kimberley’s rugged gorges, Papua New Guinea’s cultural villages, or Tasmania’s wild coastlines, guests enjoy authentic encounters that deepen understanding and connection to the region.
With a focus on sustainability, Coral Discoverer is equipped with advanced wastewater treatment systems and adheres to strict environmental protocols, ensuring a minimal footprint in fragile ecosystems. The small group size and expert-led programming allow for a more personal and enriching voyage, far removed from the crowds of mainstream cruising.
Coral Discoverer offers a classic expedition cruise experience that blends the comfort of a small ship with the spirit of adventure. Her itineraries span Australia’s remote Kimberley region, the Great Barrier Reef, South Pacific islands, and beyond—delivering meaningful travel in places of rare beauty and significance.
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.
