"Quest" Kimberley Adventure 10D9N

Your Adventure Quest begins when a courtesy vehicle picks you up from your Broome CBD accommodation at approximately 4:30pm and transfers you to the Kimberley Quest II, where you will be welcomed on board by your captain and crew. Enjoy a cold drink as you watch the sun dip below the horizon, while cruising past the famous Cable Beach, 22-kilometres (14mi) of pristine white sand edged by dunes and ochre red cliffs.

Your destination is the remote Cape Leveque on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula north of Broome. This rugged and pristine slice of the Kimberley is famous for its Aboriginal heritage, which continues to thrive.

(Alternatively, why not treat yourself to the ultimate bird’s eye view with a scenic flight from Broome to the tip of the Dampier Peninsula, arriving at Cygnet Bay Farm? On arrival, you will learn about the fascinating history of pearling before being transferred to the Kimberley Quest II. Meet the captain and crew and enjoy lunch while crossing King Sound.)

Start your day crossing the vast King Sound, cruising through the breathtaking Buccaneer Archipelago. This remote area consists of some 800-1,000 rocky islands with small embayments and secluded white sandy beaches.

At Dugong Bay, take a scenic tender excursion to cool off with a dip in one of the freshwater pools. Around the corner lies Talbot Bay, home to one of the icons of the Kimberley Coast, the Horizontal Falls. Described by David Attenborough as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”, this unique “sideways” waterfall is formed by fast moving tidal currents squeezing between two narrow gorges. The tidal ranges in this area can exceed 10-metres (33ft) and the direction of the flow reverses ensuring the water flows two different ways each day. Take a tender and head in for an up close and exhilarating ride through this natural phenomenon.

In the afternoon, take a scenic excursion up the back of Cyclone Creek to marvel at the unique rock formations.

Enjoy a sleep in!

Mid morning, wake up with a refreshing swim at Surprise Falls. Then, enter Secure Bay, where you will undertake an exhilarating cruise through whirlpools and observe dramatic tidal movements. Take a tender to get up close to the ancient sandstone cliffs, where you may find Sticky Kurrajong (also known as the Kimberley Rose) clinging to the rockface. Your guide will explain the various Aboriginal uses for this beautiful red flowered plant.

In the afternoon, get your first taste of fishing for Giant Trevally, mackerel, tuna and queenfish.

Cruise to Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest inshore reef. Take a tender to witness an astonishing marine spectacle as the reef is transformed by 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 plethora of marine life makes its escape – manta rays, octopuses, reef sharks turtles and even dugongs and dolphins.

Next, cruise up the Sale River for a swim in the spring-fed rainforest pools. You will also have the opportunity to view ancient Indigenous rock art.

In the afternoon, cruise towards Raft Point and Steep Island, known for its ancient red rock walls and pebble beaches. Disembark and walk up to the caves on the hill to find some of the best preserved Wandjina art in the Kimberley. From the top of the hill, stop to admire the sunset before returning to the vessel.

Start your day with some hot fishing action at “Three Ways”. This is a great spot to hook the legendary Barramundi. You may also try your luck at mud crabbing.

Continue on to Red Cone Creek. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Ruby Falls, a picturesque freshwater swimming hole filled with waterlilies and smooth water-worn rocks to sit on and take in the tranquil surrounds.

In the afternoon, cruise through the brilliant blue waters of Camden Sound – one of the world’s greatest humpback calving grounds. From April to September, thousands of whales give birth in the Sound, covering themselves in sticky mud to assist with healing wounds gained during mating battles.

At sunrise, head out for a spot of pelagic fishing or join your guides in search of Kimberley rock oysters.

After, pay a visit to nearby Camden Harbour, the scene of a 19th century sheep farming fiasco by early European settlers. Because this area is so rarely visited, it is almost a time capsule – you can actually see the original outline of the camp, which failed miserably and was abandoned in less than 2 years.

In the afternoon, cruise towards Rothsay Water to take a tender excursion to see ancient Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) and Wandjina art.

Cruise up the Prince Regent River, one of Australia’s straightest rivers, marvelling at the pristine waterway that cuts through sandstone cliffs and gorges. Your destination is King Cascade, a spectacular terraced waterfall that is inaccessible to larger cruise ships. Make sure to stand on the front deck for a refreshing shower beneath the falls before climbing to the top for a swim in the enticing crystal-clear pool.

In the afternoon, join your guides for an excursion to Cathedral Falls, while spotting crocodiles and flying foxes. Alternatively, fish the Prince Regent River, which is renowned for big Barramundi.

Spend the morning exploring historic Hanover Bay. In 1821, the Worrorra people looked out from the shores of the Bay to see the HMS Bathurst sailing in. The meeting began peacefully, but after an exchange of goods, a British officer was speared in the back. The British retaliated by shooting a local man in the shoulder and left. While in the area, you will also learn about the naming of Treachery Head and the exploits of explorer George Grey, who led the first land-based exploration of the Kimberley.

In the afternoon, cruise past the scenic basalt and sandstone islands of Brunswick Bay to Moolgoodna (Booby Island). This ecological hotspot supports more than 1% of the world’s population of Brown Boobies, with up to 2000 breeding pairs. About 500 pairs of crested terns also nest on the island.

Today’s adventure is centred on the crystal-clear beaches of Heywood and Champagny Islands. Spend your day swimming and snorkelling or else relaxing on the sundeck. You will also have the opportunity to visit a historic World War II radar base.

In the afternoon, continue on to Cape Leveque on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula north of Broome. This rugged and pristine slice of the Kimberley is famous for its dramatic red rock cliffs, bone white sand, and turquoise water as well as its Aboriginal heritage, which continues to thrive. Savour your last evening on board with a cold drink as the sun sets red, pink and yellow over the Kimberley Coast.

Depart the Kimberley Quest II and board a scenic flight for the ultimate bird’s eye view of the Dampier Peninsula down to Broome. On arrival (approximately 12:00pm in Broome), a courtesy vehicle will transfer you to your CBD accommodation.

NOTE: This is only a suggested itinerary. The remote Kimberley region experiences large tidal movements which can affect our itinerary. We may need to vary this from time to time, however, no matter the tides, we always visit the spectacular icons of this region. There will be plenty of land and sightseeing excursions to many untouched places, and opportunities to catch fresh fish for the table. Please note scenic helicopter flights are available on request.