Outerknown Adventures of the Great Barrier Reef - Australia Cruise

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8 days from

£3405 GBP pp

* Current p/p indicative rate.

Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ships

Highlights

  • Learn Indigenous culture and Australian heritage in historic Cooktown.
  • 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.

Highlights

  • Learn Indigenous culture and Australian heritage in historic Cooktown.
  • 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.
Capacity: 72
Feture image for 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.

  • Learn Indigenous culture and Australian heritage in historic Cooktown.
  • 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.

Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights

26 October, 2026 to 02 November, 2026 on Coral Discoverer
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Main Deck B Stateroom
£3405 GBP pp
Main Deck B Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category B) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature twin portholes for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Main Deck A Stateroom
£3655 GBP pp
Main Deck A Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature large, twin porthole windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Promenade A Stateroom
£4155 GBP pp
Promenade A Stateroom
Encircled by a full-ship promenade, our twenty spacious Promenade Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
£5255 GBP pp
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge, our five spacious Bridge Deck Balcony staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature private balconies opening out from french windows providing comfortable indoor outdoor living, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
06 November, 2026 to 13 November, 2026 on Coral Discoverer
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Main Deck B Stateroom
£3405 GBP pp
Main Deck B Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category B) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature twin portholes for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Main Deck A Stateroom
£3655 GBP pp
Main Deck A Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature large, twin porthole windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Promenade A Stateroom
£4155 GBP pp
Promenade A Stateroom
Encircled by a full-ship promenade, our twenty spacious Promenade Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
£5255 GBP pp
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge, our five spacious Bridge Deck Balcony staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature private balconies opening out from french windows providing comfortable indoor outdoor living, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
17 November, 2026 to 24 November, 2026 on Coral Discoverer
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Main Deck B Stateroom
£3405 GBP pp
Main Deck B Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category B) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature twin portholes for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Main Deck A Stateroom
£3655 GBP pp
Main Deck A Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature large, twin porthole windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Promenade A Stateroom
£4155 GBP pp
Promenade A Stateroom
Encircled by a full-ship promenade, our twenty spacious Promenade Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
£5255 GBP pp
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge, our five spacious Bridge Deck Balcony staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature private balconies opening out from french windows providing comfortable indoor outdoor living, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
28 November, 2026 to 05 December, 2026 on Coral Discoverer
Prices

Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.

Main Deck B Stateroom
£3405 GBP pp
Main Deck B Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category B) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature twin portholes for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Main Deck A Stateroom
£3655 GBP pp
Main Deck A Stateroom
Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature large, twin porthole windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Promenade A Stateroom
£4155 GBP pp
Promenade A Stateroom
Encircled by a full-ship promenade, our twenty spacious Promenade Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
£5255 GBP pp
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge, our five spacious Bridge Deck Balcony staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature private balconies opening out from french windows providing comfortable indoor outdoor living, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
show reverse itinerary
Day 1: Embark Cairns

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.

Fitzroy Island

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.

Sudbury Cay

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.

Mackay Reef & Cay

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.

Cooktown | Gungardie

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.

Lizard Island | Dyigurra

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 & Ribbon Reefs

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.

Day 8: Disembark Cairns

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.

Please note:

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.

Day 1: Embark Cairns

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.

Fitzroy Island

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.

Sudbury Cay

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.

Mackay Reef & Cay

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.

Cooktown | Gungardie

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.

Lizard Island | Dyigurra

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 & Ribbon Reefs

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.

Day 8: Disembark Cairns

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.

Please note:

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.

Itinerary also available in reverse
Coral Discoverer
Yacht-like Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard of sophistication in expedition cruising when she was constructed by us in 2005. Coral Discoverer sailed on pioneering expeditions through Pap…

Coral Discoverer

Length 63 metres
Launched/refurbished 2005/2018
Max capacity 72 Passengers

Yacht-like Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard of sophistication in expedition cruising when she was constructed by us in 2005. Coral Discoverer sailed on pioneering expeditions through Papua New Guinea, the islands of the South Pacific, Vanuatu, New Zealand, West Papua, and the Spice Islands. She led explorations into remote areas, focusing on destinations that were largely inaccessible to larger cruise ships.

Coral Discoverer is exceptionally nimble and maneuverable, with a shallow draught to get up close to destinations, ocean views from all public spaces, an expansive open-air sun deck, all outside-facing staterooms, and state-of-the-art tools for exploration including the Xplorer, zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, and kayaks. A full refurbishment in 2018 saw the addition of private balconies, the much-loved Xplorer sundeck bar, and all new furnishings throughout the ship.

Comfortable, reliable, and intimately scaled, Coral Discoverer now conducts expeditions across Australia’s coast – Tasmania, Cape York and Arnhem Land and the Kimberley. Australian flagged and staffed by an Australian and New Zealand crew, your experience aboard Coral Discoverer will be memorable.

Onboard Accommodation

Onboard accommodation comprises 36 spacious modern staterooms. You can select from Bridge, Promenade or Main Deck staterooms offering a choice of twin through to junior king-size doubles. All staterooms have an ocean view, en-suite facilities, settee, large wardrobe, desk, luggage storage, individual air-conditioning control, and are serviced daily.

Onboard Facilities

What you would expect of a much larger cruise ship:

  • Large sundeck
  • Spa Pool
  • Guest computer
  • Comprehensive reference library
  • Phone and fax facilities
  • Lecture lounge with large plasma screen
  • Limited laundry facilities
  • Two fully stocked cocktail bars
  • Boutique and dive shop
  • Air-conditioned public areas

 Coral Discoverer is equipped with the latest technology active stabilizers and is fitted with state-of-the-art safety and navigational equipment and is the only Australian passenger ship registered with full SOLAS compliance allowing opportunities to explore a multitude of international voyages.

Dining

All meals during the cruise are included. Breakfast and lunch are served in the Dining Room located on the Main Deck and are buffet-style while dinner is table d’hote. Coffee and tea is available 24 hours. Standard hours are breakfast from 7:00-8:30am, lunch at 12:30pm and dinner at 7:30pm however meal times may vary according to the day's activities. Meal times will be advised in the onboard daily bulletins.

Excursion Boats And Zodiacs

The "Xplorer" is a specially designed aluminium excursion vessel used for the majority of our excursions. This vessel has high horsepower engines and will accommodate all passengers at one time. The "Xplorer" will be used for landings and for extensive exploration of rivers and tributaries. For your added convenience and comfort, the "Xplorer" is equipped with an awning and toilet.

We also carry two inflatable landing craft (Zodiacs). Designed for expedition work, these large and heavy-duty inflatables are extremely safe. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if the boats damaged. The flat bottom design permits these crafts to land directly onto the beaches. Expect nonetheless to wade through shallow water to reach the shore. See photo below (right)

Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.

Cabin layout for Coral Discoverer
Overview
Highlights
Dates & Prices
Itinerary
Map
Ship

8 days from £3405 GBP pp

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