Have questions? We're here.
Mountain Range in Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia & Indonesia

Example 16 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Orion
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal South Pacific trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Experience Australia's iconic wilderness and Indonesia's remote island villages on this 16-day Kimberley Expedition from Perth, Australia to Bali, Indonesia aboard National Geographic Orion. Explore dramatic landscapes in the Kimberley that are etched with ancient human history and navigate to remote Indonesian island villages where history is brought to life through rituals. In the Kimberley, look for imposing wildlife, including prehistoric and giant saltwater crocodile and Kongo dragons. Amidst unspoiled coral gardens, snorkel and dive at Rowley Shoals. Discover the history of the Moluccas, fought over by English, Portuguese, and Dutch colonizers, as you zodiac to the base of King George Falls.
King George River Gorge, Kimberley, AustraliaRock formations along the coast of KimberlyTanah Lot rock formationMountain Range in Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Highlights
  • Zodiac up the King George River to explore it at water level and experience its towering red rock canyon walls
  • Go up close to the unique wildlife in this Region -- see crocodiles, migrating humpback whales, and endearing wallabies
  • Visit the world-renowned Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to go in search of the legendary Komodo dragon
  • Snorkel and dive remote reefs with galaxies of colorful fish in Indonesia and pristine Rowley Shoals in Australia
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Perth, Western Australia

Arrive in Perth. Spend a night at a hotel.

Day 2: Fly Broome

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Fly to Broome to board National Geographic Orion. Depart this afternoon.

Day 3: Rowley Shoals

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Isolated in the Indian Ocean northwest of Australia, the three coral atolls known as Rowley Shoals harbor abundant marine life and almost untouched coral. Spend a day exploring the atolls by Zodiac or under the sea. Snorkel and dive from the sand cays, encountering a dazzling array of species, from anemone fish to giant potato cod to shimmering schools of tuna.

Day 4-5: At Sea | Montgomery Reef

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Enjoy a day at sea to relax on deck, attend talks by experts, and get to know the ship. The Kimberley coast is known for its dramatic tides. Conditions permitting, you’ll arrive at Montgomery Reef at the turn of the tide and position our Zodiacs to watch the water drop rapidly and miles of reef appear suddenly, as if rising from the sea. This is a fantastic opportunity to spot wildlife such as egrets, sea turtles, and reef sharks as they forage for creatures trapped on the reef.

Day 6: Hunter River or Mitchell Falls (optional)

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
With crimson cliffs jutting toward the sky and thick mangroves along the water’s edge, Hunter River boasts some of the most spectacular scenery on the Kimberley coast. Drop anchor near Naturalist Island and set off to explore Hunter River by Zodiac. Navigate the mangroves, on the lookout for crocodiles and numerous bird species. Or choose to embark on an optional helicopter ride to Mitchell Falls, and enjoy a unique perspective on the Kimberley’s vast, rugged, and hard-to-reach interior.

Day 7: Bigge Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Tucked into Bigge Island’s lunar-like landscape of sculpted sandstone are cave systems filled with rock art that dates back through the ages. Follow guides into the caves to decipher scenes of Wandjina figures and what appear to be European ships and visitors smoking pipes. As you explore the rocky isle, keep an eye out for Monjon rock wallabies and the endangered northern quoll, a small carnivorous marsupial.

Day 8: King George River and Falls

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy the unique opportunity to ride Zodiacs up the King George River today, passing between nearly vertical canyon walls. The destination is the dramatic and remote King George Falls, where water drains off the plateau in twin cascades, dropping some 260 feet. Depending on the conditions, you’ll hang back in the refreshing mist to watch the thundering water, or get right up close —and even behind—the falls. 

Day 9: Wyndham and the Ord River

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Set out via small boat up the Ord River to Lake Argyle. The Ord River is one of the most stunning river systems in Australia. You’ll navigate a massive stretch of river between Kununurra and Lake Argyle (Ord River Dam) and then view the Lake from a scenic lookout and have a visit to the historic Durack homestead. Alternatively, take an optional flight to discover Purnululu National Park, home of the breathtaking Bungle Bungle Range. These ancient hills resemble giant beehives forming deep chasms with palm trees and long gorges. This strange landscape is remarkable from the air.

Day 10-11: Vansittart Bay | Jar Island | At Sea

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Enter Vansittart Bay and go ashore at Jar Island to experience the mystical culture of Kimberley’s Aboriginal people at an outdoor gallery of prehistoric Gwion Gwion rock art. The elegant images were recorded by Joseph Bradshaw in 1891, and date back tens of thousands of years. If time allows, visit the wreck of a DC-3 aircraft that crashed nearby during World War II. 

Day 12: Savu Sea Marine National Park, Indonesia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
First port of call in Indonesia the Savu Sea—a haven for marine life. The sea is an important corridor for migrating whales, and 14 whale species have been spotted here. Sea turtles and many species of fish can be found amid the vibrant coral reefs. Explore the area both above and below the sea as you kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or snorkel in these rich waters.

Day 13: Larantuka

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
As Dutch influence spread throughout the “East Indies” in the 17th century, Portuguese colonists flocked to the trading post of Larantuka on Flores Island. Today Larantuka is a picturesque seaside town with a strong Portuguese colonial character and spectacular views. Explore the town, meeting the local people and learning about their history and customs, and swim and snorkel off white-sand beaches.

Day 14: Komodo National Park

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 us 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 coral fragments that lend their color to the sand.

Day 15: Satonda | Sumbawa

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Today you visit Satonda, a small circular island formed from an ancient volcanic cone. Snorkel or dive its vibrant reefs or hike inland to the sacred lake at its center. Continue to the island of Sumbawa, where villagers welcome you with a lively demonstration of their traditions, including a wedding ceremony and a ritual boxing match.

Day 16: Bali | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
This morning, disembark in Denpasar on the lush island of Bali. Get a taste of this paradise, where nature, spirituality, and art are interwoven into daily life. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Orion

Keep in shape in the exercise room aboard the National Geographic Orion
The National Geographic Orion is sleek and at your service
The lovely National Geographic Orion

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$15,610
National Geographic Orion's Category 1 Cabin.
Select a Date
Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Your  Category B Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
Select a Date
Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
A Category A Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
Select a Date
Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
A lovely category 3 suite on the National Geographic Oion
Select a Date
Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
National Geographic Orion's Category 3 Cabin.
Select a Date
Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
National Geographic Orion's Category 4 Cabin.
Select a Date
Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
National Geographic Orion's Category 5 Cabin.
Select a Date
Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
National Geographic Orion's Category 6 Cabin.
Select a Date
Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.
Included
  • 15 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • 15 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages
  • All airport transfers mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
  • Services of the expert expedition team and guest speakers
  • Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
  • Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at guests’ discretion)
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Additional Hotel Nights 
  • Private Transfers
  • Expedition Extensions 
  • Laundry 
  • Air transportation (except when indicated in the itinerary, as included)
  • Passport, visa, and immigration fees
  • Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
  • Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
  • Items of personal nature
  • Phone and Internet Service
  • Gratuity for ship’s crew, at guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen

South Pacific Travel Guide

Favorite South Pacific All Trips

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By