~~ 01-Apr-2024 to 31-Mar-2025~~Valid for 01APR24-31MAR25:
Day 1: Broome
Make your own way to Broome Civic Centre at 2:00pm to meet with the Coral Expeditions team and check in for your expedition cruise. A complimentary transfer will be provided to Deep Water Port, where boarding will begin from 4:00pm for 5:00pm departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard as we cruise northwards towards Cape Leveque. As dusk falls meet your fellow travellers, the Captain and crew for the Captain's Welcome Drinks.
Day 2: Lacepede Islands
Cruise through Pender Bay and subject to weather and tides visit the Lacepede Islands, a series of low islands consisting of coarse sand and coral rubble lying atop a platform reef. This nature reserve has been identified by Birdlife International as an Important Bird Area as it supports up to 18,000 breeding pairs of Brown Boobies and Roseate Terns, possibly the largest such population in the world. Board the zodiacs and explore the island's lagoon, keeping an eye out for many species of marine birdlife including Australian Pelicans, frigate birds, egrets, gulls and terns. The islands are also renowned as Western Australia's most significant breeding grounds for the Green Turtle, often seen nesting on the islands.
Day 3: Horizontal Falls and Buccaneer Archipelago
Cruise through the Buccaneer Archipelago, home to over 800 islands. In Talbot Bay, the region's 12 metre tides create an amazing spectacle, the unique Horizontal Falls, described by legendary naturalist David Attenborough as "one of the greatest natural wonders in the world". Board the zodiacs for an exhilarating ride through the falls. In the spectacular Buccaneer Archipelago, you will see evidence of massive geological forces in the ancient rock formations as we cruise through the Iron Islands, past Koolan Island and enjoy sunset drinks at Nares Point.
Day 4: Doubtful Bay
Cruising through Kuri Bay, home of the south sea pearl industry, travel ashore at Raft Point and visit a secluded and very interesting Aboriginal rock art gallery to view Wandjina art and the mysterious Bradshaw Paintings (Gwion). Visit Red Cone Creek, which flows gently downstream until it meets Ruby Falls. Climb up rock formations like building blocks, to reach the freshwater swimming hole. Other sites we may visit in Doubtful Bay include the mighty Sale River and Steep Island.
Day 5: Montgomery Reef
Today savour a truly unforgettable moment as Montgomery Reef 'rises' out of the ocean as the tide ebbs. Join the Expedition Staff aboard the Xplorer and zodiacs to experience this natural phenomenon up close and discover the reef's diverse marine life including turtles, manta rays and reef sharks.
Day 6: Prince Regent River and Careening Bay
Running on a fault line, this straight river is a haven for native species. Here we visit the beautiful King Cascade, a terraced waterfall. Explore Careening Bay which was named by Phillip Parker King after his ship 'HMC Mermaid' was careened during his second voyage of discovery in the Kimberley. The lecturers lead us to the site of a large boab tree bearing the inscription "HMC Mermaid'1820", still clearly visible almost 200 years later.
Day 7: Prince Frederick Harbour
Prince Frederick Harbour is one of the Kimberley's most spectacular locations. The harbour is dotted with islands lined with mangroves and monsoon rainforests, set against a backdrop of ochre-hued escarpments. Cruise up Porosus Creek to spot wildlife and later explore rock art sites.
Day 8: Mitchell Falls, Winyalkan and Swift Bay
Carved through layers of sandstone, Mitchell Falls descends over four tiers, creating pools of emerald green on each level. An optional helicopter flight (extra charge) will provide breathtaking views. Alternatively explore the sandstone caves of Wollaston Bay or Wollaston Creek, a maze of weathered tunnels, arches and columns that was once an Aboriginal midden. Swift Bay reveals a series of fine Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art galleries.
Day 9: Vansittart Bay
Join the Expedition Leader on a walk across salt flats to view the wreckage of a US Air Force C-53 Skytrooper aircraft which crash landed on the beach during WWII. Later, visit Jar Island and discover the island's outstanding rock art gallery. The guest lecturers will point out fine examples of the Kimberley's mysterious Bradshaw Paintings (Gwion), dating back some 20,000 years.
Day 10: King George River and Falls
Today you discover the first of the Kimberley's 'big' rivers, the mighty King George. Aboard Xplorer, the specially designed excursion vessel, you'll explore scenic gorges, and in the inflatable Zodiacs you'll cruise close to the base of magnificent King George Falls, the tallest waterfalls in Western Australia towering some 80 metres above the river below. Later, you visit Tranquil Bay for beach walking and exploration. This evening enjoy Captains Farewell Drinks.
Day 11: Arrive Darwin
08:30am. Your unforgettable cruise along the Kimberley coast concludes in Darwin this morning.
Note: The itinerary is an indication of the destinations visited and activities on offer. Changes may be made to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience.~~~~
~~ 01-Apr-2025 to 31-Dec-2026~~Valid for 01APR25-31DEC26:
The Kimberley Cruise
Day 1: Broome
Make your own way to Mangrove Hotel, Broome at 3:30pm to meet with the Coral Expeditions team and check in for your expedition cruise. A complimentary transfer will be provided to Deep Water Port, where boarding will begin from 4:00pm for 5:00pm departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard before joining the expedition team in the Bridge Deck Lounge for an introduction to the Kimberley. As dusk falls meet your fellow travellers, the Captain and crew for the Captain's Welcome Drinks.
Day 2-10 Itinerary highlights:
- The Lacepede Islands. Subject to weather and tides. The low islands are a nature reserve and significant breeding area for the Green Sea Turtle. Explore the island's lagoon by Zodiac and Xplorer to spot many species of birds and marine wildlife.
- Talbot Bay / Buccaneer Archipelago: 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 enjoying sunset drinks at Nares Point.
- Horizontal Falls: Experience a heart pumping ride through the rapids aboard our Zodiacs.
- Doubtful Bay and Raft Point: Visit Red Cone Creek, which flows gently downstream until it meets Ruby Falls (subject to tides). Climb rock formations like building blocks, to reach the freshwater swimming hole If time permits we may also do an Xplorer cruise up the mighty Sale River.
- Montgomery Reef: A diverse area covering over 300sqkm. Expedition team will share their knowledge on the reef and wildlife.
- Prince Regent River and Careening Bay: Visit King Cascade, a terraced waterfall. See the National Heritage Listed 'Mermaid Tree' at Careening Bay.
- Prince Frederick Harbour and Bigge Island: Cruise up Porosus Creek to spot Wildlife and later explore rock art sites at Lumbarrni Island.
- Mitchell Falls, Winyalkan and Swift Bay: An optional helicopter flight (at own expense) will provide a breathtaking view.
- Vansittart Bay: Home to many cultural and historically significant sites like the remarkable Ngula. Nearby on the Anjo Peninsula, we explore the well preserved wreckage of a US Air Force C-53 Skytrooper aircraft.
- King George River and Falls: King George Falls are the highest twin falls in Western Australia. Cruise through steep-sided gorges carved many millions of years ago to reach the base of the falls.
Day 11: Arrive Darwin
Disembark at Darwin's Fort Hill Wharf at 08:30am. Post cruise transfer included to Darwin CBD hotels or the airport.
Note: The itinerary is an indication of the destinations visited and activities on offer. Changes may be made to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience.~~~~ |
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