This 10-day sailing experience on Coral Adventurer brings you to the wonders of the Kimberley coast. Wonder at the unique tidal phenomenon of the Horizontal Waterfalls, marvel at the 80 meter high King George Falls, and watch for abundant wildlife as you travel and reach Broome. The Kimberley Region is named for its most imposing landmark - an ancient mountain range visible from the rugged sea coast. It is a place acknowledged as one of the world’s most beautiful wilderness areas. Witness magnificent coastal vistas created by towering rock ridges, silent secluded gorges, plunging waterfalls, abundant wildlife, and massive tidal movements.
Highlights
Experience the unique tidal phenomenon of the Horizontal Waterfalls
Marvel at the plunging 80 meter high King George Falls
Learn from expert interpretation of ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art
Witness Montgomery Reef rise out of the ocean with the falling tide
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Darwin and board at 8:00am for a 9:00am departure. Meet and mingle with fellow guests and crew at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.
Day 2: King George River
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cruise down the scenic King George River with its characteristic steep-sided gorges caused by the flooded river system that carved a swathe through the Kimberley landscape. We will take the opportunity to get up close and view the intricate honeycomb erosion patterns of the 80m tall sandstone cliffs by Xplorer and Zodiac tenders.
Swift Bay is home to historical Wandjina and Gwion Gwion Rock Art (Bradshaw) galleries. Stretch your legs and explore the magnificent sandstone structures, providing an abundance of rock shelters. On the walls of these shelters is where we will find examples of this rock art. If tide and time permits, we may also visit another art site at Wollaston Bay, a former sea cave in the low sandstone cliff.
Discover Bigge Island, lying some 6 kilometers from the mainland separated by the Scott Strait. Walk along the cliffs and cave walls to admire the artworks including depictions of Wandjina figures. The island plays an important role in future wildlife conservations as it is free from feral predators, which allows rare vulnerable species to thrive including the Northern Quoll, Scaly-tailed Possum, and Monjon – the smallest member of the rock wallaby family.
Careening Bay is the site of the famous Mermaid Boab Tree, but it is also home to plenty of birdlife. Bar-shouldered Doves call throughout the day and Great Bowerbirds are common here. Also seen in the mangroves behind the beach are Shining Flycatcher, Red-headed Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeater, Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike, and Little Friarbird.
Prince Frederick Harbour is one of Kimberley’s most spectacular locations at the southern end of York Sound. The harbor is dotted with islands lined with mangroves and monsoon rainforests, set against a backdrop of the ochre-hued escarpment. White-bellied sea eagles and other birds of prey are often seen here, and at low tide, expansive mudflats reveal large populations of mudskippers and mangrove crabs. On our visit here, we will take our Xplorer tender vessels on a cruise up Porosus Creek to view some striking rock formations.
The sandstone caves of Wollaston Bay, with their weathered tunnels, arches, and columns form a labyrinth-like maze that was once an Aboriginal midden. This wildlife haven is home to threatened species including the golden-backed tree rat, monjon, and golden bandicoot. While you explore the land, gaze at fascinating Gayarra Wandjina and Wandjina rock art.
At Jar Island, stretch your legs and explore the magnificent sandstone structures, providing an abundance of rock shelters. On the walls of these shelters is where we will find examples of rock art, the island is known to feature some of the most ancient human history records on the planet. Jalandal is another nearby rock art site. The under-hanging cave features examples of Wandjina and Gwion Gwion style art. We will meet with traditional owners who will provide interpretation to enrich the experience.
The remote Berkeley River cuts through the eastern edge of the Kimberley, draining into Joseph Bonaparte Gulf. This immense river is home to many saltwater crocodiles, rock wallabies, and other wildlife, and is known for its steep-sided gorges. Enjoy cruising through the river and gorge to spot wildlife and take in the peace and grandeur of this isolated destination. Once back on board, guests can participate in art workshops and attend presentations by our Guest Lecturers.
Day 9: Tiwi Islands
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Experience a traditional welcome ceremony and morning tea (damper and billy tea). On a guided tour, learn of the culture and history of the Tiwis as we explore the museum and the old mission precinct.
Visit Tiwi Design, one of the oldest and most artistically diverse art centers in Australia and produces ochre paintings on canvas and bark, ironwood carvings, screen printed fabrics, ceramics, bronze/glass sculptures, and limited edition prints. Under the guidance of a local artist, enjoy an afternoon art session to create your own artwork to take home.
On Melville Island, learn about both traditional and contemporary art on a visit to wholly Indigenous-owned Munupi Arts at Pirlangimpi. We will have the opportunity to purchase traditional Tiwi artworks including paintings, fabrics, carving, pottery, and clothing at island prices.
Day 10: Darwin | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 8:30 am where there will be transfers available to the airport or CBD accommodation.
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.
$9,520
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.7 | 110 reviews
TrustScore 4.7 of 5
Based on 110 reviews on
5 hours ago
Nice thank you
Leo Lommen
17 hours ago
quick to respond
thorough
Lisa Gallagher
2 days ago
Personal knowledge of the trip I was considering. Patience with our figuring out which dates we could travel.
Brian
3 days ago
Clara and Rhenee were gracious and available. Phone contact is so important to answer questions and discuss all aspects of trip. If not immediately available they scheduled a time to speak.
They were knowledgeable, honest, realistic and very friendly. They are both very professional and take their role seriously.
Happy Camper
3 days ago
Jason has been wonderful. He is full of information and was very willing to listen to what was of interest to us.