Coral Expeditions - Cape York and Arnhem Land (Cairns to Darwin) Itinerary

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.

Accommodation: Coral Discoverer - 11 Nights

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.

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. Later, visit the tip of Cape York. Celebrate with a glass of sparkling at this iconic location as you watch the sunset over the Gulf of Carpentaria.

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 our 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.

*In 2026, our scheduled visit may be affected by the impacts of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Fina. Northern Territory Parks rangers are currently undertaking recovery efforts in the area. Should restoration works not be fully completed prior to our arrival, the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly to ensure guest safety and experience.

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.

Please Note: This itinerary is a guide. Plans may be adjusted based on weather, tides, wildlife, and opportunities encountered. Remote communities may be unavailable due to local customs. Flexibility makes expeditions special.