Outerknown Adventures of the Great Barrier Reef - Australia Cruise
A northern reef wilderness offering hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, and pristine reef systems where expert guides and Marine Biologists join us in iconic seascapes.
Highlights
• Learn Indigenous culture and Australian heritage in historic Cooktown.
• Swim, snorkel, and dive pristine reefs and remote sand cays.
• Hike Cook’s Look on Lizard Island for maritime legacy views.
• Explore remote ribbon reefs and encounter giant clams and turtles.
Arrive at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 4:00pm and board Coral Discoverer. Settle into your stateroom and explore the ship. Join fellow travellers on the Sun Deck for sunset drinks as we depart for the Northern Reef and begin your expedition.
Choose to walk the Secret Garden rainforest trail or hike to the lighthouse for sweeping views. Snorkel the reef, relax on the beach, or visit the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where volunteers care for injured marine turtles.
Spend the afternoon at Sudbury Cay, a tiny sand cay surrounded by vivid blue sea. Slip off your shoes, feel the warm sand beneath your feet and enjoy sunset drinks with your expedition team and fellow travellers. A tranquil and memorable Coral Sea moment.
Relax on scenic Mackay Cay and snorkel its surrounding reef—home to colourful hard and soft corals, giant clams and playful turtles. Learn the Indigenous stories of the land as you spot the Daintree Rainforest and iconic peaks like Mount Sorrow on the horizon.
Step ashore at Cooktown to explore its colonial and Indigenous history. Visit the Cooktown Museum, where the story of Cook’s 1770 landing is told from both Aboriginal and European perspectives. Stroll the botanic gardens and learn about the Guugu Yimithirr people.
Spend a full day at Lizard Island. Hike to the summit of Cook’s Look for breathtaking views. Snorkel the giant clam gardens at Watson’s Bay, relax under she-oaks, and learn about the tragic tale of Mary Watson and the island’s rich cultural and natural history.
Osprey Reef offers dramatic walls and pristine dive conditions for certified divers. Snorkellers explore the 30m-deep lagoon. Later, discover Ribbon Reefs’ biodiversity with guided snorkel tours among coral pinnacles and vibrant marine life.
Return to Cairns and disembark at 8:00am. Say farewell to new friends and our crew. A complimentary transfer is provided to city hotels or the airport. Optional transfers to Northern Beaches and Port Douglas are available for pre-booking or purchase on board.
Embrace the unexpected - it's part of the adventure. This itinerary is a guide. We adjust plans based on weather, tides, wildlife, and opportunities we encounter. Remote communities may be unavailable due to local customs. Flexibility makes expeditions special.
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Main Deck B Stateroom
Main Deck A Stateroom
Promenade A Stateroom
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
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Book now |
Main Deck B Stateroom
Main Deck A Stateroom
Promenade A Stateroom
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
|
Book now |
Main Deck B Stateroom
Main Deck A Stateroom
Promenade A Stateroom
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
|
Book now |
Main Deck B Stateroom
Main Deck A Stateroom
Promenade A Stateroom
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 63 metres
Passenger Capacity: 72 (in 36 rooms)
Built: 2005 / Refurbished: 2016
Coral Discoverer is a small expedition yacht purpose-built for navigating remote and rarely accessed regions of Australia, including Tasmania, Cape York, Arnhem Land, and the Kimberley. Designed for adventure, she offers an intimate and immersive experience for just 72 guests, with all staterooms facing outwards and public areas showcasing sweeping ocean views. Thanks to her shallow draught, active stabilisers, and advanced navigation systems, Coral Discoverer can access destinations beyond the reach of larger vessels. Onboard, guests enjoy a relaxed, sociable atmosphere with single-seating dining, showcasing small-batch Australian cuisine, and a sundeck bar ideal for sunset drinks. The vessel also features an Xplorer tender for all-passenger shore excursions, zodiacs, kayaks, a glass-bottom boat, and a lecture lounge for expert presentations.
Accommodation includes five stateroom categories, from the spacious Bridge Deck Balcony rooms to cosy Main Deck options, all featuring ensuites and ocean views. Life onboard combines comfort with exploration: guests enjoy over 1,000 square metres of open deck space, a wraparound promenade, and access to the bridge. The atmosphere is informal yet refined, with no assigned seating, included drinks with meals, and a focus on Australian hospitality. Wi-Fi is available throughout, and facilities include a library, gift shop, and laundry service. With a dedicated Australian and New Zealand crew, Coral Discoverer delivers a truly local and enriching expedition experience.
Inclusions
• All excursions with our Expedition Team
• Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and Kayaks
• Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
• Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
• All meals, chef-prepared on board
• Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
• Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
• 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
• All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
• Tips and gratuities
• Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
• Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
• Post-cruise transfers
• Wifi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging
• Snorkelling equipment – On selected voyages only where snorkelling is available
Exclusions
• Pre-cruise transfers
• Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights – Please note on some of our international voyages we do have charter flights as an option. This can be included in the cruise fare price, this information will be listed under each itinerary
• Pre and post cruise accommodation
• Travel Insurance
• Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
• Alcoholic & non alcoholic specialty beverages outside of lunch and dinner service
• Premium Internet services
• Laundry service (available at a cost)
• Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
• Optional helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls is approximately $890 per person. Subject to a minimum of 12 passengers. Helicopter flights are booked once onboard, with a 24hr cancellation policy. – Please note this in on our Kimberley voyage only
• Scuba Diving – Optional extra on selected voyages only
Luxury Expedition
Our Associates Include
