Australia’s Top End: Cape York & the Great Barrier Reef

Darwin is Australia's most colorful, and exotic, capital city. Surrounded on three sides by the turquoise waters of the Timor Sea, the streets are lined with tropical flowers and trees. Warm and dry in winter, hot and steamy in summer, it's a relaxed and casual place, as well as a beguiling blend of tropical frontier outpost and Outback hardiness. Thanks to its close proximity to Southeast Asia and its multicultural population it also seems more like Asia than the rest of Australia. Darwin is a city that has always had to fight for its survival. The seductiveness of contemporary Darwin lifestyles belies a history of failed attempts that date from 1824 when Europeans attempted to establish an enclave in this harsh, unyielding climate. The original 1869 settlement, called Palmerston, was built on a parcel of mangrove wetlands and scrub forest that had changed little in 15 million years. It was not until 1911, after it had already weathered the disastrous cyclones of 1878, 1882, and 1897, that the town was named after the scientist who had visited Australia's shores aboard the Beagle in 1839. During World War II it was bombed more than 60 times, as the harbor full of warships was a prime target for the Japanese war planes. Then, on the night of Christmas Eve 1974, the city was almost completely destroyed by Cyclone Tracy, Australia’s greatest natural disaster. It's a tribute to those who stayed and to those who have come to live here after Tracy that the rebuilt city now thrives as an administrative and commercial center for northern Australia. Old Darwin has been replaced by something of an edifice complex—such buildings as Parliament House and the Supreme Court all seem very grand for such a small city, especially one that prides itself on its casual, outdoor-centric lifestyle. Today Darwin is the best place from which to explore Australia's Top End, with its wonders of Kakadu and the Kimberley region.

Arrive in Darwin, the Northern Territory’s tropical capital city. After embarking settle into your spacious ultra-luxury verandah suite on board Scenic Eclipse II. Your butler  will assist with unpacking and guide you through the pillow menu. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the unsurpassed amenities that include eight bars and lounges, up to 10 dining experiences from casual to fine dining, the expansive Senses Spa and the state-of-the-art theatre, just to name a few. The open-bridge policy means your Captain will welcome you in the operational centre anytime during your voyage. Toast the beginning of your journey with a cocktail at the open-air Sky Bar.

Please book your flight to arrive into Darwin prior to 02:00 PM.

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 expert Discovery Teamand local 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.

The area of more than 1000 hectares is part of a national park and borders a marine park. Visitors leave nothing behind except perhaps a few footprints on the shell-strewn sandy beaches. They only look and take in the rare beauty of this wild part of the Cobourg Peninsula.

Elcho Island, also known as Galiwinku, is home to almost 3000 Aboriginal people, members of the hyper-cerebral Yolngu group of clans. It is a place of lush natural beauty: the curving beaches are surrounded by deep-red cliffs; the forests of acacia and stringybark stretch away. There’s also a large community of artists that produce a wide range of traditional craft and fine artworks.

Untouched, unspoiled and teeming with fish, the picturesque Wessel Island will leave you in awe. 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).

Yirrkala, in East Arnhem, is a historic community with around 1000 Yolnu people. It birthed the Bark Petitions, sparking Australia's Indigenous land rights movement. Amidst its rich cultural heritage, Yirrkala proudly houses the renowned Buku-Larrngay Mulka Art Centre, where you can see the exceptional talent of many Indigenous artists. Marvel at exceptional Indigenous artwork and exquisite didgeridoos, showcasing the beauty of Indigenous artistry.

Follow the red sand paths along the shoreline surrounded by gum trees to arrive to the dwellings inhabited by the indigenous communities of Yirrkala. In there, you can discover their unique art and culture at the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka art centre, where you can admire a wide selection of local artwork. Don’t miss the chance of hearing musicians playing the yidaki – a traditional wooden didgeridoo –, or to attend a demonstration of ritual dancing. If you’re lucky, you might even be invited to some of the propitiatory ceremonies practiced by this community.

Explore a captivating blend of cultures on Thursday Island. This Torres Strait gem reveals the influences of British settlement, the pearling industry, and Indigenous heritage. Immerse yourself in history at Green Hill Fort, where cannons and tunnels house the Torres Strait Historical Museum, and discover the rich heritage through historical artifacts and contemporary Indigenous art at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre.

Discover a truly unique location in Queensland and a travel wish list of many Australians as we arrive in Cape York, the northernmost point of mainland Australia. This experience is marked by the sight of the rocky headland overlooking startlingly aqua seas few people ever get to see. Toast your visit with a glass of Champagne from the Sky Bar or Observation Terrace as your ultra-luxury yacht cruises past the “Tip of Australia”.

The Great Barrier Reef runs almost the full length of the Queensland coast and this morning you’ll be cruising in the northermost section, alongside the remote Cape Yorke Peninsula. Sitting on the outer edge of the reef, around 60km from the mainland, is Creech Reef and the secluded Sandy Cay, only accessible by smaller vessels like Scenic Eclipse II. The coral reefs here spread up to 40km wide and comprise some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet. Scenic Eclipse II will stop off Sandy Cay, so you can step off into your own private island in the middle of the Coral Sea. The GPS Dynamic Positioning allows your Discovery Yacht to maintain her location without dropping anchor into sensitive seabed, preserving the pristine destinations you're visiting.

This is one of the best snorkelling locations on the Great Barrier Reef, where an incredible variety of fish and coral awaits, and the warm water temperature means you can happily bob about in there for hours. In these calm waters, Scenic Eclipse II can open the marina so you can dive straight in or make use of the many water toys on board.

Davie Reef is a hidden gem nestled within the majestic expanse of the Great Barrier Reef. Stretching over 2,300km from the Cape York Peninsula to Bundaberg, Queensland, this awe-inspiring natural wonder holds countless secrets waiting to be discovered.

Dive into the crystal-clear waters and be mesmerised by a kaleidoscope of colours. The calm and tranquil conditions make this destination a snorkeller's paradise, offering an unparalleled glimpse into a vibrant underwater world teeming with exquisite coral formations. Be fascinated by the sight of the majestic seabird rockery and take a moment to embrace the serenity of the sandy beach. Enjoy the afternoon leisurely on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard before returning to your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht.

Wake up to a day brimming with opportunities for exploration on the captivating lands of Cooktown. Australia's closest town to the Great Barrier Reef, the beautiful Cooktown holds a significant place in history - it was here that James Cook, the town's namesake, undertook the repairs of his ship, the 'HM Bark Endeavour,' after it encountered the reef in 1770. Moreover, it's where the First Reconciliation between Europeans and the Guugu Yimithirr people happened, a pivotal moment in Australia's history.

Immerse yourself in the past and present as you delve deeper into Cooktown's national importance at the local museum. Marvel at the town's architectural remnants, a testament to the opulence that once flourished during the heady days of the gold rush in 1873. Traverse the enchanting corridors of art galleries, find serenity amidst the botanical wonders of the gardens, and ascend to the summit of Grassy Hill for panoramic vistas.

Sail south to Port Douglas, a glamorous resort town renowned for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. Once a humble fishing village, it transformed into a famous tourist destination in the 1980s. Explore its charming streets lined with high-end boutiques and chic restaurants. Relax on the pristine Four Mile Beach, a serene stretch of golden sand meeting calm turquoise waters. Be immersed in the allure of this coastal gem, where natural beauty and luxury intertwine.

The Coral Sea Islands Territory extends east and south from the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, covering 51 islets and cays, alongside 30 separate reefs and atolls. Willis Island is the only permanently inhabited island, with four staff employed at the weather monitoring station, which was established in 1921 to provide a cyclone early warning service for Queenslanders. Coral Sea Marine Park, one of the world’s largest marine parks, protects 16 different seafloors, 15,000 km² of reef systems and an abundance of corals, fish, sea stars, clams and sea cucumbers.

Tourism is the lifeblood of Cairns (pronounced Caans). The city makes a good base for exploring the wild top half of Queensland, and tens of thousands of international travelers use it as a jumping-off point for activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling trips to the Barrier Reef, as well as boating, fishing, parasailing, scenic flights, and rain-forest treks.It's a tough environment, with intense heat and fierce wildlife. Along with wallabies and grey kangaroos in the savannah and tree kangaroos in the rain forest, you'll find stealthy saltwater crocodiles, venomous snakes, and jellyfish so deadly they put the region’s stunning beaches off- limits to swimmers for nearly half the year. Yet despite this formidable setting, Cairns and tropical North Queensland are far from intimidating places. The people are warm and friendly, the sights spectacular, and—at the right time of year—the beachside lounging is world-class.

We'll arrive in Cairns only in the afternoon, so take your time to indulge in the sophisticated spaces on board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Perhaps start the day with a reinvigorating workout in the state-of-the-art gym or join a Pilates class, guided stretching or aerial yoga. Enjoy an al fresco lunch at the Yacht Club for delightfully created courses and a chance to mingle with your fellow voyagers before setting out to explore your new port in the afternoon.

Scenic Eclipse II will dock in Cairns for an overnight stay, so you can discover this charming city that exemplifies the laid-back lifestyle that Queensland is famous for, packed with great places to eat, cultural museums, al fresco bars and vibrant markets. Cairns is also the only place on Earth where two World Heritage-listed sites collide - the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, and you can learn more about the region's incredible marine life and nature in the city's expansive aquarium.

Tourism is the lifeblood of Cairns (pronounced Caans). The city makes a good base for exploring the wild top half of Queensland, and tens of thousands of international travelers use it as a jumping-off point for activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling trips to the Barrier Reef, as well as boating, fishing, parasailing, scenic flights, and rain-forest treks.It's a tough environment, with intense heat and fierce wildlife. Along with wallabies and grey kangaroos in the savannah and tree kangaroos in the rain forest, you'll find stealthy saltwater crocodiles, venomous snakes, and jellyfish so deadly they put the region’s stunning beaches off- limits to swimmers for nearly half the year. Yet despite this formidable setting, Cairns and tropical North Queensland are far from intimidating places. The people are warm and friendly, the sights spectacular, and—at the right time of year—the beachside lounging is world-class.

Your voyage of discovery concludes today. Enjoy your final morning in the ultra-luxury of Scenic Eclipse II and take the chance to reflect on the incredible experiences and remarkable places you’ve visited. Say goodbye to your Captain and the Scenic Eclipse II crew before disembarking in Cairns.

Please book your flight to depart out of Cairns after 12:00 PM.