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Take in the unusual beauty of the Australian coast

Art of the Kimberley and Tiwis

Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Coral Adventurer
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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.
Discover the beautiful landscape of AustraliaMarvel at King George FallsSaltwater crocodiles in AustraliaEnjoy the beautiful Kimberley CoastRelax with a walk on the pierVibrant sunset colors over the Australian coastExplore the rugged Kimberley CoastTake in the unusual beauty of the Australian coast
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
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Darwin | Embark

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.

Day 3: Swift Bay

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Day 4: Bigge Island and Careening Bay

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Day 5: Prince Frederick Harbor

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Day 6: Wollaston Bay

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Day 7: Jar Island and Jalandal, Vansittart Bay

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Day 8: Berkeley River

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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.

Ship/Hotel

Coral Adventurer

Coral Adventurer
Coral Adventurer
Coral Adventurer

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$9,520
Coral Adventurer
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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.
Coral Adventurer
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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.
Coral Adventurer
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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.
Coral Adventurer
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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.
Coral Adventurer
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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
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and kayaks
  • All excursions with our Expedition Team
  • Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
  • Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
  • Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
  • Post-cruise transfers (in most destinations)
  • Snorkelling & SCUBA equipment (SCUBA diving at an additional cost)
  • 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry Service
  • Entry visas/Travel permits
  • Alcoholic drinks including beer and wine outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Internet 
  • Pre-cruise transfers
  • Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
  • Pre and post cruise accommodation
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Optional Extras (in some destinations)
  • Scuba Diving 

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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).
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