New Zealand & Australia, Australia
Over the Top Australia Cruise
Explore the ruins of the ill-fated Victoria Settlement and fish for the elusive barramundi. And then for something completely different, soak-up the rainforest fringed coastline of Cape York and, the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef – all in a single itinerary aboard a luxury cruise ship.
This itinerary is provided as example only – prevailing conditions, local arrangements and indeed, what we discover on the day, may cause variation to our Australian cruise schedule. Helicopter flights can be purchased additional to the indicated tariff as a package or individually. Please refer to the sailing schedule to determine if this itinerary is available on the TRUE NORTH or TRUE NORTH II.
• Coppers Creek and Minimini Creek
• Coburg Peninsular
• Gouldburn Islands
• Arafura Swamp
• Wessel Islands
• Gulf of Carpentaria
• Thursday Island
• Macmillan River
This itinerary is provided as example only – prevailing conditions, local arrangements and indeed, what we discover on the day, may cause variation to our Australian cruise schedule. Helicopter flights can be purchased additional to the indicated tariff as a package or individually. Please refer to the sailing schedule to determine if this itinerary is available on the TRUE NORTH or TRUE NORTH II.
Highlights
• Coppers Creek and Minimini Creek
• Coburg Peninsular
• Gouldburn Islands
• Arafura Swamp
• Wessel Islands
• Gulf of Carpentaria
• Thursday Island
• Macmillan River
Your ‘welcome aboard’ this small ship cruise is in the frontier city of Darwin. Embarkation is 1700 hours – time for a cocktail with your fellow adventurers before departure at approximately 1800. Dinner is served shortly after leaving port and then it’s an overnight steam to the East Alligator River!
This morning the TRUE NORTH’s favourite ‘tender’ will provide some not to be missed opportunities to fly over spectacular wetlands adjacent to the world famous Kakadu National Park. Back on the water there will be some hot fishing action in our ‘other tenders’ for both the novice and experienced angler alike – reef fishing, mudcrabbing and, of course, barramundi fishing are all on the agenda!
If you’ve never heard of the elusive barramundi before – you’ll soon know everything there is to know about this revered sport fish!
A hard-hitting tenacious fighter prone to leaping from the water; barramundi are equally respected for their fine eating qualities and our guides are never short of a ‘barra’ story!
Join your fellow adventurer for some ‘up close’ sightseeing in one of our comfortable adventure boats and take in the rugged beauty of Australia’s remote top end as we visit Coopers Creek and Minimini Creek. Don’t forget to keep an eye on those pesky crocodiles because you won’t want to miss dinner tonight! A crisp white will be
the perfect accompaniment to barra cooked just the way you like!
Wake off the Coburg Peninsular and to another “not to be missed opportunity” in the helicopter! This time we explore the ruins of the ill-fated Victoria Settlement. The outgoing flight also visits Frenzy Creek where sharks, eagle rays, dugong, turtle and crocodiles can all be seen in shallow waters and, on the way back search for banteng cattle – they can only be found in the local wetlands!
Join a walk to a nearby wetland – our guides will help you identify some of the 85 species of mangrove found in Australia and the bird watchers will encounter avian fauna of every imaginable colour! Squeeze in some more fishing time and sample mouth-watering oysters direct from the rock – they don’t get any fresher than this!
And at days end, the TRUE NORTH’s alfresco bar will be the perfect spot for an ‘outback sunset’ and our evening meal tonight will likely be traditional “Aussie Fare” in honour of the 1838 settlers.
Spend the morning exploring the picturesque Gouldburn Islands.
There will be numerous opportunities for reef fishing, bird watching and beachcombing. Then enjoy a leisurely lunchtime voyage back into the coast for some more barra action! There will be also opportunity to visit sites frequented by the Macassans – fishermen from Celebes (Sulawesi) that came in search of prized trepang (sea slugs) long before the arrival of the English settlers. Explore the many mangrove creeks or join the helicopter for an exhilarating view of the coastal vista.
Finish the day with a cocktail before yet another unforgettable evening meal!
The barra will be on the bite early this morning and we will see every kind of water bird on scenic flights over the Arafura Swamp – possibly the largest paper-bark swamp in the world!
Everyone on deck for ‘action-stations’ as we shoot the Gugari Rip – a spectacular tidal surge that is sure to get the adrenalin pumping!
Then some light game fishing for mackerel and other surface predators will keep the tempo up!Fly over the outer reaches of the Wessel Group in the helicopter and then join the crew ashore at Jensen Bay for pre-dinner drinks and aperitif.
This morning is your last chance to land “the biggest one yet” as we prepare to leave Northern Territory waters. Reef fishing, beachcombing and sightseeing opportunities will unfold all day as we explore the Wessel Islands and Cape Wessel area. Perhaps some delectable reef fish will be on the menu tonight before the ‘sometimes outrageous’ goings-on at the “Captains Party”.
Today we are ‘on passage’ across the Gulf of Carpentaria! Time to recharge the batteries, update the travel log, enjoy the onboard activities and of course, indulge in more gastronomic delight!
This morning join a coach tour of Thursday Island.
There will be opportunities to meet the local people, to shop for local art and, to just wander around this idyllic island community!
At days end revel in a sunset shore excursion to Cape York – a unique photo opportunity on the northern most tip of Australia!
Start the day with some trolling and bottom fishing, explore the Macmillan River and then spend the rest of the day on beautiful Forbes Island. Enjoy a picnic lunch, snorkel in crystal clear waters, visit nearby sand cays and ‘have a go’ at the beach activities!
At Davie Reef the delights of the Great Barrier Reef are just a fin kick away – and in swimming pool like conditions you will be astounded by the colours of corals and fish alike! A day devoted to swimming,
snorkelling and diving.
Down a rainforest fringed coast to Lizard Island – here a hike up to Cook’s Look is a must! There is more world class snorkelling including the giant clam gardens. Beautiful palm lined beaches, rainforest, and breathtaking coral – does it get any better? Yes it does – something very special this afternoon when we visit the famed Cod Hole where everyone gets an opportunity to have close encounters with the giant potato cod!
Lizard Island and another day devoted to swimming, snorkelling and diving! There will also be opportunities for scenic flights in the helicopter and reef fishing.
Last chance for a swim on the Great Barrier Reef as the TRUE NORTH graces Ribbon Reef #3. Then take a coach tour of Cooktown and the surrounding mountains before spending some free time shopping for gifts and, getting to know the locals! Then it’s back onboard for a farewell dinner to remember and the overnight steam into Cairns.
Arrive in Cairns
Our arrival in Cairns is in time for an early morning coach transfer to your accommodation or connecting flights – our crew is already looking forward to the next opportunity to welcome you aboard the TRUE NORTH!
Itineraries are subject to change.
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Ocean Class - Twin
$22,995 AUD pp
True North - Located on the lower deck, Ocean Class twins feature roomy singles and en-suite. Cabin size is approximately 12 square metres (129 square feet). Other features include 2 portholes, in-cabin
entertainment and satellite telephone.
True North II - Located on the lower deck, Ocean Class cabins feature bunk configured singles
and en-suite or private bathroom. Cabin size is approximately 5.6 square metres
(60 square feet). Other features include a large porthole.
River Class - Double
$27,995 AUD pp
True North - Located on the main deck, River Class staterooms feature a king size bed (that can be converted to singles) and en-suite. Cabin size is similar to Explorer Class. Other features include large
panoramic windows, in-cabin entertainment and satellite telephone.
True North II - Located on the lower decks, River Class cabins feature a queen size bed and en-suite. Cabin
size 7 square metres (75 square feet). Other features include large portholes and in-cabin
entertainment. Option for pullman.
Ocean/River Premium Cabin
$29,995 AUD pp
True North - Ocean Premium - Located on the lower deck, Ocean Premium doubles feature a king size bed (that can be converted to singles) and en-suite. Cabin size is approximately 14 square metres (150 square
feet). Other features include 2 portholes, in-cabin entertainment and satellite telephone.
True North II - River Premium - Located on the main deck, River Premium staterooms feature a queen size bed and en-suite. Cabin size 7 square metres (75 square feet). Other features include large panoramic windows and in-cabin entertainment.
Explorer Class - Stateroom
$31,995 AUD pp
True North - Located on the upper deck, Explorer Class staterooms feature a king size bed (that can be
converted to singles) and a twin basin en-suite. Cabin size is 18 square metres (193 square feet).
Other features include large panoramic windows, amenities fridge, in-cabin entertainment and
satellite telephone.
True North II - Located on the main deck, Explorer Class staterooms feature a walk-around queen
size bed and a twin basin ensuite. Cabin size is 12 square metres (129 square feet).
Other features include large panoramic windows and desk space.
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Book now |
Ocean Class - Twin
$23,995 AUD pp
True North - Located on the lower deck, Ocean Class twins feature roomy singles and en-suite. Cabin size is approximately 12 square metres (129 square feet). Other features include 2 portholes, in-cabin
entertainment and satellite telephone.
True North II - Located on the lower deck, Ocean Class cabins feature bunk configured singles
and en-suite or private bathroom. Cabin size is approximately 5.6 square metres
(60 square feet). Other features include a large porthole.
River Class - Double
$28,995 AUD pp
True North - Located on the main deck, River Class staterooms feature a king size bed (that can be converted to singles) and en-suite. Cabin size is similar to Explorer Class. Other features include large
panoramic windows, in-cabin entertainment and satellite telephone.
True North II - Located on the lower decks, River Class cabins feature a queen size bed and en-suite. Cabin
size 7 square metres (75 square feet). Other features include large portholes and in-cabin
entertainment. Option for pullman.
Ocean/River Premium Cabin
$31,595 AUD pp
True North - Ocean Premium - Located on the lower deck, Ocean Premium doubles feature a king size bed (that can be converted to singles) and en-suite. Cabin size is approximately 14 square metres (150 square
feet). Other features include 2 portholes, in-cabin entertainment and satellite telephone.
True North II - River Premium - Located on the main deck, River Premium staterooms feature a queen size bed and en-suite. Cabin size 7 square metres (75 square feet). Other features include large panoramic windows and in-cabin entertainment.
Explorer Class - Stateroom
$33,595 AUD pp
True North - Located on the upper deck, Explorer Class staterooms feature a king size bed (that can be
converted to singles) and a twin basin en-suite. Cabin size is 18 square metres (193 square feet).
Other features include large panoramic windows, amenities fridge, in-cabin entertainment and
satellite telephone.
True North II - Located on the main deck, Explorer Class staterooms feature a walk-around queen
size bed and a twin basin ensuite. Cabin size is 12 square metres (129 square feet).
Other features include large panoramic windows and desk space.
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: True North - 50 metres/True North II - 35 meters
Passenger Capacity: 36/22
Built/Refurbished: 2005/2023
True North is built for access to remote environments, operating in shallow coastal waters and river systems where conventional expedition ships cannot enter. Daily operations revolve around direct engagement: multiple adventure boats, an onboard helicopter, and a strict avoidance of long sea days ensure that time is spent actively exploring rather than transiting. Interiors mirror high-end lodge standards with panoramic lounges, an alfresco bar, refined dining, and cabins equipped for comfort and immediacy to the landscape. Crew involvement is constant and hands-on, creating an experience defined by flexibility, varied activities and immersion in wilderness rather than passive sightseeing.
True North II delivers the same expedition model in a more intimate format, carrying just 22 guests and maintaining the purpose-built shallow navigation that allows direct access to rivers, coastlines and isolated anchorages. Its layout consolidates social spaces into a combined saloon and lounge, supported by a dining room designed for a refined, communal atmosphere. Cabins retain private facilities and in-house entertainment, while a full suite of adventure boats and regular helicopter operations mirror the capabilities of the larger vessel. The smaller scale enhances personal attention and reinforces the brand’s defining approach: constant activity, close crew interaction and immediate entry into remote environments.
Inclusions
• All adventure boat excursions & activities,
• Destination-inspired dining and non-alcoholic refreshments throughout the day,
• All fishing & snorkeling equipment and cylinders & weight belts (on dive trips)
• Complimentary café style coffees and tea are available all day
Exclusions
• International and domestic flights
• Passport and visa costs where applicable
• Travel Insurance
• Scenic helicopter flights
• Visitors fee
• Transfers not listed in the itinerary
• Adventure wear and other purchases made on-board
• Alcoholic beverages (except as offered on special excursions)
Luxury Expedition
13 Days from
$1,769 AUD per day
Our Associates Include
