Torres Strait & Cape York

Cairns Departures: Arrive at Trinity Wharf (berth to be advised) at 4:00pm, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 5:00pm departure.
Horn Island Departures: ‘ A complimentary pre-cruise coach transfer will be provided from local Horn Island accommodation to the boat ramp at the McDonalds Ferry Jetty at 4PM, ahead of boarding Xplorer at the boat ramp for transfer to Coral Discoverer.
Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard before joining your fellow explorers on the Sun Deck for Captains Welcome Drinks.

This morning we visit historic Cooktown where Captain Cook took refuge during his voyage of discovery. Embark on a guided walk led by our expedition team along the esplanade and learn about the history of the town, a Cooktown coach tour will also be available. The Milbi Wall at the Wharf tells the story of the Guugu Yimithirr people in hand-painted tiles, and the views from Grassy Hill over the Endeavour River are spectacular. Visit the Cooktown Museum and examine the relics of Australia’s exploration era.

Explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling 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.

Osprey Reef is the summit of an undersea 2,000m mountain which rises from the seafloor. It is a highly prized tropical dive location amongst scuba divers, and called an ‘oasis for living creatures of all kinds’ by Sir David Attenborough. The vibrant corals and crystal-clear waters make it an unforgettable place to discover. Here we will spend time in the water exploring the 30m deep lagoon and drift diving the walls, where you may see large pelagic fish, rays, and sharks drawn in from the surrounding deep blue to enjoy the richness of this ocean oasis. Osprey Reef is a true expedition-style destination and our visit is subject to appropriate weather conditions. If Osprey is not accessible due to weather another site along the Ribbon Reefs will be replacement.

Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Island Group and take a walk to view the isolated Endaen Aboriginal rock art guided by a traditional owner who will offer interpretation. The art here depicts the first sailing ships to visit Queensland shores. At Davie Reef enjoy swimming, scuba, snorkeling or glass-bottom boat tours and see Brown Boobie bird colonies at Davie Cay.

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. This 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.

Today will be a truly ‘expedition style’ excursion, as we venture into the labyrinth of creeks and mangrove systems that make up the Escape River mouth. The Escape River is a wild and remote region even by Cape York standards, with an abundance of estuarine crocodiles. Steeped in history, it is where explorer Edmund Kennedy was fatally speared by local aboriginal people in 1849. We will go ashore at Turtle Head Island, where we will visit a small pearl farm and learn about the process from our hosts Rusty and Bronwyn, with a chance to purchase some beautiful jewelry made of pearls and shell (no eftpos facilities, bring cash).
Later we head ashore to the Tip of Cape York, the northern most point of mainland Australia and a true bucket list destination. Sip Champagne and explore the surrounds as the sun sets.

Go ashore to Albany Island, also known as Pabaju in the local language. This idyllic tropical island is closely associated with one of Queensland’s worst maritime disasters, the tragic sinking of the RMS Quetta in 1890, in which 134 people lost their lives. Today the island is home to a fishing camp where keen anglers can throw a line in. Enjoy a walk to the island interior to see the graves of the ill-fated Kennedy expedition, beachcomb, or take an Xplorer cruise around the bay.
Later we visit the ruins at Somerset, where a station was established on Gudang country in 1864. It was the first permanent European settlement on the Cape York Peninsula, and was planned to be a port and administrative centre for the Torres Strait region, but this remote colony became a violent place presided over by the infamous Jardine family. Here we can see the tombstones of Frank Jardine and his wife.

In the morning, we visit the indigenous art centre to watch printmakers at work, with the opportunity to purchase prints that catch your eye. Enjoy traditional kai kai (lunch) prepared by the local community – a feast of locally caught fresh fish, curried fish and crayfish.

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. Watch a cultural performance before enjoying free time to explore all the island has to offer, including Gab Titui Cultural Centre and local shopping.