Scenic Eclipse II – Discover the Kimberley Coastline

Day 1

Darwin, Australia
Welcome aboard ultra-luxurious Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht™. Settle into your spacious suiteand enjoy the first destination of this incredible journey. Darwin, the tropical capital of the Northern Territory, has acaptivating history, from its World War II bombing to Cyclone Tracy, set against the backdrop of its sparklingharbour.

Please book your flight to arrive into Darwin prior to 02:00 PM.

Day 2

King George River, Australia
At 112 kilometres long and with a sheer drop of 100 metres, the thundering twin falls of King George River is anunforgettable experience. Make your way along the river’s tranq
uil waters, through towering gorges – home toBrahminy kites, egrets, and kingfishers. As your zodiac weaves past the spectacular 80-meter-high sandstone cliffsand mangrove forests look out for crocodiles basking in the sun. The river is of high cultural significance to theBalangagarra people, with the falls representing the male and female Wunkurr rainbow serpent.

Discovery: If tides are favourable, a Zodiac discovery excursion of the river may be available.

Day 3

Vansittart Bay
An overnight journey onboard your luxurious Discovery Yacht brings you into the protected Vansittart Bay. TodayScenic Eclipse II will stop just off Jar Island, located in the southwest corner of the bay.

Discovery: Following a Zodiac ride to a small beach, step ashore for a hike to view the ancient and mysteriousGwion Gwion rock paintings, one of the two major regional rock arts and very specific for this part of the Kimberley’s;possibly dating back some 15,000 to 20,000 years.

Day 4

Ashmore Reef
Enjoy a relaxing morning at sea. Scenic Eclipse II will position itself off this stunning marine sanctuary in Ashmore Reef while all three islands of the reef are uninhabited, they are home to an abundance of life. The reef is internationally recognized for more than 40 species of sea birds that flock here, along with an array of underwater wonders.

Discovery: This stop will provide you with a welcome opportunity to swim, snorkel or enjoy a Zodiac cruise.

Day 5

Hunter River
Located in Prince Regent National Park, the Hunter River is flanked by pockets of rainforest, vast swathes of mangroves and soaring red cliffs. Explore this magical waterway, which is said to have the highest proportion of saltwater crocodiles in the Kimberley.

Discovery: Pending on the tide levels, we plan to explore the stunning surroundings by Zodiac. Admire sandstone cliffs, pristine mangrove forests and inlets of Prince Frederick Sound, Porosus Creek, Hunter and, or Row Rives. Keep your eyes open for some of the large saltwater crocodiles that make these waters their home; in the air, be on the lookout for ospreys while you soak in this natural wonderland hardly touched by man. Later you’ll have the optional opportunity to venture further into the outback to Mitchell Falls on a helicopter^ excursion. See the dramatic four-tiered waterfall that has been carved out over millennia. Its deep emerald pools contrast with the rugged red sandstone of the Mitchell Plateau, creating a mesmerising oasis.

Day 6

Bigge Island > Low Rocks
Bigge Island is a haunting place of great silence where you’ll gain a true sense of the antiquity of our country. Rise early this morning to see the renowned Wandjina (Kaiara or Sea Wandjina) spirit paintings whose origins remain shrouded in mystery and controversy. Time and weather permitting, you can walk to the far side of the island to view the unique Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings.

Day 7

Montgomery Reef > Raft Point (B,L,D)
Magically rising out of the sea at low tide, Montgomery Reef is a transient landscape of coral reef and waterfalls rich with marine life. Green turtles often swim in the narrow corridors of coral around the edge of the reef, so keep your eyes peeled.

Discovery: Take a Zodiac cruise with your expert Discovery Team around the waterfalls and try to spot manta rays, dolphins, black-tipped reef sharks or dugongs. You will also visit Raft Point, an imposing bluff in the middle of Doubtful Bay, home to an impressive indigenous rock art gallery.

Day 8

Talbot Bay
Talbot Bay’s spectacular Horizontal Waterfalls is a natural wonder to tick off your Australian bucket list. This phenomenon is caused by a unique combination of geology and massive tidal surges.

Discovery: If time and tides permit, you may have the opportunity to go through these fascinating falls and around the narrow waterways of Talbot Bay in a Zodiac. Later, choose to embark on a challenging 9.5 kilometre walk into the Kimberley’s remote wilderness.

Day 9

Buccaneer Archipelago
Overnight, your Discovery Yacht will cruise across the mouth of King Sound into the Buccaneer Archipelago. This spectacular maze of more than 800 islands is jaw-dropping for its vivid colours: iron-rich red rock, green pockets of lush rainforest, striking turquoise ocean and pristine white beaches. Enjoy the picturesque scenery while you relax onboard in ultra-luxury.

Day 10

Lacepede Islands Nature Reserve (B,L,D)
The stunning coast of Lacepede Islands Nature Reserve was named by French explorer Baudin in 1801 to commemorate his naturalist compatriot, Count Lacepede. In the past, Macassan boats used for fishing trepang (sea cucumbers) frequented these islands, but today they are an important nesting site for green turtles, and home to large colonies of lesser frigate birds and brown boobies.

Discovery: Your expert Discovery Team will take you on an exhilarating Zodiac discovery excursion, weather permitting.

Day 11

Broome
Your unforgettable Discovery Voyage comes to an end today. Bid farewell to your friendly crew and new friends. Please book your flight to depart out of Broome after 12:00 PM.