Kimberley Coast Adventure Cruise: An Unforgettable Darwin To Darwin

Board Heritage Adventurer this afternoon at Darwin Port, Australia’s northern gateway, known for its harbor, World War II history, and tropical setting. Meet the captain and expedition team before settling into your cabin and exploring the ship. Attend a briefing to learn about the voyage and expedition plans, then head to the Observation Lounge or Observation Deck as you depart for the King George River.

Watch for the King George River gorge as you travel toward its towering Warton Sandstone cliffs, estimated to be 2 billion years old. Step onto the Observation Deck for wide views, then explore the gorge by Zodiac, passing weathered rock formations along the waterway. At the gorge’s end, see King George Falls, the Kimberley’s highest single-drop waterfall, plunging 80 meters from ancient red sandstone cliffs into tidal waters. Learn about the falls’ formation and their cultural significance to the Balanggarra people, who know the twin falls as the male and female Rainbow Serpents, or Wunkurr.

Today is an authentic expedition day of adventure as you sail into Admiralty Gulf, location of the Osborn Islands. During your time here, the team plans to explore the islands and discover their rich Indigenous history through ancient rock art galleries, pearl farming and look for a swimming hole to cool down in.  They also plan to search for the historic 1892 wreck of steam yacht SS Sunbeam, which accidently ran aground on a mud bank while its captain raced an irreparable leak, trying to run the vessel ashore.

Today, the Kimberley expedition cruise sees navigating the scattered islands known as the Bonaparte Archipelago, which stretches almost 150 kilometers along the dramatic coastline. The destination is the remote and unspoiled inlet of T-shaped Swift Bay with its sandy beaches, ominous sea-worn caves and mangroves the team plans to explore, including Lucifer’s Labyrinth. A Zodiac cruise here allows a closer look at this incredible coastline, where you will also likely observe saltwater crocodiles. On land, several rock art galleries display the unique Wandjina and Gwion Gwion styles on a large scale, denoting the region’s cultural importance. There is also the opportunity to experience the grandeur of the iconic Mitchell Falls on a thrilling scenic heli-flight (optional extra). This is the only way to experience the Kimberley’s famous four-tiered falls and includes a landing on the stunning Mitchell Plateau, one of the most scenic and biologically important areas in Australia. Here you will explore this incredible sandstone landscape carved by the Mitchell River.

This morning, explore the sites of ancient Aboriginal rock art on Bigge Island and the historic Mermaid Boab Tree, which bears the name of the HMC Mermaid. This was famously carved into its trunk while the ship was beached there undergoing emergency repairs during Philip Parker King’s third voyage of discovery of the region in 1820. Now measuring some 3 meters wide and National Heritage listed, the tree offers a glimpse into Australian colonial history, while an old Makassan Islamic prayer alcove can be found behind the tree. During your time here, you will also explore the jaw-slackening, otherworldly sandstone coastline of York Sound with its incredible sea caves and fascinating wildlife.

Located at the eastern end of the Buccaneer Archipelago, and only accessible by sea, you have two days to explore the ancient land- and seascapes of Collier Bay and its astounding natural attractions. At Talbot Bay, experience the power of the region’s massive tidal movements which have shaped the landscape, most famously at the world’s only Horizontal Falls. Here you will witness what David Attenborough described as “one of the greatest wonders of the natural world”, as water trapped in an inland bay thunders between two narrow chasms as the tide drops more than 14 meters on the other side. This creates spectacular falls, whirlpools and boiling white water. At nearby Cyclone Creek, you will explore the twisted geological folds of the ancient seabed and hope to see the inquisitive Tawny Nurse Sharks among the incredible marine life on display. Another tidal spectacle awaits at Montgomery Reef at the bay’s center, the world’s largest inshore reef system, the team plans to capture the magic of observing this enormous reef ‘rise’ from the ocean as the tide falls. This creates torrents and waterfalls up to 3-meters high, displacing marine life igniting a feeding frenzy as predators above and below the water descend. At Freshwater Cove, shoreline explorations of the caves and grottos reveal a multitude of ancient landscapes and rock art galleries.

During your explorations of the Hunter River today it will quickly become apparent why this winding, 30-kilometer stretch of water is widely considered to be one of the highlights of the Kimberley Coast. Tucked into the north-east corner of Prince Frederick Harbor, an enormous bay puts the Kimberley’s epic scale into perspective. This scenic wonderland is dotted with islands and flanked with wildlife-filled mangrove-lined rivers, savanna woodlands and patches of lush monsoon rainforest, courtesy of receiving the lion’s share of the region’s rainfall, and soaring red cliffs. At the river’s mouth the unrestrained grandeur of 200-meter-high sandstone escarpment, Kampamantiya, keeps silent sentry, welcoming you into this otherworldly realm you will be exploring today. Fed by two 90-meter waterfalls, the Hunter and the Donkin, Hunter River is home to one of the largest and most pristine mangrove systems in the world. Zodiac cruising Porosus Creek could see you spotting diverse wildlife, including White-bellied Sea Eagles, Ospreys, Great-billed Herons, Eastern Reef Egrets, Red-headed Honeyeaters, Blue-spotted Mudskippers, Fiddler Crabs and more. As well as the iconic saltwater crocodile Crocodylus Porosus, of which the Hunter River boasts the Kimberley’s largest population. While here you will also explore Boongaree Island (Wunundarra or Bunjinii), home to Monjon (the smallest member of the rock-wallaby family), Northern Quoll, Scaly-tailed Possum, Northern Leaf-nosed Bat, stunning sandstone landscapes and unexplored mangrove channels.

Beautiful islands, pristine white sand beaches lapped by turquoise waters, secluded coves and stunning scenery abound in Vansittart Bay. It is also the location of a historical World War II site and incredible ancient Aboriginal rock art. Named after the Chancellor of Exchequer by early explorer Rear Admiral Philip Parker King, this striking, naturally protected bay is framed by scattered jagged sandstone monoliths. The Bay is also the final resting place of the preserved skeleton of a WWII Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (DC-3), which crash landed onto the saltpan after running out of fuel during a mercy mission to evacuate four Dutch citizens from Java. On Jar Island, the location of ancient outdoor Aboriginal Gwion Gwion art galleries set among fascinating caves and rock formations. Much of the rock art tucked under ledges and featured on cave walls is estimated to be up to 40,000 years old. They are remarkably preserved, protected from the elements. The island is also home to some interesting flora and fauna, including the Golden-backed Tree Rat, echidnas and birdlife. Discover a bounty of anthropological and historical wonders in Vansittart Bay.

At sea en route to Darwin Port, relax and reflect on your amazing adventure. This is also a good opportunity to edit any remaining photos while they are fresh in your mind, and you have the experience of the expedition team on board for questions about the Kimberley. Recap the highlights of the expedition and enjoy a farewell dinner tonight as you sail to the final port.

This morning sees Heritage Adventurer returning to Darwin Port. After breakfast there will be a complimentary coach to a central Darwin location or to Darwin International Airport. To allow time for disembarkation procedures and travel from Darwin, it is not recommended booking flights departing before 1300 hours. During the voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. Please note: Voyages are planned and scheduled pending final regulatory approval.