Jump onboard Coral Expeditions I and let yourself be led by Kimberley experts into a world like no other. The exotic, remote, and surprising Kimberley coastline, located in Australia's northwest, offers unique discoveries from ancient aboriginal rock paintings and intriguing Horizontal Waterfalls, to incredible reefs home to fascinating wildlife and powerful tidal phenomena. Australia's Kimberley Coast is a natural marvel not to be missed. Come and see it for yourself!
Highlights
Search for Gwion Gwion figures and WWII relics in Vansittart Bay inlets
Discover the Wandjina & Bradshaw rock paintings
Zodiac cruise through the powerful Horizontal Waterfalls
Watch for seabirds and turtle nesting grounds in the Lacepede Islands
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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.
Day 9: Horizontal Falls and Buccaneer Archipelago
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.
Day 10: Lacepede Islands
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.
Day 11: Broome, Western Australia | Disembark
1 Breakfast
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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$5,825
Notes
Solo Travelers:
A 50% single supplement is charged or select the “Single Guest Match” program. Single Guest Match is available for guests who have flexible travel dates and are willing to share a cabin with another guest of the same gender. Passengers are placed on a standby list and notified if a match becomes available. Once confirmed, they are charged at the twin-share rate (no single supplement). Cabin category requests are accepted.
Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates.
Initial deposit is $2700, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.