Australia's golden beaches, tropical wilderness and colourful coral reefs are just a few examples of the country’s geographical diversity, making it a captivating destination year-round. The secret lies in knowing precisely where to travel and when – something that comes naturally to our Australia specialist, Rachel Cooper. Drawing on her extensive knowledge of the country, she creates tailor-made Australian holidays that capture its many contrasting landscapes and cultures.
Working closely with luxury expedition specialists True North, Rachel weaves voyages aboard their two intimate vessels, True North and True North II, into wider Australian journeys. Their small-ship advantage opens up secluded waterways, sheltered anchorages and seldom-visited coastlines beyond the reach of larger cruise liners, while outstanding places to stay and carefully curated experiences on land complete the picture.
Read on to discover how to follow the changing seasons around Australia and experience the finest corners of this continent throughout the year.
JANUARY – FEBRUARY | SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA
Australia’s southern summer reaches its height in January, yielding long, warm days that are the hallmark of afternoon sea swims and chilled glasses of Semillon. Here, life adopts an infectiously mellow rhythm oriented entirely toward the coast’s beaches and wildlife-rich islands.
Opening True North's annual calendar of Australian expeditions, Southern Safari promises an eight-night salt-air odyssey. Tracing the coastline from Adelaide to Ceduna, this sailing pairs exploration of the Eyre Peninsula with thrilling wildlife encounters – from spotting koalas and echidnas on Kangaroo Island to cage diving among great white sharks – with plenty of oysters and abalone included for good measure.
Embark on Adventure South West and the classic ‘trip down the coast’ becomes anything but ordinary. Witness the endless white sands of Esperance, the ray-filled waters of Hamelin Bay, and the world-class vineyards of the Margaret River wine region brought to life in true North style.
The magic continues ashore. Whether extending your time on the water with boutique hotel stays in Adelaide’s hills or enjoying sommelier-led wine tastings in the Barossa Valley, our tailor-made journeys seamlessly bookend your cruise to redefine the classic Aussie summer.
MARCH – APRIL | WESTERN AUSTRALIA
As summer gives way to autumn, Western Australia’s coast enters its finest hour. Ocean temperatures peak in the high twenties, transforming Perth’s secluded bays into sun-warmed sanctuaries and rendering the glassy waters of Ningaloo Reef perfect for snorkelling. Further north, the tropical rains begin to ease, leaving the Kimberley defined by the roar of cascading water and an emerald, rain-washed landscape.
Set sail aboard True North on the West Coast Explorer, wrapping up wreck-diving in the Abrolhos, whale-shark encounters at Ningaloo Reef and the mangrove-lined waterways of the Montebello Islands into one unforgettable trip. A post-cruise extension at Sal Salis, a luxury safari camp perched on the edge of Cape Range National Park, provides a fitting Red Savannah finale.
The Kimberley Waterfalls voyage continues your west coast journey, introducing you to the thundering torrents of King Cascade and King George Falls in iconic True North fashion – the vessel's bow edging beneath the cascading water for a thoroughly invigorating shower. Exhilarating helicopter flights over sandstone gorges and heli fishing expeditions grant rare access to hidden waterways.
MAY – AUGUST | THE KIMBERLEY COAST
The arrival of the dry season brings clearer skies and more settled conditions to Australia's northwest coast, replacing the humidity of the wet season with warm 30C (86F) days tempered by south-easterly breezes. As night falls, vast ink-black skies become a magnificent setting for stargazing. This is when the Kimberley’s immense wilderness truly shines, inviting you to discover its extraordinary tidal landscapes by air, boat or on foot.
True North’s Kimberley itineraries combine all three exploration styles with a precision few can replicate. The Kimberley Explorer takes you on a bush walk to Ruby Falls to swim in refreshing natural pools, while the Kimberley Untold voyage ventures into lesser-visited waterways around Kartja and Purrungku Island Bays to fish for golden snapper. Join the Kimberley Ultimate sailing to add champagne helicopter flights at sunrise to your morning ritual. Ancient Gwion Gwion rock art, crocodile sightings along backwater creeks and sunset cocktail parties fill the moments in between.
For anyone keen to delve deeper, we can round off your cruise with a luxury stay at the adults-only Homestead at El Questro, immersing you in the Kimberley's rugged landscapes through locally guided outback experiences.
SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER | ROWLEY SHOALS
September heralds the beginning of one of the best periods to visit the Rowley Shoals. Located 300 kilometres offshore from Broome, this trio of coral atolls rises above the continental shelf, sheltering a thriving underwater world home to giant potato cod, gorgonian sea fans and graceful manta rays.
Cable Beach Club is our recommended setting for settling into Broome’s barefoot rhythm, where we can arrange a private villa stay and bespoke spa treatments to help you unwind.
When the open ocean calls, True North's dedicated Rowley Shoals Cruise provides privileged access to the isolated reefs. Snorkel among giant clams and brilliant corals in the natural amphitheatre of the Aquarium, glide through the turquoise lagoon surrounding Bedwell Island by paddleboard or watch for migrating humpback whales aboard the vessel's adventure boats.
Alternatively, the Coast and Coral itinerary combines the Kimberley's sandstone country and tidal coastline with several days exploring the Rowley Shoals. Exhilarating drift-snorkelling along dramatic reef walls, catch-and-release fishing and sunset drinks on untouched sands ensure no two days are quite alike.
OCTOBER – DECEMBER | TROPICAL NORTH AND EAST COAST
October introduces a fascinating transitional window in Australia’s Tropical North, as the dry season draws to a close and the summer rains approach. True North's Over the Top journey charts the rainforest-fringed coastline between Darwin and Cairns with highlights including buffalo encounters in the Arafura Wetlands, helicopter flights over the Cobourg Peninsula and opportunities to experience Tiwi culture.
By November, rising sea temperatures can trigger two of the Great Barrier Reef’s most magical phenomena: mass coral spawning and the start of sea turtle nesting season. True North’s Great Barrier Reef Ultimate itinerary grants you access to outer ribbon reefs and off-grid cay islands far beyond the busiest visitor routes, letting you dive, snorkel and beachcomb in total seclusion.
As the year draws to a close, True North’s vessels return south to Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks. The Sydney Rocks itineraries combine the excitement of the harbour celebrations with a quieter perspective on New South Wales, cruising the Hawkesbury River's sandstone-lined waterways and roaming the surrounding national parks.
We can enhance these voyages through stays at the Daintree's finest luxury lodges, island retreats in Queensland or five-star Sydney hotels. Rachel will arrange private guiding, exclusive dining and cultural encounters to create a complete luxury holiday tailored to your interests.
Inspired by Circumnavigating Australia?
Australia offers somewhere incredible to explore in every season. Speak to Rachel on +44 (0)1242 787 814 to find your ideal True North expedition and create a tailor-made Australian holiday that combines life at sea with the very best experiences on land.
