14 NIGHTs OVER THE TOP (darwin-cairns)

Darwin-Cairns: "Over the Top" adventure from Darwin to Cairns - experience the rugged ‘Top End', some of Australia's most remote island communities, the rainforest fringed coastline of Cape York and, the wonder of the Great Barrier Reef - all in a single cruise! Or, join the True North for 6 nights in the ‘Top End' or, 6 nights on the Great Barrier Reef!

NIGHT 1

Your ‘welcome aboard' is in the frontier city of Darwin. Embarkation is 1700 hours - time for a cocktail with your fellow adventurers before departure at approximately 1800. Dinner is served shortly after leaving port and then it's an overnight steam to the East Alligator River!

DAY 1

This morning the True North's favourite ‘tender' will provide some not to be missed opportunities to fly over spectacular wetlands adjacent to the world famous Kakadu National Park. Back on the water there will be some hot - shing action in our ‘other tenders' for both the novice and experienced angler alike - reef - shing, mud-crabbing and, of course, barramundi - shing are all on the agenda! If you've never heard of the elusive barramundi before - you'll soon know everything there is to know about this

revered sport - sh! A hard-hitting tenacious - ghter prone to leaping from the water; barramundi are equally respected for their - ne eating qualities and our guides are never short of a ‘barra' story! Join your fellow adventurer for some ‘up close' sightseeing in one of our comfortable expedition boats and take in the rugged beauty of Australia's remote top end as we visit Coopers Creek and Minimini Creek. Don't forget to keep an eye on those pesky crocodiles because you won't want to miss dinner tonight! A crisp

white will be the perfect accompaniment to barra cooked just the way you like!

DAY 2

Wake off the Coburg Peninsular and to another "not to be missed opportunity" in the ship's helicopter! This time we explore the ruins of the ill-fated Victoria Settlement. The outgoing ight also visits Frenzy Creek where sharks, eagle rays, dugong, turtle and crocodiles can all be seen in shallow waters and, on the way back search for banteng cattle - they can only be found in the local wetlands! Our shore parties will also visit the remote Black Point ranger station and interpretation centre. Join a walk to the nearby wetland - our guides will help you identify some of the 85 species of mangrove found in Australia and the bird watchers will encounter avian fauna of every imaginable colour! Squeeze in some more - shing time and sample mouth-watering oysters direct from the rock - they don't get any fresher than this! Oh yeah mate! At days end, the True North's alfresco bar will be the perfect spot for an ‘outback sunset' and our evening meal tonight will be traditional "Aussie Fare" in honour of the 1838 settlers.

DAY 3

Spend the morning exploring the picturesque Gouldburn Islands. There will be numerous opportunities for reef - shing, bird watching and beachcombing. Then enjoy a leisurely lunchtime cruise back into the coast for some more barra action! Visit sites frequented by the Macassans -- shermen from Celebes (Sulawesi) that came in search of prized trepang (sea slugs) long before the arrival of the English settlers, explore the many mangrove creeks, or join the helicopter for an exhilarating view of the coast vista. Finish the day with a cocktail before yet another unforgettable evening meal!

DAY 4

The barra will be on the bite early this morning and see every kind of water bird on scenic fl ights over the Arafura Swamp - possibly the largest paper-bark swamp in the world! Visit Elcho Island where the Waramirri people will introduce their unique art!

DAY 5

Everyone on deck for ‘action-stations' as we shoot the Gugari Rip - a spectacular tidal surge that is sure to get the adrenalin pumping! Then some light game fi shing for mackerel and other surface predators will keep the tempo up! Explore the outer

reaches of the Wessel Group in the helicopter and then join the crew ashore at Jensen Bay for pre-dinner drinks and aperitif.

Perhaps the highly prized red emperor will be on the menu tonight before the sometimes outrageous goings on at the infamous "Captains Party".

DAY 6

This morning is your last chance to land "the biggest one yet" as we prepare to leave Northern Territory waters. Reef fishing, beachcombing and sightseeing opportunities will unfold all day as we explore the Wessel Islands and Cape Wessel area. In the afternoon guests enjoying the fi rst week only will disembark via the ship's helicopter for Nhulunbuy (included) before joining a connecting flight to Darwin (also included).

DAY 7

Today we are ‘on passage' across the Gulf of Carpentaria! Time to recharge the batteries, update the travel log, enjoy the onboard activities and of course, indulge in more gastronomic delight!

DAY 8

This morning week two guests will depart Cairns for Horn Island (fl ight included). Here they will be transferred to the True North via the ship's helicopter (also included) before joining our coach tour of Thursday Island. There will be opportunities to meet the local people, to shop for local art and, to just wander around this idyllic island community! Then it's back onboard for an afternoon cruise and a sunset shore excursion to Cape York - a unique photo opportunity on the northern most tip of Australia!

DAY 9

Start the day with some trolling and bottom fi shing, explore the Macmillan River and then spend the rest of the day on beautiful Forbes Island. Enjoy a picnic lunch, snorkel in crystal clear waters, visit nearby sand cays and ‘have a go' at the beach activities!

DAY 10

At Davie Reef the delights of the Great Barrier Reef are just a fi n kick away - and in swimming pool like conditions you will be astounded by the colours of corals and fi sh alike! A day devoted to swimming, snorkelling & diving.

DAY 11

Down a rainforest fringed coast to Lizard Island - here a hike up to Cook's Look is a must! There is more world class snorkelling including the giant clam gardens. Beautiful palm lined beaches, rainforest, and breathtaking coral - does it get any better? Yes it does - something very special this afternoon when we visit the famed Cod Hole where everyone gets an opportunity to hand feed the giant potato cod!

DAY 12

Lizard Island and another day devoted to swimming, snorkelling & diving! There will also be opportunities for scenic fl ights in the helicopter and reef fishing.

DAY 13

Last chance for a swim on the Great Barrier Reef as the True North graces Ribbon Reef #3. Then take a coach tour of Cooktown and the surrounding mountains before spending some free time shopping for gifts and, getting to know the locals! Then it's back onboard for a farewell dinner to remember and the overnight cruise into Cairns.

DAY 14

Our arrival in Cairns is in time for an early morning coach transfer to your accommodation or connecting fl ights - our crew is already looking forward to the next opportunity to welcome you aboard the TRUE NORTH!

This itinerary is to be used as a guide only. The itinerary may change subject to tide and weather conditions encountered.