Remote Crusing – New Guinea, Rowley Shoals, West Coast, Over The Top

Mighty rivers, impenetrable jungle, unique culture, smouldering volcanoes and classic South Pacific vistas! This is one of the world’s great luxury adventure-cruises! Some of the highlights include:

• Depart Cairns by private flight, cross far north Queensland to Alotau for a traditional islander welcome
• Cruise the Province of Milne Bay – a maritime region featuring more than 600 islands!
• Walk in the rainforest of Kwato Island, visit a hilltop church built in 1891 and enjoy commanding views over the China Straits
• Throughout the cruise enjoy fine dining, seafood extravaganzas, cocktail parties, beach picnics
• Visit the ‘skull caves’ and sample a ‘moo moo’ – the local form of BBQ
• The onboard naturalist will explain the culture and history of this amazing land
• Fish for your breakfast, swim, go beach combing, explore the local villages – the smiling people are always happy to welcome friendly visitors
• The ship’s helicopter will spoil you with exhilarating flights over endless waterways, isolated villages, lush rain forests and spectacular mountain ranges
• Evening entertainment includes traditional dancing, a visit to a turtle nesting beach as well as a performance by the spectacular fire dancers of Baining
• For the keen anglers this will be true paradise - the mighty Papuan Black Bass will challenge even the most experienced and 0ther catches include barramundi, saratoga, mangrove jack and Mahi Mahi
• Head out in expedition boats to explore deeper into the jungle and visit isolated villages that have little contact with the outside world. New Guinea is rich in diverse culture and there will be rare opportunities to encounter unspoilt ways
• Discover jungles that shelter countless varieties of birds including colourful parrots, hornbills, wild fowl and the famed bird of paradise. Many rare species of butterfly are present and New Guinea is also home to over two thirds of the world’s orchid species. You may be lucky enough to see a reclusive tree kangaroo!
• Visit the Duke of York Islands where 17th century trading ships collected water
• See Rabual – once described as the most beautiful town in the South Pacific, perched on the edge of a magnificent natural harbour and surrounded by active volcanoes!
• Stay a night at a resort hotel in Madang and enjoy the opportunity to purchase highly desirable art at very reasonable prices
• Fly to the highland town of Goroka for the Mud Men dance and when the dancing is over you will be returned to another world!

Per person twin share :

New Guinea Cruising in 2008
Adventures In Paradise
7 Nights / 8 Days
$9,900 per person Ocean Class Twin
$13,400 per person River Class Double
$15,900 per person Explorer Class Stateroom

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This Coral Atoll Cruise allows you to experience the rugged Kimberley coastline or dive the pristine coral atolls where few divers have been. Non-divers will enjoy fishing, exploring in small boats and superb snorkeling.

You are suspended in turquoise shallows surrounded by delicate lace coral fronds of vivid pink, orange and yellow. Darting in and out is a metallic rainbow of attendants. The coral-scape about you is starting to move swiftly past. Faster and faster the disgorging tide is propelling you out of the lagoon and to the very edge of a plunging midnight blue abyss . . .

A treasure trove of riches - Just over 180 nautical miles west of Broome, through some of the worlds richest game fishing waters, lie the three atolls of Mermaid Reef, Clarke Reef and Imperious Reef - comprising the Rowley Shoals. Perched on the edge of Australia's continental shelf - at one of its widest and deepest points - the Rowley Shoals are near perfect examples of atoll geomorphology.

Due to being so remote, their pristine condition has been impeccably preserved. They are so precious and unique that they enjoy marine wilderness status and are being considered for world heritage listing.

Rowley Shoals are among the few reefs in the world affected by a high tidal range. The dramatic five meter tides pouring massive volumes in and out of the coral framework have created unearthly and enchanting coral-scapes. The turquoise lagoons are filled with coral bommies brimming with exotic tropical fish and unbelievably colourful formations. Drift diving in and out of the atolls, sweeping you over pristine coral reefs peppered with remarkable structures like the incredibly intricate and flamboyant gorgonia coral. When plunging off the wall don't be surprised if you look around and find yourself in the company of half a dozen curious potato cod.

Rowley Shoals are home to over 600 species of fish and two thirds of Australia's tropical species are found here. Maori wrasse, barracuda, coral trout, angelfish, morays and turtles are in abundance. Our cave and night dives add an extraordinary dimension to an already surreal coral scape.

Per person twin share :

2008 Departures
Broome to Broome Adventures in
Paradise
5 Nights / 6 Days
27 September – 2 October
2 October– 7 October
8 October– 13 October

Coral Atoll Cruising in 2008
Rowley Shoals
5 Nights / 6 Days
$3,995 per person Ocean Class Twin
$4,995 per person River Class Double
$5,995 per person Explorer Class Stateroom

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The Ghan has been operating between Adelaide and Alice Springs since 1929. From February 2004, the line has been extended through to Darwin – a true transcontinental link. During the 2 day journey, travellers will encounter the spectacular scenery of the interior on this journey to the heart of the continent. During the course of the full journey, there are off-train excursions to the Alice Springs Desert Wildlife Park and a 2-hour boat trip in the 25-million year old Katherine Gorge.

A 10 night / 11 day cruise from Fremantle to Exmouth, visit a vast & remarkable coastline featuring sociable marine mammals, a history of mutineers, islands, colossal sharks and Ningaloo Reef; this is a positioning cruise and there is only one departure each year.
Departs Perth on Thursday 03 March / ends Exmouth Sunday 13 March 2005
Departs Perth on Wednesday 01 March / ends Exmouth Saturday 11 March 2006
Please contact our staff for a detailed itinerary.

Per person twin share :

Departures West Coast Explorer Cruise in 2008
Perth to Dampier
10 Nights / 11 Days
1 March – 11 March

West Coast Explorer in 2008
Perth to Dampier
10 Nights / 11 Days
$6,995 per person Ocean Class Twin
$8,995 per person River Class Double
$10,495 per person Explorer Class Stateroom
 

OVER THE TOP

A 14 night / 15 day cruise from Darwin to Cairns
A new 14 day cruise, an adventure from Darwin to Cairns offering an Australian holiday that includes the the Great Barrier Reef, the rainforest fringed coastline of Cape York, some of Australia's most remote island communities, and the rugged "Top End" - all rolled into a single cruise and all whilst you enjoy the ultimate comforts of our luxurious cruise boat.
Departs Perth on Saturday 15 October / ends Saturday 29 October 2005
Departs Perth on Saturday 14 October / ends Saturday 28 October 2006
Please contact our staff for a detailed itinerary.

Per person twin share :

Departures Over The Top in 2008
Darwin to Cairns
14 Nights / 15 Days
18 October to 01 November

Over The Top in 2008
Darwin to Cairns
14 Nights / 15 Days
$13,995 per person Ocean Class Twin
$17,495 per person River Class Double
$20,495 per person Explorer Class Stateroom
 

• Light aircraft and helicopter transfers to / from the boat
• All Meals and non-alcoholic refreshments throughout the day
• Excursions in the tender boats and all activities such as fishing, snorkeling, cylinders & weight belts (on dive trips).

• Alcoholic drinks are not included, the boat is fully licensed and has a well stocked bar. Helicopter sightseeing flights are at additional cost.