True North

Over the Top (13 nts)

Over The Top

13 nights Darwin to Cairns

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.

Departs

  • 21 October – 3 November 2026
  • 30 October – 12 November 2027
True North map of the Across the Top of Australia cruise Darwin to Cairns

Prices for 2026 & 2027

Press the arrow on the next line to see the full price list.

2026 prices: True North II

Cabin 2026 Full Fare 2026 Club Artisan* 2026 Master Artisan**
Ocean Class – Abrolhos $19,545 pp $17,590 pp $16,613 pp
Ocean Class $22,995 pp $20,695 pp $19,545 pp
River Class $27,995 pp $25,195 pp $23,795 pp
River Premium Class $29,995 pp $26,995 pp $25,495 pp
Explorer Class $31,995 pp $28,795 pp $27,195 pp

All prices are per person, twin share in AUD.

Sole occupancy: No single supplement applies for the Ocean Class stateroom named ‘Rowley Shoals’.

Multiple Cabin Discounts: Please ask us about discounts for 2+ cabins.

Abrolhos Island Discounted Cabin: In lieu of an ensuite, there’s a private bathroom next door. The crew accesses this cabin throughout the cruise as it’s connected to a linen cabinet. Therefore, this cabin comes with a 15% discount.

*Club Artisan: Cruised with True North before? Enjoy a 10% discount from the full fare. **Master Artisan: If you’ve cruised more than 3 times, receive 15% off the full fare.

2027 prices: True North II

Cabin 2026 Full Fare 2026 Club Artisan* 2026 Master Artisan**
Ocean Class – Abrolhos $20,395 pp $18,355 pp $17,335 pp
Ocean Class $23,995 pp $21,595 pp $20,395 pp
River Class $28,995 pp $26,095 pp $24,645 pp
River Premium Class $31,595 pp $28,435 pp $26,855 pp
Explorer Class $33,595 pp $30,235 pp $28,555 pp

All prices are per person, twin share in AUD.

Sole occupancy: No single supplement applies for the Ocean Class stateroom named ‘Rowley Shoals’.

Multiple Cabin Discounts: Please ask us about discounts for 2+ cabins.

Abrolhos Island Discounted Cabin: In lieu of an ensuite, there’s a private bathroom next door. The crew accesses this cabin throughout the cruise as it’s connected to a linen cabinet. Therefore, this cabin comes with a 15% discount.

*Club Artisan: Cruised with True North before? Enjoy a 10% discount from the full fare. **Master Artisan: If you’ve cruised more than times, receive 15% off the full fare.

Inclusions

  • All adventure boat excursions and activities
  • Destination-inspired dining and non-alcoholic refreshments throughout the day
  • All fishing equipment
  • Snorkelling equipment, cylinders and weight belts (on dive trips)
  • Cafe style coffees and tea
  • Scenic helicopter flights
  • Visitor Pass Fee on certain itineraries
  • On-board purchases such as adventure wear
  • Alcoholic beverages (except as offered on special excursions)

Itinerary Highlights

Welcome aboard the mighty True North II and the luxuries of the galley in Darwin, before embarking with a cocktail in hand.

Today we’ll depart the True North II 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.

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 — you can take home your own T-shirt or tea towel.

Wake up in the Cobourg Peninsula for an unmissable ride in the helicopter. Today we’ll explore the ruins of the ill-fated Victoria Settlement, spot sharks, eagle rays, dugong, turtles and crocodiles at Frenzy Creek, and search for banteng cattle in the wetlands. Later, we’ll walk through nearby wetlands filled with mangroves and a spectacular array of birds. We’ll also squeeze in some fishing and sample mouth-watering oysters straight from the rocks. Finish the day with an outback sunset, while enjoying a traditional Australian feast onboard the True North.

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.

We’ll spend two days at the Wessel Islands. Day one begins with the dramatic “Gugari Rip”, a spectacular tidal surge, before exploring its stunning coastlines, turquoise waters, beaches, freshwater falls and magnificent cave system. On the second day, the adventure continues — reef fishing, sightseeing around the Wessel Islands and Cape Wessel area, before capping it all off with the onboard Captain’s Party.

Today we are ‘on passage’ across the Gulf of Carpentaria, where you’ll spend the day recharging and enjoying the onboard activities and luxury.

Explore Thursday Island on a guided tour, immersing yourself in local culture, browsing indigenous art, and experiencing island life. Then 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.

Start the day snorkelling and bottom fishing, before exploring Cape Grenville, then spending the rest of the day on beautiful Forbes Island. Enjoy a picnic lunch, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, visit nearby sand cays and enjoy beach activities.

With swimming pool–like conditions, swim, snorkel and dive at the beautiful Davie Reef — surrounded by the spectacular colours of corals and marine life.

We’ll head down a rainforest-fringed coast to Lizard Island, where you’ll be able to hike 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 giant potato cod.

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.

The sun rises as True North II 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.

Embrace the unexpected – it’s part of the adventure. This itinerary is a guide. We adjust plans based on weather, tides, wildlife, and opportunities we encounter. Remote communities may be unavailable due to local customs. Flexibility makes expeditions special.

True North II cruising at the Rowley Shoals, Australia. Kimberley Cruise Centre / Jabiru Cruise Club.

True North II

True North II features an intimate experience with just 22 guests and a combined saloon/lounge. The dining salon features a stunning ‘boardroom’ setting and the revered True North dining experience. There is also a sundeck, outdoor bar deck and a dedicated sports deck.

All cabins feature ensuite or private facilities with in-house entertainment and satellite telephones. The Explorer Class staterooms and River Class cabins offer queen-size beds and the Ocean Class cabins feature roomy bunk-configured singles.

True North II is purpose-built to explore coastal areas including the upper reaches of shallow river systems – guests need only step out of their cabins to experience wilderness. But the adventure doesn’t stop there! Multiple adventure boats provide guests with a greater opportunity to do “what they want, when they want” and, to add yet another dimension to adventure, most True North II itineraries feature an on-board helicopter!

Deck Plan

  • Explorer Class 1) Dirk Hartog 2) Abel Tasman
  • River Premium 3) Pentecost 4) Ord
  • River Class: 5) Roe 6) Sale 7) Charnley 8) Glenelg
  • Ocean Class 9) Montebello Islands 10) Rowley Shoals 11) Abrolhos Islands
True_North_2_deckplan_Main-Deck
True_North_2_Lower_Deck
true_north_2_lower_deck_ocean_cabins
True_North_2_Explorer_Stateroom

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