Duration
13
Nights
Great Barrier Reef Ultimate
Cairns
to
Brisbane (or reverse)
Great Barrier Reef Cruises from Cairns to Brisbane (or reverse)
OverviewStart your adventure in Townsville or Brisbane
A trip to the beach won’t ever feel the same again after visiting the spectacular Great Barrier Reef. From seeing breathtaking other worlds underwater, to magnificent palm lined white beaches and endless opportunities for you to fish for tonight’s dinner, this truly is a trip to paradise.
This is a sample itinerary only. Prevailing conditions, local arrangements and indeed, what we discover on the day, may cause variation. Helicopter flights can be purchased additional to the indicated tariff as a package or individually. Please refer to the sailing schedule to determine if this itinerary is available on the TRUE NORTH or TRUE NORTH II.
ITINERARY
Welcome Aboard
Welcome aboard the mighty True North II in Cairns. Departing at sunset we’ll pass Fitzroy Island with drinks in hand before an overnight steam to Beaver Reef.
Beaver Reef and Missionary Bay
Wake up at Beaver Reef for a dive and snorkel, before heading to Missionary Bay for some fishing and crabbing. Here we’ll adventure on a bushwalk to Hinchinbrook or Nina Peak for some breathtaking views. Finish the day with a cocktail in hand as we travel down Hinchinbrook passage to Haycock Island.
Reef to Rainforest
Wake to the first golden light shimmering across Beaver Reef, where we begin the day with a morning dive or snorkel amongst vibrant coral gardens and curious reef dwellers. This remote patch of reef is alive with colour and movement – a true immersion into the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. After rinsing off and refuelling with a fresh breakfast, we cruise south past the rugged peaks of Hinchinbrook Island. Keep an eye out for dugongs and sea eagles as we glide through the channel – this wild island paradise is as dramatic as it is serene. Over lunch, we steam toward Missionary Bay, where the adventure continues with afternoon fishing in winding mangrove creeks, home to mangrove jack and barramundi. Prefer to stay dry? Join our guides for a beach walk– a chance to stretch your legs, spot wildlife, and soak in the solitude of this untouched coastline. As the sun dips behind the misty hills, we gather back on board for sunset drinks and stories of the day. Another perfect chapter in your Great Barrier Reef escape.
Great Palm Island
We’ll spend an adventure filled day at Great Palm Island. Here you’ll meet the local community and learn about their art, bush tucker and history. Then, explore the spectacular coral gardens of Fantome Island, home to manta rays and turtles. Dive the Western side of Curacoa Island with it’s amazing soft coral and sponge gardens along the wall. For snorkelers, you’ll adventure to the North East corner of Great Palm Island where a WW2 wreck called old Catalina lies. Beachcombers can explore North East Bay, and fishers will have plenty of opportunity to search for squid.
John Brewer Reef
Today we’ll adventure out to one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most beautiful spots, John Brewer Reef. Here we’ll snorkel and dive to the Museum of Underwater Art, a spectacular series of installations by underwater sculptor Jason de Caires Taylor. The works are the first of their kind in the southern hemisphere and represent reef conservation, restoration, education, and connection to the local community. It truly is a once in a lifetime experience.
Cape Bowling Green
Experienced divers will have the opportunity experience one of the best wreck dives in Australia at Yongala. Then we’ll motor to Cape Bowling Green for an afternoon of fishing or crabbing before an overnight steam to Whitehaven Beach.
Whitehaven Beach
Wake up in beautiful Whitehaven Beach for a wander along the beach or a snorkel in the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays. Golfers can also head to Hamilton Island for a game, while others can explore the famous island. In the afternoon we’ll depart to Hook Island.
Hook Island
Today we anchor off Hook Island, a rugged gem of the Whitsundays. Spend the morning snorkelling or diving at stunning sites like Manta Ray Bay, where vibrant reef life surrounds towering bommies. After lunch, choose to fish, hike or explore hidden bays by tender. For a spectacular view, opt for a heli flight over Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach. End the day with sunset drinks on deck, wrapped in the beauty of island wilderness.
Percy Island
Revel in the coral lined beaches of Percy Island as we head ashore for a day of exploring. Spend your day bushwalking, diving, snorkelling or fishing before afternoon drinks on the beach and a sunset enjoyed from the deck of the True North II.
Northwest Island And Masthead
Wake to the serene beauty of Northwest Island, a remote coral cay nestled within the Capricornia Cays National Park. This morning is all about immersing yourself in the reef – snorkel over colourful coral gardens, dive with reef sharks and turtles, or simply soak up the solitude of this pristine marine sanctuary. After lunch, we set course for Masthead Island, another pictureperfect cay fringed by reef. Spend the afternoon exploring the shallows, wandering the white sand beaches, or casting a line with our guides. As the sun sets, we raise a glass on deck – another unforgettable day in paradise.
Lady Elliot And The Bunker Group
Begin the day exploring the crystal-clear waters of Lady Elliot Island, a haven for manta rays, turtles and vibrant coral gardens. Dive or snorkel straight from the beach or relax ashore and soak in the serenity. In the afternoon, we venture to the Bunker Group – a remote cluster of coral cays perfect for fishing, snorkelling or beachcombing. Finish the day with sunset drinks and reflections on another unforgettable reef adventure.
Fraser Island (K'gari) And The Great Sandy Strait
Spend the morning on Fraser Island (K’gari) – the world’s largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. Venture ashore to discover crystal-clear freshwater lakes, ancient rainforest growing from sand, and sweeping beaches that stretch to the horizon. In the afternoon, we cruise through the Great Sandy Strait, a maze of turquoise channels and sheltered bays flanked by mangroves and golden sandbanks. Keep your eyes peeled for dugongs, turtles and dolphins as we wind our way south.
Moreton Island
Known for its spectacular beaches and steep dunes, Moreton Island is truly a slice of paradise. Here you’ll be able to dive Flinders Reef, fish, explore the sand dune beaches or see the bird’s eye view from the helicopter. Finish another spectacular day with drinks on the beach before heading off on our final voyage to Brisbane.
Return to Brisbane
We’ll say goodbye with a morning disembarkation at Brisbane, already
looking forward to your next adventure with us.
Beloved by True Adventurers
Guest Reviews
Departure Dates Upcoming Departures
Great Barrier Reef Ultimate
* Hurry - Limited Cabins Remaining True North II 06 Dec - 19 Dec 2025 06 Dec - 19 Dec 2025
Cabin Pricing
Per person in $AUD, based on double occupancy of cabin.
Ocean Class $20,995
River Class $26,595
River Premium $28,595
Explorer Class $29,595
Cabin Pricing
Per person in $AUD, based on double occupancy of cabin.
Ocean Class $22,995
River Class $27,995
River Premium $29,995
Explorer Class $31,995
Cabin Pricing
Per person in $AUD, based on double occupancy of cabin.
Ocean Class $22,995
River Class $27,995
River Premium $29,995
Explorer Class $31,995
Discover More
Guest Reviews
Blog
Videos and Podcasts
