Kimberley Ultimate 14 Day Australia Cruise

Join our coach transfer in Kununurra – your “welcome aboard” the magnificent TRUE NORTH will be in the frontier town of Wyndham. Embarkation is at 1700 – time for a cocktail with your fellow adventurers before departing at approximately 1830. Dinner is served shortly after leaving port and then it’s an overnight cruise to the King George River.

As soon as the tide is high enough, we’ll cross the sand bar at the mouth of the mighty King George to reveal a breathtaking river vista. Our journey upstream will take us to the very ‘jewel in the crown’ – The King George Falls. Here we anchor at the base of the Twin Falls and you will find endless places to explore. Take the helicopter to the top of the falls for a Kimberley highlight. In the afternoon learn about the history of the wreck of the Koolama and take a stroll at Tranquil Bay

Explore the Drysdale and catch one of our favourite fish, the impressive mangrove jack! The adventure boats will then head “up-river” for scones and billy tea – a signature TRUE NORTH experience! There will also be an opportunity to indulge in some beachcombing and, in the afternoon the ship’s helicopter will visit the remote community of Kalumburu.

Today you will see the “Bradshaws” - ancient rock art that pre-dates other examples of Aboriginal culture. In fact, they are possibly the oldest ‘paintings’ known to man. The heli-picnic at Eagle Falls is always a ‘big hit’ – a breathtaking helicopter flight and, the TRUE NORTH’s mouth-watering fare alongside a picture-perfect waterfall! Vansittart Bay also has a reputation for producing monster mackerel and the adventure boats will also be busy exploring the local beaches and creeks.

The Mitchell River is renowned for big barra and even bigger crocs! The adventure boats will head up river to 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 the spectacular Mitchell Falls! Then join us for our pearl and diamond party! Enjoy a glass of bubbly whilst trying on exquisite pieces created by the artistes at Allure, Jewels of the Kimberley and Kimberley Fine Diamonds.

Wake up 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 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. Join the crew for a walk through a rock art gallery, followed by sunset drinks on the picturesque Winyalkin Island. Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres from our chefs and watch the sun descend on another action packed day in the Kimberley!

The Roe River - another great opportunity to catch a barra as we explore a river that boasts one of the highest crocodile counts in the Kimberley! The Roe was named after the first Surveyor-General of Western Australia - John Septimus Roe conducted numerous expeditions along the Kimberley coast between 1829 and 1849 and the ship’s helicopter will dramatically demonstrate the maze of creeks and endless coast that the early explorers encountered! In the afternoon we will sail into Prince Frederick Harbour to visit a Wandjina art site on the aptly named Art Island! And the heli will be available to perch on one of the Kimberley’s highest peaks – sunset over Prince Frederick Harbour (accompanied by cheese and bubbles no doubt!)

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, bird-watching 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, visit one of the Kimberley’s most historic sites – Phillip Parker King’s boab tree.

In the heart of the Kimberley lies the mighty Prince Regent! The scenery will astound and there will be some ‘not to be missed’ fishing action as the TRUE NORTH graces this majestic river! At King Cascade we will manoeuvre the TRUE NORTH right under the falls before another breathtaking helicopter flight to a picnic that you’ll never forget – our chefs will prepare more of their destination-inspired dishes alongside a crystal clear billabong – in one of the most remote places on earth! The helicopter will also be popular when the first group of intrepid explorers returns from Jurassic Park! Then we’ll re-join the TRUE NORTH for an overnight anchorage off Camp Creek.

The early-risers will be treated to a heli-flight with a difference – a champagne sunrise on the top of a mountain! The sightseeing tenders will explore Camp Creek before another breathtaking helicopter flight to a picnic that you’ll never forget – our chefs will prepare more of their destination-inspired dishes alongside a crystal-clear billabong – in one of the most remote places on earth! The helicopter will take to the skies once again, this time to land at several remote rock art sites. Accessible only by helicopter, these ancient art galleries will simply leave you in awe.

Start the day with some more hot fishing action – this time 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. Enjoy lunch as we weigh anchor and set sail for 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!

The adventure boats will be away early for another ‘crack at the fish!’ Trolling around the Kingfisher Islands reliably produces hefty pelagics such as armwrenching trevally and lure smashing mackerel. A couple of good-sized ‘goldies’ and some leaping queenfish will add to the sashimi menu! The keen anglers will take-off on a heli fishing adventure to a secret-spot where the fresh meets the salt and as the day comes to an end, make your way to the bar lounge for cocktail hour before another unique dining experience.

It’s time to ‘personally’ introduce you to another 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 then walk on the squeaky white sands of Silica Beach. Or join one of the adventure boats on a sightseeing expedition to Whirlpool Pass, another demonstration of the Kimberley’s powerful tides. All too soon your adventure on the TRUE NORTH is coming to an end – enjoy a farewell dinner to remember as the TRUE NORTH glides past Cockatoo and Koolan Islands, Cape Leveque and down the Dampier Peninsula to Broome!

Our arrival in Broome is in time for an early morning coach transfer to your accommodation or connecting flights and the crew will already be looking forward to their next opportunity to welcome you aboard the TRUE NORTH!

This itinerary is provided as example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. Helicopter flights can be purchased additional to the cruise tariff as a package or individually.