Cape York & Arnhem Land

The new Darwin cruise ship terminal at Fort Hill Wharf is adjacent to the convention centre, only one kilometre from Darwin’s CBD. Modern amenities, hotels and parking are there, plus a mini-market with beautiful local productions – Aboriginal art and crafts, diamonds and opals, and eateries, distinctive of the Top End. Darwin is a home port for the small luxury vessels Coral Princess and Coral Discoverer that explore the Kimberley coast to Broome. A score of cruise ship lines include Darwin in their itineraries for Australia, Indonesia, South-East Asia and World Cruises. Read more about Darwin, Australia

Bathurst Island lies 75 km to the north of Darwin in the Arafura Sea, and together with the larger Melville Island makes up the Twi Islands, part of Australia’s Northern Territory. The largest settlement on Bathurst is Wurrumiyanga with a population of around 1450. Most residents are the indigenous Twi people, with Twi as their first language. The islands were visited by Macassan traders, Dutch sailors from the early 1700s. Read more about Bathurst Island, Australia

The Cobourg Peninsula is located 190 km (direct line) NE of Darwin in the Northern Territory, Australia. It is a major Arnhem Land tourist attraction as the entire wilderness of this remote peninsula forms the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, which also includes the surrounding small islands and sea. It is known for its pristine wilderness, and the turquoise water in which visitors are likely to see dolphins and turtles. Renowned for great fishing, protected marine life including dolphins, crocodiles and dugongs that can also be seen in the area. Read more about Cobourg Peninsula, Australia

Maningrida, Northern Territory, Australia, lies 500km east of Darwin and is situated at the mouth of the Liverpool River in Central Arnhem Land. It is a self-governing indigenous community, and to visit, you must have a permit from the Northern Land Council. The township dates back to just after WWII, with migration into Maningrida reflected in linguistic variety and cultural diversity evidenced by the different religious ceremonies and multitude of artistic forms in design, music and dance. Read more about Maningrida, Australia

Elcho Island, located in the Arafura Sea off the coast of NE Arnhem Land in Australia’s Northern Territory, is a traditional Aboriginal community with restricted access and total alcohol restrictions. With its typical tropical weather, the best time to visit is from April to October, but magnificent sunsets are a feature all year round. The island is blessed with rugged yet beautiful tropical landscapes of stunning beaches, aqua seas, as well as mangroves that are home to numerous mud crabs and barramundi. The reefs full of fish, oysters and crayfish, cycad forests, unique wildlife, and rare brightly coloured ochre cliffs all add to the island’s appeal. Read more about Elcho Island, Australia

Elcho Island, located in the Arafura Sea off the coast of NE Arnhem Land in Australia’s Northern Territory, is a traditional Aboriginal community with restricted access and total alcohol restrictions. With its typical tropical weather, the best time to visit is from April to October, but magnificent sunsets are a feature all year round. The island is blessed with rugged yet beautiful tropical landscapes of stunning beaches, aqua seas, as well as mangroves that are home to numerous mud crabs and barramundi. The reefs full of fish, oysters and crayfish, cycad forests, unique wildlife, and rare brightly coloured ochre cliffs all add to the island’s appeal. Read more about Elcho Island, Australia

Yirrkala is a well-known indigenous community in Arnhem Land. The town is situated at the NE tip of the Northern Territory of Australia, 650 km due east of Darwin, where the Gulf of Carpentaria meets the Arafura Sea. Its 800 inhabitants are settled in the largest parcel of land in Australia owned by Aboriginals, and known for its isolation, bark painting art (found in galleries around the world), and Yolngu culture. This region has very little Western influence culturally speaking, and Arnhem Land is possibly the last area in Australia that could be seen as a completely separate country. Read more about Yirrkala, Australia

The Gulf of Carpentaria - aka the Gulf - is a large, shallow sea enclosed on three sides by northern Australia and separated from New Guinea to the north by the Arafura Sea. The land bordering the Gulf is generally flat and low-lying. To the west is Arnhem Land and the Top End of the Northern Territory. To the east is the Cape York Peninsula. Read more about Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia

Read more about Badu Island, Australia

Cape York is at the tip of the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland, and is at the very northernmost part of the Australian mainland, with New Guinea just north of the island-studded Torres Strait. It was named by James Cook in 1770 after His Royal Highness the Duke of York. Tourists now visit throughout the year, as facilities are surprisingly modern for such an isolated spot, and tours are always available. At all times be aware of the region's requirements for swimming in the tropical waters (hint: sea stingers and crocodiles). Read more about Cape York, Australia

Forbes Island- named by Captain Cook in 1770 – is one of three small uninhabited islands spread over an area of just 2km by 2km. Forbes Islands constitute the Wuthara Island National Park, inside the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. The island group, surrounded by a fringing reef, is situated off the coast of Queensland about 40km NE of Iron Range National Park and Lockhart River in the Cape Weymouth area of the Coral Sea. The explorer ship Coral Discoverer anchors here, just 200 km south of Australia’s northernmost point, when repositioning between Darwin and Cairns Read more about Forbes Island, Australia

Our next stop is Flinders Island here we go ashore to see aboriginal paintings and by now everyone will also want to spend as much time in the water as possible! The delights of the Great Barrier Reef are just a fin kick off the beach and in swimming pool like conditions you will be astounded by the colour of corals and fish alike. Read more about Flinders Island, Australia

Lizard Island, named after the numerous large but harmless lizards living there, is a national park in Queensland, Australia. It is situated 90 km north of Cooktown at the northern tip of Australia’s World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. It is also the location of an award-winning and internationally famous resort. Lizard Island itself is fringed with spectacular coral reefs, and 24 powdery white beaches. Read more about Lizard Island, Australia

Whether you're snorkeling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef or exploring the luscious Daintree Rainforest, Cairns is a great base for you to start your tropical north Queensland adventure. The Cairns esplanade is the main hub with a host of lovely cafes and restaurants, waterfront boardwalks and also a swimming lagoon. A perfect meeting spot if you're catching up with family or friends. Head out on a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef which departs from Cairns. Read more about Cairns, Australia