Anniki cruise

Thursday, November 20, 2008

The long wait for the release of Baz Luhrmann's epic film Australia will be over when it is released world-wide on November 26 this year. One of the key scenes of the film is set in World War II Darwin and a boat was needed. They chose Anniki , an 8m pearling lugger.

When Anniki combed the pearl fields of the Torres Strait in the 1950s, conditions for crews weren't so great. They risked their lives in what was called the divers' graveyard, going 40m down to collect tonnes of pearl shell used to make fashionable buttons.

The lugger, built from spotted gum with beech decks and traditionally rigged with gaff sails and timber spars, has been beautifully restored. It is a floating museum with memorabilia and pictures of the pearling era. It is one of few genuine luggers still sailing.

You can climb aboard Anniki for a three-hour sunset cruise around Darwin Harbour.

Cruises leave Cullen Bay Resort Marina and sail through the Cullen Bay lock and around Emery Point. It then ventures on to the calm waters of Darwin's inner harbour and past the old port area, naval base and Parliament House.

The knowledgeable crew will talk about the history of luggers and the northern pearling industry. Sails will be hoisted during the cruise to add to the romance of the sunset. Passengers are served sparkling wine and antipasto platters, and if you fancy, you have the chance to taste pearl meat.

Anniki returns through the lock and ties-up at around 8pm.

Location

Aboard the Anniki in Darwin Harbour.

Cost

Australian Harbour Cruises has three-hour Sunset Cruises from Cullen Bay Marina costing $60 for adults and $40 for children. They include gourmet antipasto and a glass of sparkling wine.

Virgin Blue has flights to Darwin.

One-way fares from:

Brisbane $199
Sydney $245
Adelaide $265
Perth $290
Melbourne $299

There are limited seats which may not be available at peak times or on all flights. Fares quoted are one-way, booked on the Internet. An extra $15 will be charged for phone bookings. A credit card surcharge of an additional $2 per person per one-way flight is applicable. Fares are correct at November 20, 2008 and are subject to change.

Prices correct at November 20, 2008.