North Star Cruises

‘West Coast Explorer’

Join the renowned crew of the True North on yet another voyage of discovery......... this time you will encounter a vast & remarkable coastline and, island paradise!

Night One:

Your “welcome aboard” the luxurious True North is in the port city of Fremantle. Embarkation proceedings begin at 1700 – then join the sunset cocktail party as we commence their overnight cruise to the Abrolhos Islands. A sumptuous dinner, a glass of fine wine and, the comforts of your cabin, will ensure that you are adequately prepared for the coming days activities!

Day One:

The Houtman Abrolhos – so named to warn mariners to “keep a sharp look-out”, but the fate of the Dutch East-Indian merchantman Batavia was sealed long before her hapless captain could take heed. In the dark of night the Batavia struck an unforgiving Abrolhos’ reef and so began a terrifying sequence of events overshadowed by desertion, betrayal, murder and revenge! Snorkel and dive in the crystal clear waters of the wreck site, see the remarkably preserved canons from this 1629 calamity, walk amongst the ruins of rudimentary ‘forts’ built against the ravages of mutineers and visit the island where retribution was eventually extracted! At the end of the day it will be hard not to reflect on such tragic circumstance!

Day Two:

But there is much more to the Abrolhos – the islands and surrounding waters are also rich in natural history. One of the world’s most successful rock lobster fisheries endures alongside seabird rookeries, inquisitive sea lions, colourful corals and some of Western Australia’s finest fishing grounds! Landing a monster jewfish, even more revered for it’s eating qualities, will definitely be the highlight of the day! Hopefully “jewie” will be on the menu as they set sail for South Passage?

Day Three:

Start the day with an exhilarating hike to Steep Point – the western most edge of the Australian continent. The South Passage area is another ‘hot spot’ for those keen on fishing and hopefully the divers will see the giant gropers that frequent “Monkey Rock”. Dirk Hartog Island is the site of the first ever European landing on Australian soil and all will be unable to resist the pristine beaches that skirt the island’s southern end. Swim, snorkel or just take a relaxing stroll along a coast that likely still looks and feels as it did in 1616! In the afternoon a visit to the Discovery Centre in Denham will further acquaint you with this area’s unique history!

Day Four:

Their destinations today include Bernier & Dorre Island - spectacular areas that present even more opportunity for fishing, diving & snorkelling. Perhaps the catch of the day will be a giant lobster but regardless your day will be filled with adventure both above and below the surface. There is sure to be some ‘tall stories’ in the ship’s alfresco bar as a blazing sunset heralds day’s end and, their overnight cruise to the famed Ningaloo Reef.

Day Five:

The Ningaloo Reef is one of West Australia’s most popular tourist destinations and as soon as you step onto one it’s brilliant white beaches you will see why! Stunning fish and corals occur within metres of the shoreline – no special skills needed here – just a mask will reveal all in swimming pool like conditions! The day will be spent discovering the many bays and shallow inner reef areas of this acclaimed coral habitat. They ’ll also squeeze in some light game fishing for the tenacious mackerel and visit the ruins of a whaling station.

Day Six:

Today they explore the waters around the many islands that dot the entrance to the mighty Exmouth Gulf including the Murion Islands and Long Island. See friendly potato cod, turtles, acrobatic manta rays and huge schools of fish - the area is prolific in marine life and there will be many opportunities to indulge in the True North’s favourite pastimes!

Day Seven:

Awake at your very own island paradise – the Monte Bellos! A rarely visited chain of 108 islands featuring some of the best fishing action on the West Australian coast! An irresistible True North breakfast will prepare you for the days activities and then its ‘away in the tenders’ to explore the delights of Trimoule Island and the many beaches and bays of Stevenson Channel. Matching wits with a ‘seriously prepared’ mud crab is definitely on the agenda and there will be more non-stop fishing and diving action. Our intrepid explorers will encounter huge stingrays, massive schools of fish and shallow waters teeming with marine life! Then it’s back onboard to enjoy the ultimate comfort of the True North and another balmy evening in paradise!

Day Eight:

This morning join a ‘tender adventure’ to Claret Bay and Ah Chong Island – here crayfifish abound and diving for this delicacy will be a highlight! The area is also a favourite with mud crabs and, the ‘true enthusiast’ will not want to miss the opportunity to add the delicate flavour of whiting to the menu! Their day will conclude with some even more serious fun – one of the True North’s famous ‘fancy dress’ parties is sure to ‘bring the house down’!

Day Nine:

A short cruise this morning will take them to the south east corner of the islands and their anchorage at Vodka Beach. Here they ’ll go ashore to savour an idyllic setting – swim in the crystal clear waters, take up the challenge of the ‘beach activities’ and enjoy a classic True North picnic! In the afternoon, make the most of your last chance to join the fishing and diving expeditions or simply relax on the beach before getting together with everyone onboard for a farewell dinner to remember.

Day Ten:

Early morning disembarkation in Dampier (Karratha) for connecting flights to Perth and, they will already be looking forward to welcoming you back onboard!

Contact us for the latest cruise dates and cabin tariffs. This itinerary is provided as example only – tide and prevailing conditions may cause variation.