Duration
13
Nights
Over the Top
Darwin to
Cairns
Cruise from Darwin to Cairns 2024 and 2025
Overview
Life's different after an adventure over the top
A trip up north won’t ever feel the same again after discovering the top coast of Australia. Explore the ruins of the ill-fated Victoria settlement, fish for the elusive barramundi, then soak up the rainforest-fringed coastline of Cape York and of course, see the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef.
Please note: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions, local arrangements and indeed, what we discover on the day, may cause variation to our schedule. Helicopter flights can be purchased additional to the indicated tariff as a package or individually. Please refer to the Departure Dates to determine if this itinerary is available on the TRUE NORTH or TRUE NORTH II.
ITINERARY
Welcome Aboard
Welcome aboard the mighty True North and the luxuries of the galley in Darwin, before embarking with a cocktail in hand.
Top End Safari Camp
Today we’ll depart the True North to experience the Top End Safari Camp. Here we’ll airboat through the Finniss River system lined with spectacular rainforest, spotting crocodiles, wildlife and birds. Morning tea will be served onboard at ‘Cyclone Creek’ for a billabong cruise before a crocodile encounter and feeding experience.
Tiwi Islands
This morning we’ll land ashore at Bathurst Island to the community of Wurrumiyanga and be welcomed to country with a smoking ceremony. Here, we’ll take a tour of the town, visiting the immersive museum, learning about the community’s rich wartime and cultural history and seeing the church from the movie ‘Top End Wedding’. We’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a Tiwi-style screen printing where you can take home your own t-shirt or tea towel.
Cobourg Peninsula
Wake up in the Cobourg Peninsula for an unmissable ride in the helicopter. Today we’ll explore the ruins of the Victoria Settlement, spot sharks, eagle rays, dugong, turtle and crocodiles at Frenzy Creek and search for banteng cattle in the wetlands. Later, we’ll walk through nearby wetland filled with mangrove and a spectacular amount of birds. We’ll also squeeze in some fishing and sample mouth-watering oysters direct from the rocks. Finish the day with an outback sunset, while enjoying a traditional Australian feast onboard the True North.
Arafura Swamp
Today we’ll head to the Arafura Wetlands, spotting buffalo, enormous flocks of magpie geese, Jabiru and crocodiles. You’ll have the opportunity to snag a barra or mackerel, along with seeing the wetlands from a spectacular bird’s eye view in the helicopter.
Wessel Islands
We’ll spend two days at the Wessel Islands. Day one begins shooting the Gugari Rip, a spectacular tidal surge, before exploring its stunning coastlines, turquoise waters, beaches, freshwater falls and magnificent cave system. Your second day will be filled with reef fishing and sightseeing around the Wessel Islands and Cape Wessel area. All before seeing the night out with the onboard Captains Party.
Gulf of Carpentaria
Today we are ‘on passage’ across the Gulf of Carpentaria, where you’ll spend the day recharging and enjoying the onboard activities
and luxury.
Thursday Island
Explore Thursday Island on a guided tour, immersing yourself in local culture, browsing indigenous art, and experiencing island life. Ferry to Horn Island to delve into its wartime history at the museum and historic gun emplacements. As day turns to dusk, venture to Cape York for a memorable excursion to Australia’s northernmost point, watching the sun set over this iconic landmark.
Cape Grenville & Forbes Island
Start the day snorkelling and bottom fishing, before exploring Cape Grenville, then spending the rest of the day on beautiful Forbes Island. Here you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch, snorkel in crystal clear waters, visit nearby sand cays and enjoy beach activities.
Davie Reef
With swimming pool-like conditions, swim, snorkel and dive at the beautiful Davie Reef, surrounded by the spectacular colours of corals
and marine life.
The Cod Hole & Lizard Island
We’ll head down a rainforest-fringed coast to Lizard Island, here you’ll be able to hike up to Cook’s Look or snorkel in the giant clam gardens. You’ll also have the opportunity to discover the famous Cod Hole for a close encounter with the giant potato cod.
Ribbon Reef & Cooktown
Today will be your last opportunity to swim in the mighty Great Barrier Reef, discovering the stunning Ribbon Reefs. Then take a coach tour of Cooktown, explore the surrounding mountains, spend some free time shopping for gifts and getting to know the locals. Then we’ll head back onboard for a farewell dinner before our overnight steam into Cairns.
Arrive in Cairns
The sun rises as True North docks in Cairns. Enjoy a final breakfast aboard, bidding farewell to crew and fellow adventurers. Disembark with a wealth of memories, ready for your onward journey or flight home.
Beloved by True Adventurers
Guest Reviews
Dear all at True North, I am writing to you to thank you for a bloody fantastic trip, Over The Top 2, we did with yourselves a few weeks ago. This...
Dear all at True North, I am writing to you to thank you for a bloody fantastic trip, Over The Top 2, we did with yourselves a few weeks ago. This time it was Angela and I with no other family or mates. The other guests were a great lot, and I reckon we got on well with all of them. As usual the crew were more than helpful with any request, and they all put in such a huge effort to ensure all passengers had a unique experience. On this trip it was hard to pick a particular member of the crew, but it is very hard to go past the efforts both Captain Gav and Hannah who we believe went over and beyond what would normally be expected. However please pass on our sincere thanks to everyone. We believe it was a privilege to see unique parts of Australia that many others do not get a chance to get to, and to do this in style and luxury that the boat provides was brilliant, and will not be forgotten for a very long time. The care taken by the crew to “less able” passengers was excellent to ensure that everyone could experience special places, and for the crew to also see these and be inclusive with us as guests is fantastic we believe. Visiting the Tiwi Islands was a highlight, as was the snorkelling around Lizard Island, the fishing and who could forget having a few “sherbets” on the tip of Australia, all up a fantastically unique trip. We wish you and the Company all the best with True North II, and we look forward to travelling again with yourselves in the near future.
Departure Dates Upcoming Departures
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 $30,995
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
Booking Enquiry
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