Jenny Flower

Why Travelling with True North & True North II Is Worth Every Dollar

Both True North and True North II are Australian flagged and built right here at home. They’re Advanced Eco Certified too, which means they meet top local standards for safety, sustainability, and service. The company’s family-owned, employs mostly Australians, and puts your money right back into the country — with people who genuinely love and care for the places they explore.

When it comes to Kimberley cruising, there is more and more choice however the True North and the new True North II really do stand out from the crowd. These Aussie-built, purpose-designed ships take ‘barefoot luxury’ to a whole new level in the Kimberley.

 Yes, they’re on the higher end price-wise, but what you get in return is something truly special: deeper adventures, exclusive access, and a warm, personal experience that turns a trip into the holiday of a lifetime.

Both True North and True North II are Australian flagged and built right here at home. They’re Advanced Eco Certified too, which means they meet top local standards for safety, sustainability, and service. The company’s family-owned, employs mostly Australians, and puts your money right back into the country — with people who genuinely love and care for the places they explore.

1. Two Vessels, One Standard of Excellence

Whether you’re aboard the iconic True North or its sister ship True North II, the guest experience is designed to be immersive, authentic, and unforgettable. Both vessels offer:

  • Purpose-built shallow-draft design to reach locations inaccessible to larger ships
  • Six fully surveyed adventure boats for safe, dry, and comfortable excursions
  • A full-time onboard helicopter – extra cost but an absolute highlight. (EC130)(and medical support if needed)
  • Multiple activities per day—from cultural tours and fishing to hikes and scenic picnics
  • Australian crew with deep local knowledge and top-tier hospitality experience
  • Naturalist onboard offering expert insights and lectures on the area you are visiting.

Be surrounded by nature’s breathtaking beauty aboard the True North ship

You’re not just seeing the Kimberley—you are in it, on it, above it and living it.

2. Scenic Helicopter Flights

Having a full-time helicopter onboard transforms your Kimberley cruise from extraordinary to truly unforgettable. While scenic flights over Mitchell Falls, King George Falls, Montgomery Reef, and the Horizontal Falls provide breathtaking aerial views of these natural wonders, the helicopter offers so much more.

Imagine indulging in a heli-picnic atop a remote escarpment, where gourmet cuisine meets panoramic vistas. Or embarking on a heli-fishing adventure, casting your line in secluded waterways teeming with fish, accessible only by air. For the more adventurous, overnight heli-camping experiences allow you to immerse yourself in the wilderness, sleeping under a canopy of stars far from the beaten path.

These exclusive experiences, made possible by the onboard helicopter, elevate your journey beyond the ordinary. They offer intimate encounters with the Kimberley’s rugged beauty, creating memories that will last a lifetime. With the freedom to explore remote locations inaccessible by traditional means, your cruise becomes a personalized adventure, tailored to your sense of exploration and wonder.

Incorporating these helicopter excursions into your itinerary not only enhances the luxury of your voyage but also deepens your connection to the land. It’s not just about seeing the Kimberley—it’s about experiencing it in ways few ever do

Client getting ready for an adventure

Life is better with a little bit of altitude

3. What Sets True North Apart

The Original True North:

  • 36 guests | 22 crew – this means you are not just another guest — the team has time to get to know you and go the extra mile
  • 18 luxurious cabins across four classes (Explorer, River, Ocean Premium, Ocean) giving extra budget options to suit everyone
  • Cabins aboard True North and True North II  – after a day of exploring, the cabins on True North and True North II are just what you need — stylish, super comfortable, and the perfect place to unwind.
  • The Food!! From fine dining to destination-inspired dishes, every meal is part of the adventure. Expect exceptional service and menus that celebrate the region, with local ingredients taking centre stage.

Exceptional guest feedback—frequently rated “the best holiday ever” Never has a client come back with anything less than rave reviews about their trip. The return passenger rates speak for themselves.

4. The Value and Appeal of True North II

Relaunched as a second vessel in 2023, True North II offers the same quality guest experience at a more accessible price point—around 25% less than the original True North. Here’s why it’s a compelling option:

  • 20 guests | 15 crew – allowing for even more personalized service
  • Refitted interiors with upgrades planned for 2025, including enhanced soundproofing, spacious layouts, and possibly in-cabin fridges
  • Ideal for charters and multigenerational families thanks to a large communal dining table and flexible cabin layouts
  • Four accommodation classes: Explorer (Queen beds), River Premium, River Class (some with Pullmans), and Ocean Class (bunks, some shared bathrooms)
  • Great for price-conscious travellers or younger adventurers who still value access to premium experiences
  • Dedicated adventure boats and full helicopter access, just like True North

Offers additional discounts for cabins with shared facilities or access to crew storage

Despite its smaller size and lower price, True North II doesn’t compromise on activities or hospitality. Guests still enjoy the same guided experiences, cultural insights, and comfort—with some even preferring its intimate feel.

Interested in a Kimberley cruise?

Download our free guide to Kimberley cruising

Ready to speak to a Kimberley cruise expert?

or book an appointment to speak to a Kimberley cruise expert at a time of your choosing.

Chasing waterfalls and making waves

5. Luxury Without Excess: What’s Included

Across both vessels, guests enjoy:

  • Destination-inspired dining with freshly caught seafood prepared onboard (catch a fish you are allowed to keep and the chefs will prepare it for you.
  • Starlink Wi-Fi, included at no extra cost. Having said that, it is important to note that you are in the ‘middle of the vast Kimberley’ so we can say always, just most of the time!!
  • Complimentary laundry service – it really means a lot to come back to fresh laundry ready for the next day.
  • Complimentary house drinks with lunch and dinner as well as many social occasions.
  • All adventure boat activities:  including fishing, mud crabbing, bird watching, naturalist presentations and  port charges.

The few extras—extra alcohol purchases, merchandise, and optional helicopter rides—are transparently priced and well worth the experience.

A Final Word: The True North Difference

Both True North and True North II are more than cruises—they’re immersive expeditions  into Australia’s last great wilderness. Whether you want premium luxury with every bell and whistle or an equally spectacular experience with a friendlier price tag, both vessels deliver.

You’re not just paying for a cabin. You’re investing in access, expertise, intimacy, and adventure—with either vessel offering an unparalleled way to connect with the Kimberley’s wild heart.

Experience a bird’s eye view of the great outdoors

Don’t book a True North or True North II cruise without talking to us first.

 

Why? – Because when you book your twin-share cruise through us, you get more than just the trip of a lifetime:

✅ 2 FREE nights in Broome — start or end your adventure in style
✅ A bonus sightseeing tour — discover Broome’s highlights on us
✅ $500 per person helicopter credit — more flight time, more jaw-dropping views ($750pp if you book Explorer Class)

 

It’s our way of adding serious value — and making sure your expedition starts before you even step on board.

What to do next

If you’d like more information, either researching on your own or by talking to a person who has been to the Kimberley and can give you first hand advice, here are four options:

Download your FREE copy of "Ultimate Guide to Kimberley Cruising”

Includes the top nine questions travellers ask and our honest answers to them, plus a pre-trip checklist.

It’s the perfect starting point for initial research.

Talk to the team

Kimberley cruises are not one size fits all — there are many different ships each offering their own special elements.

We would love to help you. You’re invited to book a FREE 30-Minute Kimberley Cruise Planning Session to have all you questions answered, without the “hard sell” everyone hates.

Research the latest specials that include free flights and free accommodation

With almost twenty years of experience in booking Kimberley cruises we have great relationships with many of the most popular cruise vessels. Why does that matter to you?

It means we have been able to negotiate some great free inclusions with several of the best cruise vessels including free flights, free tours, and free accommodation in Darwin or Broome.

Dig even deeper via our blog. Here are a few of the most popular posts:

Blog, Featured Kimberley

Why should I book my Kimberley Cruise with you?

Blog, Featured Kimberley

The Top Seven ‘Must Sees’ of a Kimberley cruise

Blog, Featured Kimberley

How fit do you need to be to take a Kimberley cruise?

What travellers say

“Their product knowledge is amazing”

I am very impressed with this company. All the staff I have dealt with have been extremely helpful and courteous, even when I have had to change my travel plans. They went out of their way to assist me with the changes. Their product knowledge is amazing and their help in arranging accommodation and tours has been fabulous. Their offer of two free nights accommodation and a free Broome sightseeing tour is an added bonus. I am very happy that I have booked with them and would thoroughly recommend them.

— Sandra West, QLD

“The cruise suited us perfectly”

We were very pleased with the help we received from Jenny and Simon when we were deciding on which cruise to choose for our Kimberley holiday. The cruise we settled for, Coral Expeditions, suited us perfectly. We were also very pleased with the two free nights accommodation and hop on hop off bus pass in Darwin. Highly recommended.

— Diana Carr, VIC

“Interesting and diverse travel experiences”

The highlights for us were the fabulous food and the unique nature experiences. These were enhanced by on board naturalist with an endless love and knowledge of the region.

I love the followup and practical advice offered by Expedition Partners They offer interesting and diverse travel experiences, truly beyond adventure!

— Eloise Millsteed, NSW

About Jenny Flower

I’m an expert in small ship cruising in the Kimberley and have completed four cruises on different vessels along this spectacular coastline. Cruises in the Kimberley are not one size fits all. There are different ships and itineraries, each offering their own special elements.

If you would like to have a chat with me about Kimberley cruising at a time that suits you book in a call.

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