True North

True North are an extremely specialist company. Australian owned, their offices are based in Broome, which is the key port from which you can explore the fantastic Kimberley region via cruise. Both their 36-guest vessel True North and 22-guest vessel True North II are operated by an Australian crew and have a typically Aussie style with an additional touch of luxury, laid-back yet refined. There really is no more authentic way to travel and explore Australia's stunning coastline. An onboard helicopter and several dedicated small expedition boats help you discover the areas in which you'll travel, and the ships themselves are perfectly designed to navigate the shallow coastal environments and river systems in which they operate.

On board the service is excellent. There are several lavish vantage points including a sundeck, an observation lounge, a ship's lounge, an al fresco bar and a sports deck, so guests can always find a spot to watch the approach to the next landing site. The stylish en-suite rooms have in-cabin entertainment and large windows offering great views and creating a light and airy space in which to relax. There is also an excellent dining room with a focus on fresh local ingredients.

Each of the 7-, 10- or 13-night voyages are designed around exploration and extended periods at sea are specifically avoided. Daily activities range from scenic walks to helicopter flights (at an additional cost) and from fishing to snorkelling depending on the destination. Itineraries between March and August are operated in the Kimberley region so the excursions are centred around indigenous art, huge waterfalls and the amazing tidal changes at Montgomery Reef, which Sir David Attenborough once described as the Eighth Wonder of the World. September has a number of Coral Atoll Cruises, whilst October and November have explorations of West Papua and Papua New Guinea, with the opportunity to snorkel with whale sharks or travel up the Sepik River. Finally there's the chance to spend Christmas and New Year in Sydney with impressive views of the harbour's fireworks.