Queensland Australia Cruise from Cairns to Darwin — 17 Days

Cairns, Australia

Cairns puts two World Heritage landscapes within reach: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest. Boats leave the marina for coral reefs and islands. Inland, the scenic railway and Skyrail connect Cairns with Kuranda, a mountain village above the rainforest. The Esplanade’s waterfront lagoon offers a refreshing pause in the tropical city. Allow time for Cairns itself: its markets, cafés and relaxed waterfront reward a slower pace between excursions.

At Sea (At Sea)

Alotau

Alotau sits on Papua New Guinea’s southeastern coast, where rainforest hills frame the sheltered waters of Milne Bay. The town is the gateway to a province of islands, reefs and traditional coastal communities. History is close: in 1942, Allied forces defeated Japanese troops at the Battle of Milne Bay. It was the first major Japanese defeat on land in the Pacific War. Visit the local market, then look out across a bay made for slow exploration.

Tufi PNG (Ask Travel Agent)

Tami Islands PNG (Scenic Stop)

Madang PNG

Madang sits on Papua New Guinea’s north coast, where a palm-lined peninsula reaches into a sheltered lagoon. Nearby volcanic islands and coral reefs invite snorkeling and diving; the lagoon also holds World War II wrecks. At the local market, baskets, produce and seafood offer a glimpse of daily life. Choose Madang for a quieter Papua New Guinea call, with reef adventures close to shore.

River Cruising (River Cruising)

Jayapura, Indonesia

Jayapura, capital of Indonesia’s Papua province, sits on the island’s north coast. Curving around Humboldt Bay, it pairs a busy waterfront with steep, forested hills and lively local markets. Nearby Lake Sentani offers island scenery and a window into the region’s enduring traditions. The city was called Hollandia during the Allied campaign in New Guinea during World War II. Come for a rare encounter with Indonesia’s far eastern frontier and a gateway to Papua’s landscapes and cultures.

At Sea (At Sea)

Auri Islands Indonesia (Scenic Stop)

At Sea (At Sea)

Coastal Cruising (Coastal Cruising)

Triton Bay, Indonesia

Triton Bay rewards the journey to Indonesia’s remote West Papua with vivid reefs and limestone islands rising from calm water. Near Kaimana, this little-visited coast is known for rich marine life, including whale sharks that gather around traditional fishing platforms. Explore quiet coves, local villages and forest-fringed beaches by boat. Leave time to snorkel: the bay’s coral gardens are its chief attraction, best seen below the surface.

Kai Islands Indonesia (Scenic Stop)

At Sea (At Sea)

Darwin, Australia

Darwin is Australia’s northern gateway, where the Timor Sea meets a city shaped by tropical heat and Asian influence. Its compact waterfront puts the harbour within easy reach. The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory offers insight into Indigenous cultures and the region’s wartime past. Beyond town, Kakadu’s wetlands and Litchfield’s waterfalls reward a longer stay. Visit in the dry season for easier travel and clear, warm days.