| Night
1 |
Your 'welcome aboard' 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!
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| Day
1 |
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, mud-crabbing 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 expedition 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!
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| Day
2 |
Wake off the Coburg Peninsular and to another "not to be missed opportunity" in the ship's 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! Our shore parties
will also visit the remote Black Point ranger station and interpretation centre. Join a walk to the 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! Oh
yeah mate! At days end, the True North's alfresco bar will be the perfect spot for an 'outback sunset' and
our evening meal tonight will be traditional "Aussie Fare" in honour of the 1838 settlers.
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| Day
3 |
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 cruise back into
the coast for some more barra action! 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 coast vista.
Finish the day with a cocktail before yet another unforgettable evening meal!
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| Day
4 |
The barra will be on the bite early this morning and see every
kind of water bird on scenic flights over the Arafura Swamp
- possibly the largest paper-bark swamp in the world! Visit Elcho
Island where the Waramirri people will introduce their unique art!
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| Day
5 |
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! Explore 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.
Perhaps the highly prized red emperor will be on the menu
tonight before the sometimes outrageous goings on at the
infamous "Captains Party".
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| Day
6 |
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. In the afternoon guests enjoying the first week only will disembark via
the ship's helicopter for Nhulunbuy (included) before joining a connecting flight to Darwin (also
included).
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| Day
7 |
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!
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| Day
8 |
This morning week two guests will depart Cairns for Horn Island (flight included). Here they will
be transferred to the True North via the ship's helicopter (also included) before joining our 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! Then it's back onboard for an afternoon
cruise and a sunset shore excursion to Cape York - a unique photo opportunity on the northern
most tip of Australia!
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| Day
9 |
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!
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| Day
10 |
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 & diving. |
| Day
11 |
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 hand
feed the giant potato cod!
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| Day
12 |
Lizard Island and another day devoted to swimming, snorkelling & diving! There will also be
opportunities for scenic flights in the helicopter and reef fishing.
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| Day
13 |
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 cruise into Cairns.
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| Day
14 |
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!
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