About Us
About City of Darwin Cruises
Australian Sailing Experiences (ASE) trades with 2 business names, as City of Darwin Cruises and Top End Saltwater Adventures , an established Darwin family owned sailing business providing a range of eco-cruise options on Darwin Harbour and beyond. ASE has two trading names which represent the 2 parts of the Business, one, the in- the-harbour eco-cruises (CODC),and the other, focuses on the out-of-harbour overnight (can be many night) eco-adventures (TESA).
City of Darwin Cruises commenced operating daytime and sunset cruises and overnighters on Darwin Harbour February 2003 on their sailing catamaran EcoVenture, a SeaWind 1000.
In March 2004, Les Reif and Leslee Hills purchased a 38 foot Crowther Seafire sailing catamaran named Cherry Pie which has a C class survey (max 20 on outside Harbour day trips and 8 plus 2 crew for overnight trips).
Jevon Reif is the Operations Manager for City of Darwin Cruises which provides eco habitat cruises and relaxing sailing cruises on the harbour. City of Darwin Cruises has purchased a brand new sailing catamaran, a SeaWind 1050 Resort (EcoCity) specifically designed for the tourism market and has a capacity of 30 pax. This vessel has full shade, protection from rain, cushioned seating and is carpeted.
Top End Saltwater Adventures - (click Here)
Leslee Hills and Les Reif operate Top End Saltwater Adventures on a full time basis. Both Les and Leslee have travelled and cruised the Top End coastal areas for over 30 years. They both have science degrees and have been involved in natural resource management. They provide guests with information on top end marine environments as well as providing a relaxed luxury soft adventure sailing experience.
The Bynoe Harbour Marine Park experience provides a great family getaway, for either locals wanting some time out, or for the traveller wanting to enjoy the Top End coastal areas and Islands. An ideal destination is Bare Sand Island, the major Flatback turtle nesting ground in Northern Australia. Nesting occurs generally between the months of April-September.
Commencing 2008 the Seawind 1160 ‘EcoSafari’ will be used for 2, 3 and 5 day (or more) sailing adventures, so get in early to book your relaxing safari.
The main product will generally be 3 day sailing safaris to Bynoe Harbour with 1 night at Bare Sand Island looking for nesting turtles. Other adventures may be longer and tailored to our clients needs - and may include the Tiwi Islands, or Vernon Islands - historic Escape Cliffs, Cape Hotham, or Seafaris to Cape Don, Coburg and the Wessels Islands.