Kimberley & Across the top of Australia
« All Coral Princess cruise options
- Day 1 Embark in Darwin
- Day 2 King George River & Falls
- Day 3 Vansittart Bay DC3 & Jar Island
- Day 4 Hathaway's Hideaway & Mitchell Falls
- Day 5 Bigge Island & Careening Bay
- Day 6 Prince Regent River & King Cascades
- Day 7 Montgomery Reef & Doubtful Bay
- Day 8 Raft Point & Ruby Falls
- Day 9 Horizontal Falls & Buccaneer Archipelago
- Day 10 Lacepede Islands
- Day 11 Depart in Broome
| Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | |||
| Cabins | Staterooms | Upper Deck Staterooms | Deluxe Staterooms | |
| Jul 29 '13 * Aug 19 '13 * Sep 9 '13 * Sep 20 '13 Sep 30 '13 * Oct 11 '13 |
$7,410 | $8,440 | $8,855 | $9,160 |
| Please note: Fares are based off of current exchange rates from the Australian Dollar. Please contact us for current rates. Oct 11 '13 - This departure is 12 days in length and disembarks in Cairns * Itinerary operates in reverse |
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Solo Travelers:
A 50% single supplement is charged or select the “twin share” program. Book a cabin at the posted fare and the Coral Princess will attempt to match you with another solo traveler of the same gender. If not possible, enjoy the sole use of the cabin at the twin share price.
Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates.
Deposit & Payment A 50% single supplement is charged or select the “twin share” program. Book a cabin at the posted fare and the Coral Princess will attempt to match you with another solo traveler of the same gender. If not possible, enjoy the sole use of the cabin at the twin share price.
Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates.
Day 1 Embark in Darwin
Board the Coral Princess for a 11:00am departure this morning. Farewelling Darwin Harbor, cross Cambridge Gulf and sail into Western Australian waters. This afternoon join your Expedition Staff for an informative introduction to the Kimberley before meeting your fellow travelers and friendly crew at the Captain’s Welcome Cocktails.
Day 2 King George River & Falls
Today discover the first of the Kimberley’s ‘big’ rivers, the mighty King George. Aboard the Explorer, your specially designed excursion vessel, explore scenic gorges, and in inflatable zodiacs cruise close to the base of magnificent King George Falls, the tallest waterfall in Western Australia towering some 80 meters above the river below. Later, visit Tranquil Bay for beach walking and exploration.
Day 3 Vansittart Bay DC3 & Jar Island
Join your Expedition Leader on a walk across salt flats to view the wreckage of a US Air Force DC3 which crash landed on the beach during WWII. Later, visit Jar Island and discover the island’s outstanding rock art gallery. Your Guest Lecturers will point out fine examples of the Kimberley’s mysterious Bradshaw Paintings (Gwion), dating back some 20,000 years.
Day 4 Hathaway's Hideaway & Mitchell Falls
After anchoring in Winyalken Bay travel ashore aboard the Explorer to explore the maze of natural sandstone caves known as Hathaway’s Hideaway. Later, helicopters are available for optional scenic flights over the Mitchell Plateau for close up views of the mighty four-tiered Mitchell Falls. This evening, enjoy a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset as we indulge in a gourmet Aussie Beach BBQ.
Day 5 Bigge Island & Careening Bay
Discover the rock art gallery on Bigge Island, featuring fine examples of both Wandjina and Bradshaw art. Then, explore Careening Bay which was named by Phillip Parker King after his ship ‘HMC Mermaid’ was careened during his second voyage of discovery in the Kimberley. Your lecturers will lead you to the site of a large boab tree baring the inscription “HMC Mermaid – 1820”, still clearly visible almost 200 years later.
Day 6 Prince Regent River & King Cascades
Cruise the mighty Prince Regent River aboard Explorer to breathtaking King Cascades, an unusual and picturesque waterfall cascading over terraced rock formations. Enjoy a picnic lunch at beautiful Camp Creek, where there is time for a leisurely swim in the fresh water pools.
Day 7 Montgomery Reef & Doubtful Bay
Today savor a truly unforgettable moment as Montgomery Reef ‘rises’ out of the ocean as the tide ebbs. Join your Expedition Staff aboard the Explorer and zodiacs to experience this natural phenomenon up close and discover the reef’s diverse marine life including turtles, manta rays and reef sharks. Later, cruise through scenic Doubtful Bay.
Day 8 Raft Point & Ruby Falls
Cruising through Kuri Bay, home of the south sea pearl industry, travel ashore at Raft Point and visit a secluded and very interesting Aboriginal rock art gallery to view Wandjina art and the mysterious Bradshaw Paintings (Gwion). Later, explore Red Cone Creek and enjoy a cooling dip at Ruby Falls.
Day 9 Horizontal Falls & Buccaneer Archipelago
Cruise through the Buccaneer Archipelago, home to over 800 islands. In Talbot Bay, the region’s 12 meter tides create an amazing spectacle, the unique Horizontal Falls, described by legendary naturalist David Attenborough as “one the greatest natural wonders in the world”. Board the zodiacs for an exhilarating, ride through the falls. Later, explore Silica Beach on Hidden Island with its stunning white sands and crystal clear waters.
Day 10 Lacepede Islands
Cruise through Pender Bay and, subject to weather and tides, visit the Lacepede Islands, a series of low islands consisting of coarse sand and coral rubble lying atop a platform reef. This nature reserve has been identified by Bird Life International as an Important Bird Area as it supports up to 18,000 breeding pairs of Brown Boobies and Roseate Terns, possibly the largest such population in the world. Board the zodiacs and explore the island’s lagoon, keeping an eye out for many species of marine birdlife including Australian Pelicans, frigatebirds, egrets, gulls and terns. The islands are also renowned as Western Australia’s most significant breeding grounds for the Green Turtle, often seen nesting on the islands. This evening farewell new-found friends as you enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Cocktails.
Day 11 Depart in Broome
Your unforgettable cruise along the Kimberley coast concludes in Broome this morning.
Itinerary Notes
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations hoped to visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition the Coral Princess may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximize your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.Cruise Fare Includes: Accommodation charges on board, services of expedtion staff including lectures, briefings, slide/film presentations, and other group activites; group transfers during the cruise; all meals; 24 hour tea/coffee station; landing fees.
Cruise Fare Excludes: Pre and Post flights and transfers; personal items such as telephone, facsimile charges, laundry, bar charges, travel insurance.
Optional Costs: (During Cruise) Helicopter Flights to Mitchell Falls approx. $450.00 AUD per person.
Deposit & Payment
Initial deposit is 15%-25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, and Discover. Alternatively, you can send a check to our Missoula, Montana, office or register online at: https://www.adventure-life.com/forms/fourways.php
Final payment is due 70 days days prior to departure.
Final payment by bank transfer, check or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or AmEx. Credit Card payments subject to 3% convenience fee and maximum $15,000 charge.
Booking last minute? No problem! Please contact one of our trip planners, and we can get you on your way if booking less than 70 days days prior to departure.
Click here to see a copy of our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
| Days Prior to departure | Fee |
|---|---|
| 70 days or more | Deposit |
| 69-30 days | 55% cruise fare |
| 29-0 days | 100% cruise fare |
Coral Princess
- Ship Highlights
- Passengers : 50
- Luxury Expedition Ship
Commissioned in July 1988, the custom-made Coral Princess is 35 meters in length and accommodates just 50 guests. The Coral Princess is based on the Barrier Reef for 6 months of the year, and then undertakes cruise itineraries in the Kimberley region.
This beautiful 50 passenger small-ship has recently undergone a complete refurbishment, with new engines, expansive teak decking, reconfigured dining room and lounge, stylish new interior and exterior teak furnishings and revitalized décor.
Onboard Facilities
Onboard amenities include what you would expect of a much larger cruise ship:
- Air-conditioned dining room
- Two modern air-conditioned lounges
- Sundeck and Spa Pool
- Wireless internet available for laptops, PDAs and onboard computer
- Reference library featuring videos and books on the reef, islands and outback
- Phone and fax facilities
- Security Safe
- Fully stocked cocktail bar
- A range of souvenirs and personal items are available for purchase
- Limited laundry facilities
Dining
All meals during the cruise are included. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are usually served the Dining Room located on the Main Deck and are buffet-style. Coffee and tea is available 24 hours. Standard hours are breakfast from 7:00-8:30am, lunch at 12:30pm and dinner at 7:30pm however meal times may vary according to the day's activities. Meal times will be advised in the onboard daily bulletins.
Onboard Accommodation
Resort style living at its best. Select from four types of accommodation - all spacious and elegantly appointed.
The discerning traveller has a choice of Standard, Deluxe, Upper Deck Staterooms, while the more budget conscious may select a Cabin. A number of Staterooms have extra divans or Pullman berths, and others have connecting doors. All accommodation is spacious and air-conditioned with private ensuites and the choice of single or double beds.
Excursion Boats & Zodiacs
The "Explorer" is a specially designed aluminum excursion vessel used for the majority of the excursions. This vessel has high horsepower engines and will accommodate all passengers at one time. The "Explorer" will be used for landings and for extensive exploration of rivers and tributaries. For your added convenience and comfort, the "Explorer" is equipped with an awning and toilet.
Two inflatable landing craft (Zodiacs) are also carried. Designed for expedition work, these large and heavy-duty inflatables are extremely safe. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if the boats damaged. The flat bottom design permits these crafts to land directly onto the beaches. Expect nonetheless to wade through shallow water to reach the shore.
| Cabins | |
|---|---|
| Cabins Six cabins, decks C & D. 10 sqm with twin beds. | |
| Staterooms Five Staterooms on deck C. 13 sqm with twin or double beds. | |
| Upper Deck Staterooms Eight upper deck staterooms on deck B. 14 sqm with twin or double beds. | |
 | Deluxe Staterooms Six deluxe staterooms on deck c. 17 sqm with twin or double beds. |
