| |
|
|
Across the Top Cruise
12 Days/11 Nights
Gateway: Cairns - Darwin*
£2515
Valid: 01 Apr 07 - 26 Sep 08
Contact us for departure dates.
|
|
|
|
An 11 night exploration of the unique and remote Northern Australian coastline that few have experienced.
Your expedition voyage of discovery begins from either Cairns - gateway to the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, Cape York Peninsular and the fascinating islands of the Tomes Strait, or Darwin - gateway to the remote and mysterious Arnhem Land and the famous National Parks of Kakadu and Cobourg Peninsula, areas affectionately known as the "Top End".
Experienced and informative Expedition Leaders and Guest Lecturers will accompany you on all excursions. They will point out and interpret the myriad of wildlife you encounter and augment your experiences with on-board discussions and informal lectures. From our informative Guides you will discover the mysteries of the fascinating reef life and habitat.
|
Day 1: Depart Cairns
03:00pm: Board the Coral Princess at Trinity Warf, Cairns. This evening enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party. |
Day 2: Lizard Island
Lizard Island: Here we explore one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling. As special guests of the Lizard Island Research Station we have an opportunity to learn of the research being undertaken to help understand and preserve the Great Barrier Reef. |
Day 3: Stanley Island & Davey Reef
Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Group to 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. At Davey Reef and Cay we enjoy swimming and snorkelling and observe the large seabird rookery. |
Day 4: Forbes Island & Reef
Forbes Island and reef: Enjoy the day exploring this historical island. Time for swimming and snorkelling. |
Day 5: Cape York, Thurday Island
& Horn Island
For the early risers we go ashore at Cape York and as the sun rises at the “Tip” we enjoy champagne and welcome the new day. Anchoring at Thursday Island we will 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. We enjoy a tour of the island and are guests of the local school when the children perform traditional dances. We then visit Horn Island and learn of the significance of the Torres Strait Islands during World War II. Overnight at Gateway Torres Strait Resort. |
Day 6: Flight to Nhulunbuy & town tour
Following a tour of the island we board our charter flight across the Gulf of Carpentaria to Nhulunbuy (Gove). Here we join a tour of the Nabalco bauxite mine and visit the Nambarra and Yirrkala Arts and Crafts centres. Overnight at the Walkabout Lodge. |
Day 7: English Company Islands
& Malay Straits
This morning we rejoin Coral Princess and cruise the English Company Islands & Malay Straits. Weather and tides permitting we land at Wigram Island and enjoy a beach BBQ as special guests of Terry Yumbulul, the Traditional Owner of these beautiful islands. |
Day 8: Wessell Islands
Wessel Islands: Cruise through the unique ‘Hole in the Wall”. Here our expert guides and lecturers will share with you the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early discoverers to the Arnham Land coast. |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Day 9: Arnehem Land coast
Arnhem Land. Cruising the Arnhem land coast and Bowen Straits we land in Raffles Bay and learn of the failed Fort Wellington Settlement. |
Day 10: Cobourg Peninsula
& Port Essington
On Coburg 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 11: Bathurst & Melville Islands
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. Tonight Enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party. |
Day 12: Arrive Darwin 8:00am
08:00am: Arrive into the Darwin the capital of the Northern Territory and gateway to the “Top End”. |
This itinerary is an indication of the reef, islands and coastal areas we visit. While every effort will be made to follow this itinerary we do reserve the right to vary the itinerary to make allowances for weather and tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. |
|
Price based on twin share. Includes: accommodation charges on board, services of expedition staff including lectures, briefings, slide/film presentations, and other group activities; group transfers during the cruise; all meals; 24 hour tea/coffee station; landing fees.
Excludes: pre and post flights and transfers; personal items such as telephone, facsimile charges, laundry, bar charges, travel insurance.
*Cruise also operates in reverse direction from Darwin to Cairns.
|
|
|
|
|
|
