Australia’s Best Cruise Destinations

Australia’s coastline is vast, wild, and incredibly diverse, and many of its most iconic places are best explored by sea. Whether it’s the remote rivers and waterfalls of the Kimberley, the untouched coral reefs of the west coast, the sparkling bays of the east, or the buzz of Sydney Harbour, some of Australia’s best cruise destinations can only truly be experienced when you arrive by boat.

With True North and True North II, we take guests to the heart of these places, often well beyond the reach of roads or larger ships. On every itinerary, it’s about more than just seeing the sights. You’ll fish remote rivers, explore hidden bays, fly by helicopter over ancient landscapes, and experience Australia cruise destinations like few others ever do.

Here’s our guide to some of the top Australian cruise destinations you can explore onboard True North.

The Kimberley

If you ask seasoned travellers about Australia cruise destinations, the Kimberley is always at the top of the list. This ancient region of northwest Western Australia is home to some of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders, many of which can only be reached by water.

A Kimberley cruise with True North brings you right into the heart of this wilderness. Highlights include:

Montgomery Reef

Watch in awe as this vast reef emerges from the ocean with the falling tide, revealing cascading waterfalls and a feeding frenzy of turtles, sharks, and birds.

King George Falls (Oomari Falls)

The tallest twin waterfalls in Western Australia, dropping more than 80 metres into the river below. Cruise right beneath the falls or fly over them in the onboard helicopter.

Prince Regent River

A river that cuts a perfectly straight path through deep sandstone gorges, rich in wildlife and home to stunning rock art galleries.

Buccaneer Archipelago

A maze of islands and tidal waterways, perfect for fishing, exploring, and helicopter flights over this spectacular part of the Kimberley.

Eagle Falls

An iconic heli-flight and picnic spot, fly inland and land beside the falls for a private, unforgettable Kimberley experience.

Rowley Shoals

Included on select itineraries, these pristine coral atolls are among the best snorkelling and diving sites in the world.

Sydney Harbour & The New South Wales Coast

Some Australian cruise experiences are about the thrill of the city as much as the wilderness, and nothing matches cruising Sydney Harbour on board True North.

Sydney Rocks (New Year’s Spectacular & Extravaganza)

Front row seats to one of the world’s greatest shows. On this cruise, you’ll anchor in the superyacht anchorage directly across from the Harbour Bridge. Enjoy live music, cocktails, and canapés as you take in the 9 pm and midnight fireworks from the heli deck viewing platform, the highest vantage point on the harbour.

Scenic Helicopter Flights

Fly over the Sydney skyline, taking in the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and glittering coastline.

Broken Bay & Pearl Farm

Cruise north to Broken Bay and visit a historic pearl farm. Learn the art and history of pearling from a family originally based in Broome.

National Park Hikes & Pittwater

Scenic tender rides and hikes through coastal national parks deliver sweeping views of Pittwater and the Northern Beaches.

Hunter Valley Wine Tasting

Take the helicopter inland for a wine tasting experience in the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s most famous wine regions.

The West Australian Coast

The wild and largely untouched west coast of Australia offers a string of incredible Australian cruise destinations. With True North’s small ship capabilities and onboard helicopter, we explore parts of this coastline that few others can access.

Ningaloo Reef & Shark Bay

This stretch of WA’s Coral Coast is home to the UNESCO-listed Ningaloo Reef, famous for swimming with whale sharks, manta rays, and turtles, and the stunning seagrass meadows of Shark Bay.

Montebello Islands

A remote island group rich in history and marine life. Deserted beaches, snorkelling, and fishing make this a favourite stop on west coast itineraries.

Abrolhos Islands

Famous for their maritime history and vibrant reefs, these islands are ideal for snorkelling, fishing, and exploring the stories of shipwrecks and pearl divers.

Adventure South West

A cruise that delivers big coastal moments, including orca sightings at Bremer Canyon, swimming with dolphins, catching and eating abalone, beachcombing and hiking across the landscapes of Bremer and Esperance, and flying inland for a Margaret River wine adventure. Expect to land at Amelia Park by helicopter and sample iconic local wines.

This coastline is home to some of the best Australian cruises for travellers seeking remote adventure and rich marine life.

The Great Barrier Reef & Far North Queensland

The world’s largest coral reef system is a must-visit on any list of Australia cruise destinations, but with True North, we do it differently.

Our Great Barrier Reef Ultimate and Great Barrier Reef Conservation Expedition cruises focus on the reef’s most pristine and less-visited parts.

Cape York & Coral Coast

Cruise the remote tip of Australia, where rainforest meets reef and Indigenous culture flourishes. Fishing, helicopter flights, and beach landings make this a true adventure.

Lizard Island & Ribbon Reefs

White sand beaches, exceptional snorkelling and diving, and some of the most vibrant coral systems in the reef. Dive famous sites like the Cod Hole and explore the outer Ribbon Reefs.

Channel Drift Snorkelling

Effortlessly drift through natural coral channels, one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the reef.

Tiwi & Thursday Island

Experience Indigenous culture through welcome to country ceremonies and smoking ceremonies, a highlight of Over the Top itineraries.

Southern Australia & Beyond

True North’s itineraries also take you to some of the lesser-known gems of the southern coastline.

Kangaroo Island

Wildlife-rich and visually stunning, Kangaroo Island offers dramatic coastlines, sea lion colonies, Remarkable Rocks, and the famed Yarnbala cultural experience. Hike remote trails and swim with sea lions in crystal-clear waters.

Eyre Peninsula & Spencer Gulf

Known for incredible seafood and marine life encounters, including cage diving with great white sharks, for those seeking the ultimate thrill.

Southern Safari

A culinary and cultural cruise, with highlights including fishing for King George whiting, visiting Maggie Beer’s farm, tasting at Penfolds, and experiencing the epic coastline of South Australia.

For those in search of the best Australian cruises focused on food, wine, and wildlife, this is one of the most rewarding itineraries.

Why Cruise Australia with True North?

Australia’s coastline is made for adventure, but many of its best destinations are only accessible by sea.

When you cruise with True North, you’ll experience these places in ways most travellers never will:

• Australian cruises are designed around remote access and intimate experiences
• Small group adventure boats that take you up close
• Expert guides and local knowledge
• Fine dining and luxury on board

While large cruise ships and well-known cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean cover the main ports, True North focuses on taking you beyond the typical routes, into remote wilderness areas of the Northern Territory, across the wild coasts of the South Pacific, and into secluded bays that big ships simply cannot reach.

For travellers seeking something truly different, True North offers some of the best Australian cruises available today.

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in the Kimberley, snorkelling at Rowley Shoals, sipping wine in Margaret River, or raising a glass under Sydney’s fireworks, a True North cruise is the ultimate way to explore Australia’s cruise destinations.

Ready to start your adventure? Browse our latest itineraries, from Kimberley cruises to Sydney Harbour and the Great Barrier Reef, and discover why True North is Australia’s ultimate adventure cruise.