Kimberley
Expedition - Wyndham - Broome
13 DAYS EXPEDITION
DAY
1: Wyndham Port
Departure
will be from the pioneering settlement of Wyndham.
A courtesy coach will transfer you from the town site
of
Kununurra to the Kimberley Quest II for boarding at approximately
5.00pm. Begin your "ultimate Kimberley expedition" with
a relaxing drink on the sundeck and watch as you cruise
down Cambridge Gulf. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner as you
cruise overnight towards the Berkeley River. Your Kimberley
odyssey
has begun!
DAY
2: Berkeley River, Koolama Bay
Enjoy
a 15 mile cruise up the Berkeley River taking in the
numerous falls and ancient escarpments. The Berkeley
River offers stunning ochre-tinted sandstone scenery,
amphitheatre waterfalls and beautiful freshwater pools,
perfect for a refreshing dip
First opportunity to catch a barramundi today or alternatively you may go crocodile-spotting
or birdwatching. A walk up the back of the Berkeley leads us to a beautiful freshwater
pool where we enjoy a leisurely dip and savour the surroundings under a deep
azure Kimberley sky
Visit
Koolama Bay, the site where the 340ft vessel ‘Koolama’ was beached,
following an attack by the Japanese during WWII. The passengers
were taken ashore on orders by the ship’s master,
while many of the crew had to walk overland on an epic
cross-country trek. The ‘Koolama’ was unfortunately
later sunk off the Wyndham jetty during another air
raid. Plenty of history surrounds the Kimberley and
our crew
will be more than happy to share the stories with you.
DAY
3: King George Falls
At
high tide, we cross the sandbars of the King George
River for a breathtaking cruise along
this beautiful waterway. Incredible scenery unfolds as
we approach the King George Falls through vertically-sided
sandstone canyons, ending at the highest waterfall in
Western Australia. The Kimberley Quest II cruises to
the base of the twin falls for a refreshing ‘Kimberley
shower!’
For those intrepid adventurers it is well worth a climb
to the top for a breathtaking vista of the river below
- a truly humbling experience as you appreciate the immensity
of this ancient untamed landscape. Enjoy a well deserved
swim in one of the cool upper pools (strenuous level
walk). Overnight we anchor just metres away from the
falls and are lulled to sleep by water cascading over
the cliff face!
DAY
4: Drysdale
River
Today
we encounter one of the Kimberley’s longest rivers
(432km), the Drysdale. We spend the day exploring in
dinghies the spectacular palm-studded landscape and rapids
of the Drysdale area and marvel at its unique flora and
fauna. The Drysdale is renowned for its saltwater crocodiles,
flying foxes and many species of bird life, which thrive
in its delta islands. Walk on a deserted beach or try
to catch the elusive Kimberley barramundi, with many
great "snags" to fish around. Our expert guides
will endeavour to put you on the ‘spot’ and
bring home a couple of "barra". Enjoy a sumptuous
dinner and revel in this ancient paradise.
DAY
5:Vansittart
Bay, WWII DC3 Crash Site
Today
we explore various coves within Vansittart Bay, visiting
sites rich in the fascinating Bradshaw or Gwion Gwion
art.Named
after Joseph Bradshaw, he was the first European to
record these amazing paintings in 1891. Some Bradshaw
art has been dated at over 17,000 years old, said to
predate the Wandjina figures.
Find out more from one of our
knowledgeable guides and delve into our comprehensive onboard
library. There is also the opportunity today to visit the
crash site of a DC3 aircraft located on the eastern side
of Vansittart Bay. Explore the remains of this aircraft
which crashed during World War II.
After running low on fuel, the pilot was forced to land
on the beach, crashing into the scrub. The remains are
quite intact and make for a great photographic opportunity.
DAY
6: Admiralty Gulf, Mitchell River, Broome
We are now
entering the incredible assortment of islands that
form the Bonaparte Archipelago. Cruise across Admiralty
Gulf to the Mitchell River, another of the Kimberley’s
big rivers and the source of the magnificent Mitchell
Falls. Charter a helicopter and take an exhilarating
ride over the falls, known by the Wunambal people as
Punamii-Unpuu. This monumental landscape was formed over
1800 million years ago amidst volcanic eruptions, massive
upheavals in the earth’s crust and ice ages to
form what is now know as the Mitchell Plateau. A not
to be missed experience, departing from the Kimberley
Quest’s helipad the flight gives you a unique ‘birds-eye’ view
of this awesome landscape. Drop a lure in later and perfect
your fishing skills, go crocodile spotting at low tide
or simply relax on the sun deck with a book from the
comprehensive onboard library. Enjoy an appetising gourmet
lunch, with time for a swim in the cool waters of Surveyors
Creek.
DAY
7: Careening
Bay, Bigge Island
Visit Careening
Bay, site of an ancient boab tree first visited in 1820
by Phillip Parker King whilst on a hydrographic
survey of the Australian coastline. King and his crew careened
the vessel HMC ‘Mermaid’ for repairs and subsequently
carved the vessel’s name into a boab (easy walk to
the tree). Next we cruise north to Bigge Island, one of
the Kimberley's largest islands and home to some amazing
rock art galleries with a maritime theme. Relax on a sandy
beach, before heading back to the vessel to watch as another
spectacular sunset sinks below the Kimberley horizon.
DAY
8: St George Basin, Prince Regent River, King Cascades
This is
another packed day of adventure, as we cruise through St
George Basin, the Kimberley’s largest
inland sea. Leaving the vista of mighty Mt Trafalgar, we
cruise up the drowned fault-line of the Prince Regent River.
Arriving at the King Cascade waterfalls you will marvel
at the rush of water cascading in breathtaking tiers, surrounded
by lush ferns and a myriad of wildlife.
It is possible
to climb above the falls for an unforgettable swim
in the multitude of crystal-clear rock pools (medium
walk and climb) and is well worth the effort. You will
also be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the magnificent
Prince Regent River in the distance – wilderness
adventuring at its best! But wait there’s more – Camp
Creek, a delightful walk up to the base of the
falls for another swim. Options include bird-watching
along the tree-lined banks of this pretty watercourse.
DAY
9:Camden
Harbour, Kuri Bay
This
morning we cruise between Augustus Island and the mainland,
passing the remote settlement of Kuri Bay, home to Australia’s
largest and wealthiest pearling operation. At nearby
Camden Harbour, we visit forlorn settlers’ graves
on a picturesque island and soak up the history of early
European settlement (easy walk to ruins). This was the
setting for a disastrous 19th century sheep farming venture
by early Victorian settlers. In this rugged setting and
harsh climate, the settlement failed miserably and was
abandoned after less than two years and much tragedy.
Try your hand at Kimberley fishing in one
of our secret spots, take one of the tenders for a spot
of exploration or laze about the sundeck and take in the
beautiful scenery. Dine on freshly caught barramundi, served
with crisp greens and a lovely chilled beverage!
DAY
10: Doubtful Bay, Sale River
We
cruise across Doubtful Bay to explore the first of
the big rivers, the Sale River. One of the most sublime
and beautiful estuaries, it winds its way through rugged
narrow gorges with towering sandstone cliffs. This
magical but unforgiving wilderness will captivate those
who crave it; its secrets are not easily revealed without
some effort. Take a tender excursion upstream and disembark
to walk amid an ancient patch of rich rainforest glades.
Admire
the cool surroundings and take a dip in the spring fed
rainforest pools before returning to the vessel (easy
level walk). Also on offer is another beautiful waterfall,
Ruby Falls, a picturesque freshwater swimming hole filled
with water lilies and smooth water-worn rocks to sit
on and take in the tranquil surrounds. Journey back to
the vessel to enjoy more fine cuisine prepared by our
talented chef and relax on the sundeck as we continue
on our quest.
DAY
11: Montgomery Reef
Today
we cruise to another of the Kimberley’s icons,
the amazing Montgomery Reef. An immense reef system covering
more than 300km, it is Australia’s largest inshore
reef system. Watch as the tide falls right before your
eyes, creating a waterfall effect as the reef rises out
of the water. A navigable channel, running deep into the
Eastern reef, provides a stunning panorama of white water
rapids on the ebb tide. Magical lagoons are created as
the tide drops, which are rich in marine life, including
dugongs, turtles, manta rays and many species of sea birds
DAY
12: Buccaneer Archipelago, Talbot Bay
Home
to one of the many pearl farms that frequent the Kimberley,
the rich and protected waters provide ideal growing
conditions for the coveted south sea pearl. Talbot
Bay is also home to one of the icons of the Kimberley
coast, the magnificent Horizontal Waterfalls. The region’s
massive up to 10 metre tides create a spectacular scene,
sending huge volumes of water pouring through a narrow
chasm in the land formation. Board one of the tenders
and head in for an up-close and an exhilarating ride
through this natural phenomenon
Enjoy
a well deserved rest this evening after an action
packed day onboard the Kimberley Quest II. Relax
on the spacious sundeck and soak up the last of the
sun’s
rays before the Kimberley night skies put on their own
special display – billions of stars of the Milky
Way, and an assortment of constellations that have
guided seafarers for millennia.
DAY
13:Buccaneer Archipelago
This
morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast, whilst cruising
through the spectacular islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago
into sheltered Yampi Sound. We stop to explore Crocodile
Creek, where visiting yachties have left a remarkable display
of memorabilia under a shade-shelter. There is a pretty
waterfall with a lovely freshwater swimming hole above
(easy walk). A perfect place for that last refreshing dip!
Further exploration takes us past Cockatoo Island, once
mined by BHP for its rich reserves of iron ore. Cruise
across King Sound, passing the cliff-top lighthouse of
Cape Leveque around sunset, as we journey overnight to
the historic pearling settlement of Broome
DAY
14: Broome
Arrive
into the Port of Broome at approximately 7.00am. Enjoy
your last sumptuous breakfast onboard then wave goodbye
to the crew of the Kimberley Quest II. A courtesy vehicle
will transfer you to your accommodation or airport. Ultimate
Kimberley Experience
Scenic
Helicopter flights available on request.
*This is only
a suggested itinerary. Due to the vast tidal movements
and remote terrain of the Kimberley region, Pearl Sea
Coastal Cruises cannot guarantee that the itinerary will
remain the same. However, during the time you spend with
us you will experience many more spectacular places not
listed on the itinerary. There will be plenty of opportunities
to catch fresh fish for the table as well as land and
sight seeing excursions to many untouched places.
Kimberley
Expedition - Broome - Wyndham
13 DAYS EXPEDITION
DAY
1: Buccaneer Archipelago Region
From the relaxed pearling settlement of Broome, a courtesy
vehicle will pick you up from your accommodation at approximately
4.30pm and transfer you to the Kimberley Quest or Kimberley
Quest II for boarding at approximately 5.00pm. Begin your
"ultimate Kimberley expedition" with a
relaxing drink on the sundeck and watch as the sun dips
below the western horizon as you cruise past world famous
Cable Beach. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner as you cruise overnight
towards the Buccaneer Archipelago. Your Kimberley adventure
has begun!
DAY
2: Buccaneer Archipelago, Talbot Bay
This
morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast whilst cruising through
the spectacular surrounds of the thousand islands of
the Buccaneer Archipelago. We cruise into Yampi Sound,
an area of spectacular geology. Further exploration takes
us past Cockatoo Island, once mined for its rich reserves
of iron ore. We stop to explore Crocodile Creek where
there is a pretty waterfall and a lovely freshwater swimming
hole (easy level walk). A perfect place for a refreshing
dip! We then head on towards Talbot Bay, home to one
of the many pearl farms that frequent the Kimberley.
The rich and protected waters provide ideal growing conditions
for the coveted south sea pearl
Talbot
Bay is also home to one of the icons of the Kimberley
coast, the magnificent Horizontal
Waterfalls. The region’s massive up to 10 metre tides
create a spectacular scene, sending huge volumes of water
pouring through a narrow chasm in the land formation. Board
one of the tenders and head in for an up-close and an exhilarating
ride through this natural phenomenon. Enjoy a well deserved
rest this evening after an action packed first day onboard
the Kimberley Quest II. Relax on the spacious sundeck and
soak up the last of the sun’s rays before the Kimberley
night skies put on their own special display – billions
of stars of the Milky Way, and an assortment of constellations
that have guided seafarers for millennia.
DAY
3: Montgomery Reef
Today
we cruise to another of the Kimberley’s
icons, the amazing Montgomery Reef. An immense reef system
covering more than 300km, it is Australia’s largest
inshore reef system. Watch as the tide falls right before
your eyes, creating a waterfall effect as the reef rises
out of the water. A navigable channel, running deep into
the Eastern reef, provides a stunning panorama of white
water rapids on the ebb tide.
Magical
lagoons are created as the tide drops, which are rich
in marine life, including dugongs, turtles, manta rays
and many species of sea birds. Fascinating history surrounds
High Cliffy Island, bordering the eastern edge of Montgomery
Reef. Home to a physically superior tribe of Aborigines
called the Yawijibaya tribe that disappeared around 1929.
Discover more from one of our experienced guides onboard.
DAY
4:Doubtful Bay, Sale River
We
cruise across Doubtful Bay to explore the first of the
big rivers, the Sale River. One of the most sublime and
beautiful estuaries, it winds its way through rugged
narrow gorges with towering sandstone cliffs. This magical
but unforgiving wilderness will captivate those who crave
it; its secrets are not easily revealed without some
effort. Take a tender excursion upstream and disembark
to walk amid an ancient patch of rich rainforest glades.
Admire the cool surroundings and take a dip in the spring
fed rainforest pools before returning to the vessel (easy
level walk). Also on offer is another beautiful waterfall,
Ruby Falls, a picturesque freshwater swimming hole filled
with water lilies and smooth water-worn rocks to sit
on and take in the tranquil surrounds. Journey back to
the vessel to enjoy more fine cuisine prepared by our
talented chef and relax on the sundeck as we continue
on our quest.
DAY
5: Kuri
Bay, Camden Harbour
This morning
we cruise between Augustus Island and the mainland, passing
the remote settlement of Kuri Bay, home
to Australia’s largest and wealthiest pearling operation.
At nearby Camden Harbour, we visit forlorn settlers’ graves
on a picturesque island and soak up the history of early
European settlement (easy walk to ruins). This was the
setting for a disastrous 19th century sheep farming venture
by early Victorian settlers. In this rugged setting and
harsh climate, the settlement failed miserably and was
abandoned after less than two years and much tragedy. Try
your hand at Kimberley fishing in one of our secret spots,
take one of the tenders for a spot of exploration or laze
about the sundeck and take in the
beautiful scenery. Dine on freshly caught barramundi, served
with crisp greens and a lovely chilled beverage!
DAY
6: St George Basin, Prince Regent River, King Cascade
This
morning we cruise between Augustus Island and the mainland,
passing the remote settlement of Kuri Bay, home to
Australia’s largest and wealthiest pearling operation.
At nearby Camden Harbour, we visit forlorn settlers’ graves
on a picturesque island and soak up the history of
early European settlement (easy walk to ruins). This
was the setting for a disastrous 19th century sheep
farming venture by early Victorian settlers. In this
rugged setting and harsh climate, the settlement failed
miserably and was abandoned after less than two years
and much tragedy. Try your hand at Kimberley fishing
in one of our secret spots, take one of the tenders
for a spot of exploration or laze about the sundeck
and take in the beautiful scenery. Dine on freshly
caught barramundi, served with crisp greens and a lovely
chilled beverage!
DAY
7: Careening Bay, Bigge Island
Visit Careening Bay, site of an ancient boab tree first
visited in 1820 by Phillip Parker King whilst on a
hydrographic survey of the Australian coastline. King
and his crew careened the vessel HMC ‘Mermaid’ for
repairs and subsequently carved the vessel’s
name into a boab (easy walk to the tree). Next we cruise
north to Bigge Island, one of the Kimberley's largest
islands and home to some amazing rock art galleries
with a maritime theme. Relax on a sandy beach, before
heading back to the vessel to watch as another spectacular
sunset sinks below the Kimberley horizon.
DAY
8: Admiralty Gulf, Mitchell River
We
are now entering the incredible assortment of islands
that form the Bonaparte Archipelago. Cruise across
Admiralty Gulf to the Mitchell River, another of the Kimberley’s
big rivers and the source of the magnificent Mitchell Falls.
Charter a helicopter and take an exhilarating ride over
the falls, known by the Wunambal people as Punamii-Unpuu.
This monumental landscape was formed over 1800 million
years ago amidst volcanic eruptions, massive upheavals
in the earth’s crust and ice ages to form what is
now know as the Mitchell Plateau. A not to be missed experience,
departing from the Kimberley Quest’s helipad the
flight gives you a unique ‘birds-eye’ view
of this awesome landscape. Drop a lure in later and perfect
your fishing skills, go crocodile spotting at low tide
or simply relax on the sun deck with a book from the comprehensive
onboard library. Enjoy an appetising gourmet lunch, with
time for a swim in the cool waters of Surveyors Creek.
DAY 9:Vanssitart
Bay, WWII DC3 Crash Site
We are now on the north coast of the Kimberley. Today
we explore various coves within Vansittart Bay, visiting
sites rich in the fascinating Bradshaw or Gwion Gwion art.
Named after Joseph Bradshaw, he was the first European
to record these amazing paintings in 1891. Some Bradshaw
art has been dated at over 17,000 years old, said to predate
the Wandjina figures. Find out more from one of our knowledgeable
guides and delve into our comprehensive onboard library
There is also the opportunity today to visit
the crash site of a DC3 aircraft located on the eastern
side of Vansittart Bay. Explore the remains of this aircraft
which crashed during World War II. After running low on
fuel, the pilot was forced to land on the beach, crashing
into the scrub. The remains are quite intact and make for
a great photographic opportunity.
DAY
10: Drysdale River
Today
we encounter one of the Kimberley’s longest rivers
(432km), the Drysdale. We spend the day exploring in
dinghies the spectacular palm-studded landscape and rapids
of the Drysdale area and marvel at its unique flora and
fauna. The Drysdale is renowned for its saltwater crocodiles,
flying foxes and many species of bird life, which thrive
in its delta islands
Walk
on a deserted beach or try to catch the elusive Kimberley
barramundi, with many great "snags" to fish
around. Our expert guides will endeavour to put you on
the ‘spot’ and bring home a couple of "barra".
Enjoy a sumptuous dinner and revel in this ancient paradise.
DAY
11: King George Falls
At high tide, we cross the sandbars of the King George
River for a breathtaking cruise along this beautiful waterway.
Incredible scenery unfolds as we approach the King George
Falls through vertically-sided sandstone canyons, ending
at the highest waterfall in Western Australia. The Kimberley
Quest II cruises to the base of the twin falls for a refreshing ‘Kimberley
shower!’
For those intrepid adventurers it is well
worth a climb to the top for a breathtaking vista of the
river below - a truly humbling experience as you appreciate
the immensity of this ancient untamed landscape. Enjoy
a well deserved swim in one of the cool upper pools (strenuous
level walk). Overnight we anchor just metres away from
the falls and are lulled to sleep by water cascading over
the cliff face!
DAY
12: Koolama Bay, Berkeley River
Today,
we visit Koolama Bay, the site where the 340ft vessel ‘Koolama’ was beached, following
an attack by the Japanese during WWII. The passengers
were taken ashore on orders by the ship’s master,
while many of the crew had to walk overland on an
epic cross-country trek. The ‘Koolama’ was
unfortunately later sunk off the Wyndham jetty during
another air raid. Plenty of history surrounds the
Kimberley and our crew will be more than happy to
share the stories with you. A leisurely cruise leads
out into Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, later passing the
Kimberley’s highest sand dunes at Cape St Lambert.
DAY
13: Berkeley River, Cambridge Gulf
Today
is your last chance to catch a barramundi or to try your
luck for a large golden trevally at the river mouth.
The Berkeley River offers stunning ochre-tinted sandstone
scenery, amphitheatre waterfalls and beautiful freshwater
pools, perfect for a refreshing dip. Alternatively you
may go crocodile-spotting or bird watching. Savour your
last evening under the Kimberley skies as we cruise towards
Cambridge Gulf, the final leg of our odyssey, while we
journey through the night towards the historic townsite
of Wyndham.
DAY
14: Wyndham Port
Arrive into
Wyndham Port at approximately 7.00am. Established in
1885 to cater for the huge influx of gold
miners heading to the rich goldfields at Halls Creek,
Wyndham later became a focus for cattle export. Home
to a large crocodile population due to the local meat
works operation (1900–1985), this town has a colourful
past. Enjoy your last breakfast and cappuccino onboard;
then wave goodbye to the crew of the Kimberley Quest
II. Board your courtesy coach at 8.00am for transfer
to the townsite of Kununurra. Perhaps you may wish to
stay in Kununurra for a few days and take the time to
explore the famous surrounds of Lake Argyle, the Ord
River, El Questro or Purnululu National Park, home to
the Bungle Bungle Ranges. Arrival into Kununurra is approximately
9.00am.
Scenic
Helicopter flights available on request.
*This
is only a suggested itinerary. Due to the vast tidal movements
and remote terrain of the Kimberley region, Pearl Sea
Coastal Cruises cannot guarantee that the itinerary will
remain the same. However, during the time you spend with
us you will experience many more spectacular places not
listed on the itinerary. There will be plenty of opportunities
to catch fresh fish for the table as well as land and
sight seeing excursions to many untouched places.
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