| Great Australian Journeys |
Australia's Far North
The waters to Australia's north are quite different to those in the south that the majority of Australians are most familiar with. Dominating the coastal regions of the north is the Gulf of Carpentaria, a large bay shared by the Northern Territory and Queensland with Arnhem Land and Cape York forming its western and eastern shores. The waters of the gulf are shallow and warm, the gulf itself and the many unspoilt waterways that flow into it are some of Australia's most unique and exciting fishing destinations. Places like King Ash Bay about 40 kilometres past Borroloola, are becoming increasingly popular fishing spots because of the huge tidal range here.
Wildlife is prolific in this part of Australia. For example, the beaches on Barranyi (North Island) National Park, located in the Sir Edward Pellew Group of islands, are nesting sites for turtles and many birds use the islands to rest when migrating. The gulf region is also one of only to places of earth where the natural phenomenon known as Morning Glory can be witnessed. A wave of rolling clouds, sometimes exceeding 1000 km in length and 10,000 feet in height, that are associated with the Northern Australian Cloud Line of the Gulf of Carpentaria, the Morning Glory is a magnet for growing numbers of soaring pilots and scientists. Spectacular, rare, awesomely powerful and shrouded in mystery, the Morning Glory arrives regularly each spring.
Not far over the horizon is Australia's closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea. Once part of Australia, the country is one of the world's least explored, culturally and geographically, and many undiscovered species of plants and animals are thought to exist in the interior of Papua New Guinea. Like the waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria, the coast of Papua New Guinea are rarely visited by Australian, yet fascinate those who do venture north on cruises throughout the region, that are making this previously unreachable places accessible to the average Australian.
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| Observation lounge |
Outdoor bar |
MV True North |
| Website and Scheduled Cruises |
MV True North: True North is a coastal cruiser, and very small by cruise ship standards. The 16-cabin vessel was purpose built with the ability to explore the upper reaches of shallow river systems – passengers need only step out of their cabins to experience wilderness and, the latest in computer controlled motion stabilizers ensures a comfortable ride. All cabins feature enhanced decor, en-suite facilities, in-house entertainment and satellite telephones. The Explorer Class staterooms and the River Class cabins offer king size beds that can be converted to singles and the Ocean Class twins feature roomy single beds. The True North is the only Kimberley adventure-cruise ship that sails with it’s own helicopter.
Passengers are able to take advantage of a number of vantage points including a sundeck, a forward observation lounge, a ship’s lounge and an alfresco bar. The ship’s naturalist presents interpretative information on plasma screens and, an internet cafe enables convenient communication with the outside world. A popular venue on any North Star cruise, the lower deck dining room offers both comfort and large panoramic windows ensure that passengers never miss any of the action.
MV True North: Vessel Specifications
Type: Luxury Motor Cruiser
Length: 54 metres
Cruising speed: 13 knots
Year built: 2004
Capacity: 36 passengers; 16 crew
Fully Air-conditioned, Cabins individually climate controlled
MV True North on the internet:
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