ITINERARY: DARWIN –WESSEL ISLANDS – THURSDAY ISLAND - CAIRNS

Day 1: Departs Darwin
07:00am: Board the Oceanic Discoverer at Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory and gateway to the “Top End”. Depart Darwin at 08:00am for the Tiwi Islands. This afternoon we visit Bathurst and Melville Islands. With traditional Tiwi as our guides we learn of the unique cultures of the Tiwi people and visit their fascinating art centres. There is the opportunity to purchase their wonderful screen-printing, art, woodcarvings and pottery. This evening enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party.

Day 2: Cobourg Peninsula
On Cobourg Peninsula, Port Essington is famous for the ruins of the failed Victoria Settlement. Here we use the services of the National Park Rangers to guide and help us explore the ruins. We will also visit the Ranger’s Interpretation Centre at Black Point.

Day 3: Arnhem Land coast
Having cruised through the Bowen Strait and across the Arnhem Land coast we make landfall on the welcoming island of Milingimbi and later in the afternoon we cruise to Elcho Island. The friendly locals proudly welcome and share with us their culture and offer their art pieces for sale.

Day 4: Wessel Islands
We explore the beautiful islands of the Wessel Group. Here our expert guides and lecturers will share with you the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early discoverers. Time and tides permitting we will enjoy a beach BBQ on one of these uninhabited islands.

Day 5: The Hole in the Wall
Learn of the history of World War II at Jensens Bay before cruising through “The Hole in the Wall”. Join our Guest Lecturer for a discussion on traditional aboriginal philosophy on Wigram Island.

Day 6: Gulf of Carpentaria
Our guest lecturers will recap on the voyage and share with us their knowledge of the region as we cross the Gulf of Carpentaria to Thursday Island.

Day 7: Thursday Island
This morning during the tour of Thursday Island we learn of the history of European settlement and the large pearling fleets. We will also have the opportunity to observe the distinctly different cultures of the Torres Strait Islanders and the Aboriginals. Following lunch we visit the Gab Titui Cultural Centre where the children perform traditional dances. Following a short cruise to Cape York we go ashore and enjoy the sunset and champagne at the “Tip”.

Day 8: Forbes Island and reef
Enjoy the day exploring this historical island. Time for swimming and snorkelling.

Day 9: Davey Reef and Flinders Group of Islands
At Davey Reef and Cay we enjoy swimming and snorkelling and observe the large seabird rookery. We then go ashore at Stanley Island and 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. Time permitting we will also go ashore at Cape Melville famous for its peculiar mass of granite boulders that have tumbled down to the waters edge.

Day 10: Lizard Island
Here we spend the day at one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast. We have the opportunity to climb Cook’s Look, enjoy swimming and snorkelling and explore the Blue Lagoon.

Day 11: Ribbon Reefs
Enjoy the day snorkelling, swimming and coral viewing on the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. This evening join the Captain and crew for his farewell cocktail party.

Day 12: Arrive Cairns
Arrive into the Port of Cairns at approximately 08:00am.

This itinerary is an indication of the reef, islands and coastal areas we visit. While every effort will be made to follow the itinerary we do reserve the right to vary this itinerary to make allowances for weather and tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.

Rates

Prices start from $7400 per person twin share. Click here for full rate and departure information.

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