Arnhem Land Explorer

Be met at Darwin airport and transfer to your expedition ship. This evening, get to know your fellow guests as you enjoy a Welcome Dinner and briefing with your expedition team. Set sail as you learn how Arnhem Land was named after a Dutch ship of the same name, which explored this coastline in 1623. Stay 12 Nights: MS Caledonian Sky (D)

This morning visit Port Essington, an inlet on the Cobourg Peninsula. Arrive in Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, home to pristine beaches, lush rainforests, mangrove swamps and coral reefs. Follow the Port Essington coastline to Victoria Settlement, a British outpost that was established in 1838 to strengthen their claim over the north of Australia. Hear tales of the hardships faced by the settlers here as you are led through the remains of the settlement, accompanied by a local expert. Later, you might like to further explore the settlement's hospital camp, complete with sweeping views over the Arafura Sea, or set out on a walk through the Eastern Paperbark Wetland. (B/L/D)

Join your expedition team and hop aboard a Zodiac for an exciting exploration of Caiman Creek. While skirting along the mangrove-fringed creek, keep watch for the scaly body of a crocodile sunning itself on shore. (B/L/D)

Witness fascinating Indigenous art today at Galwin'ku, located at the southern tip of Elcho Island, where you will be greeted with a traditional Welcome to Country ceremony. Visit Indigenous-owned art centres to witness the creation of stunning pieces of local craft including bark paintings, woven pandanus baskets, carvings and shell jewellery. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Today is sure to be a highlight of your journey as you soar through the impressive Arafura Swamp on a spectacular Zodiac cruise. This is the best way to experience the wetland, a habitat to hundreds of bird species including brolga, spoonbill and magpie geese. It is also said to have the largest population of crocodiles on the planet.

Arrive at the Gove Peninsula, a place where the first British contact with the Yolngu came about in 1803 as Matthew Flinders made his circumnavigation of Australia. Continue to Yirrkala and enjoy a Signature Experience. Gain an insight into local art styles at the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre, then try your hand at spear throwing during a friendly competition, or master the art of basket weaving. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Be greeted with a Welcome to Country smoking ceremony and dance performance while at Yirrkala, located on the Gove Peninsula.

As we cruise across the Gulf of Carpentaria, it's the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the facilities on board your ship. (B/L/D)

Set out on a boat trip in Weipa and relax as you learn about the region's unique ecosystem, mining industry and Indigenous culture. Keep your eyes peeled for saltwater crocs lazing on the banks. (B/L/D)

At Thursday Island learn of the history and culture of the Torres Strait people and the pearling industry. Visit the Gab Titui Cultural Centre and mix with the locals. Thursday Island played a major part during WWII, and you will see remnants of that period. You will then cruise to the tip of Australia, setting foot on its northernmost point, Cape York. Here is the perfect place to watch the sunset with a glass of bubbly in hand. (B/L/D)

Cruise to the Piper Islands, a group of vegetated cays home to the largest breeding population of the Black Noddy in Queensland, and an important nesting area for the vulnerable hawksbill turtle and a known area for dugongs. (B/L/D)

After a day filled with Signature Experiences, sit back and enjoy sunset drinks. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:

• Enjoy a full day to explore private Lizard Island, with the chance to be active or simply to relax on the beach.

After a relaxing morning on Lizard Island, Enjoy your ship's facilities as it cruises to Willis Island. (B/L/D)

Arrive at Willis Island, where you have chance to snorkel and swim. This tiny island beyond the Great Barrier Reef is the only permanently inhabited island in the Coral Sea Islands Territory. It is an important nesting ground for turtles and the home to birdlife including Masked, Brown and Red-Footed boobies. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, disembark in Cairns and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)