Join a unique and pioneering expedition to discover the legend of Terra Australis Incognita, the great island continent, on a rare circumnavigation voyage around the remote shorelines of Australia.
Be one of only 112 guests to undertake this epic adventure of a lifetime as you connect with remote natural places, significant historical sites, amazing natural encounters, and small cultural communities of Australia. Your all-Australian crew and special guest experts will provide local knowledge and insights as they proudly showcase the people, places and tastes that are Australian legend.
This voyage will feature 48 excursion days, visit 4 major coastal ports and include 3 significant events including a cultural feast in the Torres Strait, a Winemaker's Lunch in Margaret River, and a charter flight to enjoy a day in the Outback at Longreach.
Arrive: Cairns, Australia
Depart: Cairns, Australia
Highlights
Enjoy a unique cultural festival and feast with the Torres Strait Island community of Thursday Island. Embrace the art dance performance and sensory connection with the Torres Strait Islanders
Indulge in a signature winemaker's lunch event in the renowned Margaret River.
Take a charter flight to experience a day in the outback exploring Longreach and visiting a local legend on his homestead
Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.
Across The Top Of Northern Australia
Be immersed in the ancient indigenous cultures and saltwater landscapes of Australia's northern coastline on a voyage of discovery that takes you far off the beaten track in Arnhem Land, to the very tip of Australia at Cape York, into the Torres Strait and Kimberley. Experience traditions unchanged for centuries, sacred rock art and remote lands only permitted accessible by a fortunate few. Learn and understand the song lines and lore that shaped this ancient culture, and allow your expert guides to lead the way. See how generations have passed on artistic traditions, and how this important cultural legacy is being kept alive today.
Highlights include:
Walk on country with traditional First Nations elders on Stanley Island
Raise your glass with a Champagne toast at Pajinka on the tip of Australia
Snorkel and dive in the pristine marine environs of Lizard Island and Ashmore Reef
Witness the power and majesty of the Kimberley geography and tides at iconic sites of Talbot Bay and Montgomery Reef
Connect with indigenous culture and community in Yirrkala and the Tiwi Islands
Step ashore on a true island hideaway and hear the legend of the Bounty on Restoration Island
Southward Through West Australia's Coastal Wonders
Australia's west coast is home to some of the country's most extraordinary shores, many of which are only accessible by sea. Travel by small ship to remote archipelagos, world-famous reef systems, and imposing geological formations that few have the opportunity to visit. Your knowledgeable Expedition Team and Guest Lecturer program provide expert guidance and insightful presentations that allow you to see the big picture.
Highlights include:
Visit the sites of historic shipwrecks and learn about the seafaring legend of early explorers and traders
Cool off with in water adventures at the Rowley Shoals, Ningaloo and Shark Bay
Witness the majestic annual whale migration of the Indian Ocean
Enjoy ranger guided walks ashore in the rugged Dampier archipelago
Explore wildlife encounters with rare seabirds and marine mammals at island outposts of the Lacepedes, Montebello and Muiron Islands
Meet the remote fishing community of the Houtman's Abrolhos Group and indulge in fresh lobster with a special seafood dinner onboard
Traversing Powerful Southern Ocean Shores
South Australia's islands and gulf waters are some of the best-kept secrets of the Australian coastline. With more than 3,000 miles of deserted shoreline and more than 300 islands, this region offers a diversity of natural wilderness including spectacular bays, remote islands and stunning sea-cliffs. Best of all, it remains wild and unspoilt. Experience a real sense of adventure and a vast array of wildlife—many of the islands are important sanctuaries for birds, kangaroos, wallabies, seals and sea lions. Along the way, indulge in the tastes of South Australia with fresh local seafood and wines complemented with our traditional warm Australian hospitality.
Highlights include:
Step ashore on remote coastal beaches fringed with native wildflowers in spring
Witness the power of the Southern Ocean and sail past the striking Bunda Cliffs and the 12 Apostles
Share the waters and shoreline with abundant colonies of seals and sea lions and migratory seabirds
Visit small communities and coastal townships to meet the locals of Esperance and Port Fairy
Indulge in the succulent seafood bounty of fresh oysters in Coffin Bay and abalone on Flinders Island
Enjoy wildlife encounters on famous Kangaroo and Philip Islands
Enter Tasmania's Tamar River and indulge in the regions world class wines and produce
Homeward Bound Up The East Coast
Along the stretch of Australia's East Coast, a diverse coastline unfolds. From Sydney's iconic landmarks to the relaxed style of the Whitsunday's islands. Savor the coastal cuisine and embrace adventure and tranquil escapes. Set foot on pristine beaches framed by lush foliage, sail across azure waters, and discover a kaleidoscope of marine life while snorkeling in thriving ecosystems. The whispers of history mingle with the vibrant wildlife and stunning scenery, creating an unforgettable tapestry of experiences along the East Coast of Australia.
Highlights include:
Wake early and enjoy a memorable sunrise sail into Sydney Harbor
Step ashore in Trial Bay and visit the historic goal and foreshore markets
Enjoy a snorkel and kayak trail among the shipwrecks at Tangalooma
Take an island tour and enjoy cultural guided talks on K'gari (Fraser Island)
Sail through the spectacular islands of the Whitsunday region and visit pristine Whitehaven Beach
Dates & Pricing
Payment & Cancel Schedule
At time of reservation: 20% of trip cost 90 days prior to departure: Balance
Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Cancellation & Transfer Schedule
Minimum fee: 20% of trip cost 60-89 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 59 days or less: 100% of trip cost
Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Included
All excursions with the Expedition Team
Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and kayaks
Snorkeling equipment
All meals, chef-prepared
Selected wines, beers and house spirits, juices and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
24-hour coffee and tea station
All entrance fees to National Parks, port charges and taxes
Tips and gratuities
Use of all onboard facilities and library
Expedition photos
Post-cruise transfers
Wi-Fi Access
Not Included
International and domestic Airfare
Pre- or post-trip accommodations, pre-trip transfers
Taxes or government fees
Passports or visa fees
Baggage fees
Travel, health, accident or other insurance (required)
Any meals or beverages not specified in itinerary
Alcoholic drinks outside of lunch and dinner service
Items of a personal nature such as SCUBA Diving, laundry service, or souvenir purchases
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Coral Adventurer
Days 1-60 (60 nights)
The newly built 120-passenger Coral Adventurer combines quality and safety with comfort and style. Two trademark "Xplorer" tenders are on board and can seat all passengers at one time for shore excursions. The ship also carries six Zodiacs for smaller group adventures. A communal wine table is the centerpiece...
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
