Take a fascinating journey back to 1838 on an historical tour of Victoria Settlement, Port Essington. Explore the old buildings while learning about the harsh living conditions experienced during early British occupation.
Enjoy unique, 5-star ocean view accommodation in a pristine natural setting
Explore the beautiful turquoise waters of Cobourg Marine Park
Enjoy 4WD Wildlife Safari’s to Rainbow Beach, Vashon Head and Trepang Creek
Enjoy blue-water and estuary fishing aboard the lodges advanced fleet of expedition boats
Please check your required arrival time with the office before booking your flights.
This morning upon arriving in Darwin you’ll be greeted by your host and transferred to Outback Spirit’s general aviation terminal. If you’re already in Darwin, enjoy a complimentary transfer from any local hotel.
This afternoon we take to the sky for a 45-minute scenic flight across Van Diemen Gulf. Once we reach the stunning Cobourg Peninsula, we’ll land at Vashon Head – the second most northerly point on the Australian mainland and home to Seven Spirit Bay’s airstrip. Upon landing enjoy a friendly meet and greet with the crew before taking a 20-minute 4WD trip to the lodge. Here you’ll enjoy a brief familiarisation of the lodge and surrounds before checking in to your unique and luxurious ‘habitat’ villa. Set in natural bushland overlooking the waters of Coral Bay, your villa features air-conditioning, premium furnishings and a covered private deck with delightful sea breezes.
Later this afternoon we’ll meet again for sunset drinks before indulging in exceptional, innovative cuisine with a focus on local flavours and produce. (D)
Over the next 3 days, we invite you to do as much or as little as you desire. Each day the management team will discuss the range of activities available to you - you can participate in any activities you choose. Most activities are half or three quarters of a day in duration, which allows for a bit of relaxation time around the resort from mid-afternoon.
The activities on offer include:
- Marine wildlife spotting cruises in Coral and Trepang Bays aboard our custom-built adventure craft, MV Arafura - Half day blue water fishing adventure in the Cobourg Marine Park Sanctuary - 4WD wilderness adventures to Gunners Quoin, Vashon Head and the magnificent Nipa Palms. The Nipa only grows in three locations in Australia, with Trepang Creek being one of them. Rainbow Beach may only be accessed during low tide. - Nature walks and bird watching. - Historical tour of Victoria Settlement, Port Essington (see day 5)
(Meals: B,L,D Daily)
See Day 2 above.
This morning we cruise down Port Essington and retrace the course of the early mariners’ square riggers, passing landmarks such as Gunners Quoin, Turtle Rock, Observation Cliff and Record Point en route to Victoria Settlement. Established in 1838, Victoria Settlement was the third attempt by the British at a northern settlement, after Fort Dundas on Melville Island and Fort Wellington at Raffles Bay. Conceived to facilitate trade with Asia, the settlement consisted of 24 houses and a hospital, which certainly saw its fair share of patients due to rampant disease and malnutrition.
After we’ve disembarked on the beach, we’ll take a fascinating 3-hour tour of the Settlement and learn about what life was like in this remote and unforgiving outpost. There’s an optional extension to the walk which leads to lonely gravestones in the forest, almost forgotten by history. After some refreshments on the beach, we’ll hop back aboard MV Arafura and make our way back to the lodge for lunch.
This afternoon there’ll be a range of activities on offer. Alternatively, you can enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. (Meals: B,L,D)
If there’s something you’re yet to cross off your list, then now’s the time! This morning we’ll enjoy one last adventure before an early lunch at the lodge. We then bid farewell to Seven Spirit Bay and travel to Vashon Head for our 45-minute scenic flight back to Darwin.
Upon arriving in Darwin this afternoon, we head to the city to check in to the Hilton Garden Inn on the esplanade. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure before boarding the Charles Darwin for a delicious Territory-style sunset dinner cruise and celebrate a truly amazing break! (Meals: B,L,D)
This morning is free for you to spend at your leisure. You’ll then be transferred to the airport in time for your return flights home. If you’ve chosen to stay on for a few more days, you’ll be dropped off at the hotel of your choice. (Meals: B)
Seven Spirit Bay
Offer valid for new bookings only. Offers available until 17 May 2024 unless sold out prior. Offer includes return economy airfares and taxes up to the value of $1,500 per person. Further T&Cs apply.
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This tour operates during the following months. Please select a month to view departure dates.
This departure date is nearly full. To book please call 1800 688 222.
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