ACROSS
THE TOP: CAIRNS TO DARWIN
12
days / 11 night cruise departs March 29, 2009
This tour is
also available on the luxurious Oceanic Discoverer for approximately
$700 more per stateroom, departing April 5. Please ask for full
details of this beautiful ship and her itinerary. Reverse tours,
from Darwin to Cairns, depart Sep 25 (CP) and Oct 23 (OD)
Day 1 -
Depart Cairns
3:00pm: Board Coral Princess at Trinity Wharf, Cairns at 1pm. This
evening meet your fellow travellers and friendly crew as we enjoy
the Captain’s Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party.
Day
2 - Lizard Island
We explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands
on the Queensland Coast. Enjoy swimming, snorkelling and a walk
along the beautiful sandy beach. 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 and Davey Reef
Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Group to view the Endaen Aboriginal
rock art gallery that depicts 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 and Magra Island
Enjoy the day exploring historic Forbes Island, its reef provides
some fantastic swimming and snorkelling opportunities, This afternoon
we visit Magra Island for beachcombing, bird watching and to enjoy
the tropical sunset.
Day 5 -
Cape York and Thursday Island 
This morning we venture ashore at Cape York as the sun rises over
the “Tip” on Australia’s northernmost point. Enjoy
champagne and welcome the new day. Anchoring at Thursday Island,
learn of the history of European settlement and the large pearling
fleets. We have the opportunity to observe the distinctly different
cultures of the Torres Strait Islanders and the Aboriginals whilst
we enjoy a tour of the island. Following lunch we visit the Gab
Titui Cultural Centre where the children perform traditional dances.
Continuing on to Horn Island we discover the significance of the
Torres Strait during World War II. Tonight, we travel ashore on
Horn Island and stay overnight at the Gateway Torres Strait Resort.
Day 6 -
Nhulunbuy (Gove)
This morning we board our short charter flight across the Gulf of
Carpentaria to Nhulunbuy (Gove). Upon arrival, we visit the Yirrkala
Art Centre. Following a light lunch, we join an interesting tour
of the Alcan Gove bauxite mine and alumina refinery before visiting
Nambarra Art Centre to see some fine examples of local artwork.
This evening we enjoy a relaxing stay at the Walkabout Lodge in
Gove.
Day
7 - Hole in the Wall and Beach BBQ
Rejoining Coral Princess we cruise through the narrow ‘Hole
in the Wall”. Our expert guides and lecturers will share with
you the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early discoverers
to the Arnhem Land coast. This evening we enjoy a gourmet Aussie
Beach BBQ as the sun spectacularly sets over the Arafura Sea.
Day 8 -
Elcho Island Artists
The friendly locals of Elcho Island proudly welcome us to their
community this morning. Enjoy an insight into their culture and
meet some of the local artists who have their unique art exhibited
in the famous art galleries of the world, including the Louvre.
You may wish to attend the local church service to share in the
local culture.
Day 9 -
Liverpool River and Maningrida
We anchor in the mighty Liverpool River before travelling ashore
to explore the Maningrida Art Centre, Museum and local “boutique”,
where hand painted clothin
g
and fabrics are offered for sale. Later, join the Expedition Leader
and guides on an Explorer tour of the river before rejoining our
small ship.
Day 10 -
Cobourg Peninsula
Enjoy a full day to discover the Cobourg Peninsula. Port Essington
is famous for its failed Victoria Settlement, and we will be joined
by the local National Park rangers who will guide and help us explore
the ruins. We will also visit the Ranger’s Interpretation
Centre at Black Point.
Day 11 -
Bathurst and Melville Islands
Today we enjoy a true highlight, visiting remote Bathurst and Melville
Islands. With traditional Tiwi people as our guides we learn of
the unique cultures and visit their fascinating art centre. Our
Tiwi hosts will welcome us with a cultural performance and basket-weaving
exhibition before we join them for a traditional afternoon tea of
damper and billy tea. Tonight we farewell new-found friends as we
enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail 
Party.
Day 12 -
Arrive in Darwin
Arrive into Darwin at 8:00am. Darwin is the capital of the Northern
Territory and gateway to Australia's Outback, including Kakadu and,
further south, Ayers Rock.
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 this itinerary to make allowances
for weather, tidal conditions and any other reasons whatsoever.
Cruise
Rates Coral Princess
All rates are per
person in US dollars, and are subject to change due to currency
fluctuations. Once payment is made in full the cost will not change.
Cabin
Twin Share: $4650
Sole Use: $6975
Stateroom
Twin Share: $5290
Sole Use: $7950
Upper Deck
Stateroom
Twin Share: $5580
Sole Use: N/A
Deluxe Stateroom
Twin Share: $5580
Sole Use: N/A
Please click
on the map to enlarge it.
Australian Natural Adventures
is a full service travel company, and we can seamlessly make all
additional arrangements required for your cruise, including international
air at competitive rates, hotels, and any additional touring while
in Australia.
Contact
us for more information
and
to make your booking
1
877 VEGEMITE (834
3648)
