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Orion Expedition Cruises
World Heritage Reef Voyage and the Torres Strait Islands
Overview
With a maze of almost a thousand islands dotting its 2,500 kilometre length, the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest marine park. With green rainforest, volcanic mountains, brilliant-white sand beaches, the Reef is as diverse above the water as it is below. Wander a path less travelled aboard Orion and you’ll happen upon spots known only passing yachtsmen.
One day you’ll find yourself far from the haunts of tourists as you snorkel from a spit of sand just 50 metres long. On another, discover a place described in 1802 by Matthew Flinders as “one of the prettiest places imaginable”, while you sip wine and dine on a luscious seafood bbq served on the beach.
Venture north towards Stanley Island where galleries of rock art ages old reveal images of the first contact between Europeans and the Aboriginal population. Set sail again and follow the Reef beyond the very tip of Australia, for just a few miles off the mainland coast you’ll encounter the very distinct culture of the Torres Strait Islanders. These islands were at the very cross-roads of the great migration of man and you’ll see this reflected in their faces.
The Islands of the Torres Strait are a cultural feast, rich in history and fantastic indigenous art. Just a few miles from the mainland, yet surprisingly different in culture, the people of the Torres Strait Islands will delight you with their unique heritage and customs. This 7 night exploration from Cairns will allow you ample time to snorkel or dive, laze on the beach, or experience the local atmosphere of small villages that populate this region.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - CAIRNS - Dry Landing
The Cairns region is internationally recognised for world-class attractions, superb natural features and friendly north Queensland hospitality. It is the focal point for the magnificent Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is surrounded by World Heritage listed rainforests. To the west are the lush Atherton Tablelands and the outback plains and gorges of the Gulf Savannah. The scenic beauty of the Bellenden Ker range stretches south of Cairns to Mission Beach, and the long white beaches of the north link to Port Douglas, the Daintree and Cape Tribulation.
The city of Cairns is a delightful blend of colonial architecture, ranging from grand public and commercial buildings to wooden houses built in the distinctive north Queensland style. Browse indigenous art galleries, shop at the night markets or dine out on multicultural cuisine in the many bars and restaurants along the esplanade.
Day 2 - CREECH REEF - By Zodiac
Creech Reef is one of the best diving and snorkeling areas on the Great Barrier Reef, the profusion of marine life in the turquoise waters range from starfish and anemones to multi-coloured tropical fish, reef sharks and turtles.
Orion will take position nearby Creech Reef affording guests a unique and spectacular opportunity. With a set of goggles and a pair of flippers, drop over the side of one of the Zodiac’s and snorkel over a pristine and seldom visited section of reef alive with corals and teeming with myriads of tropical fish.
Inclusions
All activities at Creech Reef are included in your fare.
Day 3 - PORUMA /MASIG ISLANDS
Poruma (Coconut) Island is a narrow coral island bounded by fringing coral reefs and is located approximately 40 kilometres north east of the Cape York Peninsula. The island is home to 180 “saltwater people” who welcome guests to experience their impressive seafood cuisine, traditional fishing methods, and to learn crafts and history.
A small resort (just two rooms) is a good example of how this Torres Strait island is turning to tourism to promote economic and community development. The architecture of the resort harkens back to the original houses the islanders built using grass, coconut leaves and trees that floated down from the Fly River jungles of Papua New Guinea.
Today the island is renowned for its fishing with the clear waters being home to Spanish mackeral, sailfish, marlin, trevally, coral trout, rays, sharks, dugongs, jewfish and much more. Take a stroll down the cobbled main street and see the extravagant gardens and ornate tombstones in the front yard of each dwelling. The Anglican population maintains their local culture, particularly the famous near-pagan tombstone opening ceremonies. Don’t be too concerned as the ceremony is all about the erection of a tombstone in honour of the dead rather than anything more sinister.
Inclusions
You will be transferred by ship’s Zodiacs to Poruma Island where you will be met by the traditional owners who will provide an insight into life on the island and its culture.
The Torres Strait Islands comprise seventeen island communities, each with a unique heritage. Masig or Yorke Island is no different. Traditionally known as Masig, the island is a coral cay, about 2.7km long and 800m at its widest point in the west-central Torres Strait.
The island is surrounded by perfect aquamarine seas, and features a blanket of coconut palms, magnificent sunsets and friendly locals.
The islanders are skilled navigators with a detailed knowledge of the surrounding reefs, and once occupied a central position in the Strait’s trading networks and both the pearling and trochus shell industries. The sea has always been integral to their way of life and when the shell industry collapsed in the 1960’s, the people moved into commercial mackerel fishing, prawning and crayfishing. A highly profitable fish factory has operated on the island since the late 1970’s, freezing the catch and air freighting it to southern markets. Masig is undertaking commercial aquaculture trials on the supply of conscinoderma sponges that potentially could be sold commercially as bath sponges.
The Melanesian people of the Torres Strait Islands have a distinct culture, completely different from those of the neighbouring mainland Aborigines. They were a fierce warrior people and lived from the sea. This is obvious in their dances, featuring fishing implements and headdresses with shark motives. Their ‘’dhari’’ feather headdresses are also real works of art.
Inclusions
You will be transferred by Ship’s Zodiac to Masig Island and be met near the Welcome Arch where your local guide will introduce you to the township of this Torres Strait community.
Day 4 - WAIBEN (THURSDAY) ISLAND – Dry Landing
The hub of this tiny island is its beautiful harbour, which was once home to a fleet of 150 pearl luggers. Commercial fishing and prawning are the main livelihood of the 2,300 islanders today, and Orion guests may experience the area’s unsurpassed fishing for themselves.
Thursday Island (traditionally known as Waiben) is recognised as one of the last frontiers in Australia, as it holds some great Australian history. At the Torres Strait Museum, learn about the feared Russian invasion of 1898. Had it eventuated, the invaders would have been greeted with a salvo from the 6-inch guns which still peer out over the ocean approach from Green Hill Fort, now home of the museum. Wander through pearlers’ cemeteries where stories of this once dangerous occupation are revealed. Or take in brilliant panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands and tropical seas from Lions Lookout.
The Gab Titui (Star of our Journey) Cultural Centre is a place where Orion guests can discover the rich diversity of the Torres Strait Islander people. It is the region’s first public keeping place for historical and cultural artifacts and tools, as well as both modern and traditional art.
Inclusions
You will be transferred by Zodiac to Waiben Island.
Day 5 - POSSESSION ISLAND /CAPE YORK – Wet Landing
Possession Island is one of Australia's most historically important places.
It was offshore from here in late 1770 that Lt. James Cook anchored his Bark "Endeavour". On Wednesday 22 August he landed with Joseph Banks, several officers, marines and seamen, and in a last but symbolic act before quitting our waters he took possession of the whole eastern coast of New Holland in the name of King George III, naming it New South Wales. The spot where he stood is today marked by a solid concrete monument.
The three-mile long by one-mile wide island marks the eastern entrance to Endeavour Strait. It lies close to the Australian mainland, just eight miles west of Cape York (the northernmost tip of the Australian continent). The island is fairly rugged in terrain, fringed by coral reefs and with a superb, sheltered sandy beach on its NW corner.
Inclusions
Take a Zodiac ashore to stand on the exact place where Lt. Cook claimed the East Coast of Australia for England.
Almost 1,000km from Cairns, Cape York is the northernmost point of the Australian continent. Cape York Peninsula is a wild and sparsely populated wilderness area. Its rugged coastline points towards New Guinea while the eastern side of Cape York is fringed by the coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef. Not far from the rocky tip of the continent is Frangipani Beach. If time permits, take a short stroll along the boardwalk behind the beach as the rainforest canopy is a birdwatcher’s paradise, particularly in summer when rare rainforest birds migrate from Papua New Guinea.
Inclusions
You’ll be landed ashore by Zodiac.
Day 6 - STANLEY ISLAND - Wet Landing
Orion will anchor in the shelter of picturesque Stanley Island, part of the Flinders group. The local Aborigines jointly administer these islands in conjunction with Queensland Parks and Wildlife and our landing today is only undertaken with the permission of both.
Stanley Island is renowned as the site of a significant Aboriginal rock art gallery, which can be viewed from the boardwalk and viewing platforms provided. The artwork is by the Yithuwarra people, members of whom will be guiding you today. A boardwalk has been built to preserve the island’s ecology and each lookout includes interpretive displays to afford visitors an insight into the importance of the area and artwork of the Yithuwarra people.
From the boardwalk you’ll find information on bush tucker, with interpretive signs, detailing the names and traditional uses for many of the plant species in the island group.
Access to the island is strictly controlled.
Inclusions
You will be transferred ashore by Zodiac in groups of 15 passengers. Traditional owners will be your guides on a private and exclusive tour of Endean Gallery and Cave Paintings.
Day 7 - LIZARD ISLAND - Wet Landing
Rising from the blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef to the north of Cooktown, Lizard Island is the perfect spot from which to explore this coral wonderland for tourist and scientist alike. For nearly three decades, the waters around Lizard have been attracting the world's top marine biologists and the island has become home to one of the most important reef research stations in the world. Between August and November each year the waters around the island are famous for the opportunity to catch Black Marlin.
Spectacular opportunities for underwater exploration abound around this Marine National Park, including the famous Cod Hole. Snorkellers are rewarded for little effort with coral gardens, brightly coloured tropical fish and giant clams just moments from the island's beaches. Discover pristine beaches with perfect white sand sloping gently away from the shore.
The coral reefs surrounding Lizard have always been the island's main attraction – even if not always a desired one. Lt. James Cook set foot on the island 12 August 1770, climbing to its summit in a desperate bid to find a way out of the labyrinth of reefs he had found himself trapped within. A track to the summit allows you to tread in Cook’s footsteps and experience a small part of the European history of this continent.
Inclusions
Transfer to Lizard Island by ship’s Zodiacs.Orion will drop anchor in Mrs Watson’s Bay.
Day 8 - CAIRNS - disembark for flight home
Cost of This Itinerary
7 Night Trip:
The least expensive cabin costs:
$686 per person per night
The most expensive stateroom costs:
$1436 per person per night
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