Your "welcome aboard" the luxurious True North is in the frontier pearling port of Broome. Embarkation is at 1700 - time for a cocktail with your fellow adventurers before departing at approximately 1800. Dinner is served shortly after leaving port and then it's an overnight steam to the Rowley Shoals. (Please note that North Star Cruises visits the Rowley Shoals only during the months of September, October and November. These months are normally associated with "the doldrums" - a period of light winds and calm seas. In addition, the True North is fitted with computer controlled motion stabilisers that minimise vessel movement. Passengers can therefore anticipate comfortable conditions when cruising to the Shoals - however observing the normal precautions associated with the prevention of seasickness is always recommended.)
Day 1
We arrive early at Clerke Reef. Sample our fruit platter and a sumptuous breakfast before exploring the atoll's huge lagoon. You will marvel at crystal clear waters teaming with life - clouds of fish and corals of every imaginable colour and shape. There will be plenty of opportunity for beach combing on Bedwell Island, relaxed snorkelling in tropical waist deep water or perhaps some "catch & release" lagoon fishing using eco-friendly tackle.
Our qualified and experienced crew will be on-hand to personally introduce everyone to the delights of this pristine environment. When you're not on excursion, relax onboard True North and enjoy our renowned fine cuisine in air-conditioned comfort. The licensed open-air bar will definitely be "the spot" to witness your first spectacular 'Rowley Sunset'.
Day 2
Start the day with a visit to the Aquarium! Forget the Great Barrier Reef - this is world-class snorkelling at its very best! Even if you've never put your head under water before - this is an absolute must. The water is only waist deep however the experience is literally "out of this world"! More brilliantly coloured corals, giant clams and more than 600 of the world's most beautiful fish species at your fingertips! Don't forget your underwater camera! After another sumptuous lunch try an introductory SCUBA dive or hand feed maori wrasse and potato cod from True North's back steps! Then we'll "crank up the action" with something very unique - high-speed snorkel drifts through the outer reef! Again our friendly crewmembers will be on hand to ensure that everyone gets to try this once-in-a lifetime experience - as many times as you like! Our anchorage tonight is in the "swimming pool like" waters of Clerke Lagoon - 300 kilometres off the coast of Australia!
Day 3
Another day in paradise - perhaps an early morning swim and breakfast on the deck before we manoeuvre True North out of the lagoon. Now it's time to experience the thrill of snorkelling from a 50 metre cruise boat - our captain will "back-up" to within inches of the reef and all you need to do is step off True North's convenient rear steps! Outer reef snorkelling is a totally different experience - the sheer coral walls will take your breath away! Close encounters with humpback whales, manta rays and sailfish are also on the agenda as we cruise the outer reef. Finish the day with sunset drinks on the beach and one of our famous Island Parties! Then it's back to the ultimate comfort of True North and another perfect night in Clerke Lagoon - 360° stars reflected in a glassy ocean!
Day 4
Start the day with an early morning stroll on your very own sand cay before we enjoy a leisurely cruise to Mermaid Reef - the Rowley's northern-most atoll. By now you will be addicted to snorkelling on the outer reef and your wish is our command! We'll spend the day exploring the outer reef of this remote and untouched wilderness and, depending on the tide, you may become one of the few people who have ever walked on Mermaid's sand cay - it is completely submerged by tide twice a day. Then all too soon, it's time for our overnight steam to Broome. Re-live what is guaranteed to be an experience of a lifetime as the Rowleys merge into a blazing western sky! Join the crew at the Captain's Party and enjoy "the best sleep of your life".
Day 5
Early morning arrival in Broome in time to disembark at 0800 hours. Transfer to the airport or your accommodation - your voyage on the True North need only be the start of a Kimberley Adventure!
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
Cabin Pricing
Ports
Broome
Bordered by the Indian Ocean and sandy beaches on one side and the arid red-green landscape of the Kimberley wilderness on the other, Western Australia's Broome is a place a beat apart from the rest of Australia. Broome is a vibrant city filled with a history and culture all its own, as well as the gateway to the vast Kimberley wilderness.
Country - Australia Distance from port to City - 10kms Distance from port to Airport - 12kms Currency - Australian Dollars (AUD)
Places of Interest The Kimberleys, Cable Beach
True North Cabin Info
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Cruise line info
North Star Cruises
North Star Cruises is one of the most unique adventure-cruise operators in the world and the winner of numerous awards for excellence. The company offers activity based itineraries designed specifically for the discerning adventurer.
All cruises are designed to allow passengers to ‘experience the destination’ – daily activities include scenic walks, helicopter flights, fishing, snorkeling, culture, picnics, nature, diving, exploring and much more!
Ship info
True North
The True North features the ultimate in comfort and style! Passenger numbers are limited (36) and an Australian crew (20) provides personalised service. The ship is purpose built for accessing shallow river systems and offers several lavish vantage points including a sundeck, an observation lounge and a ship’s lounge/bar. Multiple expedition vessels take guests away in small groups to experience wilderness ‘up close’ and, the luxury of numerous tenders also means that everybody onboard gets to do "what they want, when they want"! And to add yet another dimension to adventure, the True North is the ONLY Kimberley vessel that features an onboard helicopter! With the ability to carry 6 passengers in air-conditioned comfort, the helicopter provides unique opportunity to witness grandeur; unique opportunity to fish billabongs that have never been fished; unique opportunity to discover your own wilderness! Fine dining is also featured onboard the True North
