State: New South Wales
Operator: North Star Cruises
Minimum Price: AUD $ 1,500

Begin with a stylish evening cruise on one of the fi nest harbours in the world! Cruise past Sydney’s exclusive northern beaches and make an impression on the Pittwater locals! Discover wilderness on the doorstep of Australia’s largest city and encounter the fascinating river communities of the Hawkesbury River.”

 

Welcome Aboard!

The True North allows discerning adventures to experience wilderness in surroundings more akin to one of the world’s most exclusive hotels!

Passengers are able to take advantage of a number of lavish vantage points including a sundeck, a forward observation lounge, a ship’s lounge and an alfresco bar. The ship’s naturalist presents interpretative information on plasma screens and, an internet café enables convenient communication with the outside world. A popular venue on any North Star cruise, the lower deck dining room offers the ultimate in comfort and uninterrupted vista - large panoramic windows ensure that passengers never miss any of the action, even when they are enjoying the ‘finest in fine dining’.

All cabins feature enhanced décor, en-suite facilities, in-house entertainment and satellite telephones. The Explorer Class staterooms and the River Class cabins offer king size beds that can be converted to singles and the Ocean Class twins feature roomy single beds.

Multiple expedition boats allow passengers to do “what they want, when the want” and, to add yet another dimension to adventure, the True North is the only Kimberley adventure-cruise ship that sails with it’s own helicopter!

The purpose built True North is able to explore the upper reaches of shallow river systems – passengers need only step out of their cabins to experience wilderness and, the latest in computer controlled motion stabilizers ensures a comfortable ride.

The True North – one of the finest adventure-cruise ships in the world!

Night 1	Come aboard one of the most unique adventure-cruise ships in the world, in one of the fi nest harbours in the world! Featuring the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, Sydney’s stunning evening skies will set the scene for an evening of indulgence aboard the acclaimed TRUE NORTH! Join an ‘A List’ of adventurers for pre-dinner drinks in the ship’s bar before celebrating a degustation of TRUE NORTH’S renowned cuisine. Then, get ready for a party to remember as you “let your hair down” with our legendary crew!
Day 1	Dawn heralds a voyage out past the Heads, but not before the ship’s helicopter reveals yet another dimension to Sydney’s remarkable deep water haven. Bathed in the brilliant light of a new day – a fi ner view of city and harbour will not likely come your way. Then panoramic windows will frame an equally rare vantage of Sydney’s highly regarded northern beaches – in the distinctive comfort of the ship’s observation lounge, savour Eggs Benedict superior with whisky cured salmon as slowly rolling breakers set before a lifestyle that would be the envy of most. As we round Barrenjoey Head the expedition boats will be away! A stone cobbled track leads to Barrenjoey Light and the original keeper’s grave. Join a short tour of the lighthouse and enjoy magnifi cent views across the narrow spit that divides the beauty of Palm Beach and the privilege of Pittwater. And the helicopter will be away again – this time for an exhilarating introduction to the extended waters of Broken Bay and beyond. Or perhaps this will be an opportunity to satisfy something long yearned – how about ‘long-boarding’ off gentle Palm Beach? Here the rollers are tailor-made for pleasing unsatisfi ed ambition. And of course there will be time to fi sh, where whiting, bream, fl athead and fl ounder are found. Back onboard contemporary fl avours will again impress – antipasto in the alfresco lounge will compliment a leisurely lunchtime cruise across the stunning waters of Pittwater Bay. The vista is of yachts and boats, house and hill – a relaxed respite amidst urban life. After lunch enjoy a swim on Resolute, West Head or Flannel Flower Beach. Stroll along summertime avenues of café and stall, or enjoy an afternoon beer oblivious to all. In the late afternoon cruise around Flint & Steel Point deep into Ku-ring-gai Chase – Australia’s second oldest national park. Our journey takes us along fl ooded valley where the water is deep and the slopes are steep - bold rocks under heavy canopy of eucalypt will draw comparisons with wilderness far from here! Cocktails & canapés in the bar, entrée on the deck, and then, in the comfort of our stylish saloon, savour a choice of innovative main dishes prepared by our vibrantly creative young chefs! And on a balmy Hawkesbury night, alfresco dessert will also delight!
Day 2	Wake this morning still in the heart of wilderness - the bays and creeks of Cowan Water abound in undisturbed natural beauty. And there will be more of the same as the ship’s helicopter strikes out for the famed Blue Mountains – an opportunity to see the Three Sisters as you have never seen them before! Take a scenic cruise in the upper reaches of Cowan Creek – here Halvorsen Boats built their fi rst fi ne craft in1887! Or perhaps less fortunate maritime events will be of interest – off Broken Bay, join experienced crew members for a wreck-dive on the VALIANT! As the TRUE NORTH slowly cruises up the mighty Hawkesbury there will be opportunities to tangle with a mud crab or to outwit an elusive jewfi sh. Maybe you would prefer to explore one of the many mangrove creeks in the comfort of our dedicated expedition boats, or perhaps a bush walk to see evidence of past Aboriginal and European endeavour. The more contemporary communities that line Berowra Waters will appeal – innovative and sometimes striking design blended with seemingly unperturbed nature. And the longer established river communities will also charm – private jetties and boat houses washed by 1950 vintage ferries and every other imaginable craft. Regardless, you will fi nd it hard not to be intrigued by neighbours so completely at ease with the restless waters of the Hawkesbury. Regroup as one the TRUE NORTH’S famous beach picnics gets underway! It’s likely that the famous Sydney Rock Oyster will feature and after lunch a tour of an oyster farm will begin to unravel some of the mystique that surrounds these delectable delicacies! This afternoon’s heli-fl ights will also please the pallet – enjoy the hospitality of our featured Hunter Valley winery and taste some of New South Wales’ most respected vintage. Whilst those who are not necessarily thinking about things gastronomic might be tempted to join our enthusiastic crew for a spot of horseback riding! There are also many interesting walks around the entrance to the Hawkesbury and just as many inviting beaches for that refreshing post walk swim! But don’t be away late - something special is in wait! Remember outdoor dance fl oors and party lights strung in the trees – lament an era past for this is sure to be a blast! A river-dance like no other! Wine and dine, then boogie the night away with a band fl own in just for your stay! A fi tting soiree before going separate ways!
Day 3	Enjoy an early morning cruise back past the northern beaches – past the heads and past the famous Sydney-side suburbs of Watson’s, Double and Rose Bay. Disembarkation proceedings will commence at approximately 0800 and we are sure that you will already be looking forward to your next opportunity to Go Wild in Style!

Notes:

Special Departure Dates: Cruise 1 4 Jan – 7 Jan Sydney - Hawkesbury River – Sydney Cruise 2 8 Jan – 11 Jan Sydney - Hawkesbury River – Sydney
Trip Duration: 3 days
Departs from: Sydney
Tour Ends: Sydney
All Prices: $1,500 per person Ocean Class Twin $2,250 per person River Class Double $3,000 per person Explorer Class Stateroom