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Guide to:
Cairns
Townsville
Darwin
Broome

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Coral Princess Cruises
Expedition Cruises to the
Australian Outback

Across the Top of Australia

Cairns to Darwin
12 Days / 11 Nights from AUD 6,850*.

Day 1: Depart Cairns - 28 Mar 2010 / 04 Apr 2010
3.00pm board Coral Princess or Oceanic Discoverer at Trinity Wharf in Cairns for a 4.00pm departure. This evening enjoy the Captain's Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party.

Day 2: Lizard Island
We explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast. Enjoy swimming, snorkelling and a walk along the beautiful sandy beach. The energetic may join our guides on a walk to “Cook’s Look” on the island’s peak. It was from here, the highest lookout on this part of the reef, that 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.

Sea Bird Rookery (44KB)

Day 3: Stanley Island and Davey Reef Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Group to view the Endaen Aboriginal rock art gallery depicting sailing ships of the last century. This is a unique art site seldom visited due to its isolated location. At Davey Reef and Cay we enjoy swimming and snorkelling and observe the large seabird rookery.

Day 4: Forbes Island and Magra Island
Enjoy the day exploring this historical island. Time for swimming, snorkelling, diving and reef fishing. This afternoon we visit Magra Island for beachcombing, bird watching and to enjoy the tropical sunset.

Day 5 - Oceanic Discoverer
Cape York and Thursday Island
This morning we venture ashore at Cape York as the sun rises over the Tip on Australia's northernmost point. Enjoy champagne and welcome the new day. Anchoring at Thursday Island, learn of the history of European settlement and the large pearling fleets. We have the opportunity to observe the distinctly different cultures of the Torres Strait Islanders and the Aboriginals whilst we enjoy a tour of the island. Following lunch we visit the Gab Titui Cultural Centre where the children perform traditional dances. Continuing on to Horn Island we discover the significance of the Torres Strait during World War II.

Thursday Island (37KB)

Cruising in Explorer (54KB)

Day 6 - Oceanic Discoverer
Cruising the Gulf of Carpentaria
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with presentations by our Guest Lecturers, who share with you the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early explorers of the Arnhem Land coast.

Day 7 - Oceanic Discoverer
Hole in the Wall and Wessel Islands
Today we sail through the Hole in the Wall to the Wessel Islands. This evening we enjoy a gourmet Aussie Beach BBQ as the sun spectacularly sets over the Arafura Sea.

Day 5 - Coral Princess Cape York and Thursday Island This morning we venture ashore at Cape York as the sun rises over the Tip on Australia's northernmost point. Enjoy champagne and welcome the new day. Anchoring at Thursday Island, learn of the history of European settlement and the large pearling fleets. We have the opportunity to observe the distinctly different cultures of the Torres Strait Islanders and the Aboriginals whilst we enjoy a tour of the island (subject to weather conditions). Following lunch we visit the Gab Titui Cultural Centre where the children perform traditional dances.

Traditional Basket Weaving (52KB)

Continuing on to Horn Island we discover the significance of the Torres Strait during World War II. Tonight, we travel ashore on Horn Island and stay overnight at the Gateway Torres Strait Resort.

Day 6 - Coral Princess
Nhulunbuy (Gove)
This morning we board our short charter flight across the Gulf of Carpentaria to Nhulunbuy (Gove). Upon arrival, we visit the Yirrkala Art Centre. Following a light lunch, we join an interesting tour of the Alcan Gove bauxite mine and alumina refinery before visiting Nambarra Art Centre to see some fine examples of local artwork. This evening we enjoy a relaxing stay at the Walkabout Lodge in Gove.

Day 7 - Coral Princess
Hole in the Wall and Beach BBQ
Rejoining Coral Princess we cruise through the narrow Hole in the Wall. Our expert guides and lecturers will share with you the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early discoverers to the Arnhem Land coast. This evening we enjoy a gourmet Aussie Beach BBQ as the sun spectacularly sets over the Arafura Sea.

Day 8: Elcho Island Artists
The friendly locals of Elcho Island proudly welcome us to their community this morning. Enjoy an insight into their culture and meet some of the local artists who have their unique art exhibited in the famous art galleries of the world, including the Louvre. You may wish to attend the local church service to share in the local culture.

Day 9: Liverpool River and Maningrida
We anchor in the mighty Liverpool River before travelling ashore to explore the Maningrida Art Centre, Museum and local “boutique”, where hand painted clothing and fabrics are offered for sale. Later, join the Expedition Leader and guides on an Explorer tour of the river before rejoining our small ship.

Day 10: Cobourg Peninsula
Enjoy a full day to discover the Cobourg Peninsula. Port Essington is famous for its failed Victoria Settlement, and we will be joined by the local National Park rangers who will guide and help us explore the ruins. We will also visit the Ranger’s Interpretation Centre at Black Point.

Victoria Settlement (85KB)

Day 11: Bathurst and Melville Islands Today we enjoy a true highlight, visiting remote Bathurst and Melville Islands. With traditional Tiwi people as our guides we learn of the unique cultures and visit their fascinating art centre. Our Tiwi hosts will welcome us with a cultural performance and basket-weaving exhibition before we join them for a traditional afternoon tea of damper and billy tea.

Tonight we farewell new-found friends as we enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party.

Day 12: Arrive in Darwin
8:00am: Arrive into the Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory and gateway to the Top End.

Please Note: This itinerary is an indication of the reef, islands and coastal areas we visit. While every effort will be made to follow this itinerary we do reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather, tidal conditions and any other reasons whatsoever.

Please note: These cruises are extremely popular and availability is very limited. We strongly recommend to make your reservation at least one year in advance.

Please visit our guide to Cairns and Darwin for more of
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* Cabin fare in AUD, based on double occupancy.

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Last modified: 21 Feb 2010 23:15