Experience Australia's Northern Territories onboard a luxury expedition cruise. Start your tour in Darwin and explore the city with a private vehicle and driver. Board the cruise for an in-depth exploration of the remote art communities along Australia’s spectacular Arnhem Land coastline. At the end of the cruise spend few days in the beautiful city of Cairns and explore the Great Barrier Reef, or extend the journey to other cities in Australia.

The expedition cruise departs: 13 September, 2011.

Kakadu National Park is located within the Alligator Rivers Region of the Northern Territory of Australia. It covers an area of 1,980,400 ha (4,894,000 acres), extending nearly 200 kilometres from north to south and over 100 kilometres from east to west. It is the size of Israel, about one-third the size of Tasmania, or nearly half the size of Switzerland.

Welcome to Darwin! Upon arrival you will be transferred to Kakadu National Park by Cessna Aircraft or similar.

Bamurru Plains is an extraordinary bush experience on the edge of Kakadu National Park in Australia’s Northern Territory. This luxury camp exudes ‘Wild Bush Luxury’ ensuring that guests are exposed to the sights and sounds of this spectacular environment in style and exclusivity. Activities from the camp focus on exploring the surrounding country, with airboat trips on the wetlands, river cruises in search of crocodiles, bush drives and guided walks. Kakadu’s rich indigenous culture is a day trip of its own. Relaxing in camp, the wet edge pool and deck is a great spot to sit back with a cool drink and let the wildlife come to you. It is the soft touches that surprise in this remote bush location, and the understated luxury is very much in tune with the surrounding environment.

Overnight at Bamurru Plains Camp (4.5*).

The Mary River catchment is home to some 236 species of bird, many of which are found at Bamurru Plains. The significance of this particular property comes in the variety of habitat: black soil floodplains, paperbark swamps, savannah woodland, river mangroves and coastal beaches support an extraordinary diversity of birdlife. Even in the dry season the Swim Creek floodplain retains large areas of water where the birdlife congregates in vast numbers. The floodplains on the property still retain large areas of water to which the birdlife congregates in extraordinary numbers rarely seen elsewhere in Australia.

The floodplains and neighbouring savannah woodlands host an immense variety of wildlife. Species that you might encounter include Agile Wallabies, Antilopine Wallaroos, Dingos, Estuarine Crocodiles, wild pigs and buffalo. Other species appear at night and include a variety of reptiles, possums, water monitors and other amphibians.

Overnight at Bamurru Plains Camp (4.5*).

The beauty of Australia’s World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, Whitsundays and Cumberland Island’s white sandy beaches and New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, is one parallel of many. The voyages will reveal Australian coastal marine and nature reserves, national parks and World Heritage listed areas. It will be a series of diverse journeys from reefs to settlements, touching on 200 years of shared unique history, culinary diversity, world class wine regions and exceptional wildlife.

Welcome to Darwin! Upon arrival you will be transferred to Kakadu National Park by Cessna Aircraft or similar.

People hailing from at least 56 countries make up the mellow, modern metropolis of Darwin. This sociable hub is where non-Aboriginal meets Aboriginal (Larrakia), where urban meets remote, and where industry meets idleness. The city attracts itinerant workers and visitors from around Australia, and its university and port bring students and sailors. The population ebbs and increases with the seasons. Forty percent of the population only settled in the last 40 years, the majority intended only to stop by, but ended up staying. Explore this historical city with your private vehicle and personal guide.

Meet your driver for a private port transfer.

Embark on Orion Ship today and get ready for a luxury cruise.

Technically and aesthetically, Orion is arguably the most sophisticated vessel in its class. The Berlitz Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships guide describes her as "the latest in the quest to build the ideal expedition cruise ship". Constructed by the world-leading Cassens Shipyard in Emden, and launched in November 2003, she boasts a host of advanced design features including technology that sets new standards in sustainable marine environmental practices. Although custom-made for expedition cruising, Orion is the epitome of elegance. No expense has been spared when it comes to the quality of fittings and furnishings, and the range and calibre of onboard recreational facilities are nothing short of five-star. Orion's luxurious appointments means she is more mega-yacht than cruise ship and her guests are few; around just 50 couples, all cared for in 5-star comfort by a crew of 75. Chart your own path less travelled.

Overnight at MV Orion (8N) .

Zodiac landings at Pirlangimpi and access to the Munupi Art Centre are included today. The Art Centre is a short walk from our Zodiac landing site.

Optional activities are also available today. You may choose one of the following options:

TIWI MARINE ECO EXPERIENCE (2-3 hours)

Guests will gain an amazing insight into the Tiwi culture. Your personal guide will navigate you through the mangroves searching for turtle tracks, and mud crabs in their holes. Gain an understanding about the abundance of food available in and around these waters. This is the experience we suggest if you want to get up close and personal amongst this unique environment. Be prepared to get wet and muddy.

GUIDED ART CENTRE AND FORT DUNDAS TOUR (2-3 hours)

Munupi Art Centre features some of the most highly acclaimed indigenous artists in Australia. Their works are more colourful than traditional indigenous art and many gallery owners from around Australia buy their works from this centre. Guests will have an opportunity to see the artists at work and to view the exceptional works from this region. You will also visit Fort Dundas which was opened on 30 September 1824 by Captain James Gordon Bremer who arrived on the Tamar. He named the fort for Sir Philip Dundas, First Lord of the Admiralty. You’ll also be given the chance to sample native fruits and other bush tucker in season.

HALF DAY SPORT FISHING AT PIRLANGIMPI: (Half Day)

This is the chance to fish for some of Australia’s most notoriously difficult to catch marine life! Barramundi, Reef Fish and Jewfish are just a few of the species you could potentially find on the end of your line. All equipment is included; locations and style of fishing will be adapted to suit tides and conditions on the day.

To participate in an optional activity, please contact your travel consultant.

Overnight at MV Orion (8N) .

After a Zodiac landing on Galiwin’ku’s town beach, we will visit the Elcho Island art centre on the cliff top overlooking the sea. Local artists will be present at the art centre during our visit. A series of select cultural performances has been arranged for you throughout the day

Overnight at MV Orion (8N) .

You will be transferred by Zodiac to Shady Beach where you will be met by local Yolngu community leader Timmy Barawanga who will give you a personal insight into the life and culture of his people. During this tour you will also have the opportunity to visit to the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre and Museum.

Overnight at MV Orion (8N) .

The Federal Government’s recently amended regulations require the ship to operate internationally. On arrival at Merauke, Orion will clear Customs and Immigration, giving you an opportunity to go ashore, and then immediately depart for the next Australian port.

Overnight at MV Orion (8N) .

Zodiac transfers are available ashore today. If you are in the mood to explore you will find the Gab Titui Cultural Centre and the township just a short walk from the harbour area.

Optional shoreside expeditions are also available today:

TORRES STRAIT SCENIC HELICOPTER FLIGHT (30 minutes)

You will be transferred to the airport to commence your exhilarating flight today which begins by flying over Horn Island before continuing south to Zuna or Entrance Island. This island was given its name by Lt. James Cook as the entrance to Australia for ships coming from England. The largest island in the Torres Strait is Prince of Wales Island, named in honour of the Prince of Wales in 1770. Orion guests will then be flown back towards Thursday Island, more affectionately known as T.I., which is the main administrative centre of the Torres Strait Islands. This is a spectacular way to see the many islands in this region of Australia.

GREEN HILL FORT TOUR

You will board a local bus today for an informative tour around the island, which includes discovering the Green Hill Fort with its’ tunnels and bunkers. Some of the tunnels are home to the Torres Strait Historical Museum. This unique and fascinating museum holds rare artefacts from the rugged past of the Torres Strait, including displays from the pearling era, traditional relics from the Torres Strait Islands, nearby Papua New Guinea and more. Orion guests will proceed to visit other local sites including the cemetery and the Pearl Diver’s memorial. Along the way 100 year old churches and many lovely quaint buildings unique to Thursday Island can be viewed.

To participate in an optional activity, please contact your travel consultant.

Overnight at MV Orion (8N) .

Today, relax aboard the Orion ship. The vessel offers a gymnasium, hair & beauty salon, jacuzzi, lecture theatre, library, leda lounge and cocktail bar, library, sporting facilities, sun deck and the health spa. Late morning consider joining a presentation in the Lecture Theatre by one of our Expedition Staff or a Guest Speaker. Luncheon is served both indoors and out and the timeless tradition of afternoon tea is observed at 4:00pm.

Overnight at MV Orion (8N) .

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for 2,600 kilometres (1,600 mi) over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 sq mi). The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia. This reef structure is composed of and built by billions of tiny organisms, known as coral polyps. The Great Barrier Reef supports a wide diversity of life, and was selected as a World Heritage Site in 1981.

Once you get in Cairns, disembark the Orion Ship.

Transfer between Cairns airport and the beautiful town of Port Douglas with private vehicle and driver.

Join this fun and informative tour as you discover the sights of Cairns and its northern beaches area. Visit the historic Royal Flying Doctors base, Cairns best scenic lookouts, paradise palms golf course, and some of the most pristine northern beaches with your professional naturalist guide.

Nestled in the heart of Cairns, the recently refurbished Hilton Hotel Cairns(5*) is the perfect base from which to explore the world's most diversely beautiful tropical region. Situated at the beginning of Cairns' scenic boardwalk, close to the shopping, tourist and business districts, Hilton Cairns is only 10 minutes from Cairns International Airport. Among its many attractions, the hotel features a restaurant with its panoramic water views, a bar and grill, directly on the Cairns waterfront, and a cafe.

Overnight at Hilton Hotel Cairns(5*).

Departing your accommodation we travel through the rich farming areas toward the World Heritage Listed forest region of Cape Tribulation. We step aboard our own personalised craft for a cruise on the mirrored smooth waters of the Daintree River. We cruise close to riverbanks and under the overhead canopy of the rainforest seeking out the vivid Ulysees Butterfly, Kingfishers and various other wildlife. The cruise takes us through silent backwaters where crocodiles can normally be seen basking on the muddy banks. Arriving on the northern side of the river you enjoy a homestyle morning tea at Thornton Beach before making your way towards Cape Tribulation and the Coral Sea. Usually we are one of the few groups on this stretch of wilderness beach, if not the only one. Just before you arrive you will see an outstanding panoramic picture postcard view at Alexandra Range Lookout. From here you'll have a spectacular view of the mouth of the Daintree River, Snapper Island and on a clear day Port Douglas. Also includes Morning tea/coffee, Lunch with selected Australian wines.

Overnight at Hilton Hotel Cairns(5*).

Private transfer between Cairns airport and your hotel, or vice versa.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).