Great Barrier Reef Snapshot 2024

Your “welcome aboard” the TRUE NORTH is in Townsville, the gateway to some of the best rainforest areas in Australia and, the Great Barrier Reef! 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 Hinchinbrook Island.

Cape Bowling Green is the longest spit in Australia visited by all manner of wildlife including dingoes. At the base of the spit, Cape Bowling Green Lighthouse guides seafarers around the rocky coastline.

Spend the morning in the adventure boats sightseeing, fishing and crabbing in the waters surrounding this sandy beach.

Divers will be in for a treat! Considered one of the world’s top dive sites, the shipwreck of SS Yongala has become an artificial reef, teeming with fish and coral species. Larger marine life such as turtles, rays and schools of giant trevally circle the mostly intact wreck.

The helicopter will offer more spectacular views and there will be more fishing, snorkelling and diving action at Old Reef before we re-join the TRUE NORTH for another perfect night in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Today we visit one of North Queensland’s iconic destinations – the Whitsundays! In the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, these group of 70-odd tropical islands are highly sort after holiday hot spots – yet TRUE NORTH can access those less- explored sites.

An untouched paradise to explore by foot, snorkel and aquatic toy! Join crew ashore to try your hand at paddling a kayak or stand up board. Take a morning stroll along the white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach or, enjoy a more strenuous endeavour to see the lookout.

Those in the helicopter will witness the naturally forming artwork as the tides swirl a myriad of colour in the shallow waters of the picturesque cove. The region is renowned for its extraordinary diversity of underwater life and highly regarded for both snorkelling and diving. A bucket list activity not to be missed.

When you’re not on excursion, relax onboard TRUE NORTH and indulge in our renowned cuisine – the alfresco bar and lounge will definitely be the spot to admire this destinations unblemished beauty at sunset.

This morning we wake in the Percy Islands. These pristine islands off the coast between Mackay and Rockhampton are uninhabited and their unspoilt environment protected within national and conservation parks.

There is numerous snorkelling and dive sites in this area and the avid angler has the opportunity to target pelagic species such as Spanish mackerel and giant trevally.

The naturalist will be taking the sightseeing tender to explore the islands numerous coves and fringing reefs and the helicopter will take to the skies to put it all into perspective!

By sunset, the TRUE NORTH chefs will be preparing a sumptuous goat stew on the secluded beach while guests indulge in a refreshing drink and soak up the setting sun!

Another day in tropical paradise as we explore both above and below the water!

The tidal waters of Island Head Creek are popular mating grounds for green turtle and, they are also home to arguably the biggest mud crabs in Australia! Join the adventure boats and drop a net in the mangroves. If lady luck is on your side, you might just add a hand- sized claw of delectable crab to tonight’s sunset fare!

Other day five highlights will include snorkelling and diving over pristine reefs, catching a monster tuna or a leisurely wonder along an endless sandy beach.

And, as you’ve seen it every other manner, you can’t miss seeing this coastline from the air! The Hinterland runs along the Eastern Coastline - crystal blue water on one side and World Heritage listed rainforest on the other. The picturesque Great Dividing Range is the distinct mountainous range stretching as far as the eye can see and overgrown with Gondwana rainforest.

Lady Elliot Island is beckoning us, laying in the highly protected “Green Zone”. A heli flight will guarantee spotting any one of the 700 species of manta rays. Divers and snorkellers will be spoilt for choice as the Island’s reefs support over 1,200 species of marine life. A walking tour will delight: Lady Elliot has been a conservation success for over 50 years. Two days in this stunning region is never enough!

Around Moreton Island, 15 ships were deliberately sunk to create a break water for the smaller vessels and an amazing man-made reef structure for snorkelers and divers to delight! The naturalist will lead a sightsee exploration in the adventure boats and the crew will join you for a walk to the local lighthouse. The boards will be out to ride the waves and the shore party will be set up.

Divers will don masks and BCD’s to explore the HMAS Brisbane wreck and the helicopter will provide more opportunity for splendour from above!

It’s your last day onboard so squeeze in as much as you can! Today we prepare to dive the immaculate Flinders Reef, a protected marine sanctuary in the Moreton Bay Marine Park, and one of Queensland’s most beautiful dive sites. The walls of this stunning reef are covered in over one hundred coral species, as well as soft corals, gorgonians and sponges. Meanwhile, the heli will set out to explore Moreton Bay’s secluded white sand beaches and hidden coves.

We finish the adventure with stunning sunset drinks on the beach and a farewell dinner to remember!