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Over the Top Australia Cruise

Over the Top Australia Cruise

From AUD $20,995

Description

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.

Trip Name
Over the Top Australia Cruise
Days
13
Overview
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!

Itinerary



Day 1 - Night 01 Welcome Aboard
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!
Day 2 - Day 01 Coppers Creek and Minimini Creek
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 bethe perfect accompaniment to barra cooked just the way you like!
Day 3 - Day 02 Coburg Peninsular
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.
Day 4 - Day 03 Gouldburn Islands
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!
Day 5 - Day 04 Arafura Swamp
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.
Day 6 - Day 05 Wessel Islands
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”.
Day 7 - Day 06 Gulf of Carpentaria
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!
Day 8 - Day 07 Thursday Island
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!
Day 9 - Day 08 Macmillan River
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!
Day 10 - Day 09 Davie Reef
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.
Day 11 - Day 10 The Cod Hole
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!
Day 12 - Day 11 Lizard Island
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.
Day 13 - Day 12 Ribbon Reef
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.
Day 14 - Day 13 Arrive in Cairns
Arrive in CairnsOur 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!
Day 15 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-11-202520-11-2025AUD $20,995True North II - Ocean Class - Twin
08-11-202520-11-2025AUD $26,595True North II - River Class - Double
08-11-202520-11-2025AUD $30,995True North II - Explorer Class - Stateroom

Inclusions

    • Coppers Creek and Minimini Creek
    • Coburg Peninsular
    • Gouldburn Islands
    • Arafura Swamp
    • Wessel Islands
    • Gulf of Carpentaria
    • Thursday Island
    • Macmillan River

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