| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 30th30 | AprApr | 202424 | Cairns, Queensland, Australia, embark on the Scenic Eclipse II | | |
| 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. Welcome to Cairns, the capital of Tropical North Queensland and the departure point for your cruise. This is the only place where two World Heritage-listed sites collide – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. The town itself exemplifies the laid-back lifestyle that Queensland is famous for and is packed with wonderful places to eat, al fresco bars and vibrant markets. This afternoon, you will board Scenic Eclipse II, your home for the next days. Be greeted with a glass of Champagne, meet your personal butler and settle into your luxurious suite. Join your fellow guests at the Sky Bar for a cocktail with a view over the vibrant city as you depart ready for the journey of a lifetime. Please book your flight to arrive into Cairns prior to 02:00 PM. |
| 1st01 | MayMay | 202424 | Willis Island, Queensland, Australia | | |
Nestled in the Coral Sea, Willis Island is the only permanently inhabited island in this pristine region, housing a vital weather monitoring station since 1921. Four dedicated staff members tirelessly monitor weather conditions, ensuring the safety of Queensland residents. Explore the Coral Sea Marine Park, protecting 16 seafloors and 15,000 km² of reefs, teeming with diverse marine life, including green turtles and various bird species. Enjoy birdwatching from your suite's verandah with complimentary binoculars. Discovery: Explore this fascinating island on a Zodiac tour. Alternatively, at your leisure, go kayaking, stand- up paddleboarding or snorkeling in the reef’s crystal-clear waters. |
| 2nd02 | MayMay | 202424 | At Sea | | |
| 3rd03 | MayMay | 202424 | Lizard Island National Park, Queensland, Australia | | |
The northernmost island resort on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island is uniquely placed at the center of the inner and outer reef systems as well as fringing reefs. An amazing range of marine animal and plant life can be found within this extraordinary ecosystem. Discovery: Snorkel with the expert Discovery Team to see the Clam Gardens, home to many diverse types of clams, or stand-up paddleboard in the tranquil waters of Anchor Bay. Alternatively, follow in the footsteps of Captain Cook to Cook’s Look, the highest vantage point on the island. |
| 4th04 | MayMay | 202424 | Creech Reef, Australia | | |
This morning, we will cruise along the northernmost section of the Great Barrier Reef, near the remote Cape York Peninsula. Creech Reef and Sandy Cay, located around 60km from the mainland and accessible only by smaller vessels like Scenic Eclipse II, offer expansive coral reefs spanning up to 40km wide. We will stop at Sandy Cay, a secluded private island in the Coral Sea. This is a top snorkeling spot on the Great Barrier Reef, with abundant marine life and warm waters for extended exploration. You can easily access the water from Scenic Eclipse II or use the on-board water toys Discovery: Go kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or snorkeling around this unforgettable reef. The expert Discovery Team will guide you through the best spots. |
| 5th05 | MayMay | 202424 | Cape York, Queensland, Australia | | |
We will sail north overnight to Cape York, mainland Australia's northernmost point, a dream destination for many. Enjoy Champagne on the Sky Bar or Observation Terrace as you cruise past the "Tip of Australia". Torres Strait; an archipelago of more than 100 islands that stretch from Cape York to Papua New Guinea. These islands have a fascinating and distinct blend of cultures, influenced by both ancient Indigenous peoples and modern history. Arriving at Thursday Island this afternoon, you will be able to learn more about this captivating cultural mix as well as the history of British settlement and the region’s pearling industry. Freechoice:
Community Visit: Torres Strait traditional dancing is a profound form of intergenerational storytelling. Join local artists, dancers, and guides for an immersive journey into Ailan Kastom (island Custom).
In their Steps Tour: Explore significant WW2 sites on Horn Island with commentary blending archival info and veteran’s stories. Experience the island's vital role and the contributions of those who served here in WW2.
Discovery Tour of Thursday Island: Join this one-hour Discovery Tour for a deep dive into the island's rich history and vibrant culture. Led by a respected community elder, explore its landmarks, history, and breathtaking scenery in comfort.
Basket Weaving: Experience Torres Strait communities' age-old art of basket weaving, a tradition still vibrant today. Join us for a one-hour hands-on session amidst stunning waterfront scenery.
Taxi Tour: Meet funny and proud Torres Strait Islander personalities on this guided tour. Experience the real Torres Strait and Thursday Island, the hub’ of the Torres Strait. Known to the locals simply as ‘TI’, Thursday Island is home to some of Australia’s richest history. |
| 5th05 | MayMay | 202424 | Thursday Island, Queensland, Australia | | |
| 6th06 | MayMay | 202424 | At Sea | | |
| 7th07 | MayMay | 202424 | Yirrkala, Northern Territory, Australia | | |
| 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. Today, visit Yirrkala. Located in the northeastern part of Arnhem Land, this small community is known for its rich Aboriginal culture and art, particularly bark paintings and ceremonial designs holding cultural and spiritual significance. Witness exceptional works of numerous esteemed Indigenous artists, including the finest didgeridoos, and learn about the Yirrkala Bark Petitions - created in 1963, which played a pivotal role in the recognition of Indigenous land rights in Australia. Enjoy an enriching experience at Yirrkala boat ramp, followed by a journey to Buku Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre. Experience traditional ceremonies and dances, delve into cultural activities like basket weaving and damper making, and even try your hand at playing the Didgeridoo. This evening, settle in at any of the nine all-inclusive bars and lounges to enjoy a premium beverage of choice. Relish France's finest at the Lumière Champagne Bar or indulge in over 100 varieties of aged whiskey at Scenic Lounge Bar. Ask your butler to bring you a nightcap to enjoy in the privacy of your ultra-luxury suite while cherishing the memories of a remarkable day. |
| 8th08 | MayMay | 202424 | English Company's Islands, Northern Territory, Australia | | |
Prepare for a delightful morning as we sail through a mesmerizing chain of long, narrow islands nestled in the enchanting Arafura Sea. Known as the English Company Islands, exploring this hidden realm of 47 islands feels like getting access to nature's best-kept secret. From there we will cruise through the Cumberland Strait onwards to the picturesque Wessel Islands. Revel in the contrasting colors and spectacular views from your private verandah, or head to the Sky bar on Deck 10 to toast to the incredible scenery unfolding as we pass by the Wessel Island and through 'The Hole in the Wall', a narrow channel situated north of Arnhem Land, leading to the port of Nhulunbuy (Gove). |
| 8th08 | MayMay | 202424 | Wessel Islands, Australia | | |
| 9th09 | MayMay | 202424 | At Sea | | |
| 10th10 | MayMay | 202424 | Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, disembark the Scenic Eclipse II | | |
| 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. Your unforgettable voyage ends today in Darwin, the Northern Territory’s multicultural capital city. Spend a leisurely final morning in ultra-luxury on board Scenic Eclipse II, Reflect on the rare and wonderful experiences of your once-in-a-lifetime journey and the discoveries of the magical underwater world. Bid farewell to your attentive crew and new-found friends, taking with you memories that will last forever. Please book your flight to depart out of Darwin after 12:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. #Spa treatments at additional cost. |
