True North II, Sydney Rocks Exclusive ex Sydney Return

7 Night Cruise sailing from Sydney roundtrip aboard True North II.

Sydney Harbour is an epicentre of excitement during the festive season and being outrageously spoilt onboard the TRUE NORTH is ultimate opportunity to experience all! This departure has been especially designed for groups however individual enquiries are also welcome.

This is a sample itinerary only. Prevailing conditions, local arrangements and indeed, what we discover on the day, may cause variation.

Night 1 - Welcome Aboard
Welcome aboard in magnificent Sydney Harbour. Christmas dinner will be served as the TRUE NORTH reveals one of the finest harbours in the world!

Day 1 - Cruising Yacht Club of Australia
Start the day with something special – a visit to the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia on starting day! See and experience the pre-race tension as the contenders prepare for one the world’s most famous yacht races!

Then watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart from one of the most enviable platforms in the harbour – the bow of the TRUE NORTH. Considered one of the world’s most gruelling yacht races, 100-foot maxi’s will reach speeds up to 35 knots as they charge across Bass Strait in search of ‘Line Honours’ whilst every contender will covet the ‘Handicap’. However, in the words of master yachtsman Skip Lissiman, ‘to finish first, first you must finish!’ The excitement is palpable!

In the afternoon take a scenic stroll up to Watson Bay to enjoy a refreshing drink at a local establishment, ‘Doyles’.

Day 2 - Harbour Highlights
After a champagne breakfast visit Sydney’s famed Taronga Zoo and the ubiquitous Opera House or take-off in the helicopter for a scenic flight over the harbour.

The adventure-boats will tour past Bradleys Head, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Kirribilli House and onto Woolloomooloo. Hop-off to walk through the Botanical Gardens before taking-in the sights at Rushcutters Bay and Elizabeth Bay.

Day 3 - Pittwater
Enjoy breakfast in the beautiful surrounds of Pittwater. Activities will include a walk to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, perhaps a little beachcombing and, a scenic cruise past the Pittwater yacht clubs. Keen surfers can grab a wave.

A helicopter flight to the Hunter Valley and a wine tasting at our feature winery is sure to be a cruise highlight!

For the disciples, an afternoon round of golf might also be possible.

Sunset drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served on the beach before an evening cruise to Jerusalem Bay.

Day 4 - Jerusalem Bay
Wake to the shrill of the Jerusalem Bay cicadas and then join our local guide as we explore beautiful Cowen Creek. Stand in the very spot where the Constitution of Australia was written and see the rock art of those who came before!

Take a bush walk through the surrounding national park. Enjoy a refreshing swim at one of the Creek’s many sheltered beaches and rinse-off under a waterfall!

See a very different way of Sydney life on Dangar Island. Carved wharf posts will greet your arrival.

In the afternoon, take an adventure boat ride under the local version of the Brooklyn Bridge to see the wreck of the HMAS Paramatta and then head to Bar Island and join a Heritage Trail Walk.

Day 5 - Hawkesbury River
Hike from Longnose Point to Flint and Steel Bay through the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park – Australia’s second oldest national park.

In the afternoon take a scenic ride in one of the adventure boats to the Hawkesbury’s upper reaches or visit the local pearl farm.

And as the sun begins to set, join an infamous True North ‘raft-up’!

Day 6 - Middle Harbour
The TRUE NORTH will cruise to Middle Harbour for the day. Join the adventure boats and slip through the narrow channel at Split Bridge before exploring delightful Bantry Bay.

Then return to the TRUE NORTH and one of Sydney’s best vantages to witness the Harbour Bridge fireworks – Happy New Year!

Day 7 - Sydney Harbour
Early morning disembarkation.

TRUE NORTH II features a more intimate experience with just 22 guests and a combined saloon/lounge. The dining salon features a stunning ‘boardroom’ setting and the revered True North dining experience. There is also a sundeck, outdoor bar deck and a dedicated sports deck.

All cabins feature ensuite or private facilities with in-house entertainment and satellite telephones. The Explorer Class staterooms and River Class cabins offer queen-size bedsand the Ocean Class cabins feature roomy bunk-configured singles.

Just like the TRUE NORTH – TRUE NORTH II is purpose-built to explore coastal areas including the upper reaches of shallow river systems – guests need only step out of their cabins to experience wilderness. But the adventure doesn't stop there! Multiple adventure boats provide guests with greater opportunity to do “what they want, when they want” and, to add yet another dimension to adventure, most itineraries feature an onboard helicopter!

And again, just like they are on TRUE NORTH, the crew of the TRUE NORTH II are generally young Australians who create a truly authentic onboard experience. Our crew are always very much part of onboard life - you may even feel as though they are having just as much fun as you are! That’s because they are – every day is an adventure for the crew as well and you will not be able to resist their enthusiasm and passion!

Unlike more conventional cruise experiences – True North crew are encouraged to interact with our guests. They will uniquely chaperone your every experience providing assistance, interpretation and genuine company. They will bait your hook and carry your SCUBA tank but they will also join you for dinner and entertain in the ship’s lounge. And not forgetting that they will also prepare fine meals of distinction, maintain your cabins with our renowned degree of attention and safely navigate ship, boat and helicopter to each destination. Guests on a True North adventure cruise never fail to recognize the outstanding involvement of the crew - they are one of the reasons that an adventure on the TRUE NORTH is not just another expedition cruise!

WHY YOU SHOULD CRUISE WITH TRUE NORTH ADVENTURE CRUISES

True North Adventure Cruises is the winner of numerous awards for excellence.

True North Adventure Cruises is an undisputed market leader and offers activity based itineraries especially designed for the most discerning adventurer.

True North Adventure Cruises consistently operates with impeccable customer satisfaction rates.

True North Adventure Cruises pioneered luxury adventure-cruising along the Kimberley coast 30 years previous. Others cannot equal our experience and knowledge!

Explore the magnificent Kimberley coast on either a 7 night, 10 night or 13 night voyage of discovery.

The TRUE NORTH is an Australian registered ship and is not required to exit territorial waters during Australian voyages – every day on-board the TRUE NORTH is an activity day!

The TRUE NORTH is the ONLY adventure-cruise ship in the southern hemisphere that travels with an on-board helicopter – an air conditioned Eurocopter.

The TRUE NORTH features enhanced levels of comfort throughout – allowing guests opportunity to experience wilderness in surroundings more akin to one of the world’s most exclusive hotels.

The TRUE NORTH features several lavish vantage points including a sundeck, an observation lounge, a ship’s lounge, an alfresco bar and a sports deck.

All cabins feature en-suites, in-cabin entertainment and private satellite telephones.

An internet café enables guests to maintain contact with the corporate world.

The TRUE NORTH is purpose built for accessing shallow coastal environs and river systems – bigger ships cannot go where we go!

The TRUE NORTH features computer controlled motion stabilizers.

The TRUE NORTH is fully licensed for fishing activities.

The TRUE NORTH is revered for its on-board dining.

Legendary and authentic service – the TRUE NORTH welcomes just 36 guests and, an AUSTRALIAN crew uniquely chaperones your every experience ensuring our renowned reputation for attention to detail.

Avoid the crowds – we carry 6 dedicated adventure boats (not rubber boats) that provide guests with opportunity to experience wilderness in comfort and, in small groups. We can also make greater provision for guests to do ‘what they want, when they want’!

Experience the destination – our cruises are activity-based and extended periods at sea are specifically avoided. Daily activities include scenic walks, helicopter flights, culture, fishing, snorkelling, picnics, diving, exploring, nature and much, much more!
A ship’s naturalist presents entertaining interpretative sessions.