Cape York Cruise

Cruise with us to Cape York ........the "Tip of Australia". This 7-night exploration cruise combines the unique and the remote Far North Queensland coastline with the world heritage Great Barrier Reefand the history of early explorers, settlers and World War II. Together with the culture of the indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait people, this voyage of discovery promises you a unique experience of diversity and culture.

Truely one of Australia's last frontiers; a region where life occurs in dramatic abundance both above and below the water. This is Cape York - "the Tip of Australia" - where spectacular lanscapes are bordered by the pristine blue waters of the Northern Great Barrier Reef. In terms of interest and variety the terrestial and marine wildlife that inhabit the coasts, islands and reefs of these remote northern regions have no equal.

Day 1- Friday Board the new “Oceanic Princess” at Trinity Wharf at 12:30pm for a 1:30pm departure. The afternoon of cruising will provide a stunning introduction to the cruise as we travel along the coast and take in the contrasts of reef and tropical rainforest. Enjoy sunset drinks and dinner at sea as we make our way to the Flinders Islands through the night.

Day 2 - Saturday Wake up at Stanley Island in the Flinders Group to view the Endaen Aboriginal rock art gallery, depicting early sailing ships. This is a unique art site seldom visited due to its isolated location. At Davey Reef & Cay we enjoy swimming and snorkelling and observe the large seabird rookery.

Day 3 – Sunday Forbes Island and reef: Enjoy the day exploring this historical Island. Time for swimming, snorkelling and reef fishing. This afternoon we visit Magra Island for beachcombing, bird watching and enjoy the tropical sunset.

Day 4 – Monday Today we anchor at Thursday Island where you have the option of joining a tour of the island to take in the Torres Strait Museum, Green Hill, Fort and Japanese Pearl Divers Memorial. Alternatively spend the day ashore exploring at your leisure. In the afternoon we head ashore at Cape York where we will toast the sunset with champagne and orange juice at the “Tip.”

Day 5 – Tuesday The morning is spent at Tijou Reef for swimming and snorkelling. We enjoy lunch on-board the “Oceanic Princess” as we make our way to Morris Island, a small cay that offers a sandy beach for snorkelling and is home to many roosting birds.

Day 6 – Wednesday Lizard Island: here we explore one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland Coast. For the energetic, we retrace the steps of James Cook in the 395m climb to “Cook’s Look.” The island offers great swimming, snorkelling and diving. For the afternoon we cruise to #9 Ribbon Reef for more spectacular snorkelling and diving opportunities.

Day 7 - Thursday For our final day we head to the historic Cooktown. The visit gives you the opportunity to explore the museums, shops, cemetery, pubs and other fascinating historical sites giving you an insight to the history, exploration and settlement of Australia. You have the option of joining a tour or exploring at your leisure. In the afternoon we head to Ribbon Reef #3 for our final reef exploration before heading back to Cairns.

Day 8 – Friday 8:00am: Arrive Trinity Wharf, Cairns.

Departure Dates 2004: Sept. 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26

Price per person in AU$:

Deck	Twin Share	Sole Use
Bridge	$5250	N/A
Promenade	$4900	$7350
Main	$4550	$6825

Included: Accommodation charges on board, services of expedition staff including lectures,briefings, slide/film presentations and other group activites; all meals;24 hour tea/coffee station; landing fees.

Not Included: Pre and Post flights and transfers; personal items such as telephone, facsimile charges, laundry, bar charges, travel insurance.