True North – and Further North
Just last week, I had the pleasure of stepping aboard one of Australia’s special expedition ships, True North. I still have some way to go to sample all of North Star Cruises’ itineraries as both my True North cruises have merely been around Sydney Harbour. However after an excellent presentation on board by True North’s resident naturalist Dr. Andy Lewis, I am now keen to explore northern Australia and our near neighbours.
True North actually makes a slow, clockwise circumnavigation of Australia each year, and is most famous for her Kimberley itineraries where her shallow keel and helicopter allow unmatched access to the waterfalls and tablelands of this pristine corner of our country.
But Dr. Lewis explained the extensive exploration that True North’s PNG and West Papua cruises allow as they feature a 100 mile journey along the Sepik River where travellers see the cultural differences between the coastal fishing people, the river people and the mountain people.
One of True North’s greatest assets is its young crew, consisting mostly of friendly and polite folk from Western Australia where the ship spends most of its time.
As they lavished me with garnished Sydney rock oysters, Queensland scallops and emu carpaccio washed down with fine West Australian wines and Perth’s sublime wheat beer, Redback, it occurred to me that if you’ve ever considered a cruise aboard True North, it’s a good idea to book immediately before the legion of loyal repeat guests fill the cabins to enjoy another season of hospitality and discovery.
Richard Davey of Mosman Cruise Centre was a guest of True North.
