Pittwater Life June 2017 Issue

Travel Life
Travel Life
Top End art tour
a sacred journey
If you’ve longed to access
Australia’s remote northern
coastline to marvel at the
prehistoric landscapes and
obtain a better appreciation
and understanding of Indigenous
culture, bespoke experts
Coral Expeditions have
assembled the ideal cruise
journey – complete with a
Cape York & Arnhem Land
Curated Art Program.
Hosted by internationally
acclaimed Torres Strait traditional
artist Brian Robinson
and sailing aboard the flagship
Coral Discoverer, the 12-night
itinerary ventures far off the
beaten track from Darwin into
Arnhem Land, to the very tip
of Australia at Cape York, and
the Torres Strait.
“Guests will learn and experience
traditions unchanged for
centuries, sacred rock art and
remote lands only permitted accessible
by a fortunate few,” says
Travel View’s Karen Robinson.
It’s a unique journey to a selection
of the continent’s most
respected artistic centres,
providing the opportunity for
guests to create their own
artworks through a series of
onboard workshops including
totem carving, weaving,
printmaking and lino-cutting.
All materials are provided,
along with expert tutelage and
guidance from Brian.
“You’ll witness how generations
have passed on their
artistic traditions, and how
this important cultural legacy
is being kept alive today,” said
Karen. “You’ll visit world renowned
art centres in Yirrkala
and Nhulunbuy, enjoy a traditional
cultural performance
by the Saam Karem Ira Kodo
Mer Dance Troupe, see how
the women of the untouched
and fascinating Tiwi Islands
give back to their commu-
nity through their local fabric
printmaking and clothing
business and at Wessel Island,
you’ll view ancient ‘navigator’
rock art, depicting the waves
of European explorers who
arrived on the continent.”
Also, respected zoologist,
educator and author Ian Morris
will hold presentations and
lectures about the history and
style of traditional artwork
throughout the journey.
“Incredibly, Ian speaks
Djambarrpuynu, Warramirri &
Gupapuynu – all local Indigenous
languages,” said Karen.
“Ian has worked with Coral
Expeditions since 1987 and
with the Aboriginal traditional
owners of the Arnhem Land
region for
decades.”
The
once-in-a-lifetime journey departs
Darwin on November 23;
fares start from $9,980 per
person twin share and include
daily guided excursions and
comprehensive sightseeing in
each location.
“Coral Expeditions has led
expedition cruises here for
more than 30 years, so guests
can be assured of personal
experiences conducted with
respect to local culture,” said
Karen. “They will also enjoy the
warm and friendly atmosphere
that comes with travelling in a
small, like-minded group.”
More info 9918 4444.
74 JUNE 2017
Celebrating 25 Years