Luxury Cruises

Australia Small Ships Vacation Packages

This voyage offers a singular opportunity for you to explore a land of mystery and intrigue, with fascinating plants and animals found nowhere else in Australia. From the Great Barrier Reef, Cape York Peninsula, Torres Strait and Thursday Island, to Nhulunbuy, Arnhem Land, Cobourg Peninsula and the Tiwi Islands, you will learn of the success and failures of early explorers and settlers and be fascinated by the diverse cultures of the Aborigine, Torres Strait and Tiwi islanders.

Day 2. Coburg Peninsula. Port Essington, on 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. BLD

Day 3. Wessel Islands. Having cruised through Bowen Strait and across the Arnham Land coast we make landfall on one the beautiful islands of the Wessell 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. BLD

Day 4. Wessel Islands. We spend the day cruising and exploring the Wessell and English Company Islands. BLD

Day 5. Nhulunbuy. We cruise through "The Hole in the Wall", Malay Straits and berth in the port of Nhulunbuy (Gove). On disembarking we are transferred to the Walkabout Lodge, tonight's accommodation. BLD

Day 6. Nhulunbuy to Horn Island. This morning we join a tour of the Nabalco bauxite mine and Nambarra Art Centre. After lunch we visit the Yirrkala Arts and crafts centre and transfer to the airport for our charter flight across the Gulf of Carpentaria to Horn Island. Here we enjoy a tour of the island and learn of the significance of the Torres Strait Islands during World War II. Accommodation tonight is at the Gateway Torres Strait Resort. BLD

Day 7. Thursday Island to Cape York. This morning we are transferred by ferry to Thursday Island and rejoin Coral Princess. 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. This afternoon we are guests of the local school when 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". BLD

Day 8. Forbes Island and reef. Enjoy the day exploring this historical island. Time for swimming, snorkelling, diving and reef fishing. BLD

Day 9. Davey Reef/Flinders Group of Islands. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling at Davey Reef 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. BLD

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. BLD

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. BLD

Day 12. Arrive Cairns. Disembark this morning in Cairns, where your tour ends. B

Please Note: 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.

• Meals as indicated by BLD, morning and afternoon teas
• Air-conditioned dining room with tropical dcor
• Large Sundeck with spa
• Use of snorkelling equipment (masks and flippers)
• Access to islands, marine and national parks
• Use of a comprehensive range of library and video resources

Accommodation

Accommodation on board is comparable to most first class hotels. There is no limit to the luggage you may bring. There is a large sundeck with spa, a bar, lounge, TV room with video and a tropically appointed dining room with a fine selection of Australian wines. The shop on board carries some souvenirs and personal needs. All cabins are fitted with international power outlets for shavers, hair dryers, etc.

10/09

Australia Small Ship Vacations

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