10 Nights - Cruise the Kimberley from Broome & Darwin - With Air Credit!
Book a 2019 departure and receive $500 pp air credit towards your flights when booking with Travel at 60! *
Expert guides interpret 40,000-year-old rock art, and retrace the history of Phillip Parker King who first charted this spectacular coastline almost 200 years ago. Later in the season, witness the Humpback Whales on their migration.
Board a Zodiac and touch the spray from the magnificent King George River and its towering 80-metre twin falls. Join an expert guide to learn about the history of the ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock paintings. Witness waterfalls cascading off Montgomery Reef as it rises out of the ocean on the ebbing tide, whilst discovering the reef’s diverse marine life.
Did you know? Every year, around 40,000 humpback whales make their way to the Kimberley’s warm tropical waters to mate and birth, in places such as Camden Sound. This pod of humpback whales, the largest in the world, is growing in part due to the Kimberley’s safe haven and ideal breeding grounds. On your Kimberley voyage, you may spot these majestic creatures breaching and slapping the surface in playful displays around the ship while our Expedition team keep you informed with fascinating facts about them.
What's included?
- All excursions and sightseeing›
- Use of Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels
- Daily lectures and briefings
- All meals, chef-prepared on board
- Showcase wines, selected beers, juices, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner service
- 24 hour coffee and selection of teas
- All entrance fees to National Parks and Ports
- BONUS $500pp air credit when booking with Travel at 60*
Expedition highlights
- Experience the Horizontal Falls, created by a unique tidal phenomenon
- Witness waterfalls cascading off Montgomery Reef, and discover the reef’s diverse marine life.
- Experience King George River and get in close to the soaring 80m high falls
- Learn from expert interpretation of Wandjina and Gwion Gwion Rock art
- Watch out for sightings of crocodiles, tawny nurse sharks, sea turtles, humpback whales and rock wallabies
- Optional scenic flight to Mitchell Falls (additional cost)
- Indulge in drinks and canapés as you watch the sunset from the beach
- Aboard our Xplorer tender, cruise the Prince Regent River to King Cascades
ALL-INCLUSIVE EXCURSIONS
A Coral Expeditions cruise is not about just passing through a region and seeing it from the ship’s deck. Instead, each day you will travel ashore and fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes, fascinating history and colourful cultures of these remarkable locations.
On most days during your expedition, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in two included shore excursions or activities (one in the morning and one in the afternoon), along with onboard briefings and presentations. The vast majority of excursions are included in your cruise price and in key locations, you will have the opportunity to enhance your experience through participation in optional activities such as a helicopter flight over the Kimberley’s spectacular four-tiered Mitchell Falls.
The Itinerary: Key Destinations
Embark: Board at Broome Wharf at 4:00pm for 5:00pm departure.
Disembark: Arrive and disembark at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 08:30am.
The below itinerary is indicative. No two Kimberley cruises with Coral Expeditions will be the same, with each expedition crafted by our experienced Masters and Expedition Leaders around the astounding 10+ metre tidal range, weather and sea conditions. Below is a selection of the key destinations we visit.
DAY 1: DEPART BROOME
The start of your Kimberley Expedition Cruise. Board your ship at 4.0pm for a 5.00pm departure. Enjoy the Captain’s welcome drinks with fellow travellers and friendly Coral Expeditions’ crew. Take in stunning views from the sundeck as we cruise north towards Cape Leveque.
LACEPEDE ISLANDS
Subject to weather and tides, visit the Lacepede Islands, a series of low islands consisting of coarse sand and coral rubble lying atop a platform reef (subject to weather and tides). This nature reserve has been identified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area as it supports up to 18,000 breeding pairs of Brown Boobies and Roseate Terns, possibly the largest such population in the world. Disembark to board a Zodiac and explore the island’s lagoon, keeping an eye out for many species of marine birdlife including Australian Pelicans, Frigatebirds, Egrets, Gulls and Terns. The islands are also renowned as Western Australia’s most significant breeding grounds for the Green Turtle, and it is often seen nesting here.
HORIZONTAL FALLS AND BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO
The visual delight of the Buccaneer Archipelago reveals Talbot Bay. Here we find the natural wonder of the Horizontal Falls. The changing tide thunders through narrow gorges in the McLarty Ranges, and you can experience the thrill of traversing the falls at high speed aboard inflatable tenders.
At Cyclone Creek, view evidence of massive geological forces in the impressive rock formations, or take an Xplorer cruise through the Iron Islands, past Koolan Island, before enjoying sunset drinks at Nares Point.
DOUBTFUL BAY
Raft Point guards the entrance to this iconic area, with a host of destinations such as the mighty Sale River, Steep Island and Ruby Falls at Red Cone Creek. There may also be an opportunity to meet the Worrora people and experience the wonderous Wandjina art of Raft Point.
MONTGOMERY REEF
Montgomery Reef is a biologically diverse area covering over 300 sq km. Named by Phillip Parker King, this marvelous reef is home to several species of marine turtles, dolphins, dugongs, and crocodiles. As the reef emerges from the sea at low tide, we get up close in the Xplorer and inflatables to witness the spectacle. Our guides will share their knowledge on the formation of the reef and the myriad wildlife here.
PRINCE REGENT RIVER AND CAREENING BAY
Running on a fault line, this straight river is a haven for native species. If the tide is right, there may be an opportunity for swimming at Camp Creek (Note: swimming at freshwater swimming holes is subject to group size and local conditions), and here we visit the beautiful King Cascade.
See the National Heritage Listed ‘Mermaid Tree’ at Careening Bay. It still bears the name carved by the crew of Phillip Parker King’s ship HMS Mermaid when the ship was repaired here in 1820.
PRINCE FREDERICK HARBOUR
At the southern end of the York Sound lies one of the most spectacular locations in the Kimberley: Prince Frederick Harbour. It is home to many islands, mangroves and monsoon rainforests, set against a backdrop of steep red escarpment. White-bellied sea eagles and other birds of prey are often seen here, and at low tide expansive mudflats reveal large populations of various mudskippers and mangrove crabs.
Spot massive saltwater crocodiles on a cruise up Porosus Creek, visit art sites, and marvel at rock formations.
MITCHELL FALLS, WINYALKAN, & SWIFT BAY
Carved through layers of sandstone, Mitchell Falls descends over four tiers, creating pools of emerald green on each level. The option to take a scenic helicopter flight will give you a breathtaking view, or alternatively explore the sandstone caves of Hathway’s Hideaway or enjoy a catch and release fishing excursion*. Swift Bay reveals a series of fine Wandjina art galleries.
*Catch and release fishing not available on board Coral Adventurer in 2019
VANSITTART BAY
Vansittart Bay contains many sites of cultural and historical significance. Here we have opportunity to view the remarkable Gwion Gwion galleries and Macassan sites at Jar Island. On the Anjo Peninsula, discover the wreckage of the downed C-53 Skytrooper, well-preserved since it crashed in 1942.
KING GEORGE RIVER AND FALLS
At over 80 metres, King George Falls are the highest twin falls in Western Australia. Feel humbled by nature’s awesome force as thousands of tonnes of water cascade over the ancient sandstone cliffs. Early in the season, you may cruise under the mist of the falls, while in later months we get up close to the sandstone walls to view the honeycomb erosion patterns.
DAY 11: ARRIVE IN DARWIN
Our incredible adventure along the Kimberley Coast concludes in Darwin this morning at 8:30am. Bid farewell to new-found friends and the Captain and crew. Post cruise transfers in Darwin included.
Broome to Darwin - 27 Apr-07 May 2020 / 04-14 May 2020 / 18-28 May 2020 / 25 May-04 Jun 2020 /08-18 Jun 2020 / 15-25 Jun 2020 / 29 Jun-09 Jul 2020 / 06-16 Jul 2020 /20-30 Jul 2020 / 27 Jul-06 Aug 2020 / 10-20 Aug 2020 / 17-27 Aug 2020 / 31 Aug-10 Sep 2020 / 19-29 Sep 2020 / 21 Sep-01 Oct 2020
Darwin to Broome - 17-27 Apr 2020 / 08-18 May 2020 / 15-25 May 2020 / 29 May-08 Jun 2020 / 05-15 Jun 2020 / 19-29 Jun 2020 / 26 Jun-06 Jul 2020 / 10-20 Jul 2020 / 17-27 Jul 2020 / 31 Jul-10 Aug 2020 / 07-17 Aug 2020 / 21-31 Aug 2020 / 28 Aug-07 Sep 2020 / 11-21 Sep 2020
CORAL ADVENTURER - TWIN SHARE PER PERSON
- Coral Deck - from $10,290
- Promenade Deck - from $10.850
- Explorer Deck - from $12,990
- Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom - from $14,090
- Bridge Deck Suite - from $16,290
CORAL DISCOVERER - TWIN SHARE PER PERSON
- Main Deck B - from $10,890
- Main Deck A - from $11,390
- Promenade Deck B - from $11,940
- Promenade Deck A - from $12,990
- Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom - from $15,190
For availability and solo pricing, please contact our friendly travel team on freecall 1300 414 198
Special Notice: Since release of the 2019 Kimberley program, the Traditional Owners of the Kimberley and their representatives have advised that a permit/fee for guests accessing traditional lands when cruising the Kimberley region will be imposed for 2019 and beyond. The listed 2019 fare excludes traditional owner visitor access fees.
Experience your Kimberley cruise aboard Coral Adventurer or Coral Discoverer. Cruise departure dates will determine the ship, please see travel date for more information.
CORAL ADVENTURER
Launched in April 2019 and purpose-built to take you closer to unspoilt vistas in comfort, style and safety, Coral Adventurer accommodates 120 guests in 60 spacious staterooms.
CORAL DISCOVERER
Launched in 2005, Coral Discoverer set a new benchmark standard for small ship cruising in Australia. Refurbished in November 2016, she continues to raise the bar to new levels of sophistication in expedition cruising. Coral Discoverer accommodates just 72 guests in 36 spacious staterooms.
Is there a Doctor or Nurse onboard?
While senior crew are trained in remote area first aid, it is important to note that we do not employ doctors or nurses on board our cruises. As our itineraries cover remote regions, they are not suitable for those with serious medical conditions. Any ongoing medical issues should be disclosed to reservations staff at the time of booking.
Where do we board and what time?
BROOME: Boarding is at Deep Water Port, 401 Port Dr, Broome WA 6725. Boarding commences at 4:30pm for 6pm departure.
DARWIN: Boarding is at Fort Hill Wharf, 2 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0800. Boarding commences at 8am for 9am departure
What should I pack?
We recommend that you pack simply and lightly. Clothing that you can layer will prepare you for all kinds of weather. More specific information regarding clothing and the weather conditions in your destination are included in your Cruise Documentation which you will receive prior to your cruise.
Do I need to bring spending money? What might I need to pay for onboard?
Upon embarkation, we will automatically open your personal shipboard account. We operate a chit system and for your security, ask that you sign each chit as you order from our bar, shop or make any other on board purchases. At the end of the voyage your account may be settled in Australian dollars cash, and by American Express; Visa; MasterCard or Diners Club.
Can I get my laundry done during my trip?
Laundry services are available on board Coral Adventurer, Coral Discoverer and Coral Expeditions I, however the service is limited. Laundry bags and forms are stored in your wardrobe for collection by your cruise attendants. Charges for this service will be posted to your onboard account.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
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