thursday island to darwin / 900nm / 12 juN - 3 JUL 2026

AUSTRALIAN CIRCUMNAVIGATION LEG 5 / 21 days / cat 2 sailing expedition / EVENT #2605 / SILVER FERN & TE KAIHŌPARA: CREW POSITIONS AVAILABLE

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Overview

Join Ocean Sailing Expeditions for a captivating 21-day journey where sea and sky merge into a panorama of adventure, leading you through the remote and remarkable northern territories of Australia. From the storied Thursday Island to the vibrant city of Darwin, this is your chance to experience an epic maritime journey that promises to be as culturally enriching as it is breathtaking.

Setting sail from Thursday Island, a melting pot of Torres Strait culture and history, you'll discover a community that thrives on the rhythm of the sea. Horn Island, with its significant World War II relics, offers a poignant reminder of Australia's past. These islands are gateways to a region rich in storytelling, music, and dance, and our journey promises an intimate look into these traditions.

The Cape York Peninsula awaits with rugged landscapes that challenge the adventurous at heart. Trek through untouched wilderness areas and marvel at the raw beauty of Australia's northernmost point. Then, glide into Gove Harbour, where the clear waters reflect a cornucopia of marine life, inviting you to dive, fish, and explore.

At Wigram Island, the traditional ways of life of the Yolŋu people harmonize with the untamed beauty of their land. The Wessel Islands beckon you further, their mysterious allure rooted in the myths of the indigenous people and their stunning, isolated beaches.

Croker Island and the Coburg Peninsula offer rare insights into remote community life, with landscapes that are as serene as they are sacred. Here, traditions are preserved, and nature reigns supreme, offering tranquil anchorages and the opportunity to commune with an untouched environment.

Venturing to Bathurst Island, you'll be welcomed with open arms into a community where art, ceremony, and a connection to the land form the fabric of everyday life. And finally, Darwin—this cosmopolitan city is not only a melting pot of cultures but also a jumping-off point for those who've tasted the thrill of the sea and seek to delve deeper into the Northern Territory's rugged interior.

Throughout this 21-day voyage with Ocean Sailing Expeditions, you will be aboard a vessel that's more than just a yacht—it's a home on the waves. With luxurious accommodations, expertly crafted cuisine, and a crew dedicated to your comfort and safety, every day promises new discoveries and the warm camaraderie of like-minded adventurers.

This sailing expedition isn't just a holiday; it's an odyssey through time, culture, and nature's grandeur. So come aboard and set your course for the extraordinary—a world of discovery awaits with Ocean Sailing Expeditions.

Passage plan

Expedition Description

Thursday Island

Thursday Island is the spirited hub of the Torres Strait, blending rich history with vibrant Indigenous culture. As a historical pearl diving base, it offers a unique glimpse into the pearling industry and the diverse communities drawn by the pearl rush. Today, its cultural significance is showcased in museums, art galleries, and the annual cultural festival, which celebrates Torres Strait Islander heritage. Sailing into Thursday Island's harbor, you're welcomed by breathtaking views of the surrounding turquoise waters and neighboring islands. It’s a gateway to exploring the Torres Strait's archipelago, offering sailors a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, stunning seascapes, and the warm hospitality of its community.

Horn Island

Horn Island, known for its significant role during World War II, offers a poignant look into Australia's military history with well-preserved remnants and a dedicated museum. Its rugged landscapes and crystal-clear waters are perfect for adventurers. Sailing here provides an opportunity to explore historical sites, engage with the welcoming local community, and discover hidden beaches where the beauty of the Torres Strait can be enjoyed in solitude. The island’s rich history, coupled with its natural beauty, makes it a compelling destination for those interested in Australia’s wartime legacy and the serene allure of island life.

Cape York Peninsula

Cape York Peninsula is one of Australia's last great wilderness areas, offering rugged landscapes, remote beaches, and a rich tapestry of Indigenous culture. Sailing around the peninsula provides a unique perspective on its untouched beauty, from the iconic tip at the northernmost point of the Australian continent to the lush rainforests and wild rivers. The journey is a true adventure, with opportunities to anchor in secluded bays, fish in pristine waters, and explore the rich biodiversity. The Cape's Indigenous communities offer insights into traditional ways of living, making it a deeply enriching experience for those seeking connection with Australia's ancient cultures and landscapes.

Gove Harbour

Gove Harbour, located in the northeast of Arnhem Land, is a gateway to the rich cultural and natural wonders of the Yolŋu people's homeland. Its waters are renowned for their beauty and abundance of marine life, making it a haven for fishing, sailing, and diving. The harbor provides access to the stunning landscapes of Arnhem Land, with its ancient rock art, remote communities, and wild, untouched beauty. Sailing into Gove Harbour not only offers breathtaking natural sceneries but also a unique opportunity to engage with Indigenous culture through community visits and art centers, providing a deeply meaningful and respectful exploration of this sacred land.

Wigram Island

Wigram Island, part of the English Company Islands in the Arafura Sea, is a secluded paradise offering unparalleled privacy and natural beauty. Its pristine beaches, azure waters, and the surrounding coral reefs are a dream for sailors, snorkelers, and those seeking tranquility away from the beaten path. The island’s isolation makes it a perfect retreat for wildlife watching, with sea turtles, seabirds, and a myriad of marine life calling these waters home. Wigram Island’s untouched landscapes offer a rare chance to immerse oneself in the serene beauty of the Australian wilderness, making it an unforgettable stop for yachts exploring the Northern Territory's remote islands.

Wessel Islands

The Wessel Islands are a chain of wild, rugged islands stretching along the northern edge of Arnhem Land. Their isolation and the stunning natural beauty make them a fascinating destination for sailors. The islands boast incredible biodiversity, both on land and in the surrounding waters, including significant turtle nesting sites. The ancient Indigenous rock art hidden among the islands provides a mysterious glimpse into Australia's deep history. Sailing through the Wessel Islands offers an adventure into remote, untouched Australia, where the spirit of exploration leads to discoveries of natural wonders and ancient cultures.

Croker Island

Croker Island, with its rich Indigenous culture and history, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The island's community is known for its strong cultural traditions and welcoming spirit. Sailing to Croker Island allows visitors to experience the vibrant Indigenous culture through art, music, and storytelling. The surrounding waters are teeming with marine life, providing excellent opportunities for fishing and observing sea turtles and dugongs. Croker Island's untouched beaches and mangroves offer peaceful anchorages and the chance to explore the serene landscapes of the Northern Territory.

Coburg Peninsula

Coburg Peninsula, part of the Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, is a remote and spectacularly beautiful area offering some of the best fishing, wildlife watching, and pristine environments in Australia. The peninsula's rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, and extensive coral reefs provide a haven for an incredible array of marine and bird life. Sailing around the Coburg Peninsula, visitors can explore ancient Indigenous sites, encounter unique wildlife, and experience the tranquility of untouched landscapes. Its status as a protected area ensures that its natural and cultural values are preserved, offering a unique opportunity for respectful and sustainable exploration.

Bathurst Island

Bathurst Island, together with its neighbor Melville Island, forms part of the Tiwi Islands. Known for their rich Indigenous culture, the Tiwi people welcome visitors with traditional ceremonies and offer insights into their art, history, and lifestyle. Sailing to Bathurst Island presents an opportunity to engage with the vibrant Tiwi culture, renowned for its unique art and carvings. The island's landscapes are equally captivating, with pristine beaches, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. A visit to Bathurst Island is not just a journey into a beautiful natural environment but also an enriching cultural experience.

Darwin

Darwin, the dynamic capital of the Northern Territory, combines modern amenities with a close connection to nature and a deep-rooted history. Its strategic location makes it an ideal starting point for sailing adventures into the Timor Sea or along Australia’s northern coast. The city’s multicultural vibe is reflected in its food, festivals, and art, offering sailors a warm welcome and a chance to replenish supplies before venturing to more remote locations. Darwin’s WWII history, Indigenous culture, and national parks like Litchfield and Kakadu are easily accessible, making it a comprehensive destination that blends urban experiences with the call of the wild.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL EXPERIENCE ONBOARD

Weather impact

With any regatta or expedition we have to plan around the weather. We always aim to plan our events to coincide with the optimum time of the year, for the best conditions. Safety and comfort of the crew and vessel, always takes priority over the original schedule. Sometimes we’ll need to adapt the schedule and modify plans, to maximise the onboard experience and enjoyment to keep everyone happy and safe.

Extra reading

• What to expect onboard

• Offshore gear list

OCEAN SAILING PODCAST

EPISODE 118: MATT HARVEY / DAVID HOWS - AUSTRALIAN CIRCUMNAVIGATION REVIEW: 8,500NM IN 4 MONTHS

Skippers David Hows and Matt Harvey catch up to review their 2-yacht circumnavigation of Australia in 2023. With 8,500nm covered in just 4 months, they share the highs and lows of covering the 7th largest coastline in the world. The event was spread over 5 legs and 102 crew in total, across the two 72-foot yachts; Silver Fern and Salt Lines, including 3 circumnavigators that completed all 5 legs. With 4,600 meals prepared, it was a planning exercise of military proportions.

With engine failures, crocodiles, storms and boat fatigue to deal with, sailing some sections of this vast country are not for the faint hearted. The stunning Great Barrier Reef, North Queensland islands and reefs, Cape York, Thursday Island, the Kimberley’s, 9 metre tides in Broome, the Montebello Island Group, the Great Australian Bight and the wilderness of Tasmania, there is just so much thats remote and incredible to explore.

Press the play button to listen, or play in Spotify or Apple Podcasts

SAILING.BLOG

Read the sailing.blog articles from last circumnavigation

itinerary

You'll fly into Thursday Island on the 12th of June 2026. We'll have a crew welcome dinner that night and complete final preparations for departure the next day. On the 13th of June we'll depart Thursday Island and head for our first of many stopovers. You are welcome to stay onboard on the night of the 12th of June, but if you plan to arrive prior to the 12th, you will need to arrange accommodation ashore. 

The goal is to take in the magic of Torres Strait, stopping at a handful of scenic bays, anchorages and islands, while managing around the weather to ensure a comfortable and safe 11-day cruise. We’ll aim to be tied up back at Darwin by 3pm on the 2nd of July for our final crew dinner and you can plan to depart Darwin from the 3rd of July onwards.

• Arrive at the vessel in Thursday Island by 4pm on 12/06/26

• Crew welcome dinner on 12/06/26

• Crew training and safety familiarisation 13/6/26

• Depart Thursday Island anchoarge around 12pm on 13/6/26

• Arrive in Darwin by 3pm on 2/7/26

• Crew farewell dinner on 2/7/26

• Depart Darwin on 3/7/26

Getting to and from the yacht

• Arrival at the yacht before departure: Fly to Horn Island Airport from Cairns via Qantas

• Getting between Horn Island Airport and Thursday Island: Take the 10 minute Thursday Island Ferry between Horn Island and Thursday Island.

• Departing from the yacht on arrival: Darwin Airport

• Airlines that fly into Thursday Island (Horn Island): Qantas

• Airlines that fly out of Darwin: Multiple, search Webjet

• Accommodation: If you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com,  Wotif &  HomeAway

• Land transport:

  • Darwin: taxis, shuttles and Uber available

Inclusions

Your crew package includes; all meals onboard and ashore, and accommodation onboard throughout the duration of the event. It also incudes your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, marina fees, any cruising permits and local taxes, 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.

Private Cabins

There are only two private cabins available on each leg on Te Kaihōpara and they include a double and single berth in each.

• If you book a private cabin, you can have 1 , 2 or 3 occupants.

• The price for a private cabin is the combined price of 3 berths, less 10%.

• If the single berth rate is already discounted, there is no further discount for a private cabin.

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.  Visa applications for entry (if required), related fees and travel insurance are also excluded.

Review sailing calendar for all events