Across the Top End

Reverse Itinerary

Darwin to Cairns

Day 1 - Friday

Darwin - Tiwi Islands

At 7:00am board the Oceanic Discoverer at Darwin wharf for departure at 08:00am for the Tiwi Islands. This afternoon 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 - Saturday

Cabourg peninsula - Port Essington - Arnhem Land

Port Essington on the Coburg Peninsula 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. This afternoon we cruise through the Bowen Strait and along the Arnhem Land coast through the evening where our expert Expedition Leader and Guest Lecturers will share with you the fascinating history of the Macassan Traders and early discoverers.

Day 3 - Sunday

Elcho Island - Wessel Group

Visit the world renowned art centre at Elcho Island. Here you will meet the local artists who have their art exhibited in the famous art galleries of the world, including the Louvre. Time and tides permitting we will enjoy a beach BBQ and drinks on one of the remote uninhabited islands of the Wessell Group.

Day 4 - Monday

Wessel and English Company islands

We spend the day cruising and exploring the Wessell and English Company Islands.

Day 5 - Tuesday

Gove

Cruising through the unique hole in the wall as we travel towards the port of Nhulunbuy (Gove). On arrival we join a guided tour of the Nabalco bauxite mine followed by a tour to the Yirrkalla Arts and Craft Centre returning to Oceanic Discoverer this evening.

Day 6 - Wednesday

At sea - Gulf of Carpentaria

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with presentations from our Guest Lecturers, who share with you the fascinating history and culture of the Torres Strait, Australia’s East Coast and the Great Barrier Reef.

Day 7 - Thursday

Thursday Island - Cape York

This morning we berth at Thursday Island and following breakfast join a tour of the island. 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 Torres Strait. This afternoon we are guests of the local school where the children perform traditional dances for us. Following a short cruise to Cape York we go ashore and enjoy the sunset and champagne at “The Tip”.

Day 8 - Friday

Forbes Island and Reef

Enjoy the day exploring this historic island. Time for swimming, snorkelling, diving and reef fishing.

Day 9 - Saturday

Davey Reef - Stanley island

Flinders Group of Islands: at Davey Reef and Cay we enjoy swimming and snorkelling and observe the large seabird colony. We then go ashore at Stanley Island and view the Endaen Aboriginal rock art gallery depicting sailing ships of the last century. This is an 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 - Sunday

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 - Monday

Cooktown - Ribbon reefs

Berthing at historic Cooktown, we enjoy a tour and visit the famous museum. This afternoon we make a stop on the remote Ribbon Reefs for swimming, snorkelling and coral viewing. Tonight enjoy the Captain’s farewell cocktail party.