Coral Expeditions – 10 Nights Darwin to Broome

About This Project

Kimberley Cruise Escapes invites you to discover the remarkable Kimberley Coast. Home to towering waterfalls, rugged outback landscapes, ancient Aboriginal art and abundant wildlife there is simply no place on earth quite like the Kimberley, and no better way to discover it than by small ship.

Join us to experience all of the icons of the Kimberley Coast over ten unforgettable days cruising between Darwin and Broome. In the north, discover the majestic King George River with its towering 80-metre twin falls and the mysterious Bradshaw (Gwion) Paintings of Bigge Island. Explore the Mitchell Plateau and cruise the Kimberley’s ‘big’ rivers before experiencing beautiful King Cascades, remarkable Montgomery Reef and the amazing natural phenomenon of the Horizontal Falls in the south.

This is a land steeped in ancient Aboriginal culture and the legends of Australia’s pioneering past. Travel ashore to view the world’s oldest known indigenous rock art, the mysterious Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) paintings and soak up the history of early explorers such as Phillip Parker King who first charted this spectacular coastline almost 200 years ago. With two landings most days, with Coral Expeditions you will enjoy more opportunities to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the Kimberley. Aboard our unique ‘Xplorer’ excursion vessel and fleet of inflatable zodiacs, and with the expert local knowledge of our experienced guides, you are assured of making the most of every minute of your expedition, and do it all in total comfort and unrivalled style.

You can choose to cruise on Coral Discoverer or Coral Expeditions I.

Itinerary

	Day 1 Depart Darwin Board your ship at 8.00am for planned 9:00am departure > cross Cambridge Gulf and sail into Western Australian waters > join our expedition staff in the lounge for an informative introduction to the Kimberley > with fellow travellers and friendly Coral Expeditions’ crew, enjoy the Captain’s welcome drinks.
	Day 2 King George River and Falls Discover the first of the Kimberley’s ‘big’ rivers, the mighty King George > board Xplorer, our specially designed excursion vessel and explore scenic gorges > take to our inflatable Zodiacs and cruise close to the base of magnificent King George Falls, the tallest single-drop waterfalls in Western Australia, towering some 80 metres above the river below > visit secluded Tranquil Bay for beach walking and exploration.
	Day 3 Vansittart Bay DC3 and Jar Island Join our Expedition Leader on a walk across salt flats to view the wreckage of a US Air Force DC3 which crash landed on the beach during World War II > visit Jar Island and discover the island’s outstanding rock art gallery > with our Guest Lecturers, see fine examples of the Kimberley’s mysterious Bradshaw Paintings (Gwion Gwion), dating back some 20,000 years.
	Day 4 Hathaway’s Hideaway and Mitchell Falls Anchor in Winyalken Bay > travel ashore aboard Xplorer to explore the maze of natural sandstone caves known as Hathaway’s Hideaway > consider an optional scenic heli-flight over the Mitchell Plateau for close up views of the mighty four-tiered Mitchell Falls (additional expense) > this evening enjoy a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset as we indulge in a gourmet Aussie Beach BBQ.
	Day 5 Bigge Island and Careening Bay Discover the rock art gallery on Bigge Island featuring fine examples of both Wandjina and Bradshaw art > hear from our Guest Lecturers about these traditional art forms and the myths from the dreamtime that inspired them > explore Careening Bay; named by early explorer Phillip Parker King after his ship ‘HMC Mermaid’ was careened for repairs during his second voyage of discovery in the Kimberley > our Expedition Team will lead us to the site of a remarkable boab tree bearing the inscription ‘HMC Mermaid – 1820’, still clearly visible almost 200 years later BLD.
	Day 6 Prince Regent River and King Cascades Cruise the mighty Prince Regent River aboard Xplorer to breathtaking King Cascades, an unusual and picturesque waterfall cascading over terraced rock formations > enjoy a picnic lunch at beautiful Camp Creek, where there is also time for a cooling dip in the freshwater pools.
	Day 7 Montgomery Reef and Doubtful Bay Savour a truly unforgettable moment as Montgomery Reef ‘rises’ out of the ocean as the tide ebbs > join our Expedition Staff aboard the Xplorer and Zodiacs to experience this natural phenomenon up close > discover the reef’s diverse marine life including turtles, manta rays and reef sharks > cruise through scenic Doubtful Bay.
	Day 8 Raft Point and Ruby Falls Cruise through Kuri Bay, home of the south sea pearl industry > travel ashore at imposing Raft Point and visit a secluded and very interesting Aboriginal rock art gallery to view Wandjina art and some of the Kimberley’s most well-preserved Bradshaw Paintings (Gwion Gwion) > explore Red Cone Creek and enjoy a leisurely swim at Ruby Falls.
	Day 9 Horizontal Falls and Buccaneer Archipelago Meander 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 Sir David Attenborough as “one of the greatest natural wonders in the world” > the amazing power of the falls is revealed when the region’s 12 metre tides turn, forcing millions of litres of water to rush through the narrow gaps between cliffs > board the Zodiacs for an exhilarating ride through the falls > explore Silica Beach on Hidden Island with its stunning white sands and crystal clear waters.
	Day 10 Lacepede Islands Explore 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 > this evening we reflect on this wonderful expedition with new-found friends as we enjoy the Captain’s farewell drinks.
	Day 11 Arrive in Broome Our adventure along the Kimberley Coast concludes in Broome this morning at 8:00am > if you’re not transferring directly to the airport why not spend the day visiting world-famous Cable Beach or stroll the historic streets of Chinatown in central Broome > post cruise transfers included.

This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. 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.

Coral Expeditions Rates

Rates below are per person standard published fares based on twin share occupancy. Fares DO NOT INCLUDE specials, discounts or reductions exclusively available through 1300 Cruise. Call 1300 278 473 for currents specials and availability.

* Multi Room Booking Bonus Savings – Call for details
** Charter Savings Rates Available – Call for details

Inclusions

Included

Accommodation charges on board, services of expedition staff including lectures, briefings, slide/film presentations, and other group activities; group transfers during the cruise; all meals; 24 hour tea/coffee station; post mixed soft drink; landing fees.

Not Included

Pre and Post flights and transfers; personal items such as telephone, internet charges, laundry, bar charges, travel insurance.

Optional costs

(During Cruise); Helicopter Flights to Mitchell Falls.

*Rates and Itinerary are subject to change without notice.