Australia's Top End: Cape York & Arnhem Land

Welcome onboard Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht. Settle into your luxurious suite and enjoy the first destination of this incredible journey: Cairns, the gateway to tropical north Queensland. This is the only place on Earth where two World Heritage sites collide – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Please book your flight to arrive into Cairns prior to 02:00 PM.

The only permanently inhabited island in the Coral Sea Islands Territory is home to an Australian Bureau of Meteorology weather station, with a total of four staff. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a leisurely day to take advantage of the luxurious onboard facilities of your Discovery Yacht. Relax on your private verandah; indulge at the Senses Spa with a massage or yoga class; or learn about Australia’s history, flora and fauna from your expert Discovery Team’s enrichment programs. (B/L/D)

One of the most gorgeous spots on the Queensland coast is best viewed from the top of its highest peak, Cook’s Look. If the hike is too strenuous, enjoy swimming, snorkelling or walking on the sandy beach. Depending on availability, you may be invited to visit the Lizard Island Research Station, dedicated to help understand and preserve the Great Barrier Reef. (B/L/D)

Create an unforgettable memory in your own private cay, surrounded by sparkling water in the middle of the Coral Sea. (B/L/D)

At the Gab Titui Cultural Centre, see indigenous art exhibitions, shop for authentic souvenirs and enjoy a cultural performance by the local children. As we sail towards Horn Island, hear about the significance of the Torres Strait Islands during World War II from a Discovery Team expert. Join a tour of Thursday Island, home to indigenous Torres Strait Islanders, whose culture is distinctly different and fascinating. Learn about the history of British settlement and the region’s pearling fleets. Reaching the northernmost part of the mainland, Cape York, witness a sunset at the ‘tip of Australia’ from the deck of your ultra-luxury yacht. (B/L/D)

With another day at sea, it’s the perfect opportunity to relax at one of our bars, where premium beverages are included; or take in the ocean view through the Swarovski telescopes in the Observation Lounge. (B/L/D)

Pass the picturesque Wessel Island and sail through ‘The Hole in the Wall’, a narrow channel north of Arnhem Land, to the port of Nhulunbuy (Gove). (B/L/D)

Arrive at the remote Cobourg Peninsula, in the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, the site of three failed attempts by the British to settle north Australia. Walking inland, our Discovery Team experts and rangers will interpret the history of the eerie stone ruins, now largely reclaimed by nature. Visit the Ranger’s Interpretation Centre at Black Point to learn about the region’s indigenous heritage, its Macassan traders and European pioneers. (B/L/D)

Explore the remains of Victoria Settlement, where a group of British soldiers arrived with their families in 1838 and spent 11 years at Port Essington. They built a Governor's residence, hospital, church, military and married quarters with distinctive round Cornish chimneys, before the isolation and disease eventually drove them out. Later, join our experienced local guides to learn about the bush tucker found in the coastal estuaries and mangroves, which are ideal for mud crabbing. (B/L/D)

Disembark in Northern Territory’s multicultural capital city, in the ‘Top End’ of Australia, distinguished by its friendly, laidback lifestyle. This is the end of your incredible Discovery Voyage through the unspoiled northern parts of Australia. Bid farewell to your Captain, crew and new friends. Please book your flight to depart out of Darwin after 12:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)