Essence of the Kimberley with Kimberley Coastal Expedition Cruise

Departures & Pricing

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Itinerary

1. 1

   Arrive Broome

   Arrive in Broome and be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

2. 2

   Broome, Gibb River Road, Tunnel Creek, Fitzroy Crossing

   Set off early this morning toward Derby, and visit the Boab Prison Tree before traversing the Gibb River Road to Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek, where water has carved a large tunnel from the limestone. Later, continue to Fitzroy Crossing.

3. 3

   Purnululu National Park

   Travel to Halls Creek, before arriving at Purnululu National Park. Upon arrival, check-in to your accommodation at APT's luxury Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, your home for the next two nights. The lodge boasts unrivalled access to the spectacular domes of the Bungle Bungle Range, Picaninny Creek, Echidna Chasm and Cathedral Gorge.

   Award-Winning Ecotourism

   APT is proud to be the sole major tour operator in the Kimberley to have achieved Advanced Ecotourism Certification. Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge has been awarded the inaugural New Product Development.

   Signature Experience – Nyanyjili Footprint Tour

   Be joined by an Indigenous Australian Traditional Owner guide on your Nyanyjili Footprint Tour. Become immersed in the stories, history and culture of Bunuba country and its people. Take the opportunity to ask questions and connect with your guide on this intimate tour.

4. 4

   Purnululu National Park, Piccaninny Creek, Cathedral Gorge

   Explore the magic of Purnululu for yourself and discover the depth of the Bungle Bungle Range. Walk along Piccaninny Creek, a winding gorge within the Bungle Bungle domes. Your next stop is the natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge, a spacious cavern where the acoustics are astounding. Marvel at the majestic beehive domes as your guide brings the natural history of the range to life. You may like to experience an optional scenic helicopter flight over the domes.

   Signature Experience – Sunset Drinks at the Bungle Bungle Range

   There's no better way to end a day of discovery than by watching the sunset over the Bungle Bungle Range. With a glass of sparkling in hand, see the massive beehive-shaped domes cast in a golden glow at this time of day.

   Enrich Your Experience – Bungle Bungle Helicopter Flight

   Experience breathtaking views of World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park from above on a scenic helicopter flight (own expense).

5. 5

   Echidna Chasm, Kununurra

   Today, enjoy a hike through Echidna Chasm, where you’ll walk between towering gorge walls that reach up to 200 metres in height. Afterwards, continue your journey to Kununurra.

6. 6

   Ord River, El Questro

   Travel to Lake Argyle and join a wildlife cruise on the mighty Ord River. From a modern shaded vessel, discover the area's ecological system that has developed from the damming of the Ord River at two locations, before heading to El Questro Wilderness Park.

   Enrich Your Experience – Upgrade Your Stay

   Upgrade your stay at El Questro with an all-inclusive two-night stay at The Homestead, a secluded oasis perched above the Chamberlain River. Be treated to a stay defined by exceptional dining, curated experiences, and access to some of El Questro's most breathtaking landscapes.

7. 7

   El Questro

   This morning, hike to Emma Gorge where you’ll be rewarded with a swim beneath a towering droplet waterfall. Enjoy lunch, before relaxing at Zebedee Springs. Enjoy dinner this evening back at Emma Gorge Resort.

   Signature Experience – Zebedee Springs

   Venture through a pre-historic forest of Livistona and pandanus palms before arriving at a true oasis, Zebedee Springs. This permanent natural thermal spring is tucked away in a secluded pocket of El Questro’s wilderness. Enjoy time to relax as you soak in the hot springs and leave feeling refreshed.

8. 8

   Galvans Gorge, Gibb River Road

   Head to Galvans Gorge, where a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole, the ideal spot for a refreshing swim, before heading to APT's luxury Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge.

9. 9

   Bell Gorge

   Back on the Gibb River Road, travel to Bell Gorge, where spectacular cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. Should you be feeling particularly energetic, you may take the opportunity to hike to the lower pool of the gorge and enjoy a relaxing dip below the cascading waterfall.

10. 10

    Derby, Broome

    Venture into the Wunaamin Range Conservation Park, then travel along the Gibb River Road to Derby, stopping at a local art gallery. Stop by the Boab Prison Tree before arriving back in Broome later this afternoon.

11. 11

    Broome, Embark Ship

    After breakfast, check out of your hotel and enjoy free time before transferring to your expedition ship. A relaxed dinner this evening sets the tone for the next nine nights on board.

12. 12

    Lacepede Islands, Buccaneer Archipelago

    The Lacepede Islands are Western Australia’s most important breeding habitat for Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) and have been named by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA). The breeding colony of Brown Boobies is possibly the largest in the world. Up to 20,000 Roseate Terns have also been recorded here. Join your Expedition Team for a guided Zodiac tour to view the prolific wildlife. There’s further promise of turquoise waters this afternoon as your ship arrives in the Buccaneer Archipelago, home to more than 800 islands. This evening, enjoy a captain’s welcome dinner.

13. 13

    Horizontal Falls

    Explore Talbot Bay and Cyclone Creek. Accompanied by your Expedition Team Leader, you’ll weave nimbly past the dramatic folds of rock formations, keeping a look out for local wildlife.

    Signature Experience – Horizontal Falls

    Today, your ship cruises to Talbot Bay, known for its massive 12-metre tides that create the unique Horizontal Falls. Subject to tidal conditions, board a Zodiac with your Expedition Team to view this natural phenomenon up close.

14. 14

    Freshwater Cove, Montgomery Reef

    Today, visit Freshwater Cove and Montgomery Reef, where you will enjoy two Signature Experiences.

    Signature Experience – Arraluli Heritage Exploration

    Experience a Welcome to Country and an immersive smoking ceremony conducted by the Arraluli people, the traditional custodians of the land. Then, embark on a guided hike led by the Expedition Team to explore a mesmerising rock art site where your Aboriginal guide will offer an interpretation of the rock art. This Signature Experience offers a profound connection to the rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions of the Arraluli people.

    Signature Experience – Montgomery Reef

    Following your visit to Freshwater Cove, depart with your Expedition Team to discover Montgomery Reef by Zodiac. Soak in the amazing scenes as Montgomery Reef dramatically rises out of the ocean as a result of the region’s strong tides. Cruise through narrow channels between the world’s largest inshore reef as you admire the spectacle, and the incredible wildlife exposed by the cascading water.

15. 15

    Hunter River, Mitchell Falls

    Venture to Prince Frederick Harbour today, home to the towering red cliffs and tangled mangroves of Hunter River and Porosus Creek. With its extreme tides and pristine ecosystems, the harbour and its waterways are rich in wildlife including mudskippers and saltwater crocodiles. Porosus Creek takes its name from the scientific name for the saltwater crocodile, a good indication of what we’re looking for today. Keen birdwatchers should keep a careful eye out for kingfishers, egrets, herons and white-bellied sea eagles. To enhance your day, you might choose to set out on a thrilling helicopter flight to see Mitchell Falls in all its splendour from above.

    Enrich Your Experience – Mitchell Falls Scenic Helicopter Flight

    Soar over the incredible and breathtaking Mitchell Falls on a scenic helicopter flight experience (additional expense).

16. 16

    Ashmore Reef

    Enjoy a relaxed morning aboard your luxurious ship. This afternoon, pay a special visit to Ashmore Reef Marine Park. Located in the Timor Sea and spanning 583 square kilometres, the reef is a sanctuary for many marine species. Every year, more than 100,000 seabirds breed here, including crested terns, white-tailed tropicbirds and great frigatebirds. In addition to the prolific birdlife, beneath the clear tropical waters, the coral reefs, seagrass meadows, sandflats and lagoons of Ashmore Reef are home to a colourful array of marine life. 255 species of reef-building coral dwell here – the greatest number of any reef on the West Australian coast. Our visit to Ashmore Reef is required to ensure we comply with Australian government regulations. Pending favourable weather and sea conditions, you’ll explore this sanctuary via Zodiac with your Expedition Team.

17. 17

    Vansittart Bay

    This morning, join your Expedition Team on an intriguing discovery. Walk across salt flats to view the wreckage of a US Air Force C-53, which crash-landed near Vansittart Bay during World War II. Later, we reposition in the bay to visit Jar Island and discover the island’s outstanding rock art gallery. During your exploration here, you’ll see fascinating examples of Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, dating back more than 20,000 years.

18. 18

    King George River and Falls

    Today, your ship cruises into Koolama Bay. Learn about how this bay was renamed following the Japanese bombing of the MV Koolama in 1942. Afterwards, join your Expedition Team aboard a Zodiac to meander through King George River’s gorge system, passing mangrove-fringed coves and sheer red cliffs.

    Signature Experience – King George Falls

    Get up close and personal to the magnificent King George Falls, where the King George River tumbles 80 metres down from lofty sandstone cliffs. You’ll be able to experience its power as your Zodiac creeps close to the iconic waterfall.

19. 19

    At Sea

    Today, enjoy a relaxed day at sea as your ship makes its way towards Darwin, arriving in the evening. Take advantage of the ultra-luxurious features of your ship: perhaps relax by the pool with a glass of champagne, indulge on delicious made-to-order sushi or 24-hour in-suite dining, or attend an informative lecture hosted by your expert Expedition team.

20. 20

    Disembark Ship, Depart Darwin

    Arrive into Darwin this morning, bid farewell to your ship and to be transferred to the airport.

Accommodation

Book this cruise

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

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