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Outerknown Adventures of the Great Barrier Reef - Australia Cruise
A northern reef wilderness offering hidden corners, uninhabited sand cays, and pristine reef systems where expert guides and Marine Biologists join us in iconic seascapes.
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Outerknown Adventures of the Great Barrier Reef - Australia Cruise itinerary:
Arrive at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 4:00pm and board Coral Discoverer. Settle into your stateroom and explore the ship. Join fellow travellers on the Sun Deck for sunset drinks as we depart for the Northern Reef and begin your expedition.
Choose to walk the Secret Garden rainforest trail or hike to the lighthouse for sweeping views. Snorkel the reef, relax on the beach, or visit the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where volunteers care for injured marine turtles.
Spend the afternoon at Sudbury Cay, a tiny sand cay surrounded by vivid blue sea. Slip off your shoes, feel the warm sand beneath your feet and enjoy sunset drinks with your expedition team and fellow travellers. A tranquil and memorable Coral Sea moment.
Relax on scenic Mackay Cay and snorkel its surrounding reef—home to colourful hard and soft corals, giant clams and playful turtles. Learn the Indigenous stories of the land as you spot the Daintree Rainforest and iconic peaks like Mount Sorrow on the horizon.
Step ashore at Cooktown to explore its colonial and Indigenous history. Visit the Cooktown Museum, where the story of Cook’s 1770 landing is told from both Aboriginal and European perspectives. Stroll the botanic gardens and learn about the Guugu Yimithirr people.
Spend a full day at Lizard Island. Hike to the summit of Cook’s Look for breathtaking views. Snorkel the giant clam gardens at Watson’s Bay, relax under she-oaks, and learn about the tragic tale of Mary Watson and the island’s rich cultural and natural history.
Osprey Reef offers dramatic walls and pristine dive conditions for certified divers. Snorkellers explore the 30m-deep lagoon. Later, discover Ribbon Reefs’ biodiversity with guided snorkel tours among coral pinnacles and vibrant marine life.
Return to Cairns and disembark at 8:00am. Say farewell to new friends and our crew. A complimentary transfer is provided to city hotels or the airport. Optional transfers to Northern Beaches and Port Douglas are available for pre-booking or purchase on board.
Embrace the unexpected - it's part of the adventure. This itinerary is a guide. We adjust plans based on weather, tides, wildlife, and opportunities we encounter. Remote communities may be unavailable due to local customs. Flexibility makes expeditions special.
Outerknown Adventures of the Great Barrier Reef - Australia Cruise reverse itinerary:
Embrace the unexpected - it's part of the adventure. This itinerary is a guide. We adjust plans based on weather, tides, wildlife, and opportunities we encounter. Remote communities may be unavailable due to local customs. Flexibility makes expeditions special.
Return to Cairns and disembark at 8:00am. Say farewell to new friends and our crew. A complimentary transfer is provided to city hotels or the airport. Optional transfers to Northern Beaches and Port Douglas are available for pre-booking or purchase on board.
Osprey Reef offers dramatic walls and pristine dive conditions for certified divers. Snorkellers explore the 30m-deep lagoon. Later, discover Ribbon Reefs’ biodiversity with guided snorkel tours among coral pinnacles and vibrant marine life.
Spend a full day at Lizard Island. Hike to the summit of Cook’s Look for breathtaking views. Snorkel the giant clam gardens at Watson’s Bay, relax under she-oaks, and learn about the tragic tale of Mary Watson and the island’s rich cultural and natural history.
Step ashore at Cooktown to explore its colonial and Indigenous history. Visit the Cooktown Museum, where the story of Cook’s 1770 landing is told from both Aboriginal and European perspectives. Stroll the botanic gardens and learn about the Guugu Yimithirr people.
Relax on scenic Mackay Cay and snorkel its surrounding reef—home to colourful hard and soft corals, giant clams and playful turtles. Learn the Indigenous stories of the land as you spot the Daintree Rainforest and iconic peaks like Mount Sorrow on the horizon.
Spend the afternoon at Sudbury Cay, a tiny sand cay surrounded by vivid blue sea. Slip off your shoes, feel the warm sand beneath your feet and enjoy sunset drinks with your expedition team and fellow travellers. A tranquil and memorable Coral Sea moment.
Choose to walk the Secret Garden rainforest trail or hike to the lighthouse for sweeping views. Snorkel the reef, relax on the beach, or visit the Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, where volunteers care for injured marine turtles.
Arrive at the Cairns Cruise Liner Terminal at 4:00pm and board Coral Discoverer. Settle into your stateroom and explore the ship. Join fellow travellers on the Sun Deck for sunset drinks as we depart for the Northern Reef and begin your expedition.
Coral Discoverer
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 63 metres
Passenger Capacity: 72 (in 36 rooms)
Built: 2005 / Refurbished: 2016
Coral Discoverer is a small expedition yacht purpose-built for navigating remote and rarely accessed regions of Australia, including Tasmania, Cape York, Arnhem Land, and the Kimberley. Designed for adventure, she offers an intimate and immersive experience for just 72 guests, with all staterooms facing outwards and public areas showcasing sweeping ocean views. Thanks to her shallow draught, active stabilisers, and advanced navigation systems, Coral Discoverer can access destinations beyond the reach of larger vessels. Onboard, guests enjoy a relaxed, sociable atmosphere with single-seating dining, showcasing small-batch Australian cuisine, and a sundeck bar ideal for sunset drinks. The vessel also features an Xplorer tender for all-passenger shore excursions, zodiacs, kayaks, a glass-bottom boat, and a lecture lounge for expert presentations.
Accommodation includes five stateroom categories, from the spacious Bridge Deck Balcony rooms to cosy Main Deck options, all featuring ensuites and ocean views. Life onboard combines comfort with exploration: guests enjoy over 1,000 square metres of open deck space, a wraparound promenade, and access to the bridge. The atmosphere is informal yet refined, with no assigned seating, included drinks with meals, and a focus on Australian hospitality. Wi-Fi is available throughout, and facilities include a library, gift shop, and laundry service. With a dedicated Australian and New Zealand crew, Coral Discoverer delivers a truly local and enriching expedition experience.






• Swim, snorkel, and dive pristine reefs and remote sand cays.
• Hike Cook’s Look on Lizard Island for maritime legacy views.
• Explore remote ribbon reefs and encounter giant clams and turtles.