Coral Expeditions, Australia’s pioneering cruise operator, is offering guests the journey of life a time, an expedition to Cape York and Arnhem Land in March 2017 with Gerry Turpin as Guest Lecturer.
Cape York, located on Australia’s northern coastline, boasts Australia’s longest human history as it was the arrival route for the first indigenous people, and no one can rival Gerry Turpin’s passion and knowledge for this region’s fascinating past and beguiling present.
Gerry Turpin is a Mbabaram man and renowned ethnobotanist with over with over ten years of experience in this unique scientific practice, leading this field of study which examines plants that are utilised in traditional cultures and practices. He manages the Tropical Indigenous Ethnobotany Centre at James Cook University’s Australian Tropical Herbarium in Cairns, and spends his days learning from Aboriginal Elders as well as helping the media with a fact or two.
Gerry’s current quest to document Indigenous biocultural knowledge means guests will be given a unique opportunity to learn about ground-breaking discoveries in this field, many of which have been passed down in the minds of indigenous people for thousands of years. Gerry will arm guests with practical knowledge, showing them which shrubs can smooth a toothache or the healing properties of the peanut tree, also his favourite plant, as well as sharing fascinating stories which have trickled down through multiple generations.
With Gerry Turpin at the academic helm, a new depth of understanding and experience will be brought to the trips cultural highlights which include; visiting the remote Bathurst and Melville islands and learning about the traditional Tiwi culture, visiting Thursday Island for an immersive Torres Strait Islander cultural experience, taking in the indigenous art at the Nhulunbuy art centres and on Elcho Island, and literally walking in James Cooks’ footsteps in historic Cooktown.
Spectacular and remote scenery is also a hallmark of this voyage featuring; snorkelling in the clear waters of Lizard Island, exploring the northern and less visited reaches of the Saunders and Forbes islands, enjoying a gourmet Aussie Beach BBQ in one of Australia’s best sunset viewing locations, exploring the pristine Coburg Peninsular and standing on Australia’s most northern tip at Cape York. Complimenting Gerry’s knowledge of the land, traditional cultures and flora, the on-board Marine Biologist will be on hand to share their secret Great Barrier Reef snorkelling spots and endless knowledge on the marine biodiversity of this region.
Guests will travel aboard the Coral Expeditions I or the flagship Coral Discoverer which recently underwent a multi-million dollar refurbishment in November 2016. These small boutique ships can access areas off limits to larger cruise ships, such as the narrow ‘hole in the wall’ on the Arnhem coast, giving guests a unique perspective on Australia’s untamed northern coast.
Gerry Turpin will be accompanying guests on the 11-night Cape York and Arnhem Land sailing which departs on 19th March 2017, with prices starting from $7,980.
Currently Coral Expeditions is offering 10% off the Cape York and Arnhem Land itinerary when combined with the Scared lands of the Kimberly Expedition, Darwin to Broome, departing 31st March 2017.
For more information on this itinerary please visit: https://www.coralexpeditions.com/au/cruises/cape-york-arnhem-land/11-nights-cairns-to-darwin/
To book call 1800 079 545 or visit www.coralexpeditions.com.
SOURCE: Coral Expeditions