Cape York & Arnhem Land Expedition Cruise (Darwin to Cairns)
Australia's ancient north, from Arnhem Land to Cape York
This eleven-night voyage traces the ancient top of Australia, from Darwin to Cairns, through a coastline where some of the world’s oldest living cultures still thrive. Travelling with expert guides and Indigenous storytellers, you visit remote art centres across Arnhem Land, immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of the Torres Strait, and stand at the very tip of Cape York, mainland Australia’s northernmost point. Between cultural encounters there are coral reefs to snorkel, rock art to discover and the wide, empty scenery of the Gulf of Carpentaria. All-inclusive and enriched by onboard art workshops and expert talks, it is a profound journey into Australia’s living north.
Itinerary highlights
Sail Australia's ancient north from Darwin to Cairns over eleven nights.
Visit remote Aboriginal art centres in the Tiwi Islands, Maningrida and Elcho Island, guided by local artists.
Immerse yourself in the living cultures of the Torres Strait Islands.
Stand at the Tip of Cape York, the northernmost point of mainland Australia.
Snorkel reefs at Lizard Island and explore the Flinders Group.
Explore the ruins and history of the Cobourg Peninsula.
Enjoy onboard art workshops and expert lectures, all-inclusive with drinks and tips.
Australia's ancient north, from Arnhem Land to Cape York
This eleven-night voyage traces the ancient top of Australia, from Darwin to Cairns, through a coastline where some of the world’s oldest living cultures still thrive. Travelling with expert guides and Indigenous storytellers, you visit remote art centres across Arnhem Land, immerse yourself in the vibrant cultures of the Torres Strait, and stand at the very tip of Cape York, mainland Australia’s northernmost point. Between cultural encounters there are coral reefs to snorkel, rock art to discover and the wide, empty scenery of the Gulf of Carpentaria. All-inclusive and enriched by onboard art workshops and expert talks, it is a profound journey into Australia’s living north.
Itinerary highlights
Sail Australia's ancient north from Darwin to Cairns over eleven nights.
Visit remote Aboriginal art centres in the Tiwi Islands, Maningrida and Elcho Island, guided by local artists.
Immerse yourself in the living cultures of the Torres Strait Islands.
Stand at the Tip of Cape York, the northernmost point of mainland Australia.
Snorkel reefs at Lizard Island and explore the Flinders Group.
Explore the ruins and history of the Cobourg Peninsula.
Enjoy onboard art workshops and expert lectures, all-inclusive with drinks and tips.
What's Included
- 11 nights aboard the expedition ship in an en-suite cabin
- All excursions and shore landings with the expedition team
- Guided visits to Aboriginal and Torres Strait art centres and communities
- Daily lectures, briefings and onboard art workshops
- Selected wines, beers and house spirits with lunch and dinner
- All meals, chef-prepared on board; 24-hour tea and coffee
- Tips and gratuities; all national park, port and traditional-owner fees
- Post-cruise transfer to a city hotel or the airport; Starlink wifi for messaging
- Not included: flights, pre/post accommodation, premium beverages and internet, travel insurance
What's Included
- 11 nights aboard the expedition ship in an en-suite cabin
- All excursions and shore landings with the expedition team
- Guided visits to Aboriginal and Torres Strait art centres and communities
- Daily lectures, briefings and onboard art workshops
- Selected wines, beers and house spirits with lunch and dinner
- All meals, chef-prepared on board; 24-hour tea and coffee
- Tips and gratuities; all national park, port and traditional-owner fees
- Post-cruise transfer to a city hotel or the airport; Starlink wifi for messaging
- Not included: flights, pre/post accommodation, premium beverages and internet, travel insurance
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Every journey I plan starts with a conversation. Tell me what excites you, what you've always dreamed of experiencing, and I'll craft something extraordinary. The best expeditions begin with a single question: What would make this unforgettable for you?
Ashley | Expedition Planner
FAQs
The route is built around visits to remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait art centres, guided by local artists, with onboard art workshops and expert lectures. It celebrates some of the oldest continuous artistic traditions on earth.
Yes, it sails one way from Darwin to Cairns, so you fly into Darwin and home from Cairns. Neither flight is included, though a post-cruise transfer is.
A great deal: all excursions, community and art-centre visits, drinks with lunch and dinner, tips, national park and traditional-owner fees, and Starlink wifi for messaging. It is a genuinely all-inclusive product.
Yes. Alongside the cultural programme you snorkel reefs at Lizard Island and Davie Reef, explore island national parks and watch for birds and marine life across the Gulf of Carpentaria.