NZ & Australia, Great Barrier Reef

Arhnem Land & Great Barrier Reef Cruise

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Succumb to the raw beauty of Eastern Australia on our 10-night Arnhem Land and Great Barrier Reef cruise. Arnhem Land is a rugged wilderness of rocky escarpments, beautiful beaches, lush rainforests and savanna woodlands. Ancient rock art sites dot the spiritual region, a stronghold of the Yolngu Aboriginal culture where the custodians of the land introduce you to their traditional way of life. Yet, for most visitors, the magnificent Great Barrier Reef is the region’s main draw. Diving or snorkelling in this vibrant underwater garden is a bucket-list item, offering a chance to see incredible marine life in the world’s largest coral reefs and ribbon reefs. Onshore, explore the coastal sand dunes, dazzling white beaches, and mangrove-lined inlets of this remote, pristine peninsula. Your voyage on our boutique expedition ship ends in Cairns, where you will have completed a captivating journey along some of the best coastline in the world.

Highlights

• Keep an eye out for wild Banteng buffalo roaming free in the Cobourg Peninsula

• Say g’day to The Tip, the northernmost point of mainland Australia

• Discover historic aboriginal rock art in Cape York

• Look out for wallabies roaming free in the wildflower-filled bushland on Flinders Island

• Dive at the edge of the world’s largest coral reef and keep an eye out for tropical wildlife

DAY 1 DARWIN

The coastal port and gateway to Australia's Northern Territory, Darwin is best known for its parks and gardens. Learn to identify regional flora, tropical plants and orchids at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. Discover Aboriginal Art at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, or take a stroll through Old Darwin, past buildings that chart the city’s history from the days when Charles Darwin’s HMS Beagle first visited Darwin harbour in 1839.

DAY 2 COBOURG PENINSULA

With grasslands and mangroves, swamps and coral reefs, the Cobourg Peninsula is a biodiverse hotspot known for fabulous fishing and wildlife. The remote Garig Gunak Barlu National Park carpets the entire peninsula. Here, the last wild herds of the Banteng buffalo roam free. Marine life thrives in the surrounding waters, filled with turtles, dugongs, and dolphins. Learn about the region’s history at Victoria Settlement ruins – a short-lived British settlement from the 1800s.

DAY 3 ELCHO ISLAND & WESSEL ISLANDS

Tiny, remote Elcho Island sits just off the coast of East Arnhem Land, traditionally known as Galiwin’ku and home to the Yolngu people. Art is at the very centre of this community. For generations, local Aboriginal artists have been using bush materials to create traditional works like bark paintings, woven baskets, didgeridoo, and fibre art. Browse these intricate creations at the island’s locally owned art centre, Elcho Island Arts. The string of Wesell Islands in the Arafura Sea are the Northern Territory’s final frontier – wholly rugged, mostly uninhabited, and truly spectacular. Rocky escarpments rise from the sea, giving way to glorious white-sand beaches and cascading waterfalls that tumble right into the ocean. Cool off with a dip at the many natural rock pools and remote bays that dot the islands.

DAY 4 CAPE ARNHEM

On the eastern tip of East Arnhem Land, overlooking the Gulf of Carpentaria, sits Cape Arnhem - or Wanuwuy. This strikingly beautiful peninsula of sandy beaches and vast dunes, some up to 60 m high. The area protects a vast biodiversity of plants, many of which play an important part in ceremonial and ritual aspects of Yolngu life. The coast is also an important nesting site for turtles including hawksbills, green turtles and Olive Ridley turtles.

DAY 5 AT SEA

Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.

DAY 6 THURSDAY ISLAND & CAPE YORK

Far-flung T.I in the Torres Strait offers a unique mix of culture, history, and stunning natural surroundings. At the Gab Titui Cultural Centre, browse contemporary indigenous art and learn about the ancient traditions of the Torres Strait Islanders. Learn more about the tiny island’s history at the 19th-century Green Hill fort, built to defend Australia against possible Russian invasion. Then say g’day to The Tip. At the northernmost point of mainland Australia, Cape York is a remote slice of wilderness that juts into the Torres Strait and extends its arm towards Papua New Guinea. Experience the ancient traditions of the region’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. In this rugged landscape of red dirt paths and dramatic waterfalls, discover historic rock art sites and wetlands inhabited by saltwater crocodiles and waterbirds.

DAY 7 FLINDERS ISLAND

The largest island of the Furneaux Group in the Bass Strait northeast of Tasmania, Flinders Island is where rugged mountains meet the untamed sea. Stunning coastal walks offer views of granite cliffs and massive boulders. Golden beaches dazzle all across the island. Wallabies roam free in the wildflower-filled bushland. For those who want to better understand the early history of the region, the Furneaux Museum is a good starting point.

DAY 8-9 COOKTOWN & RIBBON REEF

Named for Captain Cook, who came ashore in 1770 to repair the Endeavour, quiet Cooktown saw a boom of activity during the gold rush. The town’s fascinating history is recorded at the James Cook Museum – one of the many beautiful 19th-century buildings around the city. On a day at port, you could also learn about the indigenous Guugu Yimithiir people, or take in panoramic views of the city and the reef from Grassy Hill.

DAY 10 AT SEA

You can spend your day at sea enjoying the many facilities available. Head to the sauna, get in a workout in the state-of-the-art gym or relax in the jacuzzi whilst taking in incredible views along the way. If you prefer to learn a little more about your surroundings, listen to an informative talk or have a chat with one of our knowledgeable on-board experts.

DAY 11 CAIRNS

With access to both rainforest and the reef, laid-back, tropical Cairns is an outdoor playground. The magnificent Great Barrier Reef is the region’s main draw. Diving or snorkelling in this vibrant underwater garden is a bucket-list item, offering a chance to see incredible marine life in the world’s largest coral reef. Inland, the Daintree Rainforest is over a 100 million years old – a vast swathe of ancient wilderness where you can trek, zipline, spot crocodiles, and learn about Aboriginal culture.

Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

13 August, 2023 to 23 August, 2023 Book now

Oceanview D4

$22,190 NZD pp

19 m2 Sleeps 2 Oceanview cabins features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.

Oceanview M4

$23,202 NZD pp

19 m2 Sleeps 2 Oceanview staterooms features 2 single beds, bedroom and living room and a luxurious ensuite bathroom.

Balcony D5

$25,452 NZD pp

28 m2 Sleeps 2 Located at the forward and aft of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony

Balcony M5

$26,637 NZD pp

28 m2 Sleeps 2 Located at the centre of the ship, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony

Balcony D6

$29,268 NZD pp

28 m2 Sleeps 2 Located on deck six, these balcony staterooms feature 2 single beds or double bed bedroom with living room area, a luxurious bathroom and your own private 6m2 balcony

Suite

$33,912 NZD pp

44 m2 Sleeps 2 Our Suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom and a 12 sq.m. private balcony.

Premium Suite

$39,376 NZD pp

49 m2 Sleeps 2 Our grandest suites features a superking bed and separate living room with and a soothing flame-effect fireplace a luxurious ensuite bathroom, spacious walk in wardrobe and a 12 sq.m private balcony.

Minerva

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship

Length: 115 meters

Passenger Capacity: 152

Built: 2020-2021

Arriving in November 2021, our 5 star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage.

Introducing SH Minerva

Our brand new ship has been designed to journey to off the beaten path destinations and remote polar regions in style and comfort. The ship incorporates a PC5 ice-strengthened hull combined with extra-large stabilisers to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Sophisticated Elegance

We know how important outdoor space is, so our spacious, relaxing public spaces provide wide open, unobstructed views throughout the ship. The destination will always be in view.

Your Wellbeing

The safety & happiness of our guests is paramount to our 120-strong crew on board as well as our passionate expedition team who'll be serving up thrilling shore excursions and lasting memories.

Cabin Types

Our 76 cabins including 6 suites have all the amenities you will need to feel comfortable including dressing gowns, hairdryers, personal safes and minibars. Our stylish cabins all have desks, a dressing area and comfy seating. En suite bathrooms all feature glass-enclosed rain showers.

Inclusions

INCLUSIONS FOR ARCTIC
• One night pre-cruise hotel accommodation with breakfast
• Transfer from the airport to the hotel on the day prior to embarkation
• Transfer from the hotel to the port for embarkation
• Transfer from the port to the airport on return
• Onboard accommodation
• All meals onboard including room service 24 hours a day
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks & select alcoholic beverages 24 hours a day
• Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• Shore excursion programme led by our expert expedition team
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka
• Use of rubber boots for shore landings
• Basic WIFI inclusion (Premium WIFI available)
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes

INCLUSIONS FOR ANTARCTICA CRUISES
• Return flights: Buenos Aires to Ushuaia or Santiago to Ushuaia
• One night pre-cruise hotel accommodation with breakfast
• Transfer from the airport to the hotel on the day prior to embarkation
• Transfer from the hotel to the port for embarkation
• Transfer from the port to the airport on return
• Onboard accommodation
• All meals onboard including room service 24 hours a day
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks & select alcoholic beverages 24 hours a day
• Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• Shore excursion programme led by our expert expedition team
• Branded Swan Hellenic expedition parka
• Use of rubber boots for shore landings
• Basic WIFI (Premium WIFI available)
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes

INCLUSIONS FOR REST OF WORLD CRUISES
• One night pre-cruise hotel accommodation with breakfast
• Transfer from the airport to the hotel on the day prior to embarkation
• Transfer from the hotel to the port for embarkation
• Transfer from the port to the airport on return
• Onboard accommodation
• All meals onboard including room service 24 hours a day
• Coffee, tea, soft drinks & select alcoholic beverages 24 hours a day
• Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers
• On shore transfer per port of call
• Basic WIFI inclusion (Premium WIFI available)
• Onboard gratuities & port taxes

Exclusions

• Additional activities such as kayaking, private tours, special arrangements, private Zodiac tours
• Laundry
• Premium wines and spirits
• Purchases in the ship's boutique
• Any spa treatments
• Upgraded WiFi data packages
• Visas where required
• Travel Insurance
• Flights
• Domestic transfers
• Hotel requirements (pre/post cruise) unless otherwise stated in the itinerary description