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Southern Safari Cruise - South Australia

8 nights Adelaide to Ceduna

Join this safari at sea - across the Great Australian Bight from Adelaide to Ceduna enjoying many adventures along the way. Indulging at vineyards on a guided coach tour of McLaren Vale, cruise to and explore the stunning coastal landscapes, penguin rookeries, historic buildings, limestone caves on Kangaroo Island and cage dive with Great White Sharks are just some of the attractions of this exciting Cruise. This cruise gives you the opportunity to fish, snorkel and dive during the day at some of the remotest Islands on South Australia's west coast, then relax and enjoy the finest of cuisines during the evening.

Daily itinerary

Night 1 - Welcome Aboard!

Your welcome aboard the stylish True North is tonight alongside the trendy cafes and purveyors of Glenelg's fashionable Marina Pier. Join the crew for a cocktail and aperitif as we introduce the delights of Australia's most unique adventure-cruise ship. Your evening cruise to the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsular will feature our renowned cuisine!

Day 1

Cape Jervis is frequently referred to as the 'gateway' to Kangaroo Island however this picturesque seaside village also provides convenient access to the revered McLaren Vale. Join our air-conditioned coach as we discover a wine producing region that easily rivals Australia's best.

The McLaren Vale's favourable climate and geographical influences have resulted in a thoroughly deserved reputation as one of the 'safest' places in the world to grow grapes. And, you will not be able to resist the local grower's commitment to excellence in fruit production. Small and large producers give the highest priority to maintaining the distinctive characteristics that emulate from the region's various micro-climates and, the careful control of water application ensures fully ripened grapes that provide winemakers with fruit of great flavour. The region's restored Shiraz vines now produce truly great Shiraz that consistently wins top awards around the world!

And the region is equally famous for combining wine with local treasures from the sea! Delight in the McLaren's best wines and enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch at our featured winery before returning to the True North for the short cruise to Kangaroo Island.

Day 2

Kangaroo Island has been described as "one of the earth's last unspoilt refuges". Much of the islands native bushland remains undisturbed and more than a third of the island has been set aside for conservation. And the 'locals' include some of Australia's most distinctive characters - koalas, platypus, echidnas, sea lions, penguins, goannas, kangaroos and wallabies.

Kangaroo Island is also distinctly beautiful featuring pristine beaches, rugged coastal cliff s and sleepy seaside cottages. It's also a big island - covering an area of 4,500 square kilometres, it is Australia's third largest island and there are numerous tour options available including island tours, wildlife walkabouts and nocturnal excursions. Your cruise director will advise regarding a range of activities designed to provide a unique insight into this fascinating destination. See stunning coastal landscapes, penguin rookeries, historic buildings, limestone caves and much, much more!

Day 3

Have you ever wanted to cage dive with great white sharks - well this could be the opportunity that you have been waiting for! Join our experienced local operator for a once in lifetime opportunity to see huge white sharks up close and in their natural environment. An experience that you will not forget!

If diving with white sharks is not exactly your 'cup of tea' - there will be ample opportunity to engage in activities somewhat less confronting as we explore the Gambier Islands. Perhaps its time for a spot of fishing in a secluded bay! Our guides are practised at introducing local fishing techniques to both the beginner and expert alike! And with multiple expedition vessels at our disposal - take advantage of small groups and personal assistance. Target species include the delectable King George whiting and out deep 'double-headers' of pink snapper are not uncommon.

Our schedule will also include morning and afternoon sightseeing excursions - our knowledgeable guides will be happy to introduce local history and geography.

Day 4

Port Lincoln is a major tuna fishing area and in recent times the industry has generated vast wealth on the back of a lucrative Japanese market. The prices paid for high-grade tuna can be very spectacular indeed - fish prepared specifically for the sashimi trade can command in excess of $150,000 per tonne and as a result, many of the local fishermen have become millionaires.

Fish farming has also become an important local industry - tuna, kingfish, mussels, oysters, abalone and lobsters are all 'grown' locally and a visit to the area would not be complete without experiencing a 'tuna rodeo'. Workers on the tuna farms are called "cowboys" and once you see their unique fish handling techniques you will understand why!

Our guides will provide an entertaining introduction to local commercial fishing and aquaculture and, don't miss a unique opportunity to swim with giant southern blue-fin tuna!

In the afternoon join everyone ashore for a tour of Port Lincoln itself but make sure you're back onboard just before sunset - a sashimi 'tasting' will be a fitting end to the day's activities.

Day 5

Wake this morn in beautiful Coffin Bay. The area is widely admired for its pristine beauty - endless tranquil bays fringed with brilliant sandy beaches and surrounded by national park. And more recently the area has also developed a reputation for producing succulent oysters! Take a hike in the Coffin Bay National Park; visit the Coffin Bay town site, the fully restored Mount Dutton Bay woolshed and the Kellidie Bay oyster leases.

And something special again today! Join the crew ashore for a beach picnic on Gallipoli Beach - a beach with striking similarities to a far away coast and, setting for the film "Gallipoli".

After lunch enjoy a leisurely cruise to Greeny Island - blue water home to schools of monster tuna, huge Samson fish and, giant yellow tail kingfish! Take a relaxing cruise around the island before indulging in some Coffin Bay oysters.

Day 6

Welcome to the Pearson Islands - remote Islands on South Australia's west coast that have changed little since they were first discovered by Matthew Flinders in 1802. They are well know for producing monster King George whiting however big Australian salmon and flathead are also common inshore. Out in the deep snapper, blue groper, blue-fin and kingies will challenge the most determined angler! Explore the islands, have a swim on one of the many inviting beaches, visit the local seal colonies or try SCUBA diving in the clear Mediterranean style waters.

At night the local seals are known for catching fish attracted by the ship's lights.

Day 7

Today we visit the Franklin Islands and nearby Saint Francis Island. For something a little different, you might be interested in joining one of our chefs for the morning - see how to catch, cook and prepare the revered blue manna crab. The islands feature many sheltered bays and millions of shearwaters that nest in shallow burrows. Spend the entire day exploring, fishing, snorkelling and diving as you prepare for your last night onboard.