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Vibrant sunset colors over the Australian coast

Cape York & Arnhem Land - Art Themed

Example 12 Day Cruise aboard Coral Adventurer
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Board the Coral Adventurer in Darwin on a 12-day cruise and travel along Australia’s remote northern coast to Cairns. This journey takes you through the Tiwi Islands, where you meet local guides and explore traditional art. Discover the colonial ruins of Port Essington on the Cobourg Peninsula and visit Aboriginal art centers in Maningrida and Yirrkala. Navigate the narrow “Hole in the Wall” in the Wessel Islands and relax on the eco-sensitive Bremer Island. Cruise the Gulf of Carpentaria while learning about early explorers. Visit Badu and Thursday Islands, explore Forbes Island or alternative islands, and swim or snorkel at Davie Reef. View Aboriginal rock art on Stanley Island and walk to Cook’s Look on Lizard Island. Disembark in Cairns, having experienced a rare and culturally rich stretch of Australia’s coastline.
Explore the beautiful coastline of northern AustraliaLandscape of North AustraliaExplore the wonder of coral reefsExplore the wonder of coral reefsDarwin, AustraliaVibrant sunset colors over the Australian coast
Highlights
  • Experience the world’s oldest surviving culture in Arnhem Land
  • Explore the beautiful Cobourg Peninsula and its huge variety of wildlife
  • Witness the vibrant culture of the Tiwi people at Bathurst Island
  • Explore Lizard Island and the northern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef
Places Visited
  • Australia
  • South Pacific
  • Cairns
  • Darwin
  • Cape York
  • Cobourg Peninsula
  • Forbes Island
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Gulf of Carpentaria
  • Hole in the Wall
  • Lizard Island
  • Maningrida
  • Oceania
  • Stanley Island
  • Thursday Island
  • Tiwi Islands
  • Torres Strait
  • Wessel Islands
  • Yirrkala
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Darwin, Australia | Embark

Arrive at Darwin Fort Hill Wharf by 8:00 am and settle into your stateroom before the ship sets sail at 9:00 am. Spend the day exploring the ship’s facilities and getting to know your fellow travelers. In the evening, raise a glass at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks and enjoy the first of many memorable dinners onboard.

Darwin Departure – 5 October 2025
Board Coral Adventurer at Darwin East Arm Wharf on 5 October 2025. Due to the location of the wharf, pre-cruise transfers are included for this departure. Pick-up will be at 6:00 am from a designated location, which will be provided in your pre-departure documents. Boarding begins at 7:00 am.

Day 2-11: Explore Northern Australia

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

WURRUMIYANGA (TIWI ISLANDS)
Step ashore at remote Bathurst Island and meet local Tiwi guides who will introduce you to the island’s unique cultural traditions. Visit the renowned art center, watch a cultural performance, and see a basket-weaving demonstration. Enjoy a traditional Australian afternoon tea featuring damper and billy tea.

COBOURG PENINSULA
Explore Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the rugged Cobourg Peninsula. In Port Essington, join park rangers to learn about the area's natural environment and colonial history. Walk through the ruins of the failed Victoria Settlement and hear stories from this early outpost.

MANINGRIDA
Anchor in the Liverpool River and travel ashore to visit the Maningrida Art Center, museum, and local boutique. Browse hand-painted textiles and gain insight into the region’s rich artistic heritage.

HOLE IN THE WALL AND WESSEL ISLANDS
Cruise through the narrow channel between Raragala and Guluwuru Islands, famously known as the “Hole in the Wall.”

YIRRKALA ART CENTER & BREMER ISLAND
Visit the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Center at Yirrkala, a dynamic space for Yolŋu artists from across the region. Established in 1976, the center showcases contemporary works and historical artifacts, including the 1935 Message Sticks and 1963 Yirrkala Church Panels. Later, explore Bremer Island (Dhambaliya), home to an eco-sensitive beach retreat developed in partnership with the Yolŋu people. Spend time beachcombing, birdwatching, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

CRUISING THE GULF OF CARPENTARIA
Relax during a day at sea and attend onboard presentations by guest lecturers. Learn about the Makassan traders and early European explorers who navigated the Arnhem Land coast.

BADU ISLAND
Visit Badu Island and experience its vibrant community. Tour the exceptional art center and enjoy the islanders’ warm hospitality.

THURSDAY ISLAND (WAIBEN)
Take a guided tour of Thursday Island to learn about its pearling history and cultural diversity. You'll also have free time to explore highlights such as the Gab Titui Cultural Center and local shops.

TIP OF CAPE YORK (PAJINKA)
Sail to the Tip of Cape York and toast the moment with champagne as the sun sets over the northernmost point of mainland Australia.

FORBES ISLAND (WUTHARA)
Spend the day exploring Forbes Island, perfect for swimming or snorkeling from its pristine sandy beaches. Take a short walk to visit the grave of Frederick Lancaster, a beche-de-mer fisherman.

Note: Guests aboard Coral Adventurer will visit Piper Island and Restoration Island instead of Forbes Island.

DAVIE REEF AND FLINDERS GROUP
Visit Stanley Island (Yindayin) in the Flinders Group to view rare Aboriginal rock art depicting the first European sailing ships to reach Queensland’s shores. At Davie Reef, enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and observing a large seabird rookery.

LIZARD ISLAND (DYIIGURRA)
Explore stunning Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands along the Queensland coast. Swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, stroll along white sand beaches, or take a guided walk to Cook’s Look—the island’s highest point—where Captain Cook spotted a safe passage through the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 12: Cairns, Australia | Disembark

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

A complimentary transfer is provided to CBD hotels or the airport. Transfers to the Northern Beaches or Port Douglas can be arranged on board with the Purser (at cost), if not already arranged prior to embarkation.

Ship/Hotel

Coral Adventurer

Coral Adventurer
Coral Adventurer
Coral Adventurer

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • Oct 5, 2025from $8,810
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Per person starting at
$8,810
Rates displayed are based on the current exchange rate from the Australian Dollar, and therefore may fluctuate
Coral Adventurer
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Coral Deck Stateroom
Identical to the Promenade Deck Staterooms except for their location one deck below. These staterooms have twin portholes rather than picture windows.
Coral Adventurer
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Promenade Deck Stateroom
Located below the Explorer deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk, and armchair are included.
Coral Adventurer
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Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
Comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk, and armchair are included.
Coral Adventurer
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Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk, and armchair are included.
Coral Adventurer
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Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
Suites are equipped with a lounge area, minibar, and personal coffee machine. They have special King sized beds which can be separated into two singles.

Notes

Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates
Included
  • 11 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 11 Dinners
  • 11 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and kayaks
  • All excursions with our Expedition Team
  • Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
  • Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
  • Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
  • Post-cruise transfers (in most destinations)
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry Service
  • Entry visas/Travel permits
  • Alcoholic drinks including beer and wine outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Internet 
  • Pre-cruise transfers
  • Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
  • Pre and post cruise accommodation
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Optional Extras (in some destinations)

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle

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