Sample Itinerary
Cairns to Thursday Island
Board your luxury vessel in tropical Cairns for a midday departure. We cast off and cruise North along the Marlin Coast, where lush, rainforest-clad ranges and chalky white beaches dominate the scenery. Settle in to your luxurious surroundings as your friendly crew prepare you for the adventures ahead.
Day 1
Awake at anchor amid the turquoise waters of the famous Lizard Island. Hike to the top of Cook's Look for an inspirational view over the island group and surrounding reef. Snorkel off the pristine sands of Watson's beach, over the clam gardens and coral reef. Visit the historical ruins of Watson's cottage or the world-class Research Station. Fish, dive, beach-comb, or just relax and enjoy the heavenly tropical setting.
Day 2
Cruise the rugged coast of Cape Melville, with jumbled boulders and pure silica sand dunes, before embarking on a rainforest walk through virgin Cape York forest and outcrops of rare foxtail palms. Visit an historical monument or go birding with a local rainforest guide. Reposition to the Flinders Island group over lunch. Explore the many islands by tender and visit significant historical and aboriginal sites, set amid the imposing, rugged scenery of the area.
Day 3
Stanley Island is home to some of the most vibrant and intriguing examples of Aboriginal rock art on the Australian East coast. View the stunning cave paintings of the famous Endaen and Ship shelters, learn about bush tucker, shell middens and plant toxins during leisurely bush walks and photograph the island's stunning geological formations.
In the afternoon, we cruise out to Davey Reef sand cay. This extensive, vegetated sand cay is home to a variety of nesting seabirds. Snorkel and dive with harmless reef sharks, turtles and a shimmering collage of colorful reef fish and coral of every imaginable shape. Enjoy a spot of fishing along the reef edge or examine a decaying shipwreck.
Day 4
Explore, snorkel and dive the magnificent chain of ribbon reefs and their associated sand cays, unique to the northern Great Barrier Reef. Clear waters, spectacular marine life and sheer coral walls characterize this elongate, reef complex. Claim your own private sand cay for a picnic lunch or champagne at sunset.
Day 5
Portland Roads is an interesting outpost of civilization. Visit an alternative settlement, and experience the charm of this unique community. A variety of other activities are available in this area, including island visits, rainforest / wildlife excursions and fishing.
Day 6
Today, we enjoy the palm-fringed beaches and surrounds of picturesque Forbes Island. Snorkel and dive along the edge of the fringing reef, as your knowledgeable Divemaster points out huge, colorful giant clams or fish cleaning stations! Visit a mysterious settler's grave amid a former coconut plantation, cruise or fish the satellite islands of the group or just relax aboard the ship and take in the scenery from the top deck.
Day 7
Boydong Cays, Escape River and Cape York. Explore an extensive and remarkable sand cay system, visit the Escape River Pearl farm, fish for barramundi, and keep an eye out for the salt water crocodiles of the area. Traverse the scenic Albany Passage en route to Cape York for a sunset landing at the northernmost point of the Australian mainland.
Day 8
Torres Strait. Cruise the far flung and seldom explored islands of this famous Strait. Your options here are many: visit isolated island communities, learn about local culture, foods and traditional practices, snorkel and fish the pristine waters. The cultures of Australia's Islander communities are an intriguing mix of Australian Aborigine and New Guinea influences.
Day 9
Thursday Island. Take in the charm and history of this northern melting pot. Wander the community, shop for unique artifacts, visit historical sites, the museum, or have a counter meal at Australia's northernmost pub! Thrill to an energetic and colorful cultural performance by the local school children. Cruise among pearl farms and view unique tidal phenomena.
Day 10
Say Farewell and disembark midday for Horn Island and a flight back to Cairns.
*With optional scenic helicopter flights, inland excursions via luxury 4WD, or other activities, you can further appreciate the grandeur of the Cape York area.
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