Arrive at Darwin Fort Hill Wharf at 8:00 am, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before our 9:00 am departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard as you spend the day getting to know your fellow travelers. Enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks before the first of many delicious dinners.

Over the next several days, here are some of the locations you will visit:

WURRUMIYANGA (TIWI ISLANDS)

Visit remote Bathurst Island, where with local Tiwi guides you 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.

COBOURG PENINSULA

Discover Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the Cobourg Peninsula. Join Park Rangers in 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 mighty Liverpool River and travel ashore to explore the Maningrida Art Centre, museum, and the local boutique, where hand-painted textiles can be purchased.

HOLE IN THE WALL AND WESSEL ISLANDS

Travel through the narrow channel between Raragala and Guluwuru Islands, known as the ‘Hole in the Wall’.

YIRRKALA ART CENTRE

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 center 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 surroundings.

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 center and enjoy the hospitality of the Badu islanders.

THURSDAY ISLAND (WAIBEN)

Join an informative tour of Thursday Island to learn about its interesting pearling history and multicultural influences. At Thursday Island you also have free time to explore all the island has to offer, including Gab Titui Cultural Centre and local shopping.

TIP OF CAPE YORK (PAJINKA)

Cruise to the Tip of Cape York and enjoy champagne while the sun sets.

FORBES ISLAND (WUTHARA)

Enjoy a day exploring Forbes Island, an excellent spot for swimming or snorkeling from the pristine sandy beaches. Take a walk to the grave of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster.

DAVIE REEF AND FLINDERS GROUP

Visit Stanley Island (Yindayin) in the Flinders Group, and view the isolated Endaen Aboriginal rock art depicting the first sailing ships to visit Queensland shores. At Davie Reef, enjoy swimming and snorkeling 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 snorkeling 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.


 

The Cape York Arnhem Land adventure concludes in Cairns this morning as you bid farewell to new-found friends, the Master, and crew, disembarking at 8:00 am.