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Arrive
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Days 1-2 Two days at leisure in the Daintree
Your first two days are yours to shape as you settle into Tropical North Queensland. After arriving in Cairns, a private transfer whisks you north to Silky Oaks Lodge, set above the boulder-strewn banks of the Mossman River. Spend the rest of the day following one of the forest trails, enjoying a refreshing dip in the lagoon pool or simply unwinding to the sounds of the Daintree from your treehouse-style suite.
On day two, take to the skies on a helicopter flight across the rainforest and Coral Sea to a private outer-reef pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef. Once you land, a marine biologist will lead you on a guided snorkel tour. Alternatively, embrace a slower pace with a walk to Fig Tree Rapids, a swim in the Mossman River and a long lunch at the Treehouse Restaurant.
Overnight: Silky Oaks Lodge
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Day 3 Cairns to Kavieng
After breakfast, transfer to Cairns for the charter flight to Kavieng in Papua New Guinea. Board True North, your incredible home for the next ten nights, and refuel with a welcome lunch. Later in the day, step ashore at a local island resort for a first taste of the islands around Kavieng. Dinner is served as the journey through the Bismarck Archipelago begins.
Overnight: True North
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Day 4 New Hanover Islands
Rise to panoramic views of Kavieng’s palm-fringed islands and set out to explore New Hanover. Those taking the helicopter flight sweep inland over a mesmerising stretch of forest, touching down beside a river and transferring to bamboo rafts. Drift downstream beneath the canopy towards the coast, then head back to the comfort of True North for the evening.
Overnight: True North
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Day 5 Mussau Islands
Sail north today to the crystal-clear waters of Mussau, offering the chance to snorkel alongside manta rays. Cruise on to nearby Margaret's Island for barefoot strolls along the beach or descend beneath the waves to explore the wreck of a Second World War submarine chaser just offshore. In the afternoon, visit Little Mussau to meet the local community and gain a glimpse of island village life. A delicious dinner is served onboard.
Overnight: True North
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Day 6 Manus Province
Wake to the marvel of Manus Province on day six. Scattered islands, sheltered lagoons and dramatic coral walls make this an enticing area to explore from True North's adventure boats. Snorkel or dive across fringing reefs alive with clownfish and colourful nudibranchs; shipwrecks add another dimension beneath the surface. Sundowners back on deck conclude the day in style.
Overnight: True North
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Day 7 Ponam Island
Ponam Island brings together island village culture, Second World War history and excellent reef exploration. You’ll be welcomed ashore by a sing sing – a lively celebration of music and dance – then explore remnants of HMS Nabaron alongside True North's guides. Your afternoon can be spent snorkelling with butterflyfish, diving the surrounding reef, fishing for marlin or admiring Ponam's lagoons from above on a helicopter flight. Back onboard, dinner and the comfort of your cabin await.
Overnight: True North
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Day 8 The Hermit Islands
A barrier reef stretching nearly 14 miles shelters the Hermit Islands, creating an oasis of lagoons and clam gardens. Snorkel in search of turtles, reef fish and manta rays, while divers may encounter grey reef sharks. Fishing boats can head into deeper water for marlin and sailfish, while Luf Island, the only inhabited isle in the group, is earmarked for sunset cocktails.
Overnight: True North
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Day 9 The Ninigo Islands
Your journey moves on to the Ninigo Islands, a far-flung chain of atolls and islets offering superb conditions for underwater exploration. The day is spent moving between lagoons and shallow reefs, leaving ample time to snorkel, dive, fish and swim. Go ashore on Lau and Longan islands for a closer look at traditional sailing canoes and join in a game of volleyball. An evening stroll along palm-lined sands completes this enchanting day.
Overnight: True North
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Day 10 The Sepik River
At first light, True North reaches the mouth of the Sepik and turns inland, following the river for 70 nautical miles. Set out by adventure boat to explore riverside villages and a tangle of smaller channels branching off the main river. Beyond its natural beauty, the Sepik is known for its artistic heritage, including clay pottery and garamut drums carved from hollowed tree trunks. For a bird’s-eye perspective, take a helicopter flight above the river to appreciate its magnificent scale.
Overnight: True North
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Day 11 Angoram & Kambaraumba
Subject to arrangements, the day may begin with the chance to witness a coming-of-age ceremony in which young men receive scarification in the image of the crocodile. Continue to Angoram to browse locally made carvings at the riverside market. From here, smaller boats navigate the network of serpentine waterways leading to Kambaraumba. A village sing sing, featuring dancers, drummers and elaborate crocodile figures, is one of the day's highlights.
Overnight: True North
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Day 12 Bagabag & Karkar Island
Returning to the coast for a final day of exploration, begin the morning adding to your tropical fish count as you snorkel the inshore coral or swim from Bagabag Beach. Turtles, dolphins and mahi-mahi also call these waters home. A helicopter flight across to Karkar Island shifts the perspective dramatically, taking in its volcanic interior from the air and landing for a walk through plantations. Sunset drinks and a celebratory dinner make a fitting finale to your last day onboard.
Overnight: True North
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Days 13-14 Two days winding down in the Daintree
Enjoy breakfast onboard True North before disembarking in Madang for the charter flight back to Cairns. From the airport, travel back to the rainforest haven of Silky Oaks Lodge for a restorative conclusion to your trip. Make for the spa or retreat to your treehouse with little more planned than dinner.
The following day is free to do as you please: take a private Daintree River cruise led by an expert naturalist to spot saltwater crocodiles and kingfishers, enjoy a gentle yoga session in the open-air pavilion or take one last swim in the lagoon pool.
Overnight: Silky Oaks Lodge
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Day 15 Fly home from Cairns
After breakfast, leave the Daintree behind and transfer back to Cairns Airport for your flight home.
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Depart
