"Coral Expeditions" The Definitive Kimberley (Broome - Darwin or reverse) 11D10N

All aboard your Coral Expeditions ship for the adventure of a lifetime. Boarding commences at 4:00pm at Broome Wharf, where there is time to settle into your stateroom before the 5:00pm departure. Take time to familiarise yourself with all the facilities onboard before meeting your fellow travellers, the Captain and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks as you sail northwards towards Cape Leveque.

Spend the day exploring the Lacepede Islands, a group of 4 islands located just off the Kimberley Coast. The Lacepede Islands are an A-class reserve – rats were eradicated in 1986, enabling recolonisation by nesting seabirds. The Islands are Western Australia’s most important breeding ground for green turtles and an important hub for 1% of the world’s Brown Boobie and Roseate Tern populations.

If the weather and tide conditions are suitable, explore the lagoons by Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels.

Witness the majesty of Horizontal Falls, an astonishing and unique ‘sideways’ waterfall that David Attenborough once described as ‘one of the greatest natural wonders of the world’. These falls are the result of fast-moving tidal currents squeezing through two narrow gorges of the McLarty Range. Riding the rapids on the Zodiac tenders is undoubtedly a highlight of the cruise.

While in the area, explore the beautiful Buccaneer Archipelago, which is comprised of some 800 to 1,000 rocky islands with small embayments and secluded white sandy beaches. At Cyclone Creek, you will see evidence of massive geological forces in the impressive rock formations and cruise through the Iron Islands, past Koolan Island, before treating yourself to sunset drinks at Nares Point.

Venture into Doubtful Bay, located east south east of Montgomery Reef on the Southern Kimberley Coast. It was named by early explorer Phillip Parker King, who thought it was a doubtful entrance to the mythical inland sea.

At the southern end of Doubtful Bay, Raft Point is a low headland that is home to Indigenous Wandjina paintings. If a Traditional Owner is available, you will be able to visit the rock art galleries and learn the Wandjinas’ fascinating Dreamtime stories.

Other sites you may visit include the mighty Sale River, Steep Island and Ruby Falls and Red Cone Creek.

Spend the day exploring Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest inshore reef covering more than 300-square-kilometres. Travelling via Zodiac tenders, witness the astonishing marine spectacles of some of the biggest tidal changes on Earth. When the tide falls, the coral reef appears to rise from the ocean in a torrent of cascading water and a myriad of marine life makes its escape – dolphins, dugongs, manta rays, reef sharks and more.

While in the marine park, keep an eye out for other marine life including saltwater crocodiles and even humpback whales. The park is home to the Southern Hemisphere’s most important humpback whale nursery, and nothing compares to seeing these majestic creatures in the wild.

Other sites you may visit include the mighty Sale River, Steep Island and Ruby Falls and Red Cone Creek.

Delve deep into Careening Bay and pay a visit to the famous ‘Mermaid’ Tree. In 1820, Lieutenant Phillip Parker King and his crew were forced to land in the bay when their vessel Mermaid began taking on water. During the 10 days it took to complete the maintenance, the vessel’s carpenter visited the local Boab tree and carved ‘HMC Mermaid 1820’ into the trunk. Two hundred years later, the lettering has grown to 12-metres high and is a testament to the pioneering spirit that helped chart the indomitable Kimberley Coast.

Next, cruise through Saint Georges Basin to the mouth of the Prince Regent River. This is a stunning cruise that passes both Mount Trafalgar and Mount Waterloo, two massive bluffs that seem to rise from nowhere amid one of the most remote wilderness areas on Earth. With luck, the tide will allow a spot of fishing and a chance to land the legendary Barramundi.

The highlight of the day is undoubtedly the beautiful King Cascades. Take a moment to watch the mesmerising spectacle of freshwater cascading over the ancient terraced rock formations and, if you dare, venture to the front of the vessel for a shower you won’t soon forget. You can also take a walk and make the climb above the Cascades for a dip in the natural swimming pool, surrounded by lush ferns and the sounds of nature – Prince Regent River provides a haven for more than half the Kimberley’s native mammal and bird species.

Marvel at one of the biggest and most pristine mangrove systems in the world at Prince Frederick Harbour. Located midway along the Kimberley Coast, Prince Frederick Harbour is home to a huge area of islands, monsoon rainforest and mangroves, set against a backdrop of ochre-hued escarpment.

Spending the whole day in the Harbour is a thrilling experience. The whole eco-system changes with the tides, from a drowned forest at the high to steep exposed mud banks at the low. At low tide, you will likely see large populations of mudskipper fish including blue spotted mudskippers. Explore the rivers via Zodiac tenders on a cruise up Porosus Creek to view some striking rock formations.

While in the area, you will also see Wuuyuru Island, a large broken sandstone island with a range of wildlife including the endemic Monyjon (little rock wallaby).

Spend the day exploring Mitchell Falls, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Australia. Dropping more than 80-metres over four tiers, the Falls contrast beautifully with the sunburnt cliffs, making for a spectacular photo op. Those seeking the ultimate bird’s eye view should treat themselves to a scenic heli flight!

An alternate option to Mitchell Falls is exploring the sandstone caves of Hathaway’s Hideaway. The arches and columns inside the cave project the feeling of an optical illusion, which explains why the are often described as maze-like.

Another option while anchored at Winyalkan Bay is to visit a series of Gwion Gwion and Wandjina rock art galleries at Swift Bay.

In the evening, indulge in a gourmet barbeque as the sun sets red, yellow and purple over the Indian Ocean.

Arrive into Vansittart Bay, where you will find many islands in close proximity as well as many beautiful beaches and coves surrounded by the glistening aqua waters of the Timor Sea.

With an expert guide, explore remarkable Gwion Gwion Aboriginal rock art galleries estimated to be up to 20,000 years old. You may also find traces of old jars brought to the Island by Macassan fishermen harvesting sea cucumbers (hence the Island’s English name: Jar Island).

Close by, on the Anjo Peninsula, lies the skeleton of a US Air Force C-53 Sky Trooper aircraft, which veered off course and crash landed on the Island on its way to Perth in 1942. Luckily, all on board lived to tell the tale – they were rescued by a Qantas Flying Boat!

At high tide, cross the sand bars of the King George River for an unforgettable cruise along this cathedral-like gorge. The breathtaking scenery culminates in the mighty King George Falls, a dual waterfall that has an uninterrupted vertical drop of more than 80-metres, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Western Australia.

Cruise right up to the base of the twin falls for a refreshing ‘shower’, Kimberley style (conditions permitting). Intrepid adventurers may climb to the top of the falls for spectacular views of the river below, followed by a refreshing dip to cool off.

In the evening, celebrate the journey of a lifetime with farewell drinks as the sun sets over this breathtaking part of the world.

All good things must come to an end! After breakfast, say farewell to the crew and disembark in Darwin at 8:30am to commence your onward journey. Post cruise transfers to CBD hotels or the airport are included.

NOTE: The itinerary is indicative. No two expedition cruises will be the same, with each expedition crafted by the experienced Masters and Expedition Leaders. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel. We suggest that you do not arrive on the day of embarkation or depart on the day of disembarkation due to any changes that may occur in scheduling.