At a Glance
Journey to the outer reaches of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef on this 8-day expedition cruise aboard the luxurious Coral Discoverer. This package is perfect for those looking to venture far beyond the crowds to the remote and untouched Northern reefs.
Covering an area of over 2,300-kilometres (1429mi) and encompassing over 900 islands in Tropical North Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system. The reef is home to an abundance of marine life of the most vivid colours and is rightfully one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.
Embarking from Cairns, Queensland, this immersive cruise aboard Coral Discoverer takes you far beyond the crowds to the remote and untouched Northern Reefs. With an expert crew, including a Marine Biologist, explore hidden corners, uninhabited sand ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 1-night pre-cruise accommodation with continental breakfast for departures in 2020
- All excursions and sightseeing with our Expedition Team, including a Great Barrier Reef expert Marine Biologist
- Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and kayaks
- Snorkelling & Scuba equipment
- Daily lectures and briefings
- Your expedition photos captured throughout the voyage
- All meals, chef-prepared on board
- Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
- Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Events, and Open Bridge Access with the Captain
- 24-hour Coffee and selection of teas
- All entrance fees to National Parks and Ports
- Tips and gratuities
Itinerary
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All aboard Coral Discoverer for the adventure of a lifetime. Boarding commences at 4:00pm in Cairns, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before the 5:00pm departure. Take time to familiarise yourself with all the facilities onboard before meeting your fellow travellers, the Captain and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks at Double Island, overlooking the lights of Palm Cove. |
Coral Discoverer
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Disembark on Fitzroy Island, an unspoilt tropical paradise of rainforest and beaches. Take a stroll along the Secret Garden Track to the western side of the island’s jetty and take in the magic of the rainforest, as well as giant granite boulders. Alternatively, take the more adventurous walk to the decommissioned lighthouse, which once warned passing ships about the surrounding reefs. This walk will reward you with panoramic views of the Coral Sea and mainland mountain ranges. After your walk, cool down with a snorkel over the fringing reef, relax on the beach, or offer a helping hand at the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where sick and injured turtles are cared for before being returned to the wild. In the afternoon, venture out to Sudbury Cay, a small patch of shimmering white sand floating serenely on the surface of a deep and vivid blue ocean with a circle of pure aqua surrounding it. Far away from civilisation, treat yourself to farewell drinks in the company of likeminded explorers as the sun sinks below the horizon. *Turtle Rehabilitation Centre tour is not available for our voyage departing 21 October. |
Coral DiscovererBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Spend the morning relaxing on picturesque Mackay Cay, lazing on the snow white sand or swimming in the crystal clear waters. Keen snorkellers and divers can head out onto the pristine reef, where you will find colourful hard and soft corals. The northern side enjoys additional protection from the cay, making it an oasis for turtles. In the afternoon, disembark in Port Douglas and journey by coach to Mossman Gorge, the gateway to the Daintree, the world’s oldest rainforest. Be welcome to country by the Kuku Talangi People, the traditional owners of this region, who have lived in harmony with the rainforest for over 50,000 years. Listen in to Dreamtime stories before setting off on a guided walk to uncover the secrets hidden among the trees. There may be time for a dip in the refreshing natural waterhole at the end of your walk. |
Coral DiscovererBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Come ashore in historic Cooktown, the site of the first ‘white’ settlement in Australia when Captain James Cook, having struck the Great Barrier Reef off the coast north of Cape Tribulation, beached Endeavour to effect repairs in 1770. While in Cooktown, learn the history of the Guugu Yimithirr, the first people of this ancient country; discover recent European history with a visit to the James Cook Museum, where the story of Cook’s landing is told from an Aboriginal perspective and where artefacts are on display; and wander through the rare flora collection at the Botanic Gardens. Later, cruise towards Lizard Island, arriving in time for sunset |
Coral DiscovererBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Spend the day exploring Lizard Island, which actress Kate Hudson famously referred to as “the most romantic place on Earth”. The stark, rugged beauty of the Island, rising 359-metres above sea level, contrasts sharply with the sparkling blue waters and surrounding fringing reefs. Hike to the summit of Cook’s Look and enjoy the same view Lt. James Cook did when searching for safe passage through the maze of coral reefs. Snorkel over giant clam gardens from the beach at Watson’s Bay, relax on the white-sand beach beneath the shady sheoak trees and learn about the tragic tale of Mary Watson, who died of thirst near the Island at just 21-years-old. There may be an opportunity to visit the Lizard Island Research Station, a coral reef research facility owned and operated by the Australian Museum. The major island-based research facility on the Great Barrier Reef, this research station attracts researchers from around the world – with approximately 100 projects annually. |
Coral DiscovererBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Spend the day exploring Osprey Reef, the summit of an undersea 2,000-metre mountain located beyond the continental shelf with no landmass visible. Sir David Attenborough once referred to this reef as “an oasis for living creatures of all kinds”. Immerse yourself in one of the world’s best tropical dive sites. Snorkel, dive or swim among breathtaking corals, plummeting drop offs and crystalline waters and look out for rare, beautiful and strange marine life including schools of trevally, giant potato cod, green turtles, moray eels, octopuses, and a variety of shark. If you’re lucky, you might even spy the sea toad, previously only found in South America. |
Coral DiscovererBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Enjoy the rare opportunity to snorkel and dive the Ribbon Reefs, which sit on the edge of the continental shelf. Due to their location far offshore from the Australian Coast, the Ribbon Reefs offer incredible diving and snorkelling opportunities. Start the day on Ribbon #9, world-renowned for its wide variety of marine life and pinnacles cloaked in coral. Join a guided snorkel tour led by the expert Expedition Team and witness this extraordinary eco-system close up. Next, venture to Steve’s Bommie at Ribbon #3. The bommie rises from 30-metres deep up to just 5 metres below the water, and attracts schools of bigeye trevally, barracuda, yellow-lined snapper, Moses perch and more. The amazing visibility and vibrant colours make it ideal for underwater photography. |
Coral DiscovererBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
All good things must come to an end! After breakfast, say farewell to the crew and disembark in Cairns at 8:00am to commence your onward journey. NOTE: Tours of the Lizard Island Research Station are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed due to operational considerations. The itinerary is indicative. No two expedition cruises will be the same, with each expedition crafted by the experienced Masters and Expedition Leaders. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. We suggest that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling. |
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Dates & Prices
Please contact us for the available Cabins & Prices. Limited single cabins are available for solo travellers. Please contact us for more information.
More Info
The start and finish point is Cairns, Queensland.
With loads of sunshine, warm seas, refreshing sea breezes and a warm climate all year round, Tropical North Queensland weather is hard to beat. The temperate ranges, on average, from 30 degrees Celsius to 21 degrees Celsius. The region has two distinct seasons: a winter period of warm temperatures and low rainfall (May – Oct), and a summer period of hot, humid temperatures and higher rainfall (Nov – Apr). You can swim in Tropical North Queensland all year round.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
