About Cape Adieu

Two vessels, one crew, and a philosophy built around life on the water in the Top End.

Our Story

From the Bush to the Boat

Born and raised in the bush, Munro headed north after school with no destination, just a direction. Two decades of remote cattle stations, pearl farms on the Kimberley coast, drill rigs in the west, and mustering cattle all over the Territory by chopper.

A Nuffield Scholar and seasoned helicopter pilot, he has turned his hand to everything from pearl farming and winemaking to underground mining, tourism and even crocodile relocation. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a passion for adventure, his journey has taken him across the Indian Ocean and far beyond, each experience shaping a life defined by exploration and the pursuit of the unknown.

That time in the air matters too. Munro has seen more of the northern coastline than almost anyone, and the relationships he built along the way, with station owners, communities and old mates, still open doors that stay shut to everyone else.

Munro Hardy sitting in a mustering helicopter on a Territory cattle station

The Heart and Soul

Grace Hardy

Grace is the heart and soul of Cape Adieu, bringing warmth, creativity and an adventurous spirit to every experience on board. A seasoned traveller, lifelong farmer and natural host, she draws inspiration from people, nature and the simple moments that connect them.

With a deep-rooted passion for the environment and an effortless ability to connect with others, Grace's energy is infectious. Whether she's crafting memorable guest experiences or embracing life outdoors, her care, creativity and genuine kindness leave a lasting impression.

Grace Hardy in a bush hat under a Top End sky

Owner Operated

Munro and Grace Hardy

Munro and Grace bought the Cape Adieu in 2024 and run her themselves out of Stokes Hill Wharf in Darwin. Sunset dinner cruises through the dry, fishing charters year round, and safaris through the islands of West Arnhem Land when the build-up rolls in.

Every trip is skippered and hosted by the people whose name is on the hull, backed by a crew who treat every guest like part of it. More than 1,000 reviews at 4.9 stars, and fishing tour operator licences in both the NT and WA.

Guests gathered on the deck of the Cape Adieu at sunset on Darwin Harbour

The Mothership

MV Cape Adieu

Built in 1978 in Whyalla, South Australia. 70 feet, 21.6 metres, 70 tonnes. Originally built for remote cray and shark fishing in the Great Australian Bight, she has a storied history across Australian waters: pearling in the Coral Sea, cray and shark fishing in the Southern Ocean, and snapper fishing in the Gulf of Carpentaria. Proven in some of Australia's roughest weather, she has demonstrated her reliability and versatility for nearly five decades.

She has also served as a surf charter vessel in the Spice Islands and the remote archipelagos of eastern Indonesia, run dive charters, and notably identified the wreck of the Sanyo Maru off the remote Arnhem Land coast for the NT Museum. Since then she has undergone extensive upgrades for guest comfort, making for a luxurious and enjoyable experience on board.

With 11,000 litres of fuel and ample fresh water for showers and daily use, she's built for extended trips. Onboard amenities include an ice maker, eskies and deep freezers to keep your catch fresh throughout your adventure. Now she's home at Stokes Hill Wharf, hosting sunset dinner cruises through the dry season and mothershipping the safaris when the build-up rolls in. Surveyed for 60 guests or 12 overnight.

MV Cape Adieu at anchor at sunset on Darwin Harbour

The Fishing Tender

The Salty Brumby

Designed and built locally by Custom Works. 7.6 metres, 300 horsepower. The Salty Brumby joined the fleet in late 2025, built to explore the remote reaches of the monsoon coast during the build-up and run-off seasons, and to run charters year round from Darwin Harbour.

She's the boat behind our fishing safaris: live aboard the Cape Adieu, eat your fresh catch cooked by the onboard chef, and fish off the Salty Brumby from first light until the day ends. A serious fishing platform, capable of running offshore to the islands, shoals and bombies, while still shallow enough to push into creeks and rivers chasing barra. From coral trout, GTs and mackerel to barra, threadies and jewfish, she's built to fish it all safely and comfortably.

Large casting deck, walkaround space, wide stable gunnels, plenty of shade, onboard fridges and ample tackle storage. Originally named Kapala, the Tiwi word for boat, she was born around the Tiwi Islands, and this country is still in her bones.

Skipper aboard the Salty Brumby silhouetted against a Top End sunset offshore from Darwin

The Crew

The Heartbeat of Cape Adieu

At Cape Adieu, our crew are the heartbeat behind everything we do. We believe that creating unforgettable experiences on the water starts with a strong, supported team, and we're proud to foster a culture where every crew member feels valued, safe and genuinely connected to what we do. From our seasonal waitstaff to our deckhands, each person brings their own skills, energy and personality, shaping not only the experience for our guests but the spirit of Cape Adieu itself. We're committed to supporting our crew to grow and succeed, knowing it's their passion, care and camaraderie that keep our dream boats afloat.

Cape Adieu owner Munro Hardy with a mustering helicopter in the NT

Cape Adieu crew member on deck in the Top End sun

Munro Hardy at a Northern Territory industry awards night

Cruises