Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia & Indonesia

Arrive in Perth. Spend a night at a hotel.

On Day 2, fly to Broome, board National Geographic Orion in the afternoon, and take to the waters of the Indian Ocean.

Weather-dependent, the Zodiacs will operate through the low-lying Lacepede Islands off the coast of the Dampier Peninsula or explore Yampi Sound. This group of islands has been classified as an Important Bird Area, where you can have the opportunity to see what is possibly the largest breeding colony of brown boobies in the world. Other birds, such as the masked boobie, eastern reef egrets, and ruddy turnstones, inhabit the islands as well.

The Horizontal Waterfalls in the Buccaneer Archipelago are created by the rapid tidal fall on the ocean side of the cliffs. When conditions are right, a "waterfall" up to ten feet high may form as the trapped landward waters cascade out through the narrow gap to the ocean side. Enjoy a trip by Zodiac to witness this extraordinary phenomenon. Later in the day, guests can join the naturalists on an excursion to Cyclone Bay to explore the twisted geological folds of the ancient seabed.

Conditions permitting, the tide at Montgomery Reef may drop rapidly, and a raging torrent of water may erupt as miles of surrounding reef appear to slowly rise out of the ocean. A Zodiac maneuvers you into a channel in the reef as water cascades down on either side. It is the perfect spot to watch for cormorants, egrets, and sandpipers foraging for sea life trapped on the surface of the reef. Below the waterline, opportunistic sea turtles, reef sharks, and many larger fish also take advantage of this feast.

This is one of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast, lined with green rainforest, mangroves, and soaring red cliffs. National Geographic Orion drops anchor near Naturalists Island, also known by its indigenous name, Wunumpurramarra—a stunning backdrop to your day’s explorations. The Hunter River has many crocodiles, so keep an eye out for them on a Zodiac foray through the mangroves. For those wishing to explore some of the Kimberley’s vast interior, today presents a wonderful opportunity. The distance from Naturalists Island to the famous Mitchell Falls and Plateau is about 30 miles, and guests may choose to take an optional helicopter tour over some spectacular terrain.

Aboard Zodiacs, visit this rocky island jutting out of the sea, famous for Wandjina rock art. Composed of weathered sandstones and dolerites forming a rugged terrain, Bigge Island is crisscrossed by many deep grooves in the rock, forming valleys and fissures that support the island’s vegetation. Small monjon rock wallabies and the northern quoll thrive here, free of predators.

Today the naturalists will lead you to an outdoor Gwion Gwion Aboriginal art gallery on Jar Island. Discovered by Joseph Bradshaw in 1891, the rock images are estimated to be up to 40,000 years old. Nearby is the wreckage of a DC-3 aircraft that became lost and crashed during World War II. If time allows, explore the crash site and the remains of the plane.

Zodiac up the King George River with its almost vertical, sheer canyon walls. Enjoy the opportunity to explore it at water level and experience its towering red rock canyon walls. The river drains the Gardner Plateau here into spectacular King George Falls, the highest single-drop waterfalls in the Kimberley.

Spend time on deck with the team of naturalists; listen to compelling presentations in the lounge; or enjoy one of the many onboard amenities. The National Geographic Orion is required to make a quick technical stop in Darwin to clear the vessel and guests out of Australia before departing for Indonesia.

This morning we arrive in Indonesia at the village of Kupang, where the locals provide us with a colorful and spirited welcome. Once arrival formalities are complete, we sail to the small islands off the coast where many species of fish and marine life flourish along the coral reefs. We explore the area both above and below the sea by snorkel, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard.

The ancient harbor of Waingapu on East Sumba Island is one of Indonesia's hidden gems, with a beautifully rugged coastline that beckons to be explored. Your arrival will be celebrated with music, bright costumes, and traditional dance. The quality, pattern, and motifs of the ikat of East Sumba make it one of the most unique textiles in Indonesia. Head inland to meet the locals and learn the history of these colorful pieces of woven art.

Explore Komodo National Park, home to the world’s largest living lizard—the Komodo dragon. Learn about the conservation of these prehistoric giants from park rangers, who will join you on a hike to spot the lizards in their natural habitat. Then enjoy an afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, or beachcombing at Pink Beach, named for the soft pink hue that arises from the blending of red coral fragments and white sand.

Today, visit the uninhabited Indonesian island of Satonda, a small circular island that is an ancient volcanic cone. Spend the morning snorkeling or diving the vibrant reefs, or hike inland to the island’s sacred lake. This afternoon, visit the island of Sumbawa, where villagers welcome you with a lively cultural display.

This morning, arrive in Denpasar, on the lush island of Bali. Following disembarkation, get a taste of this paradise, where life and art are interwoven. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight home.