AUSTRALIA - Kimberley Wilderness
Cruise.
Visit the far North-west, one of the last great
wildernesses.
The
vast, exciting Kimberley
region is one of the world's last great wildernesses. Situated in the remote
far north of Western
Australia, it is like
nowhere else on earth: Wildly beautiful landscapes of rugged mountain ranges,
spectacular river gorges and majestic waterfalls.
Tropical
waters, where buccaneers once sailed, inhabited by dolphins, giant turtles and saltwater crocodiles.
Discover the wonders of this fascinating region on a meandering
2,000 km True North Wilderness Cruise. Explore secluded beaches, bays and
natural harbours as we weave among thousands of deserted islands.
The True
North sails complete with an onboard Bell 407 Helicopter, which adds a new
dimension to this ultimate holiday experience. We can accommodate 6 passengers
in air-conditioned comfort to explore new territory, enjoy scenic flights over
waterfalls, rivers and gorges and give you the opportunity to fish some of the
most remote places with Heli-fishing.
A
typical day ... might involve exploring an unknown estuary, trying to land the
evening meal, or swimming in rock pools beneath towering cascades. We have the
opportunity to see ancient aboriginal cave paintings - but who was responsible
for the very different, recently discovered 'Bradshaw figures' that precede
traditional paintings by thousands of years? The region is steeped in curious
stories of legendary human endeavour - of shipwreck, survival and tragedy. Experience
the power of the largest tidal range in the world. Like everything in the Kimberley the
contrasts are extreme.
Cruise up the Prince Regent River to witness the natural beauty of the King's
Cascade waterfall. See sharks, crocodiles, giant turtles and gigantic schools
of fish at close quarters on a helicopter flight over the unique Montgomery
Reef.
True North Wilderness Cruises are for various
lengths departing from Broome or Wyndham between April and September.
This wonderful vessel is the most modern and
luxurious cruise boat of its type in Australia.
The spacious, state-of-the-art 34 metre
luxury cruiser was purpose-designed and built for exploring Australia's
remote coastal waters. The True North has a crew of 10 and can accommodate up
to 28 passengers in air-conditioned comfort.
Pictured above is the Lounge Room aboard the
True North.
Passengers have the choice of:
2 luxuriously appointed State Rooms (pictured above) with private en suites;
6 luxury Double Cabins with queen size beds and
private en suites;
1 Twin Cabin with bunk beds and private en
suite;
or 5 Twin Cabins
containing bunk beds and sharing 3 bathrooms.
No two
trips are the same on this incredible vessel.
Wilderness Cruise
Night 1:
Your “welcome aboard” the magnificent True North is in the pearling
port of Broome. Embarkation is at 1700 – time for a cocktail with your fellow
adventurers before departing at approximately 1830 on the adventure cruise of a
lifetime. Dinner is served shortly after leaving port and then it’s an
overnight 
cruise to Yampi Sound.
Day 1:
Awake to the majestic Kimberley, then savour an irresistible True North
breakfast as we glide past Cockatoo & Koolan Islands - our attentive crew will be happy to introduce the colourful
histories of both! Then it’s time to ‘personally’ introduce you to a Kimberley icon – The Horizontal Falls. Experience the awesome power of the
region’s huge tidal range in an exhilarating tender ride and then climb aboard
your air-conditioned helicopter for a view of the falls that very few
experience! Then – you will have hardly had a chance to catch your breath when,
for those who can’t wait one minute longer, Leadline Creek will be the first
opportunity to ‘land a barra’! Before you know it, your first day onboard will
be coming to an end – but there’s still time to select a fine wine from our own
label and to enjoy a leisurely evening meal as we cruise to Raft Point.
Day 2:
Three Ways presents an early morning opportunity to continue ‘the
hunt for the elusive barramundi’ and then there’s plenty of time for exploring
No Name Creek and, for a refreshing swim at the beautiful Ruby Falls! After lunch the well-preserved Wandjina paintings of Raft Point
will intrigue before we cruise to the mouth of the Sale River and our overnight anchorage.
Day 3:
This morning is devoted to exploring the Sale River. Fish the mouth for barra and then join naturalists and
adventurers alike as we ‘ride the tide’ on a classic river expedition! Enjoy a
swim in your very own billabong before returning to the ultimate comfort of the
True North. Then, you’ll probably be enjoying lunch as we weigh anchor and
cruise for another Kimberley icon - Montgomery Reef! Montgomery is a unique eco-system that must be seen to be believed – and see
it you will – as 140 square miles of coral reef rises out of the ocean right
before your very eyes! Water cascades from the reef as the tide falls exposing
a privileged glimpse of another world! Turtles, dugong, manta rays and every
imaginable sea creature abound and the helicopter puts all in perspective!
Day 4:
We wake this morning in Kuri Bay and the day’s activities commence with a unique visit to a pearl
farm – a Paspaley pearl farm – home to the most beautiful pearls in the world!
We then cruise to Camden Harbour – the site of a failed 1865 attempt to settle the Kimberley. Visit the settlement ruins and then volunteer for an ‘oyster
collecting party’ before joining the ‘fun and games’ on Entrance Island! Finish the day with a sunset drink on the beach and then it’s
back onboard for an evening cruise to the St George Basin and the mighty
Prince Regent River!
Day 5:
The scenery will astound and there are some ‘not to be missed’
fishing spots as the True North graces this majestic river! At Kings Cascades
we manoeuvre the True North right under the falls before yet another
breathtaking helicopter flight to a picnic that you’ll never forget – True
North’s mouth-watering cuisine alongside a crystal clear billabong – in one of
the most remote places on earth! The helicopter will also be popular when the
first group of intrepid explorers returns from Jurassic Park! Then we’ll rejoin the True North for the infamous Captain’s Party
and overnight anchorage off Camp Creek
Day 6:
The ‘early risers’ will be treated to a helicopter flight with a
difference – a ‘champagne sunrise’ on the top of the spectacular Mount Trafalgar. Then its time for more ‘adventure in the tender’ – a chance to
stretch the laces on your hiking boots and to swim in yet another picture
perfect billabong! The more adventurous will use the helicopter to fish
‘billabongs that have never been fished’ and everyone will find their own
special part of the mighty Regent! All too soon we will slowly meander
downstream in time to visit one of the Kimberley’s most historic sites – Phillip Parker King’s boab tree.
Day 7:
If you think the Regent was good – wait till ya’ see the Hunter!
With stunning red cliffs set behind rainforest and mangroves - the Hunter River is yet another awesome setting for fishing, mud crabbing, bird
watching and just simply exploring! It’s only a short hike to Jackson Falls and there’s even more splendour from the helicopter! Hopefully
we’ll have time for a sunset drink on Naturaliste Island and then it’s an overnight cruise to the Mitchell River.
Day 8:
The Mitchell River is renowned for big barra and even bigger crocs! Join the tenders
as we head ‘up river’ to the scenic Surveyors Creek. It’s a great place for a
swim and picnic lunch. Don’t miss the helicopter flights over the Mitchell Falls before we continue onto Vansittart Bay.
Day 9:
Today you will have an opportunity to see the “Bradshaws” -
ancient rock art that pre-dates the Wandjina paintings! They are possibly the
oldest known to man. The heli-picnic at Eagle Falls is always a ‘big hit’, the tenders will be busy exploring local
beaches and rivers, and, we also visit the site of a bomber that crashed during
WWII. Overnight we cruise to the Drysdale River.
Day 10:
This morning we fish and explore The Drysdale before cruising to
yet another mighty Kimberley river – The King George! As soon as the tide is high enough,
we’ll cross the sand bars at the mouth to reveal even more breathtaking river
vista! Then our journey upstream will take us to the very ‘jewel in the crown’
- The King George Falls! Here we anchor at the base of the Twin Falls and you will find endless places to explore! Climb, or take the
helicopter, to the top of the falls for a cruise highlight! Visit waterholes,
fish for barramundi and mangrove jacks, swim at the crevice or just relax with
a drink whilst eating fresh oysters off the rocks! Just the thought of leaving
this magnificence will inspire mutiny!
Day 11:
The morning will be spent calming the ‘mutineers’ – another
morning bathed in the absolute splendour of The Falls! Then we’ll slip quietly
away to visit Koolama Bay and Tranquil Bay before continuing onto the Berkeley River.
Day 12:
Your last chance to catch a barra! But the Berkeley rarely disappoints! Again, fishing and exploring opportunities
unfold all day. Then, all too soon, it will be time to take advantage of the
high tide and to make for the Cambridge Gulf - the final leg of our voyage and, our final destination – the
frontier port of Wyndham!
Day 13:
Your courtesy coach will arrive at approximately 0800 hours for transfer to
Kununurra and your crew will bid you farewell.
Please
Note:
Due to
the extremely high tidal range in the Kimberley region,
exact times of each activity cannot be given.
Tides
completely rule the timing of our day-to-day operations and therefore
activities are scheduled slightly differently on each trip to optimise
conditions and opportunities as they present themselves. Although not
repeatedly mentioned, fishing and helicopter flights are available throughout
most of the cruise.
Please
note that places mentioned might not be visited on every charter, but note that
there are many wonderful places to explore, so you will always have a new
adventure each day!
COSTS for 2004:
$
7990.00 pp Twin Cabin.
$ 8990.00 pp Twin Cabin En-suite.
$ 10990.00 pp Lower Deck Double En-suite.
$ 14490.00 pp Mid Deck Double En-suite.
$ 16990.00 pp Luxury Stateroom En-suite.
Maximum 28
passengers
All prices quoted include GST
Price includes:
Cabin
accommodation as booked.
All
meals when aboard or on excursion.
Tea, coffee etc with
meals or when requested.
Price excludes:
Airfares and
hotel accommodation prior to or post cruise.
Alcoholic
drinks.
Laundry
and other items of personal nature.
Tips
and gratuities for boat staff.