From
the historic 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 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 300km² 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 rain forest glades.
Admire
the cool surroundings and take a dip in the spring fed
rain forest 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
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
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:Hunter River
In
the morning explore the Hunter River, one of the Kimberley's
most scenic rivers. The prominent 'Indian Head' stands
as
sentry to the entrance to the river and is a perfect photographic
opportunity with a backdrop of deep red sandstone escarpments
and sapphire blue skies. Last chance to catch a Barra
here
in these rich waters.
Depart the vessel by helicopter
and enjoy a scenic flight over the spectacular Mitchell
Falls and then onto the Mitchell Plateau airstrip. 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 known as
the Mitchell Plateau. The Mitchell River splashes over
the sheer sandstone cliffs of the falls known by the Wunambal
people as Punamii-unpuu. Discover by air the sheer immensity
of the Kimberley by light aircraft as you wind your way
back to Broome, arriving mid to late afternoon.
A courtesy
vehicle will transfer you to your accommodation.
All air &
helicopter transfers between Broome and the Mitchell Plateau
are included in the price of the cruise.
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 and there will be lots of opportunities
to catch fresh fish for the table as well as land and
sight seeing excursions to many untouched places
Depart
Broome in the morning on a fixed wing aircraft* for
a
scenic flight up the coast to the Mitchell Plateau. Board
the helicopter* and enjoy an unforgettable flight over
the spectacular Mitchell Falls, formed over 1800 million
years ago and known by the Wunambal people as Punamii-unpuu.
After landing on the helipad of "Kimberley Quest
II", enjoy a buffet lunch at anchor. In the afternoon,
join a tender to explore the majestic Hunter River. The
prominent 'Indian Head' stands as sentry at the entrance
to the river and is a perfect photographic opportunity
with a backdrop of deep red sandstone escarpments. Your
Kimberley adventure has begun!
DAY
2: Careening Bay, Prince Regent River, King Cascade
We
visit Careening Bay, Phillip Parker King's stopover
in 1820 while charting the Australian coastline.
King's
crew careened the vessel HMC "Mermaid" for
repairs here and subsequently carved the vessel's name
into a
boab tree (easy walk to the tree). Cruise through St
George Basin, the Kimberley's inland sea, past mighty
Mount Trafalgar,
before entering the Prince Regent River. Arriving at
the King Cascade waterfalls, you will marvel at the
rush of
water cascading in breathtaking tiers. It is possible
to climb above the falls for a memorable swim in a series
of crystal-clear rock pools - wilderness adventuring
at its best (medium walk)!
DAY
3: Camp Creek, Prince Regent River, Hanover Bay
Today we take a tender to Camp Creek, with its beautiful
paperbark-lined billabongs (medium-moderate walk) with
excellent
opportunities for bird watching and swimming. In the afternoon,
try your hand at fishing for Barra or view rock art,
before
we cruise out of the Prince Regent River through impressive
whirlpools to anchor in Hanover Bay. 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 the constellations
that have guided seafarers for millennia.
DAY
4: Camden Harbour, Kuri Bay, Deception Bay
This
morning we visit Camden Harbour, scene of a 19th-century
sheep farming fiasco 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 (easy walks to ruins and island cemetery).
We then cruise pass the remote settlement of Kuri Bay,
famed for its pearl farm. In the afternoon, try fishing
with our knowledgeable crew at Deception Bay, join one
of the tenders for a spot of exploration or laze about
the sundeck and take in the beautiful scenery. Feed on
fresh rock oysters, prepared by our talented chef!
DAY
5: Langgi, Doubtful Bay, Sale River
Today we briefly visit Langgi, a mysterious cove, where
remarkable sandstone pillars represent warriors killed
in a Dreamtime battle. We then cruise across Doubtful
Bay, to explore the Sale River. One of the most sublime
and beautiful estuaries, it winds its way through rugged
narrow gorges with towering sandstone cliffs, home to
a rare Grevillea. We take a tender excursion upstream
before a short, easy walk into a lush rain forest, a true
oasis in the Kimberley. Admire the cool, ferny surroundings
or take a dip in a rain forest pool, before returning
to the vessel. Enjoy a golden sunset, followed by more
fine Kimberley cuisine.
DAY
6:Montgomery
Reef, Talbot Bay
Covering
more than 300km², Montgomery Reef is an extraordinary
panorama of vast lagoons, tiny sandstone islets and a
central mangrove island. Watch as the tide falls right
before your eyes, along a navigable channel running deep
into the eastern reef, creating a stunning horizon of
white water rapids. View magical marine life, including
turtles, sharks, colourful reef fish, weird soft corals
and many species of sea birds. We cruise across to Talbot
Bay, where rich and protected waters provide ideal growing
conditions for the coveted South Sea Pearl.
Talbot
Bay is also home to the magnificent Horizontal Waterfalls.
The region's massive 12 metre tides create a unique spectacle,
sending volumes of sea water pouring through two narrow
chasms in the cliff face. Board one of the tenders for
an up-close and exhilarating ride into this natural phenomenon!
DAY
7: Yampi Sound, Cape Leveque
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
8: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". Disembarkation
is at approximately 8.00am, where a courtesy vehicle will
transfer you to your accommodation or airport.
* All air & helicopter transfers between Broome and
the Mitchell Plateau are included in the price of the
cruise. Flights from Broome Airport run 8.30 -10.30am.
Pearl Sea Coastal Cruises will advise you of pick up details
and a courtesy vehicle will transfer you from your accommodation
to the Airport.
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 and there will be lots of opportunities
to catch fresh fish for the table as well as land and
sight seeing excursions to many untouched places.