Cape York & Arnhem Land - Art Themed
From $13,380 per person
11 days
Ship: Coral Discoverer
From $13,380 per person
11 days
Ship: Coral Discoverer
<span data-contrast="auto">Commencing in Darwin, voyage to the Tiwi Islands, and experience unique cultural performances and learn the history of the islands. A visit to Tiwi Designs, one of the oldest and most artistically diverse art centres in Australia, reveals the rich artistic heritage in stunning carvings, paintings, and fabric printing. At Maningrida, visit the Arts Centre, the Djomi Museum, and the Babbarra Women’s Centre. Be welcomed to remote townships on Elcho Island, and visit the Elcho Island Art Centre at Galiwin’ku. Each stop is another opportunity to experience the creative expression of one of the world’s oldest cultures and hear their stories. We continue on to the Torres Strait Islands. Here you will witness the traditional and contemporary blend of Torres Strait art forms. At the very tip of Australia, enjoy champagne as you look south toward the Great Barrier Reef. As we approach the end of our expedition, see rock art from the contact period at rugged Stanley Island, and have an opportunity to snorkel at vibrant reefs. Join Coral Expeditions on this exciting expedition to the far reaches of Australian’s Northern coastline.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">With a local guide, visit the remote and culturally rich Tiwi Islands</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Experience these artistic traditions first-hand during workshops with an Indigenous artist, who will be travelling onboard*</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Be immersed in the world’s oldest surviving culture in Arnhem Land</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Spend a full day exploring the rugged Cobourg Peninsula for historical ruins and fascinating wildlife</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1">Learn about Indigenous art at Elcho Island and Maningrida Art Centres</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Stand on the very tip of Australia at Cape York for a champagne sunset</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Visit Thursday Island and learn about the cultures of the Torres Strait</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Explore Lizard Island and the northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"multilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="9" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Discover the Arnhem Land coast, once the trading ground of the Makassan people</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<h6>*Forbes Island and Piper Island Groups are not visited on this voyage</h6>
Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.
Day 1: Depart Darwin
Arrive at Darwin Fort Hill Wharf at 8:30am, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 9:00am departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard. In the evening as we return to the ship enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks before the first of many delicious dinners.
Port Essington
Step ashore at Port Essington, once home to the 19th-century Victoria Settlement. Join our expedition team for a guided walk through the evocative stone ruins and learn about the hardships faced by early colonists in this remote outpost. Cruise into nearby Caiman Creek on the high tide, keeping watch for saltwater crocodiles and birdlife in the mangroves. Later, visit the Black Point Cultural Centre with local rangers, where you’ll explore a fascinating collection of Indigenous artefacts and view rock art galleries that reveal the rich cultural history of the region.
Sea Day
Spend today relaxing onboard, listen and learn from our Guest Lecturer presentations, or enjoy an engine room or bridge tour.
Hole in the Wall
Begin the day with a coastal exploration of Raragala, hosted by Traditional Owner Goyma Gondarra. Learn about the land’s significance as you search for native wallabies and birdlife along the shoreline. Later, cruise through the legendary “Hole in the Wall,” a narrow channel renowned for its dramatic tides and striking scenery. In the afternoon, anchor at Jensen Bay where you’ll enjoy a relaxed evening on board with our signature BBQ on the decks, surrounded by the remote beauty of the Wessel Islands.
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) & The 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. In the ruise to the Tip of Cape York and enjoy champagne while the sun sets.
Forbes Island (Wuthara) & Piper Island 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. 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 & Flinders Island 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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