Perfected over 21 years, this 11-day voyage takes you on an unforgettable journey from Darwin to Broome. Ancient ochres meet thundering waterfalls on this voyage that explores the ‘bucket list’ destinations that you’ve always imagined visiting. From the remarkable Horizontal Falls, described by David Attenborough as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”, to the pounding Mitchell Falls and King George Falls, see the power of nature at her best. Expert guides interpret 40,000-year-old rock art and retrace the history of Phillip Parker King who first charted this spectacular coastline almost 200 years ago. Later in the season, watch Humpback Whales calf in these waters. Come face-to-face with this ancient land and her inhabitants.
Highlights
Experience the unique tidal phenomenon of the Horizontal Waterfalls
See crocodiles, humpback whales, rock wallabies, turtles, and birdlife
Marvel at the plunging 80 metre high King George Falls
Learn about the first explorers to chart this magnificent coastline
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Board your ship in the morning, cross Cambridge Gulf and sail into Western Australian waters, join your expedition staff in the lounge for an informative introduction to the Kimberley with fellow travelers and friendly Coral Expeditions’ crew, enjoy the Captain’s welcome drinks.
Discover the first of the Kimberley’s ‘big’ rivers, the mighty King George board Xplorer, your specially designed excursion vessel and explore scenic gorges, take to your inflatable Zodiacs and cruise close to the base of magnificent King George Falls, the tallest single-drop waterfalls in Western Australia, towering some 80 metres above the river below, visit secluded Tranquil Bay for beach walking and exploration.
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 World War II, visit Jar Island and discover the island’s outstanding rock art gallery, with your Guest Lecturers, see fine examples of the Kimberley’s mysterious Bradshaw Paintings (Gwion Gwion), dating back some 20,000 years.
Anchor in Winyalken Bay travel ashore aboard Xplorer to explore the maze of natural sandstone caves known as Hathaway’s Hideaway consider an optional scenic helicopter flight over the Mitchell Plateau for close up views of the mighty four-tiered Mitchell Falls (additional expense), this evening enjoy a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset as you indulge in a gourmet BBQ on the sundeck or the beach.
Discover the rock art gallery on Bigge Island featuring fine examples of both Wandjina and Bradshaw art, hear from our Guest Lecturers about these traditional art forms and the myths from the dreamtime that inspired them, explore Careening Bay; named by early explorer Phillip Parker King after his ship ‘HMC Mermaid’ was careened for repairs during his second voyage of discovery in the Kimberley, your Expedition Team leads you to the site of a remarkable boab tree bearing the inscription ‘HMC Mermaid – 1820’, still clearly visible almost 200 years later.
Cruise the mighty Prince Regent River aboard Xplorer 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 also time for a cooling dip in the freshwater pools.
Savour a truly unforgettable moment as Montgomery Reef ‘rises’ out of the ocean as the tide ebbs, join your Expedition Staff aboard the Xplorer and Zodiacs to experience this natural phenomenon up close, discover the reef’s diverse marine life including turtles, manta rays and reef sharks, cruise through scenic Doubtful Bay.
Cruise through Kuri Bay, home of the south sea pearl industry, travel ashore at imposing Raft Point and visit a secluded and very interesting Aboriginal rock art gallery to view Wandjina art and some of the Kimberley’s most well-preserved Bradshaw Paintings (Gwion Gwion). Explore Red Cone Creek.
Meander 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 Sir David Attenborough as “one of the greatest natural wonders in the world” the amazing power of the falls is revealed when the region’s 12 meter tides turn, forcing millions of litres of water to rush through the narrow gaps between cliffs, board the Zodiacs for an exhilarating ride through the falls, explore Silica Beach on Hidden Island with its stunning white sands and crystal clear waters.
Explore 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 BirLlife 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, frigate birds, egrets, gulls and terns, the islands are also renowned as Western Australia’s most significant breeding grounds for the Green Turtle, often seen nesting, this evening we reflect on this wonderful expedition with new-found friends as we enjoy the Captain’s farewell drinks.
Day 11: Broome, Australia | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Your adventure along the Kimberley Coast concludes in Broome this morning after breakfast, if you’re not transferring directly to the airport why not spend the day visiting world-famous Cable Beach or stroll the historic streets of Chinatown in central Broome, post cruise transfers included.
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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.
Coral Deck Stateroom
Identical to the Promenade Deck Staterooms except for their location one deck below. These staterooms have twin portholes rather than picture windows.
Promenade Deck Stateroom
Located below the Explorer deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk, and armchair are included.
Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
Comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk, and armchair are included.
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom
Comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk, and armchair are included.
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
Suites are equipped with a lounge area, minibar, and personal coffee machine. They have special King sized beds which can be separated into two singles.
Notes
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 25%, 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
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
