These Incredible Cruises Show You a Different Side of Australia

Australia is home to some of the world’s most varied landscapes, from the sunburnt beauty of outback Western Australia to glimmering beaches teeming with playful wildlife in South Australia. A week aboard one of True North’s custom vessels, meandering through craggy coastlines to places few have had the chance to explore, offers a unique perspective of the country’s backyard treasures. Here are two cruises to add to your Australian bucket list right now.

Getting up close with the Kimberley

While gazing up at the amber-hued sandstone cliffs lining the Prince Regent River, the full splendour of Western Australia’s Kimberley region comes into focus. This remote patch of northern WA is where ancient history and diverse landscapes combine to create a wild wonderland. With True North, you’ll set sail over seven days on a custom vessel that’s designed to navigate the region’s lesser-known spots, all while keeping you wrapped in comfort.

Departing from Broome and ending at Wyndham (before your flight home via Kununurra), the first day of your voyage is dedicated to exploring the beauty of the Buccaneer Archipelago. This series of 800 islands just off the coast of Derby is renowned for its rich biodiversity, white sandy beaches and lush mangroves. 

The ship’s onboard helicopter will whisk you away to any number of the area’s secluded waterholes where you’ll enjoy a campfire barbecue while taking in the majestic sunset. Or you can glide in a tender across Montgomery Reef – the world’s largest inshore reef –  and watch the resident turtles and dolphins compete for your attention.

After trekking through the Prince Regent River’s surrounding bushlands, you’ll weave your way up the Hunter River and spy eagles soaring overhead, flying foxes flitting through the rainforest and saltwater crocodiles emerging from the waters below. You’ll even get to fish for fresh barramundi and Spanish mackerel that, with a bit of luck, will end up on your plate by dinnertime, courtesy of the ship’s chef.

On the sixth day, with a glass of champagne in hand, you’ll feel the spray of North Kimberley Marine Park’s King George Falls on your face as your skipper dips the ship’s nose directly underneath the thundering cascade. The Australian outback has never looked this good.

A wonderland of wildlife in South Australia

You might find yourself running out of ways to describe all the shades of blue you’ll see while cruising South Australia’s coast on an eight-night Southern Safari with True North. From the turquoise of Adelaide’s beaches to the inky waves crashing against the cliffs of the Gambier Islands and Port Lincoln’s sheltered aquamarine bays, the source of much of the state’s magic lies in its waters. 

True North’s compact vessel allows unfettered access to the state’s most secluded coves, from spotting seals around Kangaroo Island to sailing along the isle’s American River, which is home to a fishing village that lights up in hues of pink and purple at sunset. Day two of the itinerary brings close encounters with seals at Emu Bay, where you’ll meet and interact with these playful creatures in their natural habitat.

Next up? It’s time to do some fishing of your own. Feast on line-caught tuna direct from Boston Bay, angle for monster whiting and lose yourself in briny bliss while indulging in oysters shucked directly off the rocks at Coffin Bay. Still hungry? There’s abalone from Flinders Island, lunch in culinary doyenne Maggie Beer’s kitchen in the Barossa Valley, and blue manna crab from Streaky Bay.

SEE ALSO: 5 Unforgettable Experiences in Western Australia’s Kimberley Region