Set sail on an extraordinary sailing voyage from Darwin to Cairns, discovering remote islands, vibrant reefs, and deep cultural heritage along Australia's wild northern coastline.
From the untouched beauty of Croker Island and the Cobourg Peninsula to the colourful traditions of Bathurst Island, each stop offers a unique window into nature and culture.
Sail through the Torres Strait to Horn and Thursday Islands, rich with wartime history and Torres Strait Islander culture, before continuing west to Cape York, the Wessel Islands, and the traditional Yolŋu homelands of Wigram Island.
Snorkel coral gardens at Michaelmas Cay and Cairns Reef, hike to Cooks Look on Lizard Island, and explore ancient Aboriginal rock art at Stanley Island. Step ashore in historic Cooktown and soak up the serenity of Lloyd Bay and Restoration Island.
With open ocean passages, hands on sailing, and nights spent beneath star filled skies, this unforgettable expedition captures the spirit of adventure in Australia's far north.
Lizard Island
Hike to Cooks Look for panoramic views, swim in the Blue Lagoon, and snorkel coral gardens.
Stanley Island
Explore remote beaches and see ancient Aboriginal rock art that tells stories thousands of years old.
Thursday Island
Discover vibrant Torres Strait Islander culture, music, art, and history.
Horn Island
Visit WWII sites and learn about Australia's wartime legacy in the north.
Wigram and Wessel Islands
Experience Yolŋu traditions in one of the most culturally significant and untouched island groups.
Michaelmas Cay and Cairns Reef
Snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life and vibrant coral.
Restoration Island
Relax in a secluded anchorage with rich biodiversity and a unique survival story.
Bathurst Island
Meet the Tiwi people and witness their striking artwork, ceremony, and connection to country.
Acting as watch captain (day and night), helming, navigating, checking weather and monitoring AIS and radar and for both traffic and rain squalls. View gallery
Downloading and analysing the latest weather forecasts and calculating best route to destination. View gallery
Navigating, hazard identification, entering waypoints and calculating updated ETA’s. View gallery
Watch roster planning, matching responsibility to experience, crew management and communication. View gallery
Familiarisation of all safety procedures, sail planning, storm preparation planning and abandon ship procedures. View gallery
Advice on how to take responsibility for managing clothing, hydration, sleep and nutrition to maintain your health and well being aboard. View gallery
Planning our arrival and route to safe harbour including timing with daylight (if required), weather factors, navigational hazards, communications / customs and sail/motor arrival plan. View gallery
Hoisting, trimming and reefing both upwind (main, genoas, and jibs) and downwind sails (poled out headsails, spinnakers, gennakers and code 0’s (subject to weather). View gallery
Use of PDF’s (Personal Flotation Devices), PLB’s (Personal Locator Beacons), safety tethers, dan buoy’s, storm drogue, liferaft and any other equipment required to ensure you remain safe in all conditions. View gallery
Onshore activities include hiking and bushwalking to scenic lookouts, exploring local towns, and discovering the unique charm of each destination. Enjoy cultural immersion through local traditions, relax with games, or uncover hidden gems as you explore islands. View gallery
Coastal exploring offers the thrill of venturing to remote places using a RIB, uncovering hidden gems like pristine reefs, secluded beaches, and winding rivers. Discover shipwrecks teeming with history, indulge in beach combing for unique treasures, and experience the untouched beauty of coastal landscapes. View gallery
Dining out offers the chance to enjoy local flavours, explore regional specialties, and experience unique culinary traditions. From seaside cafes to hidden gems, each meal is an opportunity to savour the culture and cuisine of the destination. View gallery
Fishing provides an opportunity to connect with nature, whether casting a line from the shore or exploring deeper waters. Enjoy the thrill of the catch, the serenity of the surroundings, and the chance to bring home a fresh, rewarding meal. View gallery
Exploring historic places offers a glimpse into the past through ancient sites, architectural landmarks, and local stories. These visits bring history to life, connecting you with the culture, traditions, and events that shaped each destination. View gallery
Kayaking allows you to glide through serene waterways, explore hidden coves, and get up close to nature. It’s a peaceful yet adventurous way to discover rivers, coastlines, and marine life from a unique perspective. View gallery
Snorkelling offers an up-close view of vibrant underwater ecosystems, from colourful coral reefs to fascinating marine life. It's a relaxing and immersive way to explore the wonders beneath the surface of the water. View gallery
Swimming offers refreshing escapes in stunning settings, from crystal-clear bays and tranquil rivers to diving off the back of the boat into azure waters. It's a perfect way to relax and be rejuvenated by nature. View gallery
Wildlife watching offers unforgettable encounters with nature, from observing birds and dolphins to spotting whales, turtles, and sharks. Discover diverse marine life, from playful fish to delicate starfish, in their natural habitats. View gallery
Step aboard Silverfern, a sleek and spacious sailing yacht crafted for comfort, camaraderie, and coastal exploration. Whether you're navigating hidden bays, sharing stories over dinner on deck, or trimming sails on an offshore leg, Silverfern offers the ideal balance of relaxation and hands-on adventure. With warm hospitality, inviting living spaces, and a spirit of discovery at its core, every journey on Silverfern feels like coming home—only at sea.
You’ll fly into Darwin on Day 1, where the warm tropical air and coastal views mark the beginning of your journey. We’ll have a crew welcome dinner that evening and complete final preparations for departure the next day. You’re welcome to stay onboard the night before Day 1, but if you plan to arrive earlier, please arrange accommodation ashore. We’ll aim to be tied up in Cairns by 3:00 PM on 27 October for our final crew dinner, and you can plan to depart Cairns Airport from 28 October onwards.
10 Oct 2026
Arrive at the vessel in Darwin by 4:00pm
Crew welcome dinner and final preparations
11 Oct 2026
Crew training and safety familiarisation
Depart Darwin Marina around 12:00pm
11 -27 Oct 2026
Sail north-east along Australia’s remote tropical coastline to Thursday Island and down the Far North Queensland coast to Cairns
Stop at secluded islands, coral reefs, and culturally significant sites
Enjoy snorkelling, hikes, Indigenous rock art, and sailing in crystal-clear waters
Anchor overnight in peaceful, remote locations
27 Oct 2026
Arrive at Cairns by 3:00pm
Final crew dinner and trip reflections
28 Oct 2026
Depart Cairns Airport
Inclusions
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals ashore and at various stopover islands and ports, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream.
Exclusions
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.
Eligibility
You will need to complete a 5-hour online or 2-day Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent at least 1 month prior.
Book and pay
Click Book Now button above to secure your place. Choose from Pay in Full or deposit options. Direct debit from bank account, debit card or credit card options available. Pay in the currency of your choice.
Personalise your payment plan
If you want to set up a payment plan, contact us here and let us know your desired deposit (minimum 10% required) and your preferred payment. You can make up to 18 payments, for the balance. You can choose the frequency and customise each payment amount.
Not ready to pay, but want to secure your place?
Reserve your place onboard today, with no obligation. We’ll send the confirmation details, itinerary, deposit invoice and be sure to answer all your questions, while you finalise your plans before confirming. Reserve here.
100% cancellation guarantee
If you book and then cancel prior to an event, for any reason, 100% of your payment will be issued as a credit, that you can apply to any future event/s. For a full refund of sailing trip, flights and hotel costs, we recommend travel insurance. View Terms & Conditions.
Members
Check for Member's availability here before booking this event, using Members Benefits. When you book Reserve your place here.