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Saltwater Country & Culture

Journey from Darwin to Cairns on this 13 night expedition cruise

Darwin to Cairns

14 days / 13 nights

Expedition / Small Ship Cruise

Coral Adventurer

Multiple departures

Overview

From remote saltwater communities to volcanic coastlines, this voyage celebrates Indigenous ingenuity and resilience, revealing stories of culture, connection, and living Country.

Culture

Engage with Tiwi, Yolgnu, Gumatj, Masig & Mer Islanders art, song, and storytelling.

Nature

Cruise volcanic coastlines, wetlands, and remote coral islands.

History

Trace ancient Makassan trade routes, methods and traditions.

Discovery

Explore sacred rock art, island communities, and wild coastlines.

Coral Adventurer

The perfect balance between being large enough for ocean voyaging in comfort yet creating the intimate and relaxed atmosphere for which Coral Expeditions is renowned, Coral Adventurer embodies Coral Expeditions Australian philosophy of adventure, relaxation, generosity, storytelling, and appreciation for the great outdoors. Carrying a maximum of 120 passengers – Coral Adventurer is purpose-built to take you closer to unspoiled vistas in comfort, style, and safety.

Launched in April 2019

Number of Guests: 120

Inclusions

  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • All excursions with the Expedition Team
  • Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
  • All meals, chef-prepared on board
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs, & Kayaks
  • Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
  • 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
  • Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Wi-Fi Access – Standard speed connectivity enabling email, social image sharing, web browsing and messaging
  • Expedition diary, along with a photo gallery documenting the highlights of your voyage
  • Post-cruise transfers to CBD hotel or airport
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities

Exclusions

  • Entry visas & travel permits for the country you are travelling to/from
  • Laundry service (available at a cost)
  • Premium Internet services
  • Alcoholic & non-alcoholic specialty beverages outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Travel Insurance
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
  • Pre and post cruise accommodation
  • Pre-cruise transfers

Itinerary

Day 1 | Darwin - Wurrumiyanga

Embark in Darwin and set course for the Tiwi Islands. Be welcomed through art, dance, and storytelling before visiting Tiwi Design and the Patakijiyali Museum to discover the deep creative traditions of the Tiwi people.

Melville Island | Milikapiti

Experience traditional Tiwi knowledge meeting modern sustainability. Visit Milikapiti Farm and Nursery and hear from Tiwi Land and Sea Rangers on their pioneering role in Australia’s carbon economy.

RAMSAR Wetlands, Cobourg Peninsula

Cruise through Australia’s first RAMSAR-listed wetlands at sunrise. Encounter mangroves, monsoon forests, and over 230 bird species during an Xplorer-led birdwatching expedition across this globally significant ecosystem.

Elcho Island | Galiwin’ku

Engage with Yolŋu culture through bark painting, spear making, and bush tucker walks. Meet students from the local Maritime College and gain insight into how traditional knowledge shapes future pathways.

Daliwuy Bay, Cape Arnhem

Walk the 3.2km coastal trail with Dhimurru Rangers to view the heritage Wurrwurrwuy stone pictures, records of early trade with Makassan visitors. Later, cruise along striking volcanic red coastlines by Xplorer.

Port Bradshaw | Bawaka

Be welcomed to Bawaka homeland for stories, song, and dance with the Gumatj people. Share lunch with locals and cruise to the secluded Lonely Beach, where the land and sea connect in quiet splendour.

At Sea

Sail eastward, taking time to reflect on the stories, knowledge, and landscapes shared. Enjoy onboard presentations and horizon views as we cross towards the Torres Strait.

Thursday Island & Pajinka (The Tip)

Tour Thursday Island’s cultural landmarks and hear stories of the Torres Strait flag and pearl diving past. As evening falls, raise a glass at Pajinka, the northernmost point of Australia.

Masig (Yorke) Island

Join the vibrant Masig Island community for dance, music, and conversation about resilience and climate action. Enjoy a traditional meal and optional workshops in weaving, bush foods, or spear fishing.

Mer (Murray) Island

Visit the ancestral lands of Eddie Mabo and meet local artisans of the Black Bamboo enterprise. Explore the volcanic shores of Waua Islet and hear how community creativity sustains cultural and economic strength.

Sea Day

Sail the Coral Sea’s tranquil waters, with time for reflection and discussions led by our guest lecturers on Indigenous agency, art, and the environment.

Stanley Island | Yindayin

Disembark for a guided walk to the remarkable rock art galleries depicting early European sailing ships. Learn from Traditional Owners about the reclamation of their ancestral lands.

Day 14: Arrive Cairns

Arrive in Cairns at 9:00am. Disembark after breakfast with included transfers to local hotels or the airport, carrying with you the spirit of saltwater country and its people.

*Itinerary is subject to change and availability due to weather conditions.

Dates/Pricing

DepartCoral Deck StateroomPromenade Deck StateroomExplorer Deck Stateroom
2 October 2026$16,490pp$19,990pp$24,890pp
8 September 2027$16,490pp$19,990pp$24,890pp

*Advertised price is based on per person twin share, correct as of 23 February 2026.

Booking terms and conditions apply.

* Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.

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