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.

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.

True North II - Ocean Class - Twin

$20,995 AUD pp
True North II - Ocean Class - Twin
Located on the lower deck – Ocean Class cabins feature roomy singles and en-suite. Cabin size is approximately 12 square metres. Other features include 2 portholes, in-cabin entertainment and satellite telephone.

True North II - River Class - Double

$26,595 AUD pp
True North II - River Class - Double
Located on the middle deck – River Class cabins feature a king size double (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 - Explorer Class - Stateroom

$29,595 AUD pp
True North II - Explorer Class - Stateroom
Located on the upper deck – Explorer Class cabins feature a king size double (that can be converted to singles) and a twin basin en-suite. Cabin size is 15 square metres. Other features include large panoramic windows, amenities fridge, in-cabin entertainment and satellite telephone.

True North II - Ocean Class - Twin

$20,995 AUD pp
True North II - Ocean Class - Twin
Located on the lower deck – Ocean Class cabins feature roomy singles and en-suite. Cabin size is approximately 12 square metres. Other features include 2 portholes, in-cabin entertainment and satellite telephone.

True North II - River Class - Double

$26,595 AUD pp
True North II - River Class - Double
Located on the middle deck – River Class cabins feature a king size double (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 - Explorer Class - Stateroom

$30,995 AUD pp
True North II - Explorer Class - Stateroom
Located on the upper deck – Explorer Class cabins feature a king size double (that can be converted to singles) and a twin basin en-suite. Cabin size is 15 square metres. Other features include large panoramic windows, amenities fridge, in-cabin entertainment and satellite telephone.

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition

Length: True North - 50 metres/True North II - 35 meters

Passenger Capacity: 36/22

Built/Refurbished: 2005/2023

TRUE NORTH

The TRUE NORTH allows discerning adventurers to experience wilderness in surroundings more akin to one of the world’s most exclusive hotels. Guests are able to take advantage of a number of lavish vantage points including a sundeck, a forward observation lounge, a ship’s lounge and an alfresco bar. The ship’s naturalist presents interpretative information on plasma screens and, an internet café enables convenient communication with the outside world.

A popular venue on any North Star cruise, the lower deck dining room offers the ultimate in comfort and uninterrupted vista – large panoramic windows ensure that guests never miss any of the action, even when they are enjoying the ‘finest in fine dining’. All cabins feature stylish décor, en-suite facilities, in-house entertainment and satellite telephones. The Explorer Class staterooms and the River Class cabins offer king size beds that can be converted to singles and the Ocean Class twins feature roomy single beds.

Multiple expedition boats provide guests with greater opportunity to do “what they want, when they want” and, to add yet another dimension to adventure, most cruise options feature an onboard helicopter!The purpose built TRUE NORTH is able to explore the upper reaches of shallow river systems – guests need only step out of their cabins to experience wilderness and, the latest in computer controlled motion stabilizers ensures a comfortable ride.

TRUE NORTH II

TRUE NORTH II features a more intimate experience with just 22 guests and a combined saloon/lounge. The dining salon features a stunning ‘boardroom’ setting and the revered True North dining experience. There is also a sundeck, outdoor bar deck and a dedicated sports deck.

All cabins feature ensuite or private facilities with in-house entertainment and satellite telephones. The Explorer Class staterooms and River Class cabins offer queen-size bedsand the Ocean Class cabins feature roomy bunk-configured singles.

Just like the TRUE NORTH – TRUE NORTH II is purpose-built to explore coastal areas including the upper reaches of shallow river systems – guests need only step out of their cabins to experience wilderness. But the adventure doesn't stop there! Multiple adventure boats provide guests with greater opportunity to do “what they want, when they want” and, to add yet another dimension to adventure, most itineraries feature an onboard helicopter!

And again, just like they are on TRUE NORTH, the crew of the TRUE NORTH II are generally young Australians who create a truly authentic onboard experience. Our crew are always very much part of onboard life - you may even feel as though they are having just as much fun as you are! That’s because they are – every day is an adventure for the crew as well and you will not be able to resist their enthusiasm and passion!

Unlike more conventional cruise experiences – True North crew are encouraged to interact with our guests. They will uniquely chaperone your every experience providing assistance, interpretation and genuine company. They will bait your hook and carry your SCUBA tank but they will also join you for dinner and entertain in the ship’s lounge. And not forgetting that they will also prepare fine meals of distinction, maintain your cabins with our renowned degree of attention and safely navigate ship, boat and helicopter to each destination. Guests on a True North adventure cruise never fail to recognize the outstanding involvement of the crew - they are one of the reasons that an adventure on the TRUE NORTH is not just another expedition cruise!

Cabin layout for True North & True North II

Inclusions


• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board with destination themed dining
• All adventure boat outings and excursions
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Fishing and snorkelling equipment for use throughout the voyage where applicable
• Cafe style coffees and tea on board
• Transfers as per the itinerary

Exclusions


• International and domestic flights
• Passport and visa costs where applicable
• Travel Insurance
• Alcoholic beverages
• Scenic helicopter flights
• Visitors fee
• Transfers not listed in the itinerary
True North & True North II
Australia Luxury ExpeditionLuxury Expedition
13 Days from
$20,995 AUD pp

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0800 945 3327

AUS Freephone
1800 107 715

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