True North

Great Barrier Reef Ultimate (13 nts)

Great Barrier Reef Ultimate

13 nights Cairns to Brisbane or reverse

A trip to the beach won’t ever feel the same again after visiting the spectacular Great Barrier Reef aboard True North II. From seeing breathtaking other worlds underwater, to magnificent palm lined white beaches and endless opportunities for you to fish for tonight’s dinner, this truly is a trip to paradise.

Departs:

  • 2026 Brisbane-Cairns: 21 November – 4 December
  • 2027 Cairns-Brisbane: 2 December – 15 December
True North map of the Great Barrier Reef Ultimate cruise

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 2027 Full Fare 2027 Club Artisan* 2027 Master Artisan**
Ocean Class – Abrolhos $20,395 pp $18,356 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 in Cairns. Departing at sunset we’ll pass Fitzroy Island with drinks in hand before an overnight steam to Beaver Reef.

Wake up at Beaver Reef for a dive and snorkel, before heading to Missionary Bay for some fishing and crabbing. Here we’ll adventure on a bushwalk to Hinchinbrook or Nina Peak for some breathtaking views. Finish the day with a cocktail in hand as we travel down Hinchinbrook Passage to Haycock Island.

Wake to the first golden light shimmering across Beaver Reef, where we begin the day with a morning dive or snorkel amongst vibrant coral gardens and curious reef dwellers. This remote patch of reef is alive with colour and movement – a true immersion into the magic of the Great Barrier Reef. After rinsing off and refuelling with a fresh breakfast, we cruise south past the rugged peaks of Hinchinbrook Island. Keep an eye out for dugongs and sea eagles as we glide through the channel – this wild island paradise is as dramatic as it is serene. Over lunch, we steam toward Missionary Bay, where the adventure continues with afternoon fishing in winding mangrove creeks, home to mangrove jack and barramundi. Prefer to stay dry? Join our guides for a beach walk – a chance to stretch your legs, spot wildlife, and soak in the solitude of this untouched coastline. As the sun dips behind the misty hills, we gather back on board for sunset drinks and stories of the day.

We’ll spend an adventure‑filled day at Great Palm Island. Here you’ll meet the local community and learn about their art, bush tucker and history. Then, explore the spectacular coral gardens of Fantome Island, home to manta rays and turtles. Dive the western side of Curacoa Island with its amazing soft coral and sponge gardens along the wall. For snorkelers, you’ll adventure to the northeast corner of Great Palm Island where a WWII wreck called “Old Catalina” lies. Beachcombers can explore North East Bay, and fishers will have plenty of opportunity to search for squid.

Today we’ll adventure out to one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most beautiful spots, John Brewer Reef. Here we’ll snorkel and dive to the Museum of Underwater Art — a spectacular series of installations by underwater sculptor Jason de Caires Taylor. The works are the first of their kind in the southern hemisphere and represent reef conservation, restoration, education, and connection to the local community. It truly is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience.

Experienced divers will have the opportunity to experience one of the best wreck dives in Australia at Yongala. Then we’ll motor to Cape Bowling Green for an afternoon of fishing or crabbing before an overnight steam to Whitehaven Beach.

Wake up in beautiful Whitehaven Beach for a wander along the beach or a snorkel in the turquoise waters of the Whitsundays. Golfers can also head to Hamilton Island for a game, while others can explore the famous island. In the afternoon we’ll depart to Hook Island.

Today we anchor off Hook Island, a rugged gem of the Whitsundays. Spend the morning snorkelling or diving at stunning sites like Manta Ray Bay, where vibrant reef life surrounds towering bommies. After lunch, choose to fish, hike or explore hidden bays by tender. For a spectacular view, opt for a helicopter flight over Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach. End the day with sunset drinks on deck, wrapped in the beauty of island wilderness.

Revel in the coral-lined beaches of Percy Island as we head ashore for a day of exploring. Spend your day bushwalking, diving, snorkelling or fishing before afternoon drinks on the beach and a sunset enjoyed from the deck of the True North II.

Wake to the serene beauty of Northwest Island, a remote coral cay nestled within the Capricornia Cays National Park. This morning is all about immersing yourself in the reef – snorkel over colourful coral gardens, dive with reef sharks and turtles, or simply soak up the solitude of this pristine marine sanctuary. After lunch, we set course for Masthead Island, another picture‑perfect cay fringed by reef. Spend the afternoon exploring the shallows, wandering the white sand beaches, or casting a line with our guides. As the sun sets, we raise a glass on deck – another unforgettable day in paradise.

Begin the day exploring the crystal‑clear waters of Lady Elliot Island, a haven for manta rays, turtles and vibrant coral gardens. Dive or snorkel straight from the beach or relax ashore and soak in the serenity. In the afternoon, we venture to the Bunker Group – a remote cluster of coral cays perfect for fishing, snorkelling or beachcombing. Finish the day with sunset drinks and reflections on another unforgettable reef adventure.

Spend the morning on Fraser Island (K’gari) – the world’s largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure. Venture ashore to discover crystal‑clear freshwater lakes, ancient rainforest growing from sand, and sweeping beaches that stretch to the horizon. In the afternoon, we cruise through the Great Sandy Strait, a maze of turquoise channels and sheltered bays flanked by mangroves and golden sandbanks. Keep your eyes peeled for dugongs, turtles and dolphins as we wind our way south.

Known for its spectacular beaches and steep dunes, Moreton Island is truly a slice of paradise. Here you’ll be able to dive Flinders Reef, fish, explore the sand‑dune beaches or see the bird’s‑eye view from the helicopter. Finish another spectacular day with drinks on the beach before heading off on our final voyage to Brisbane.

We’ll say goodbye with a morning disembarkation at Brisbane. Perhaps you’ll already looking forward to your next adventure with us!

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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