Explore Northern Australian coastline and immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of Indigenous Australia, with this exclusive Cape York & Arnhem Land itinerary. This expedition will be focusing on Australian art and curated by traditional artist, Brian Robinson, as we will be taking you into some of the continent’s most acclaimed art centres. On board, you will also have the opportunity to create your own unique piece with an art class hosted by Brian himself. Sailing aboard Coral Discoverer, this itinerary will follow the coast of the remote and culturally rich Arnhem Land, crossing the Gulf of Carpentaria and into the Torres Strait. Stand at the very tip of Australia at Cape York, before we make our way down through the Great Barrier Reef to Cairns. Experience traditions unchanged for centuries, sacred rock art and remote lands only permitted accessible by a fortunate few. See how generations have passed on artistic traditions, and how this important cultural legacy is being kept alive today. Visit world renowned art centres in Yirrkala and Nhulunbuy. Watch Elders tell their story through art in Maningrida. See how the women of Tiwi Islands give back to their community through their local fabric printmaking and clothing business. Join Coral Expeditions on this exciting expedition to the far reaches of Australian’s Northern coastline.
Board at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 7:00am ahead of our 8:00am departure. Spend time getting to know your fellow travellers and enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks before the first of many delicious dinners
Coral Expeditions tiwi islands Visit remote Bathurst Island. With local Tiwi guides, we 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.
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.
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.
torres-strait-islands-coral-expeditions The friendly locals of Elcho Island proudly welcome us to their community this morning. Meet some of the local artists who have their unique art exhibited in the famous art galleries of the world including the Louvre. In the afternoon, visit the community and school of Gawa.
We travel through the narrow channel between Raragala and Guluwuru Islands, known as the ‘Hole in the Wall’.
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 centre has forged a vibrant path for Yolŋu contemporary art. A 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.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with presentations by our guest lecturers. You will hear about the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early explorers of the Arnhem Land coast.
Have the unique opportunity to visit Badu Island. Visit the fabulous art centre and enjoy the hospitality of the Badu islanders. We may visit additional Torres Strait Islands, such as Thursday Island and Moa Island.
Cruise to the Tip of Cape York and enjoy champagne while the sun sets.
Enjoy a day exploring Forbes Island, an excellent spot for swimming or snorkelling from the pristine sandy beaches. Take a walk to the grave of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster.
Visit Stanley Island 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 snorkelling and observe the large seabird rookery.
Explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland coast. Venture into the crystal clear waters for swimming and snorkelling 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.
Arrive in Cairns and disembark at 8:00am.
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for unexpected closures, seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.
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Vessel Type: Expedition Ship
Length: 93.4 meters
Passenger Capacity: 120 (60 staterooms)
Built: 2019
Coral Adventurer is a modern expedition cruise ship launched in 2019, purpose-built to explore Australia’s remote coastlines and international tropical destinations in comfort and style. With a capacity of just 120 guests, she strikes a perfect balance between small-ship intimacy and ocean-going capability. Her shallow draught and state-of-the-art navigation systems allow access to isolated regions unreachable by larger vessels, while dual Xplorer tenders and a fleet of zodiacs provide safe, seamless access to remote shores. Designed with wide open spaces and warm, natural interiors by Brisbane-based Arkhefield, Coral Adventurer embodies the spirit of Australian adventure, hospitality, and connection to the great outdoors.
All staterooms are outside-facing with ensuites, most featuring private balconies, and range from elegant Bridge Deck Suites to well-appointed Coral Deck cabins. Guests enjoy single-seating dining, where fresh, locally sourced meals are prepared in an open-view galley and served with boutique Australian wines. Life onboard is relaxed and sociable, with a sundeck bar, panoramic promenade deck, lecture lounge, library, and even a gym. Coral Adventurer also offers complimentary Wi-Fi, a lift between decks, and high levels of guest-crew interaction, creating a welcoming, immersive expedition experience in some of the world’s most spectacular natural environments.
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.