Cape York and the Great Barrier Reef Expedition

Departure Dates: 29th November 2021

Other cabin categories also available!!

From rainforests to reefs, encounter some of the world’s greatest unspoilt landscapes in Queensland. Stand at mainland Australia's most northerly tip at Cape York.

Inclusions

•Experiences in 9 destinations

•8-night expedition cruise aboard the MS Caledonian Sky

•Locally inspired dining - 23 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages

•Expert APT Expedition Leader and expedition team

•Visit remote islands on the Great Barrier Reef, including Lizard Island

•Learn of the WWII history and trading importance of Thursday Island

•Stand on the northernmost tip of Australia at sunset at Cape York

•Visit Cooktown and see where Captain Cook beached the HMB Endeavour

Your ship: MS Caledonian Sky

Welcome aboard APT’s award-winning expedition ship, the MS Caledonian Sky. The advantages of cruising on this intimate vessel are numerous, from smaller group sizes on included Zodiac excursions to no queuing when you disembark in port.

Plus, we venture where huge passenger ships can’t, providing far greater potential for adventure. The MS Caledonian Sky offers the perfect balance between the spacious comfort of a large ocean liner and the boutique advantage of a smaller ship.

• The MS Caledonian Sky boasts a Promenade Deck and a range of elegant staterooms featuring ocean views, an ensuite bathroom and air-conditioning.
• A truly boutique vessel, the MS Caledonian Sky hosts a maximum of just 99 guests, served by 75 crew members.
• The MS Caledonian Sky boasts an outdoor dining area and when weather permits, meals can be enjoyed al fresco.
• As part of your all-inclusive lifestyle, complimentary beverages – alcoholic and non-alcoholic – are served at your discretion all day, including regional beer and wine.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Cairns, Embark ship

Welcome to Cairns, where we’ll meet and transfer you to the MS Caledonian Sky. Tonight gather for a welcome reception and dinner as you begin your cruise bound for remote Willis Island.

Day 2: Willis Island

After a morning at sea, 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.

Day 3: South Direction Island, Lizard Island

Cruise overnight to South Direction Island. Here board the Zodiacs and go ashore to walk the sandy beaches, swim or snorkel on the reefs. After a short walking tour enjoy a drink as you watch the sunset. The ship will then head for Lizard Island

Day 4: Lizard Island  SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

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

For the fittest walkers, an early start for Cook’s Look Walk. After about 90 minutes’ walking to reach 350 metres above sea level, enjoy the view Captain Cook had when he was searching for a way through the maze of reefs. Alternatively, visit the Australian Research Museum, a world-renowned marine research station working on reef recovery efforts.

There are other walks to choose from: an easy two-hour birders walk with an ornithologist on sandy beaches and through the rainforest, or a medium-grade nature and history walk led by expedition staff. Snorkelling and scuba diving options are also offered, with the possibility of seeing green turtles which feed along the beaches at low tide.

After a day filled with Signature Experiences, sit back and enjoy sunset drinks.

Day 5: Restoration, Piper Islands

Jump aboard Zodiacs to visit Restoration Island, named by Captain William Bligh when he landed here in 1789 aboard his 17-foot boat during his epic journey following the famous mutiny on the Bounty. Bligh and his men spent time here to recover from their exertions. The food they found restored their spirits before they set sail to Timor. Then cruise to the Piper Islands, a group of vegetated cays home to the largest breeding population of the Black Noddy in Queensland, as well as an important nesting area for the vulnerable hawksbill turtle and a known area for dugongs.

Day 6: Thursday Island, Cape York

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.

Day 7: Davie Reef, Davie Cay

Spend time on Davie Reef and enjoy the coral reef while swimming and snorkelling off Davie Cay, a small spit on the northern edge of the reef. Here you can spot barracuda swimming around the reef’s edges. You’ll also feast your eyes on the technicolour wonderland of the coral sites, where colourful parrot fish, blue and yellow fusiliers, neon wrasses and clownfish swim.

Day 8: Cooktown

Discover historic Cooktown, which dates to the 1870s. Walk in the steps of Captain Cook as you walk through the main street and visit the Botanical Gardens and James Cook Museum. Here you will find original artefacts from the HMB Endeavour and learn of the story of Cook’s landing from an Indigenous perspective. Afterwards, head up to Grassy Hill with a local guide, and take in the view of the Coral Sea and Endeavour River, where Cook and ship naturalist Joseph Banks first saw a Kangaroo. Tonight is our farewell dinner.

Day 9: Depart Cairns

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

Cairns, Willis Island, South Direction Island, Lizard Island, Restoration, Piper Islands, Thursday Island, Cape York, Davie Reef, Cooktown, Cairns

All fares are displayed in Australian Dollars and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.