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

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.

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.

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.

Today is yours to do as much or as little as you want. Start your day off with breakfast brought to your suite by your butler, enjoyed on the verandah as the endless ocean slips by outside. Or perhaps begin your day with an invigorating workout in the state-of-the-art gym or a class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates studio.

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”.

Embark on a journey of wonder as we set foot on the enchanting Piper Islands. With their mesmerising allure and lush vegetation, these islands invite you to uncover their hidden treasures. As one of Queensland’s most remarkable natural habitats, they are home to a thriving population of black noddy birds, whose graceful flights and melodious calls fill the air. These extraordinary islands also play a crucial role in the conservation of the hawksbill turtle, offering a sanctuary for these vulnerable creatures to nest and thrive.

Embrace the opportunity to witness this remarkable display of nature’s beauty alongside the expert Discovery Team, perhaps watching it from the Observation Lounge with the Swarovski crystal telescopes on deck.

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.

Described by David Attenborough as an oasis for living creatures of all kinds, Osprey Reef is a truly remarkable destination. Situated in the Coral Sea, approximately 300km from Cairns, this is one of the most exceptional tropical diving sites worldwide.

Osprey Reef sits atop an underwater mountain rising 2,000 metres almost vertically from the ocean floor, so prepare to be mesmerised by its surroundings, filled with breathtaking corals, dramatic drop-offs, and crystal-clear waters. You’ll find yourself surrounded by a vibrant underwater tapestry of trevally, giant potato cod, green turtles, moray eels, octopuses, barracuda, black marlin, and manta rays. Many rare, beautiful, and intriguing creatures return annually to this area or traverse through the south equatorial current. Rest assured, all snorkelling equipment will be provided to enhance your exploration of this captivating marine world.

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.

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.

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.