To think of Australia, means to think water, endless surf beaches, wild seas, sparkling harbours, reef systems visible from space, rivers, floodplains, magical inland lakes and more. This itinerary highlights Australia’s coastline, reefs and floodplains - water-influenced regions that play an important role in defining the character of the nation and offer a myriad of adventures and experiences.
From perth, 2hr flight to exmouth (learmonth airport ), 1hr drive to sal salis or arrange to arrive via scenic flight.
1 Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Sal Salis – where the outback meets the reef. Luxe wilderness tents hidden among the dunes overlook the world’s largest fringing coral reef, the Ningaloo. This wild bush luxury camp provides a unique place from which to explore Western Australia’s coral coast and one of Australia’s best-kept natural secrets. Sal Salis’s ecological principles also ensure that your stay generates a minimal environmental footprint.
What will I do there?
• Ningaloo Reef is one of the best places on earth to see and swim with whale sharks, humpback whales and manta rays, thanks to incredibly reliable sightings and responsibly managed interactions.
• Ningaloo Coast is also a major breeding area for turtles – look for turtle nests on the sand dunes in front of your tent or on your daily snorkel.
• Explore the reef with minimal interference to the ecosystem and kayak to spots further offshore where an anchor is dropped in the sand while guests enjoy a snorkel of Blue Lagoon or Osprey Bay.
1 Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Sal Salis – where the outback meets the reef. Luxe wilderness tents hidden among the dunes overlook the world’s largest fringing coral reef, the Ningaloo. This wild bush luxury camp provides a unique place from which to explore Western Australia’s coral coast and one of Australia’s best-kept natural secrets. Sal Salis’s ecological principles also ensure that your stay generates a minimal environmental footprint.
What will I do there?
• Ningaloo Reef is one of the best places on earth to see and swim with whale sharks, humpback whales and manta rays, thanks to incredibly reliable sightings and responsibly managed interactions.
• Ningaloo Coast is also a major breeding area for turtles – look for turtle nests on the sand dunes in front of your tent or on your daily snorkel.
• Explore the reef with minimal interference to the ecosystem and kayak to spots further offshore where an anchor is dropped in the sand while guests enjoy a snorkel of Blue Lagoon or Osprey Bay.
1hr drive to exmouth (learmonth airport), 2hr flight to perth airport, overnight perth. next day 3.5hr flight to darwin airport, private 20min flight to private airstrip, 15min hosted drive to bamurru plains.
2 Bamurru Plains Top End, Northern Territory
Bamurru Plains is an extraordinary Wild Bush Luxury experience on the Mary River floodplains, adjacent to Kakadu National Park in Australia’s Top End. The coastal floodplains of northern Australia are home to prolific bird and wildlife (Australia’s answer to the Okavango Delta) whilst Kakadu and Arnhem Land are the heartland of the country’s Aboriginal culture.
What will I do there?
- Airboat tour – a morning trip out on the floodplain wetlands of the Mary River catchment in an airboat is utterly exhilarating way to experience this key natural environment.
- 4WD safaris – watch as tens of thousands of magpie geese mingle with whistling kites, egrets, herons and buffalo on the floodplain.
- Floodplain excursion – stop among submerged melaleucas (paperbark forest) to enjoy morning tea surrounded by water lilies. Achingly beautiful scenery, incredible wildlife and birdlife. A cuppa never tasted so good.
2 Bamurru Plains Top End, Northern Territory
Bamurru Plains is an extraordinary Wild Bush Luxury experience on the Mary River floodplains, adjacent to Kakadu National Park in Australia’s Top End. The coastal floodplains of northern Australia are home to prolific bird and wildlife (Australia’s answer to the Okavango Delta) whilst Kakadu and Arnhem Land are the heartland of the country’s Aboriginal culture.
What will I do there?
- Airboat tour – a morning trip out on the floodplain wetlands of the Mary River catchment in an airboat is utterly exhilarating way to experience this key natural environment.
- 4WD safaris – watch as tens of thousands of magpie geese mingle with whistling kites, egrets, herons and buffalo on the floodplain.
- Floodplain excursion – stop among submerged melaleucas (paperbark forest) to enjoy morning tea surrounded by water lilies. Achingly beautiful scenery, incredible wildlife and birdlife. A cuppa never tasted so good.
15min hosted drive to private airstrip, private 20min flight to darwin airport general aviation, hosted transfer to main terminal, 3hr flight to broome airport, 3hr free time in broome, private transport to broome pier. note that for sailings departing from hunter river, a thursday overnight in broome is required for an early morning transfer to hunter river.
please refer to the true north sailing schedule for current scheduled departures.
3 True North Adventure Cruises The Kimberley, Western Australia
Accessing The Kimberley via its incredible coastline and the panorama of rugged mountains, spectacular gorges, majestic waterfalls and pristine reefs is true privilege. With daily excursions, an on-board helicopter and 6 adventure boats, True North has been designed to go where other ships cannot, accessing remote and wild coastal regions.
What will I do there?
- Dive the magnificent Rowley Shoals – a ‘bucket list’ experience for the most discerning snorkellers and divers.
- Horizontal Falls – experience the awesome power of the region’s huge tidal range in an exhilarating adventure boat ride and then climb aboard your airconditioned helicopter for a view of the falls that very few experience.
- Fish with the chef – stand side by side as you negotiate with an un-negotiable mud crab, or an aerial barramundi or a marauding mackerel.
3 True North Adventure Cruises The Kimberley, Western Australia
Accessing The Kimberley via its incredible coastline and the panorama of rugged mountains, spectacular gorges, majestic waterfalls and pristine reefs is true privilege. With daily excursions, an on-board helicopter and 6 adventure boats, True North has been designed to go where other ships cannot, accessing remote and wild coastal regions.
What will I do there?
- Dive the magnificent Rowley Shoals – a ‘bucket list’ experience for the most discerning snorkellers and divers.
- Horizontal Falls – experience the awesome power of the region’s huge tidal range in an exhilarating adventure boat ride and then climb aboard your airconditioned helicopter for a view of the falls that very few experience.
- Fish with the chef – stand side by side as you negotiate with an un-negotiable mud crab, or an aerial barramundi or a marauding mackerel.