Cargo cruise casts off to Arnhem Land

The working cargo ship Malu Trader will be taking passengers on voyages to coastal communities including Maningrida from 8 December 2014.

INTREPID travellers will be able to cruise the stunning remote areas of Arnhem Land in a unique maritime adventure to be launched on 8 December. Sea Swift’s MV Malu Trader, a working cargo barge, operates a weekly freight service between Darwin and Gove, plus remote coastal communities including Groote Eylandt and Maningrida.

Members of the public can now experience the wonders of the remote NT coast and the cultural diversity of its people with a cruise aboard the Malu Trader.

Sea Swift Northern Territory General Manager Chris Sheppard said the new cruise, which departs from Darwin every Monday, provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for tourists.

“The NT offers some of the most stunning remote locations you are ever likely to see,” Mr Sheppard said. “From the blue pristine waters of the coast, to rugged coastlines, remote islands, and stunning bushland, this is a rare chance for tourists to visit a region that has to be seen to be believed.”

Mr Sheppard said there would also be significant economic benefits to the local communities. “We’re really excited about the tourism opportunities this will present to local businesses, and we’re glad to partner with the Northern Territory Government and communities in the Northern Territory to build economic activity,” he said.

Passengers will also be able to drop a fishing line from the ship while cruising, he said, and then have the on-board chef cook up their catch on the ship’s barbecue. “You can’t get much fresher fish than catching it yourself and having it cooked straight away in front of you,” said Mr Sheppard. For more information call (07) 4035 1234, 1800 424 422, email to bookings@seaswift.com. au, or visit www.seaswift.com.au.