West Coast Explorer (10 Nights) Fremantle to Dampier
Kimberley Waterfalls (10 Nights) Broome to Wyndham / Kununurra
Kimberley Ultimate (13 Nights) Kununurra / Wyndham to Broome
Kimberley Explorer (10 Nights) Broome to Wyndham / Kununurra
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Duration 10 Nights

Coast & Coral

Broome to Rowley Shoals to Kimberley to Wyndham/Kununurra (or reverse)
Kimberley Coast and Coral Explore with True North
Kimberley waterfall Experiences with true north cruise

kimberley coast and coral cruise 2024 & 25

The very best of two destinations

An adventure that combines the very best of two equally stunning destinations – the Kimberley coast and the Rowley Shoals! In the beginning your vista will be framed by layers of ancient geology and then your every moment will be awash in the vibrant colours of a coral wonderland. See all of the coastal icons and then immerse yourself in one of the world’s most-rare habitats!

This is a sample itinerary only. Prevailing conditions, local arrangements and indeed, what we discover on the day, may cause variation. Helicopter flights can be purchased additional to the indicated tariff as a package or individually. Please refer to the sailing schedule to determine if this itinerary is available on the TRUE NORTH or TRUE NORTH II.

night 01
Welcome Aboard

Welcome Aboard

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 Yampi Sound.

day 01
Horizontal Falls

Horizontal Falls

Awake to the majestic Kimberley and savour an irresistible TRUE NORTH breakfast as we glide past Cockatoo and Koolan Islands – our attentive crew will be happy to introduce the colourful histories of both! Then it’s time to ‘personally’ introduce you to a Kimberley icon – The Horizontal Falls. Experience the awesome power of the region’s huge tidal range in an exhilarating tender ride and then climb aboard your air conditioned helicopter for a view of the falls that very few experience! Take a refreshing swim and a walk on the squeaky white sands of Silica Beach. Before you know it, your first day onboard will be coming to an end – but there’s still time to select a fine wine and to enjoy a leisurely evening meal as we head north to Saint Georges Basin.

day 02
Prince Regent River

Prince Regent River

The scenery will astound and there are some not-to-be-missed fishing spots as the TRUE NORTH graces the majestic Prince Regent River. This morning’s target species include delectable mangrove jack and fingermark bream. At King Cascade we will manoeuvre the TRUE NORTH right under the falls. Then it’s time for more ‘adventure in the tender’ – a chance to stretch the laces on your hiking boots and an opportunity to swim in yet another picture perfect billabong, or perhaps you’d like to venture further upriver to visit the spectacular ‘Amphitheatre’ waterfall. The helicopter will be popular again when the first group of intrepid explorers returns from Jurassic Park!

day 03
Picnic Time

Picnic Time

Be amongst the first on deck and join an early morning fishing expedition, or see some stunning rock art or join the ship’s naturalist in one of the adventure boats – and all before another breathtaking helicopter flight to a picnic that you’ll never forget! The TRUE NORTH’s mouthwatering cuisine alongside a crystal clear billabong – in one of the most remote places on earth!

day 04
Hunter River

Hunter River

Wake this morning in the magnificent Hunter River. The Hunter is about as far away as you can get in Australia – a stunning river system that is lined with dense mangrove forests and surrounded by rainforest encrusted mountains. And, the Hunter has it all – fishing, mud-crabbing, bird-watching and simply exploring “where few have been before!” Join one of our adventure boats for a closer look, enjoy a challenging hike to Jackson Falls and, there’s even more splendour from the helicopter!
In the afternoon we will sail into Prince Frederick Harbour and enjoy sunset drinks on picturesque Crystal Beach. Enjoy some delicious hors d’oeuvres and watch the sun descend on another action packed day in the Kimberley!

day 05
Montgomery Reef

Montgomery Reef

It’s time for some hot fishing action at Three Ways. Then join guest and crew alike for a moderate walk to Ruby Falls and be rewarded with a refreshing swim in the large natural rock pool.

You will probably be enjoying lunch as we weigh anchor and set sail for Montgomery Reef! Montgomery is a unique eco-system that must be seen to be believed – and see it you will – as 140 square miles of coral reef rises out of the ocean right before your very eyes!

Water cascades from the reef as the tide falls exposing a privileged glimpse of another world! Turtles, dugong, crocodiles and every imaginable sea creature abound, and the helicopter again puts all in perspective!

day 06
The Charnley

The Charnley

Even more high adventure today – the opportunity to ‘ride the tide’ through spectacular Charnley Gorge, to where the salt meets the fresh – is one of the Kimberley’s most hand-picked experiences! This is especially so if you then get a chance to sight-cast ravenous barra as they wait for the tide to spill into their billabong home away from home!
Jacks, fingermark and threadfin will also be on the ‘list’ before returning to the TRUE NORTH for your overnight voyage to the magnificent Rowley Shoals!

day 07
Clerke Reef

Clerke Reef

We will arrive early at glorious Clerke Reef.
Sample the fruit platter and maybe indulge in a cooked breakfast before discovering the atoll’s huge lagoon and extensive outer reef.
Snorkellers and divers will marvel at the crystalclear 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, world class SCUBA diving on the outer reef or perhaps some “catch and 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 on-board TRUE NORTH and indulge in our renowned cuisine – the alfresco bar and lounge will definitely be ‘the spot’ to witness your first spectacular Rowley sunset.

day 08
Rowley Shoals

Rowley Shoals

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”! 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 we’ll “crankup the action” with something 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 09
The Outer Reef

The Outer Reef

By now you will be addicted to snorkelling on the outer reef and your wish is our command! We’ll spend the entire day exploring the outer reef of this remote and untouched wilderness. 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 then enjoy “the best sleep of your life”.

day 10
Transfer to Broome

Transfer to Broome

Early morning arrival in Broome in-time to disembark at 0800 hours and transfer to the airport or your accommodation.

True North II

Ocean Class $17,995
River Class $20,995
Explorer Class $22,995
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Kimberley Ultimate (13 Nights)

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Booking Enquiry 

Adventure starts here


Frequently Asked Questions

What other activities can be arranged pre & post cruise?
We can provide valuable local advice and assistance when it comes to ‘getting around’ in the Kimberley and, we are happy to help with accommodation and other tour arrangements. Broome & the surrounding Kimberley have much to offer – make sure that you take full advantage of your visit to this remote region! Contact your adventure partners at experiences@truenorth.com.au to find out more about recommended activities and upcoming events.
What species of fish are commonly caught?
Pelagic species such as tuna, sailfish and wahoo.
What time is embarkation & disembarkation?
Embarkation is at 1700hrs & disembarkation proceedings are normally completed by 0800hrs. If arriving into Broome on the day of embarkation feel free to visit our office (approximately 4 minutes from Broome airport) – we will happily store your luggage until your transfer to the TRUE NORTH.
Are transfers to & from the vessel included in the cost?
Yes! A coach transfer to and from your nominated pre-cruise accommodation, Broome airport or our office is included in your fare.
Does SCUBA diving feature on this cruise?
Absolutely! The Rowley Shoals are listed as one of the top dive sites in the world! A limited selection of diving equipment is available for hire on-board with prior arrangement. However, bringing your own personal equipment will ensure a perfect fit. Not a certified diver? Don’t worry, the snorkeling is just as spectacular!
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latest news & blog

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Experience the adventure

True North Tales

Returning to International

True North’s founding director Craig Howson and managing director Chad Avenell, recently met with local representatives ahead of recommencing Indonesian itineraries in 2023. Watch the video above to discover how True North ensures smooth operation well in advance of departure.

Time to Book Ahead

Hear from someone who truly knows about the value of booking ahead. “Cheggers” has travelled on the TRUE NORTH more than anyone else!

True North Sails into 30 Years

True North Adventure Cruises - has sailed into 30 years of continuous operations. The now revered adventure-cruise operator first cruised Western Australia’s remote Kimberley coast during 1987 when founding director Craig Howson commenced fishing type charters along a coastline that was and still is largely inaccessible from land.

The Helicopter

Adding another dimension to the adventure, most cruise options on the TRUE NORTH feature an on-board helicopter! Carrying guests in air conditioned comfort, the ship’s helicopter provides unique opportunity to witness grandeur; unique opportunity to fish billabongs that have never been fished; unique opportunity to discover your very own wilderness!

Myles Pollard's Fishing Adventure

There is nothing better than a day out on the water, especially when the fish are biting! Fishing on-board the TRUE NORTH is a much-favoured activity both with guests who have never picked up a rod before and, with those who have "caught them all!” Our guides encourage everybody on-board to “give it a go” and the TRUE NORTH’s multiple adventure boats never fail to bring back a swag of ‘fishing tales’! Stories about the ladies who out-fish the boys are pretty common, humorous equipment failures also come to note on a regular basis, then there are the ‘birthday fish’, the ‘monster fish’ and of course, the ones that got away! Our guides have seen and heard it all! Watch the video to find out more about actor Myles Pollard's fishing adventure!

TRUE NORTH Impresses Again

The TRUE NORTH has once again impressed on the world stage coming second in the 2020 Traveller Made Brand Storytelling competition. Traveller Made is Europe’s largest travel consortium and its members represent the very best in luxury travel providers and suppliers. The group’s inaugural Brand Storytelling competition was an opportunity for leading travel brand’s to showcase “the story behind their brand” and, the competition attracted entries from some of the world’s most respected travel brands. In such esteemed company, True North’s marketing team was especially pleased to receive this additional acknowledgement.

Adventure En Plein Air

West Australian artist Jacob 'Shakey' Butler joined the TRUE NORTH earlier this season and discovered the Kimberley's raw beauty. As the artist in residence, Jacob set up his canvas on remote beaches, beside freshwater billabongs and on-deck surrounded by pindan-coloured gorges. Watch the video above to hear Jacob describing how the Kimberley inspires the art of adventure.

Catriona Rowntree Talks With Craig Howson

A commonly asked question is “When is the best time to see the Kimberley?” And the answer is “The Kimberley is always at its best!” However certain times of the year can make it easier to satisfy particular interest. For example, if you would like to see plenty of whale action then departures in August and September are definitely for you! From late July humpback and southern right whales reach the Kimberley after swimming-up the west coast to reach breeding grounds in the north and it’s very common for guests to get great views of whales breaching and basking on the surface.

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The True North Experience

We curate activity-based itineraries that are designed to satisfy the world’s most discerning travellers. We specifically exclude sea-days and feature unparalleled access to stunning coastal environments and, unequalled opportunity to truly experience the destination.

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