Cape York and Arnhem Land: Indigenous Art Themed

Overview

Explore the Northern Australian coastline and immerse yourself in the diverse cultures of Indigenous Australia, with this exclusive Cape York & Arnhem Land itinerary.

This expedition will be focusing on Australian art and curated by traditional artist, Brian Robinson, as you will be taken to some of the continent’s most acclaimed art centres. On board, you will also have the opportunity to create your own unique piece with an art class hosted by Brian himself.

Sailing aboard Coral Discoverer, this itinerary will follow the coast of the remote and culturally rich Arnhem Land, crossing the Gulf of Carpentaria and into the Torres Strait. Stand at the very tip of Australia at Cape York, before you make your way down through the Great Barrier Reef to Cairns. Experience traditions unchanged for centuries, sacred rock art and remote lands only permitted accessible by a fortunate few.

See how generations have passed on artistic traditions, and how this important cultural legacy is being kept alive today. Visit world renowned art centres in Yirrkala and Nhulunbuy. Watch Elders tell their story through art in Maningrida. See how the women of Tiwi Islands give back to their community through their local fabric printmaking and clothing business.

Join Coral Expeditions on this exciting expedition to the far reaches of Australian’s Northern coastline.

Board at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 7:00am ahead of your 8:00am departure. Spend time getting to know your fellow travellers and enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks before the first of many delicious dinners.

Visit remote Bathurst Island. With local Tiwi guides, learn of the unique culture and visit the art centre. Be welcomed with a cultural performance and basket-weaving exhibition before enjoying a traditional Australian afternoon tea of damper and billy tea.

Discover Garig Gunak Barlu National Park on the Cobourg Peninsula. Join Park Rangers in Port Essington, famous for the failed Victoria Settlement, and explore the ruins while learning about the fascinating history of this early colonial outpost.

Anchor in the mighty Liverpool River and travel ashore to explore the Maningrida Art Centre, museum, and the local boutique, where hand-painted textiles can be purchased.

The friendly locals of Elcho Island proudly welcome you to their community this morning. Meet some of the local artists who have their unique art exhibited in the famous art galleries of the world including the Louvre.

In the afternoon, visit the community and school of Gawa.

Travel through the narrow channel between Raragala and Guluwuru Islands, known as the ‘Hole in the Wall’.

Visit the spectacular Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre at Yirrkala, outside of Nhulunbuy. Here, the Yirrkala Art Centre represents Yolŋu artists from around the region.

Established in 1976 as an act of self-determination, the art centre has forged a vibrant path for Yolŋu contemporary art. A museum built in 1988 houses a collection of works detailing historical artefacts and important moments, including the Message Sticks from 1935 and the Yirrkala Church Panels from 1963.

Enjoy a relaxing day at sea with presentations by our guest lecturers. You will hear about the fascinating history of the Macassan traders and early explorers of the Arnhem Land coast.

Anchoring at Thursday Island, learn about the historic pearling fleet and the cultural differences between the Torres Strait and Aboriginal peoples. You may also visit other Torres Strait islands, such as Badu or Moa.

Cruise to the Tip of Cape York and enjoy champagne while the sun sets.

Enjoy a day exploring Forbes Island, an excellent spot for swimming or snorkelling from the pristine sandy beaches. Take a walk to the grave of beche-de-mer fisherman Frederick Lancaster.

Explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast, and venture into the crystal clear waters for swimming and snorkelling or take a walk along the white sand beach. The more energetic may join our guides on a walk to ‘Cook’s Look’ on the island’s peak and the highest lookout on this part of the reef. From this high point, Captain Cook was able to navigate a safe passage back through the treacherous waters after repairing the HMB Endeavour near Cooktown over 200 years ago. A photographer’s delight, the views from the lookout over the World Heritage-listed reef and surrounding tropical islands are magnificent.

Arrive in Cairns and farewell your new found friends and staff on board. Disembark at 8:00am and continue on your next adventure.