WATERWAYS Stricken by disease and pestilence, wretched port abandoned . . . Port Essington, or Victoria Settlement, is located on the rugged Coburg Peninsula, part of the Northern Territory’s Arnhem Land. All that remains of the ambitious mid-19th century village (built in 1800) is a few stone ruins. Despite 12 deaths and the grounding of HMS Pelorus in a ferocious cyclone in 1839, Port Essington was rebuilt and continued to struggle against the elements for a further ten years before the inevitable. In 1849, the tragic and almost derelict settlement was abandoned. An excursion and exploration of this poignant site is part of North Star Cruises’ annual Over the Top itinerary, exploring some of the lesser known, more adventurous destinations the Australian coast has to offer. Departing Darwin on 18 October, the journey can be experienced as a single 14-night adventure or as a 6-night expedition beginning in either Darwin or Thursday Island. Either way, the cruise culminates in Cairns on 1 November. Other highlights include helicopter flightseeing from the ship’s own helicopter (extra cost), Great Barrier Reef snorkelling or
Photo courtesy of Tourism NT
Port Essington, Garig Gunak Barlu National Park.
scuba diving, great fishing, guided nature hikes and, of course, North Star Cruises’ famed cuisine. Prices for either of the 6-night itineraries start from $8995 per person, twin share and from $13,995 per person for the full 14-night adventure. Contact North Star Cruises, tel: (08)) 91921 829; email reservations@northstarcruises.com.au or visit: www.northstarcruises.com.au •
2009 Waterways of Europe, Russia & China
Early Birds
*Save
$800 to $1100 per couple
Choose from 39 itineraries & over 420 departures throughout 2009, aboard Viking River Cruises Features Russia’s best ships; Viking Kirov & Viking Surkov Contact Beyond Travel’s dedicated river cruise team for expert advice and your free sixty page Waterways brochure Call: 1300 363 554 or email: info@beyondtravel.com.au * Early bird deals valid until 31 July 2008
www.getupandgo.com.au
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