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

On the larger sailing cruises and Barrier Reef cruises, experienced and informative guides will accompany you on all excursions. They will point out and interpret for you the wildlife you encounter and augment your experiences with on-board discussions and informal lectures.

There are few roads in this remote part of Northern Australia... Your access to this area is aboard expedition cruise vessels whose maneuverability make these ships ideal to safely navigate the often unchartered waters of the Great Barrier Reef, Torres Strait and Arafura Sea.

As your sailing cruise moves across the top of Northern Australia you pass:

Lizard Island... Explore one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland coast. Enjoy swimming and snorkelling…visit the Lizard Island Research Station to learn of the research being undertaken to help understand and preserve the Great Barrier Reef.

Stanley Island – Davey Reef... Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders group to view the Endaen Aboriginal rock art gallery depicting sailing ships of the last century. This is a unique art site seldom visited due to its isolated location. At Davey Reef and Cay you can swim, snorkel and observe the large seabird rookery.

Forbes Island – Magra Island... Exploring this historical island, allow time for swimming, snorkelling, diving and reef fishing…visit Magra Island for beachcombing, bird watching and to enjoy the tropical sunset.

Cape York – Thursday Island... Go ashore at Cape York and as the sun rises at the “tip” welcome a new day…visit Thursday Island and learn the history of European settlement and the large pearling fleets. Observe the distinctly different cultures of the Torres Strait Islanders and the Aboriginals. A tour of the island can be taken and you can see the Torres Strait Islanders perform traditional dances. Visit Horn Island and learn of the significance of the Torres Strain Islands during World War II.

Gove... Take a guided tour of the Alcan Gove bauxite mine and alumina refinery…cruise through the Wessell Islands.

Elcho Island... Visit the world renowned art centre at Elcho Island, meet the local artists who have their art exhibited in the famous art galleries of the world.

Arnhem Land... Cruise the Arnhem Land coast and Bowen Straits, land in Raffles Bay and learn of the failed Fort Wellington Settlement.

Cobourg Peninsula... On Cobourg Peninsula, Port Essington is famous for the ruins of the failed Victoria Settlement. Enlist the services of the National Park Rangers to guide and help you explore the ruins. Visit the Ranger’s Interpretation Centre at Black Point.

Bathurst Island – Melville Island... Visit Bathurst and Melville Islands. With traditional Tiwi people as your guides, learn of the unique cultures of the Tiwi and visit their fascinating art centre.

Darwin... When you arrive in Darwin, you’ve reached the capital of the Northern Territory and gateway to the “Top End”.