Over The Top: Exploring the Coastline from Darwin to Cairns

Australia’s northern edge is a place of extremes. It’s where crocodile-filled rivers spill into the sea, where ancient cultures still guide the land, and where untouched reefs sparkle beneath the tropical sun. 

Stretching from Darwin to Cairns, the coast here is wild, diverse and endlessly fascinating. And there’s no better way to experience it than aboard the True North.

Our 13-night Over the Top adventure traces this remarkable coastline, combining remote wilderness with vibrant culture and world-class reef encounters. From Arnhem Land to Cape York, and finally into the Great Barrier Reef, every day brings a new discovery. Here’s just a taste of what awaits. 

Day 1 – Top End safari: Crocs, rivers and wild encounters

Your journey begins with a serious thrill. After departing Darwin, the True North takes you straight into the wild heart of the Top End. At Matt Wright’s Top End Safari Camp, airboats skim across the Finniss River, where mangroves shelter rich birdlife and wetlands stretch as far as the eye can see.

And the adventure definitely doesn’t stop there… You’ll drift along a billabong cruise, winding through rainforest-fringed creeks and glassy lagoons where wildlife thrives all around you. 

It’s an introduction that sets the stage for what’s to come. That is, a journey filled with rare encounters and extraordinary moments.

Day 2 – Tiwi Islands: A warm cultural welcome

From wilderness to culture, day two takes you ashore at Bathurst Island. The Tiwi people welcome you to Wurrumiyanga with a traditional smoking ceremony, which sets the tone for a day steeped in heritage.

Next, you’ll explore the town’s immersive museum, discover its wartime history, and step inside the church made famous in the beloved rom-com Top End Wedding.

Creativity runs deep here, and you’ll even try your hand at Tiwi-style screen printing  –  taking home your own unique piece of art! It’s a privilege few travellers ever experience, and one that leaves a lasting impression.

Day 3 & 4 – Cobourg Peninsula & Arafura Wetlands: History and wildlife in abundance

Up next, the True North anchors off the Cobourg Peninsula, and helicopters whisk you above wetlands and coastline in one truly extraordinary panorama. Once on the ground, history unfolds before your very eyes at the ruins of Victoria Settlement, providing sightseers a poignant reminder of early attempts to tame this rugged land.

The wilderness here feels alive all around you. At Frenzy Creek, for instance, you might spot sharks gliding beneath the surface or a dugong drifting quietly past, while buffalo and banteng cattle roam the plains beyond. 

If you’re a keen birdwatcher, you’ll have your binoculars out as magpie geese, Jabiru and countless other species fill the skies. And when it’s time to cast a line or prise oysters straight from the rocks, you’ll discover just how rewarding this coastline can be.

Day 5 & 6 – The Wessel Islands: Remote beauty and tidal wonders

Across the next two days, you’ll discover the untouched splendour of the Wessel Islands, a remote paradise of wild coastlines, cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear waters.

This two-day adventure begins at the Gugari Rip. This powerful tidal surge showcases the force of the ocean in action. Then it’s time to explore waterfalls tumbling into secluded coves. Vast cave systems carved from rock. And beaches where you’re more likely to see shells than footprints. 

On your second day, the focus shifts to fishing and reef exploration. You’ll cast a line for prized species and enjoy watching the beautiful gin-clear waters. As the sun sets on another day of adventure, evenings bring time for relaxation, capped off by the unforgettable Captain’s Party beneath the night sky.

Day 7 & 8 – Thursday Island & Cape York: Stories from the tip of Australia

Crossing the Gulf of Carpentaria, the True North arrives at the vibrant hub of Torres Strait culture  –  Thursday Island. Here, you’ll meet local communities, shop for art, and explore wartime history on both Thursday and neighbouring Horn Island.

As the day draws to a close, a shore excursion takes you to Cape York, which is the northernmost tip of mainland Australia. Standing here, with the Torres Strait stretching ahead, you’ll feel the true sense of remoteness that defines this unforgettable voyage.

Day 9 & 10 – Forbes Island & Davie Reef: A water-lover’s dream

From the rugged north, the adventure melts into pure tropical bliss. At Cape Grenville and Forbes Island, you’ll find yourself snorkelling over pristine coral gardens, enjoying picnics on untouched white-sand beaches, and wandering across hidden sand cays that seem to rise just for you. Best of all, you’ll have it all to yourself, surrounded only by the silence of the sea.

The journey continues the next day at Davie Reef. This is a place so serene and crystal-clear it feels like nature’s own infinity pool. While on the reef, you can slip into the calm waters to snorkel or dive among vibrant corals. Or simply float and watch as schools of reef fish glimmer and dance in every direction. 

Day 11 – Lizard Island & the Cod Hole: Reef encounters up close

On Day 11, you’ll spend your time at one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most iconic destinations  –  Lizard Island. You can hike up to Cook’s Look for sweeping views across the reef, or head straight into the water to snorkel among the giant clam gardens just off the beach.

Later, you’ll visit the famous Cod Hole, where enormous potato cod swim right up to divers and snorkellers. You’ll see these gentle giants up close, moving slowly and fearlessly through the water. This is a breathtaking highlight that makes this day stand out as one of the most memorable on the journey.

Day 12 & 13 – Ribbon Reef & Cooktown: Farewell to the frontier

Your final days aboard the True North bring a fitting finale to this remarkable journey. Before reaching Cairns, you’ll stop at the Ribbon Reefs, a pristine stretch of the Great Barrier Reef known for its gleaming coral gardens and abundant marine life.

It’s one last opportunity to snorkel or dive in waters teeming with colour and soak in the magnificence of the reef before you say goodbye.

From there, the adventure turns to Cooktown, a frontier town with a unique mix of history and character. Surrounded by rugged mountains, this is where Captain Cook came ashore in 1770. And today you’ll have the chance to wander the markets, explore its heritage, and take in the laid-back atmosphere.

As evening falls, you’ll return to the ship for a special farewell dinner. A final celebration with your fellow travellers and crew, sharing stories and highlights from your time together. It’s the perfect way to bring your voyage to a close before disembarking in Cairns.

More than a cruise  –  an adventure of a lifetime!

The Over the Top journey is unlike any other. It’s 13 nights of contrasts: wild river safaris and reef snorkels; cultural ceremonies and beach picnics; and helicopter flights and quiet evenings beneath the stars.

Every day is carefully crafted to immerse you in the landscapes, stories and spirit of Australia’s north. And for those who want more than sightseeing, this is your chance to experience intimately one of the most extraordinary coastlines on Earth.

Join us aboard the True North and discover the unforgettable journey from Darwin to Cairns  –  the ultimate adventure, Over The Top.