Kimberley Coast - Darwin to Broome

Meet your fellow passengers and your expedition crew in Darwin, Northern Territory, and board Coral Expeditions I for a morning departure.

At over 80 meters, King George Falls are the highest twin falls in Western Australia. Feel humbled by nature’s awesome force as thousands of tonnes of water cascade over the ancient sandstone cliffs. Early in the season, you may cruise under the mist of the falls, while in later months get up close to the sandstone walls to view the honeycomb erosion patterns.

Vansittart Bay contains many sites of cultural and historical significance. Here you'll have opportunity to view the remarkable Gwion Gwion galleries and Macassan sites at Jar Island. On the Anjo Peninsula, discover the wreckage of the downed C-53 Skytrooper, well-preserved since it crashed in 1942.

Carved through layers of sandstone, Mitchell Falls descends over four tiers, creating pools of emerald green on each level. The option to take a scenic helicopter flight will give you a breathtaking view, or alternatively explore the sandstone caves of Hathway’s Hideaway or enjoy a catch and release fishing excursion. Swift Bay reveals a series of fine Wandjina art galleries.

At the southern end of the York Sound lies one of the most spectacular locations in the Kimberley: Prince Frederick Harbor. It is home to many islands, mangroves and monsoon rainforests, set against a backdrop of steep red escarpment. White-bellied sea eagles and other birds of prey are often seen here, and at low tide expansive mudflats reveal large populations of various mudskippers and mangrove crabs. Spot massive saltwater crocodiles on a cruise up Porosus Creek, visit art sites, and marvel at rock formations.

Running on a fault line, this straight river is a haven for native species. If the tide is right, there may be an opportunity for swimming at Camp Creek, and here you'll visit the beautiful King Cascade. See the National Heritage Listed ‘Mermaid Tree’ at Careening Bay. It still bears the name carved by the crew of Phillip Parker King’s ship HMS Mermaid when the ship was repaired here in 1820.

Montgomery Reef is a biologically diverse area covering over 300 sq km. Named by Phillip Parker King, this marvelous reef is home to several species of marine turtles, dolphins, dugongs, and crocodiles. As the reef emerges from the sea at low tide, get up close in the Xplorer and inflatables to witness the spectacle. Your guides will share their knowledge on the formation of the reef and the myriad wildlife here.

Raft Point guards the entrance to this iconic area, with a host of destinations such as the mighty Sale River, Steep Island and Ruby Falls at Red Cone Creek. There may also be an opportunity to meet the Worrora people and experience the wonderous Wandjina art of Raft Point.

The visual delight of the Buccaneer Archipelago reveals Talbot Bay. Here you'll find the natural wonder of the Horizontal Falls. The changing tide thunders through narrow gorges in the McLarty Ranges, and you can experience the thrill of traversing the falls at high speed aboard inflatable tenders.

At Cyclone Creek, view evidence of massive geological forces in the impressive rock formations, or take an Xplorer cruise through the Iron Islands, past Koolan Island, before enjoying sunset drinks at Nares Point.

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 (subject to weather and tides).  This nature reserve has been identified by BirdLife 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.  Disembark to board a Zodiac 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, and it is often seen nesting here.

Upon arrival in Broome, say farewell to shipboard friends and crew before being transferred to the airport or continue on to explore Broome’s beaches, its pearling industry, and captivating history.