11 NIGHTS ACROSS THE TOP OF AUSTRALIA

DARWIN-CAIRNS or reverse

Cabins	2010
	Twin share	Sole use
1. Main Deck B	$8,250 pp
2. Main Deck A	$8,550 pp	$12,825
3. Promenade Deck B	$8,950 pp	$13,425
4. Promenade Deck A	$9,250 pp	$13,875
4. Bridge	$9,750 pp	NA

Combine an Oceanic Discoverer Across the Top cruise with a Kimberley cruise for a total 10% discount

"Explore the Great Barrier Reef and remote Cape York, the remote and mysterious Arnhem Land, and the beauty of Kakadu and the Cobourg Peninsula on our 11 night expedition cruise between Cairns and Darwin."

Cruise Inclusions

• On board accommodation
• Services of expedition staff including lectures, briefings, slide/film presentations, and other group activities
• Shore excursions (excludes helicopter)
• All meals
• 24 hour tea/coffee station
• Landing and port fees

DAY 1:  07:00am

Board the Oceanic Discoverer at Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory and gateway to the "Top End". Depart Darwin at 08:00am for the Tiwi Islands. This afternoon we 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. This evening enjoy the Captain's Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party.

DAY 2:  Coburg Peninsula

On Cobourg 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 3:  arnhem land coast

Having cruised through Bowen Strait and across the Arnham Land coast we make landfall on the welcoming island of Millingimbi and later in the afternoon we cruise to Elcho Island. The friendly locals proudly welcome and share with us their culture and offer their art pieces for sale.

DAY 4:  Wessel Islands

We explore the beautiful islands of the Wessel 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 BBQ on one of these uninhabited islands. 

DAY 5:  the hole in the wall

Learn of the history of World War II at Jensens Bay before cruising through "The Hole in the Wall". Join our guest lecturer for a discussion on traditional aboriginal philosophy on Wigram Island.   

DAY 6:  gulf of carpentaria

Our guest lecturers will recap on the voyage and share with us their knowledge of the region as we cross the Gulf of Carpentaria to Thursday Island. 

DAY 7:  Thursday Island

This morning 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. Following lunch we visit the Gab Titui Cultural Centre where the children perform traditional dances. Following a short cruise to Cape York we go ashore and enjoy the sunset and champagne at the "Tip".

DAY 8:  Forbes Island and reef

Enjoy the day exploring this historical island. Time for swimming and snorkelling.

DAY 9:  Davey Reef/Flinders Group of Islands

At Davey Reef and Cay we enjoy swimming and snorkelling 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.

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.

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.

DAY 12:  Arrive into the Port of Cairns at approximately 08:00am

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.
 

11 NIGHTS ACROSS THE TOP OF AUSTRALIA - CAIRNS-DARWIN ITINERARY

Day 1: 03:00pm

Board the Oceanic Discoverer at Trinity Wharf, Cairns. 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. The energetic may join our guides on a walk to "Cook's Look" on the island's peak. It was from here, the highest lookout on this part of the reef, that Captain Cook was able to navigate a safe passage back through the treacherous waters after repairing the Endeavour near Cooktown over 200 years ago. A photographer's delight, the view from the lookout over the World Heritage-listed reef and surrounding tropical islands are magnificent.

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 children perform traditional dances. Continuing on to Horn Island we discover the significance of the Torres Strait during World War II. 

Day 6:  cruising the gulf of carpentaria

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with presentations by our guest  lecturers, who share with you the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early explorers of the Arnhem Land Coast.

Day 7:  hole in the wall and wessel island

Today we sail through the "Hole in the Wall" to the Wessel Islands. 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 clothing 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 Coburg 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 basketweaving 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- 08:00am

Arrive into the Darwin the capital of the Northern Territory and gateway to the "Top End".

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 reason whatsoever.