State: Western Sailing
Operator: North Star Cruises
Minimum Price: AUD $ 6,495 Join the renowned crew of the True North on yet another voyage of discovery …… this time you will encounter a vast & remarkable coastline featuring sociable marine mammals, mutineers, island paradise and colossal sharks!
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 |
Your “welcome aboard” the luxurious True North is in the port city of Fremantle.
Embarkation proceedings begin at 1500 – then join the sunset cocktail party as we commence our overnight cruise to the Abrolhos Islands.
A sumptuous dinner, a glass of fine wine from our very own label and, the comforts of your cabin, will ensure that you are adequately prepared for the coming days activities!
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| Day 1 |
The Houtman Abrolhos – so named to warn mariners to “keep a sharp look-out”, but the fate of the Dutch East-Indian merchantman Batavia was sealed long before her hapless captain could take heed.
In the dark of night the Batavia struck an unforgiving Abrolhos’ reef and so began a terrifying sequence of events overshadowed by desertion, betrayal, murder and revenge! Snorkel and dive in the crystal clear waters of the wreck site, see the remarkably preserved canons from this 1629 calamity, walk amongst the ruins of rudimentary ‘forts’ built against the ravages of mutineers and visit the island where retribution was eventually extracted! At the end of the day it will be hard not to reflect on such tragic circumstance!
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| Day 2 |
But there is much more to the Abrolhos – the islands and surrounding waters are also rich in natural history. One of the world’s most successful rock lobster fisheries endures alongside seabird rookeries, inquisitive sea lions, colourful corals and some of Western Australia’s finest fishing grounds!
Landing a monster jewfish, even more revered for it’s eating qualities, will definitely be the highlight of the day!
Hopefully “jewie” will be on the menu as we set sail for South Passage?
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| Day 3 |
Today is spent exploring Shark Bay – a ‘world heritage’ marine environment.
There will be opportunities to swim on the deserted beaches of Dirk Hartog Island, snorkelling & diving excursions, more great fishing and, the catch of the day will more than likely be giant lobster!
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| Day 4 |
Our destinations today include Quobba Point & Gnarloo - spectacular areas of the Western Australian coastline that present even more opportunity for fishing, diving & snorkelling.
Your day will be filled with adventure both above and below the surface and there is sure to be some ‘tall stories’ in the open-air bar as a blazing sunset heralds the days end and our overnight cruise to Coral Bay.
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| Day 5 |
Coral Bay is one of West Australia’s most popular tourist destinations and as soon as you step onto the brilliant white beach you will see why!
Fish and corals are prolific within metres of the shoreline – no special skills needed here – just a mask will reveal all in swimming pool like conditions!
The day will be spent relaxing on the beach and meandering through this colourful resort before an overnight cruise to Norwegian Bay.
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| Day 6 |
Now for something a little different – when was the last time you swam with a 10- metre shark? Never you say – well never say never!
With the aid of our spotter plane we will hopefully locate the Ningaloo Marine Parks’ most famous resident – the awesome whale shark!
Swimming with these harmless giants is a once in a lifetime experience.
In between ‘mind-blowing’ whale shark encounters we’ll also squeeze in some light game fishing for the tenacious mackerel and visit the ruins of a whaling station.
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| Day 7 |
Awake at your very own island paradise – the Monte Bellos!
A rarely visited chain of 108 islands featuring some of the best fishing action on the West Australian coast!
An irresistible True North breakfast will prepare you for the days activities and then it's away in the expedition boats to explore the delights of Trimoule Island and the many beaches and bays of Stevenson Channel.
Matching wits with a ‘seriously prepared’ mud crab is definitely on the agenda and there will be more non-stop fishing and diving action.
Our intrepid explorers will encounter huge stingrays, massive schools of fish and shallow waters teeming with marine life!
Then it’s back onboard to enjoy the ultimate comfort of the True North and another balmy evening in paradise!
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| Day 8 |
This morning join a ‘tender adventure’ to Claret Bay and Ah Chong Island – here crayfish abound and diving for this delicacy will be a highlight!
The area is also a favourite with mud crabs and, the ‘true enthusiast’ will not want to miss the opportunity to add the delicate flavour of whiting to the menu!
Our day will conclude with some even more serious fun – one of the True North’s famous ‘fancy dress’ parties is sure to ‘bring the house down’!
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| Day 9 |
A short cruise this morning will take us to the south east corner of the islands and our anchorage at Vodka Beach.
Here we’ll go ashore to savour an idyllic setting – swim in the crystal clear waters, take up the challenge of the ‘beach activities’ and enjoy a classic True North picnic!
In the afternoon, make the most of your last chance to join the fishing and diving expeditions or simply relax on the beach before getting together with everyone onboard for a farewell dinner to remember.
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| Day 10 |
Early morning disembarkation in the resort town of Exmouth for connecting flights to Perth and, we are already looking forward to welcoming you back onboard! |
Notes: Special Departure Dates: 1 March - 11 March 2007
Trip Duration: 10 days
Departs from: Perth
Tour Ends: Exmouth
All Prices: $6,495 per person Ocean Class Twin
$8,495 per person River Class Double
$10,495 per person Explorer Class Stateroom
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