Kimberley Quest Activities

Kimberley Quest offers an array of Kimberley cruise activities to enhance your cruise experience.

• Fishing: Our fishing has no rigid daily schedule. Different areas will be covered according to what the Captain and guides believe will be the best on each day. Quality Shimano tackle and Halco lures are used. Sustainable fishing is practiced with only enough fish for the table kept.
• Whales and Marine Life: Majestic Humpback Whales migrate from the icy waters of Antarctica to the warmth of the Kimberley coastline to give birth in these safe, calm waters. From July through to September these magnificent mammals can often be seen frolicking with their young from the bow of the Kimberley Quest II making for fantastic photographic opportunities.
• Walks: Throughout your cruise you will visit places of historical, cultural and scenic interest such as the 1820 Mermaid boat tree, 1864 Camden Harbour settlement, King Cascade waterfalls and many other locations. Treks may vary in difficulty and your crew will advise you accordingly.
• Ancient Rock Art: Some of the best Wandjina and Bradshaw art sites can be viewed throughout your cruise. Wandjina art can be seen along the whole of the Kimberley coast line whilst the enigmatic Bradshaw art is located predominantly in the northern region. Be amazed by the different epochs and art styles and learn the ancient stories behind them.
• Swimming: Swimming is an integral part of the cruise itinerary, where expeditions are planned to cool off in pristine picturesque spring fed waterholes. All swimming is conducted in safe surroundings, well away from estuarine crocodile habitats.
• Tender Excursions: Every onshore expedition consists of a tender excursion. View mangrove habitats, spot crocodiles basking on the mudflats, bird watch, fish and experience the natural beauty of the Kimberley from the comfort and safety of the Kimberley Quest II tenders.
• Beachcombing: Throughout your cruise there will be opportunities to explore remote beaches where there isn’t another footprint in sight. Enjoy a book on the pristine white sand, take a walk and discover an array of shells, rock and other interesting finds or simply relax and enjoy the company of your new found friends.
• Scenic Heli Flights: There are several places throughout your cruise that are perfect for aerial viewing or where there is the opportunity of a helicopter activity. Exciting helicopter adventures such as flying with your guide to the most inaccessible locations for activities such as viewing ancient rock art, fishing in billabongs that have never been fished before or scenic heli flights to see the amazing landscape from an aerial perspective can be arranged a day in advance.
• Relaxation: There is plenty of opportunity to simply relax on board the Kimberley Quest II. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the spa, read a book on the deck lounges, explore the on board library, have a quiet coffee or tea whilst enjoying the warm breezes and ever changing views or play a board game with your friends – do as much or as little as you like.

Kimberley Quest Dates and Rates 2019

Kimberley Quest Accommodation

The Vessel

Custom Built for the Kimberley – designed with your comfort in mind…

The Kimberley Quest II has been designed for relaxing and exploring the Kimberley coastline in comfort and style. Our fully air-conditioned cruise expedition vessel, equipped with helipad and spa, are just some of the many facilities to take advantage of whilst cruising with us.

Offering indoor and outdoor alfresco areas, there will always be plenty of room to take in the panoramic scenery and breathtaking sunsets.

Carrying three excursion tenders, days are filled with a myriad of activities, exploring the waterways with your very own local guide who has extensive knowledge of the Kimberley region.

Whilst on board take advantage of the extensive library, including a fantastic array of Kimberley reference books and general interest novels, otherwise sit with the Captain in the wheelhouse and learn more about the Kimberley outback.

Accommodating just 18 passengers and 6 crew, your holiday of a lifetime can be enjoyed with fellow travellers in small intimate surrounds.

You have the choice of 9 cabins from deluxe twin, double, superior and the exclusive flybridge. All cabins feature private ensuites, individual air-conditioning, viewing windows, mini-refrigerators and are serviced daily by your hostess.

You can be sure that your Kimberley experience with us will exceed your expectations, as you can do as much or as little as you wish! So why not take the adventure with one of the Kimberley’s original explorers who are still discovering after 18 years of cruising…

Top Deck

Top DeckOne of the most breathtaking and spectacular viewing points is on the sundeck which is located at the bow of the vessel on the top deck. This spacious, outdoor area is great for reading a book on the sun lounges, relaxing in our spa or enjoying that first glimpse of the majestic Kimberley sunsets.

Located behind the wheelhouse is an outdoor, shaded alfresco area. A great place look out to the Kimberley landscape as you’re cruising, this is also the only designated smoking area on the vessel.

Missing family? Need to get in touch with work? Our satellite phone and facsimile facilities are located in the wheelhouse; our crew will be able to assist with any guest requiring the use of these facilities.

We only have two cabins located on the top deck of the vessel, the Captains cabin and the flybridge cabin. If you are looking at an exclusive cabin with ultimate views and the privacy of being the only guests who have a cabin on this deck, then the flybridge cabin is for you.

Finally, above the top deck we have a helipad for transfers and also optional scenic highlights for our guests.

Main Deck

Enjoying some delectable treats for morning tea, helping yourself to a coffee from our cappuccino machine and then sitting back and relaxing as the fresh breeze takes you into Kimberley dreamtime… Sounds too good to be true? Not onboard the Kimberley Quest II.

A large dining table is located in the outdoor entertaining area. This is a great place for eating, reading, watching the world go by and chatting with newly formed friends over a coffee or wine.

The air-conditioned saloon offers a large open dining/lounge area and is an excellent location to sit down and enjoy a delicious meal while looking out our full length viewing windows.

For those who like to keep a detailed itinerary of where you are, you will love our navigational viewing system which displays the route that you are cruising. The lounge/dining is fully equipped with the latest modern facilities from a plasma television, DVD and CD player and a Bose surround sound stereo system.

A selection of music, movies and documentaries and board games are available for your enjoyment in the lounge/dining area. Our crew are happy to display your photographs on the plasma television allowing you to view the day’s highlights.

Our four superior cabins are located further towards the bow of the vessel and are all named after icons of the Kimberley.

Lower Deck

The central stairway on the main deck leads down to the cabins on the lower deck. We have three double cabins and one twin cabin located on this deck.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included with the cost of cruising?

All transfers are provided between your accommodation and the Kimberley Quest II. Expeditions departing or arriving in Wyndham include transfers to and from Kununurra to the vessel. Selected cruises include a light aircraft transfer and a helicopter flight over the Mitchell Falls.
Our cruises include daily excursions led by our knowledgeable guides, fresh Kimberley style gourmet cuisine prepared by our on-board chef, soft drinks and linen, including excursion towels.

Are there any additional costs?

Yes. Please be advised that the following items are not included in the cruise costs.

• Alcoholic beverages and mixers
• Kimberley Quest II merchandise
• Use of satellite phone, facsimile and internet
• Scenic helicopter flights
• Airfares and pre / post accommodation are not included in the cruise cost however, we are happy to assist you with your pre and post cruise arrangements
• Payments made by Mastercard or Visa will incur a 1.5% surcharge. Diners and American Express will incur a 3% surcharge.

How do I reserve a booking?

A completed booking form, terms and conditions and a non refundable deposit of 20% is required within 14 days of booking to confirm your reservation.

I am looking at traveling alone, is this possible?

Accommodation is based on twin share occupancy. Single passengers may reserve sole use of a cabin for 50% extra. Alternatively, if traveling alone you can also choose to share your cabin with a same sex room-mate and the single supplement fee will be waived. If we do not book another passenger into your cabin you will have sole use of the cabin at no additional cost. *Conditions apply. Valid for new bookings from 1st September 2012.

What level of fitness is required?

Kimberley Quest II cruises cater for all adult ages and all levels of fitness. Expeditions are tailor made to suit individual’s needs. We also provide our guests with informative ‘walk sheets’ which details each excursion.

Excursions are operated throughout the day with some treks being more difficult than others. Our knowledgeable and friendly crew will advise you prior to the excursion on the difficulty of the treks and are always on hand for guidance and assistance.

You can do as much or as little as you like!

Can I bring children?

Our cruises are not generally suitable for children due to the nature of our expeditions, however, please contact our office for advice and to view our terms and conditions regarding children.

I am driving to Broome but do not know what I should do with my car and caravan whilst I am on the cruise?

If you are departing your cruise from Broome, Pearl Sea Coastal Cruises may be able to store your car/caravan for you. Please contact our office prior to your cruise to arrange possible storage.

Alternatively, you can contact the storage companies below:

• Keshi Storage: (08) 9193 5343
• Blue Haze Storage: (08) 9192 3108

If your cruise departs from Wyndham please contact the Kununurra Visitor Centre on: (08) 9168 1177.

I have business requirements whilst on the cruise and need to know how I can keep in contact?

Even though you are slipping into holiday mode we understand that some guests may need to be in contact with their work. As you will be in the remote Kimberley you will not have mobile phone range, however we do have a satellite phone, facsimile and internet on-board which are available for guests to use at an additional cost. Please speak to the captain if you wish to utilise this facility.

Alternatively, you may provide your work with our phone number/fax for our office and we will forward correspondence to the vessel for you.

How can I get in contact with my family?

The Kimberley Quest II has a satellite phone and facsimile on-board. Guests are welcome to use these facilities however they are at an additional cost to your cruise and you are required to see your Captain or a crew member prior to using these facilities.

Will I suffer from sea sickness?

Only a short period of the cruise is in open sea therefore for the majority of the cruise you will find the conditions generally fine.

We do recommend that passengers who have a history of travel sickness or are concerned to bring their own sea sickness medication as a precaution. By law we are unable to distribute sea sickness medication therefore we can only offer ginger tea which is a useful remedy at keeping it at bay.

What happens if I am ill during the cruise?

The Kimberley Quest requests that travellers are in general good health to participate in our cruises. Please inform us if you have any medical or physical conditions that we need to be aware of. The Kimberley Quest carries an extensive RFDS medical kit on-board for your well-being. The Royal Flying Doctor service (RFDS) is fully supported via phone consultation and instruction by qualified medical practitioners in the event of a medical situation or emergency. The Kimberley Quest also carries general first aid kits in all tenders and accompanies all walks.

Please bring your own medication on-board including any travel sickness medication and or paracetamol.

Please note that clients must bear the cost of any emergency medical or rescue services summoned at the discretion of the Master of the vessel in relation to any illness or injury.

Please ensure that you take out travel insurance adequate to the eventuality prior to boarding.

What happens if we are prevented from cruising because of a cyclone?

If the departure of a cruise is delayed or if the cruise itinerary is shortened for any other reason, Pearl Sea Coastal Cruises may refund part of the fare on a pro rata basis to allow for lost time. If the cruise is delayed for operational reasons, Pearl Sea Coastal Cruises may refund the paid fare. The passenger accepts that Pearl Sea Coastal Cruises has the right to change the itinerary, the vessel, or cancel the cruise as a result of some unexpected event or prevailing weather conditions and the passenger accepts that he or she may not be entitled to any compensation or refund of the fare paid should this occur. It should be noted that cruise departure/arrival times are approximate and can vary due to tides, weather etc. Please keep this in mind when booking any flights in or out.

Should I get travel insurance?

We strongly advise that at the time of booking you take out comprehensive travel, medical and cancellation insurance. Please note that Pearl Sea Coastal Cruises does not offer travel insurance. Medical ailments or accidents during the trip should be reported to the Captain immediately. Clients must bear the cost of any emergency, medical or rescue service summoned at the discretion of the master of the vessel in relation to illness or injury to the client. Travel insurance adequate to the eventuality should be arranged prior to boarding.

We recommend Suresave: www.suresave.com.au Ph: 1300 787 376.

Are there any fees if I pay by credit card?

Only Diners and American Express incur a surcharge.

What do I wear?

Excursions
Light-weight and quick-dry clothing for excursions is recommended. This includes a few pairs of shorts, T-shirts, a long-sleeved shirt and pair of light-weight pants that offer protection against the sun.

Footwear
You will need a pair of enclosed shoes that offer good ankle support for bushwalking. We also recommend you bring another pair of shoes that you do not mind getting wet as we regularly havewet landings. This includes; reef sandals, booties or equivalent. Shoes can be worn on-board.

Evening wear
There is no dress code for dining as a rule, generally ‘Kimberley casual’ attire for evenings is recommended.

For further information please click here to download our packing list.

What should I pack?

We recommend guests to pack four to five changes of casual clothing which are comfortable into one soft luggage bag. We advise guests to bring a backpack for excursions during the day.

All linen, towels, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, sunscreen, Aeroguard and hair dryers are supplied on-board but you may wish to bring your own with you.

For further information please click here to download our packing list.

Do I need toiletries?

Yes. Any personal items, hygiene or medications must be bought with you.

We provide shampoo, conditioner and body wash however, if desired you can bring your own.

Sun protection and insect repellent is also available on-board, however you may also bring your own.

Will I need to bring a towel?

All linen is provided on-board your Kimberley Quest II cruise, including excursion and spa towels.

Do you have a Laundry available?

Yes we do have laundry facilities available. If you could please use the linen bags provided our hostesses will happily wash your clothing for you and return your items to your cabin.

How often is our cabin serviced?

Our hostesses service your cabin daily.

Is there a hairdryer provided?

Yes.

Is merchandise available?

Yes. Pearl Sea Coastal Cruises offers a range of merchandise on-board the Kimberley Quest II for purchase. Some items include: Long-sleeved and short sleeved sun protected shirts, shorts, slouch hats, caps, polos and stubby coolers.

Can special dietary requirements be arranged?

Yes. All dietary requirements (including gluten-free and celiac) can be catered for on-board.

Please advise our office if your cruise is for a special occasion or birthday as we would love to celebrate with you!

Is smoking permitted on-board?

There is only one designated smoking area on-board the vessel. This is located on the top deck, behind the wheelhouse outside. Smoking is not permitted in any other areas of the vessel including cabins, alfresco dining area, front deck (top deck) and in the tenders. We ask all passengers to please use ashtrays provided and refrain from discarding butts into the water.

Can I re-charge my camera batteries?

Yes. The Kimberley Quest II has 240v electricity which is suitable for re-charging.

How do I arrange my drink order?

Pearl Sea Coastal Cruises provides our guests with a drinks list which has a selection of white and red wines, champagne, beer and non-alcoholic mixers. If there is something in particular that you require that isn’t on our drinks list we will endeavour to supply you with your request.

Orders should be returned to our office within four weeks of your departure date at the latest.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Yes. BYO is possible however we do require notification at our office at your earliest convenience to arrange a timely delivery as some cruises require a flight transfer and weight restrictions are required.

How much alcohol should I bring on-board/order?

You may find that you drink more than what you usually would as you slip into holiday mode! If you under estimate we do have a small range of beverages on-board for those who would like to purchase more. Generally though, pack/order what you feel comfortable with and maybe a little extra for those times when you’re sitting in our spa watching the sun go down!

Can I purchase drinks on-board?

Yes. We do have a limited variety of soft drinks, beer, spirits, wine and champagne on-board for guests to purchase. Please remember that if you pre-order your drinks you will have more selection.

How do I keep my drinks cold?

Beverages will be stored in your cabin, with a variety of your drinks stored in your mini-fridge chilled, ready for you when you come aboard. We do have a communal fridge in the galley which you are welcome to place your drinks in as well. We have two ice machines on-board for guest use.

What will the weather be like?

The majority of our cruises operate in Dry Season, which occurs during the months of April through to September. Average daytime temperatures during this time are between 18-35 degrees. You can expect clear blue skies, light easterly winds and cooler evenings.

Our Wet Season begins in October, finishing at the end of March. The humidity is higher during the wet, with higher daytime temperatures and warm balmy evenings. This period encompasses spectacular thunderstorm activity, torrential waterfalls, lush green landscapes and magnificent sunsets.

Are there problems with mosquitoes and sand flies?

Mosquitoes and sand flies are found throughout the Kimberley due to our tropical climate. Guest’s susceptibility varies, as does how prominent they are, depending on the time of the year. We believe prevention is the best option available and provide insect repellent on-board. Long-sleeved clothing is also recommended during early morning and early evening.

What type of fishing gear do you have on-board?

High quality Shimano rods and Calcutta TE250 reels as well as Shimano Bait Runners are used on-board the Kimberley Quest II. A specifically selected range of lures are used to entice the fish.

What type of fishing will we do?

The isolated waters of the Kimberley are teeming with fish and the crew on-board know the best spots to catch them!

All fishing is performed from our custom built excursion tenders and includes a variety of fishing options from pelagic fishing in the outer islands to casting for the ultimate saltwater barramundi in the estuarine creeks, inlets and numerous river systems.

High quality fishing equipment is available for all passengers to use. We ask that if you lose any fishing gear you replace it. For the keen fisher person there is the possibility of bringing your own fishing gear, if you would prefer this option please contact our office prior to your cruise.

Our policy is catch and release only keeping enough for the dinner table.

What types of fish will I catch?

From pelagic fishing you will have the opportunity to catch mackerel, giant trevally, queen fish as well as other small game species.

Fish that you are likely to catch in the river systems, creeks and estuaries include mangrove jack, finger mark bream, threadfin salmon and the prized barramundi.

Can I bring my own fishing gear?

Depending on what cruise you are booked on for, we recommend contacting the office at your earliest convenience to see if this is possible.

Selected cruises include a transfer by light aircraft which limits you to a 10kg limit therefore prior arrangement is compulsory.

What happens if I lose the fishing gear?

If you lose or break our fishing equipment we ask that you replace it. If you have any queries please speak to a crew member.

Are pre/post cruise transfers included?

Yes. All transfers are provided between your accommodation and the Kimberley Quest II. Expeditions departing or arriving in Wyndham include transfers to and from Kununurra to the vessel. Selected cruises include a light aircraft transfer and a helicopter flight over the Mitchell Falls.

Click here to view all Kimberley Quest Kimberley Cruise itineraries.