Kimberley Explorer – True North

Cruise Itinerary

10 Night Cruise sailing from Wyndham to Broome onboard True North II.

Note: Cruise operates in approximate reverse order to the itinerary outlined below.

Night 01 Welcome Aboard
Your “welcome aboard” the TRUE NORTH is in the pearling port of Broome. Embarkation is at 1700 – time for a cocktail with your fellow adventurers before departing at approximately 1830. Dinner is served shortly after leaving port for the overnight steam to Yampi Sound.

Day 01 Buccaneer Archipelago
Awake to the majestic Kimberley and savour an irresistible TRUE NORTH breakfast as we glide past Cockatoo and Koolan Islands – our attentive crew will be happy to introduce the colourful histories of both! Then it’s time to ‘personally’ introduce you to a Kimberley icon – The Horizontal Falls. Experience the awesome power of the region’s huge tidal range in an exhilarating tender ride and then climb aboard your air-conditioned helicopter for a view of the falls that very few experience!

Take a refreshing swim and a walk on the squeaky white sands of Silica Beach.

Before you know it, your first day onboard will be coming to an end – but there’s still time to select a fine wine and to enjoy a leisurely evening meal as we ‘set sail’ for Doubtful Bay.

Day 02 Montgomery Reef
Early risers will have first chance to catch a barra at “Three Ways”.

Join crew and guests alike for a moderate walk to Ruby Falls and be rewarded with a refreshing swim in the large natural rock pool.

The keen anglers will take-off on a heli fishing adventure to a secret-spot where the fresh meets the salt!

Enjoy lunch as we weigh anchor and cruise to another Kimberley icon – Montgomery reef!

Montgomery is a unique ecosystem that must be seen to be believed – and see it you will – as 140 square miles of coral reef rises out of the ocean right before your very eyes! Water cascades from the reef as the tide falls exposing a privileged glimpse of another world! Turtles, dugong, crocodiles and every imaginable sea creature abound, and the helicopter puts all in perspective!

Day 03 The Prince Regent
The scenery will astound and there are some not-to-be-missed fishing spots as the TRUE NORTH graces the majestic Prince Regent River. This morning’s target species include delectable mangrove jack and fingermark bream.

At King Cascade we will manoeuvre the TRUE NORTH right under the falls. Then it’s time for more ‘adventure in the tender’ – a chance to stretch the laces on your hiking boots and an opportunity to swim in yet another picture-perfect billabong, or perhaps you’d like to venture further upriver to visit the spectacular ‘Amphitheatre’ waterfall. And the helicopter will be popular again when the first group of intrepid explorers returns from Jurassic Park!

Day 04 Picnic Time
Be amongst the first on deck and join an early morning fishing expedition or, see stunning rock art or, join the ship’s naturalist in one of the adventure boats – and all before another breathtaking helicopter flight to a picnic that you’ll never forget! The TRUE NORTH’s mouth-watering cuisine alongside a crystal clear billabong – in one of the most remote places on earth!

Day 05 The Hunter
Wake this morning in the magnificent Hunter River. The Hunter is about as far away as you can get in Australia – a stunning river system that is lined with dense mangrove forests and surrounded by rainforest encrusted mountains. And, the Hunter has it all – fishing, mud-crabbing, birdwatching and simply exploring “where few have been before!” Join one of our adventure boats for a closer look, enjoy a challenging hike to Jackson Falls and, there’s even more splendour from the helicopter! In the afternoon we will sail into Prince Frederick Harbour and enjoy sunset drinks on picturesque Crystal Beach, enjoy some delicious hors d’oeuvres and watch the sun descend on another action-packed day in the Kimberley!

Day 06 Winyalkin Island
Wake in the stunning turquoise waters of Swift Bay. No time to dally – after an early morning breakfast it’s time to join the ‘hunt for the giant black-lip oyster’. In fact – their much-talked about proportions render them not hard to find at all! Savour their unique taste direct from the rock – aside from some freshly squeezed lemon, you can’t get much more a la naturale than that! There are also some excellent examples of both Wandjina and Bradshaw art nearby and the waters are alive with light game species such as queenfish, giant trevally and mackerel.

There will also be more ‘mackie sessions’ at Cape Voltaire and the Montalivet Islands and, the opportunity to go heli-camping to Cherubin Falls promises to be yet another highlight.

Join the crew for a walk through a rock art gallery, followed by sunset drinks on picturesque Winyalkin Island.

Day 07 The Mitchell
The Mitchell River is renowned for big barra and even bigger crocs!

The adventure boats will head up river to the scenic Surveyors Creek – a great place for a swim (no crocs here!) The fishermen will again join the hunt for the elusive barramundi and there will be more opportunities for helicopter flights over ancient land including spectacular Mitchell Falls! Join the crew for cocktail hour before experiencing another unique dining experience.

Day 08 Vansittart Bay
Today there will be more opportunities to see “Bradshaws” – ancient rock art that pre-dates other examples of Aboriginal culture. In fact, they are possibly the oldest ‘paintings’ known to man. Vansittart Bay also has a reputation for producing monster mackerel! Join the crew and discover the wreckage of a DC3 that found its resting place after crash-landing during WWII.

The heli-picnic at Eagle Falls is always a ‘big hit’ – enjoy a sumptuous picnic lunch amidst breathtaking scenery. The tenders will also be busy exploring the local beaches and creeks. Overnight we cruise to The King George!

Day 09 The King George
Yet another mighty Kimberley river – The King George! As soon as the tide is high enough, we’ll cross the sand bar at the mouth to reveal even more breathtaking river vista. Then our journey upstream will take us to the very ‘jewel in the crown’ – The King George Falls. Take a shower on the bow and then fly above the Twin Falls in the ship’s helicopter for yet another cruise highlight. Just the thought of leaving this magnificence will inspire mutiny! Hear about the bombing of a state-ship during WWII and explore Tranquil Bay before we continue onto the frontier port of Wyndham.

Day 10 Disembark
Your courtesy coach will arrive at approximately 0800 hours for transfer to Kununurra and your crew will already be looking forward to the next opportunity to welcome you aboard the mighty TRUE NORTH!

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!

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WHY YOU SHOULD CRUISE WITH TRUE NORTH ADVENTURE CRUISES

True North Adventure Cruises is the winner of numerous awards for excellence.

True North Adventure Cruises is an undisputed market leader and offers activity based itineraries especially designed for the most discerning adventurer.

True North Adventure Cruises consistently operates with impeccable customer satisfaction rates.

True North Adventure Cruises pioneered luxury adventure-cruising along the Kimberley coast 30 years previous. Others cannot equal our experience and knowledge!

Explore the magnificent Kimberley coast on either a 7 night, 10 night or 13 night voyage of discovery.

The TRUE NORTH is an Australian registered ship and is not required to exit territorial waters during Australian voyages – every day on-board the TRUE NORTH is an activity day!

The TRUE NORTH is the ONLY adventure-cruise ship in the southern hemisphere that travels with an on-board helicopter – an air conditioned Eurocopter.

The TRUE NORTH features enhanced levels of comfort throughout – allowing guests opportunity to experience wilderness in surroundings more akin to one of the world’s most exclusive hotels.

The TRUE NORTH features several lavish vantage points including a sundeck, an observation lounge, a ship’s lounge, an alfresco bar and a sports deck.

All cabins feature en-suites, in-cabin entertainment and private satellite telephones.

An internet café enables guests to maintain contact with the corporate world.

The TRUE NORTH is purpose built for accessing shallow coastal environs and river systems – bigger ships cannot go where we go!

The TRUE NORTH features computer controlled motion stabilizers.

The TRUE NORTH is fully licensed for fishing activities.

The TRUE NORTH is revered for its on-board dining.

Legendary and authentic service – the TRUE NORTH welcomes just 36 guests and, an AUSTRALIAN crew uniquely chaperones your every experience ensuring our renowned reputation for attention to detail.

Avoid the crowds – we carry 6 dedicated adventure boats (not rubber boats) that provide guests with opportunity to experience wilderness in comfort and, in small groups. We can also make greater provision for guests to do ‘what they want, when they want’!

Experience the destination – our cruises are activity-based and extended periods at sea are specifically avoided. Daily activities include scenic walks, helicopter flights, culture, fishing, snorkelling, picnics, diving, exploring, nature and much, much more! A ship’s naturalist presents entertaining interpretative sessions.

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Select the Deck to view detail.

True North II - Lower Deck

True North II - Main Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Explorer Class Staterooms

Located on the main deck – Explorer Class staterooms feature a free standing queen size bed and a twin basin en-suite. Cabin size is 12 square metres (129 square feet). Other features include large panoramic windows, in-cabin entertainment and desk space.

River Class Cabins

Located on the main and lower decks – River Class cabins feature a queen size double and en-suite. Cabin size is 7 square metres (75 square feet). Other features include a large panoramic window or two port holes, in-cabin entertainment and option for pullman.

Ocean Class Cabins

Located on the lower deck – Ocean Class cabins features roomy 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.

Rowley Shoals - Ocean Class

Located on the lower deck – Ocean Class cabins features roomy 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.

Abrolhos Islands - Ocean Class

Located on the lower deck – Ocean Class cabins features roomy 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.

Ord - Explorer Class

Located on the main deck – Explorer Class staterooms feature a free standing queen size bed and a twin basin en-suite. Cabin size is 12 square metres (129 square feet). Other features include large panoramic windows, in-cabin entertainment and desk space.

Roe - River Class

Located on the main and lower decks – River Class cabins feature a queen size double and en-suite. Cabin size is 7 square metres (75 square feet). Other features include a large panoramic window or two port holes, in-cabin entertainment and option for pullman.

Sale - River Class

Located on the main and lower decks – River Class cabins feature a queen size double and en-suite. Cabin size is 7 square metres (75 square feet). Other features include a large panoramic window or two port holes, in-cabin entertainment and option for pullman.

Charnley - River Class

Located on the main and lower decks – River Class cabins feature a queen size double and en-suite. Cabin size is 7 square metres (75 square feet). Other features include a large panoramic window or two port holes, in-cabin entertainment and option for pullman.

Glenelg - River Class

Located on the main and lower decks – River Class cabins feature a queen size double and en-suite. Cabin size is 7 square metres (75 square feet). Other features include a large panoramic window or two port holes, in-cabin entertainment and option for pullman.

Montebello Islands - Ocean Class

Located on the lower deck – Ocean Class cabins features roomy 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.

Pentecost - Explorer Class

Located on the main deck – Explorer Class staterooms feature a free standing queen size bed and a twin basin en-suite. Cabin size is 12 square metres (129 square feet). Other features include large panoramic windows, in-cabin entertainment and desk space.