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Admire ancient Aboriginal rock art

Kimberley & Across the Top of Australia

Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Coral Expeditions I
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Discover the remarkable Kimberley Coast aboard the Coral Expeditions I. Explore a land steeped in ancient Aboriginal culture, amazing natural landscapes, and abundant wildlife in this 11-day South Pacific cruise. Discover the majestic King George River, the mysterious Bradshaw (Gwion) paintings, the beautiful King Cascades, the remarkable Montgomery Reef, and much more!
Zodiac close to King George Falls Zoom through the Horizontal FallsA day ashore remote islandsStroll along stunning beachesAdmire ancient Aboriginal rock art
Highlights
  • Cruise close to the base of magnificent 80 m tall King George Falls
  • Trek across salt flats to view the WWII wreckage of a US Air Force DC3
  • View Wandjina art and the mysterious Bradshaw Paintings at Raft Point
  • Explore the amazing marine birdlife on Lacepede Islands' nature reserve
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Embark in Darwin

  • Ship
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Board the Coral Expeditions I this morning to depart on your Australian small ship cruise. Departing Darwin Harbor, cross Cambridge Gulf and sail into Western Australian waters. This afternoon join Expedition Staff for an informative introduction to the Kimberley before meeting fellow travelers and friendly crew at the Captain’s Welcome Cocktails.

Day 2: King George River and Falls

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Discover the first of the Kimberley’s ‘big’ rivers, the mighty King George. Aboard the Explorer, a specially designed excursion vessel, explore scenic gorges, and in inflatable zodiacs cruise close to the base of magnificent King George Falls, the tallest waterfall in Western Australia towering some 80 meters above the river below. Later, visit Tranquil Bay for beach walking and exploration.

Day 3: Vansittart Bay DC3 | Jar Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Join the Expedition Leader on a walk across salt flats to view the wreckage of a US Air Force DC3 which crash landed on the beach during WWII. Later, visit Jar Island and discover the island’s outstanding rock art gallery. Guest Lecturers point out fine examples of the Kimberley’s mysterious Bradshaw Paintings (Gwion), dating back some 20,000 years.

Day 4: Hathaway's Hideaway | Mitchell Falls

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After anchoring in Winyalken Bay, travel ashore aboard the Explorer to explore the maze of natural sandstone caves known as Hathaway’s Hideaway. Later, helicopters are available for optional scenic flights over the Mitchell Plateau for close-up views of the mighty four-tiered Mitchell Falls. This evening, enjoy a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset as you indulge in a gourmet Aussie Beach BBQ.

Day 5: Bigge Island | Careening Bay

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Discover the rock art gallery on Bigge Island, featuring fine examples of both Wandjina and Bradshaw art. Then, explore Careening Bay which was named by Phillip Parker King after his ship ‘HMC Mermaid’ was careened during his second voyage of discovery in the Kimberley. Lecturers lead to the site of a large boab tree bearing the inscription “HMC Mermaid – 1820”, still clearly visible almost 200 years later.

Day 6: Prince Regent River | King Cascades

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cruise the mighty Prince Regent River aboard Explorer to breathtaking King Cascades, an unusual and picturesque waterfall cascading over terraced rock formations. Enjoy a picnic lunch at beautiful Camp Creek, where there is time for a leisurely swim in the freshwater pools.

Day 7: Montgomery Reef | Doubtful Bay

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Savor a truly unforgettable moment as Montgomery Reef ‘rises’ out of the ocean as the tide ebbs. Join Expedition Staff aboard the Explorer and zodiacs to experience this natural phenomenon up close and discover the reef’s diverse marine life including turtles, manta rays, and reef sharks. Later, cruise through scenic Doubtful Bay.

Day 8: Raft Point | Ruby Falls

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cruising through Kuri Bay, home of the south sea pearl industry, travel ashore at Raft Point and visit a secluded and very interesting Aboriginal rock art gallery to view Wandjina art and the mysterious Bradshaw Paintings (Gwion). Later, explore Red Cone Creek and enjoy a cooling dip at Ruby Falls.

Day 9: Horizontal Falls | Buccaneer Archipelago

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cruise through the Buccaneer Archipelago, home to over 800 islands. In Talbot Bay, the region’s 12 meter tides create an amazing spectacle - the unique Horizontal Falls, described by legendary naturalist Sir David Attenborough as “one the greatest natural wonders in the world”. The amazing power of the falls is revealed when the region’s 12 meter tides turn, forcing millions of liters of water to rush through the narrow gaps between cliffs. Board the zodiacs for an exhilarating ride through the falls. Later, explore Silica Beach on Hidden Island with its stunning white sands and crystal-clear waters.

Day 10: Lacepede Islands

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cruise through Pender Bay and, 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. This nature reserve has been identified by Bird Life 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. Board the zodiacs 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, often seen nesting on the islands. This evening say farewell to new-found friends while enjoying the Captain’s Farewell Cocktails.

Day 11: Disembark in Broome

  • 1 Breakfast
This unforgettable cruise along the Kimberley Coast concludes in Broome this morning. Disembark at 8 am and if not transferring directly to the airport, choose to visit the world-famous Cable Beach or stroll the historic streets of Chinatown in central Broome. 

Ship/Hotel

Coral Expeditions I

Coral Expeditions I - Open Bridge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$5,560

Notes

Solo Travelers:
A 50% single supplement is charged or select the “Single Guest Match” program. Single Guest Match is available for guests who have flexible travel dates and are willing to share a cabin with another guest of the same gender. Passengers are placed on a standby list and notified if a match becomes available. Once confirmed, they are charged at the twin-share rate (no single supplement). Cabin category requests are accepted.

Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates.
Included
  • 10 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches, 10 Dinners
  • 10 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Selected wines, selected beers and house spirits, juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
  • Captain’s welcome and farewell events, and open bridge access
  • Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and kayaks
  • All excursions with our Expedition Team
  • Daily lectures and briefings with Guest Lecturers
  • Use of all onboard facilities, incl. a reference library
  • Your expedition photos captured during the voyage
  • Post-cruise transfers (in most destinations)
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry Service
  • Entry visas/Travel permits
  • Alcoholic drinks including beer and wine outside of lunch and dinner service
  • Internet 
  • Pre-cruise transfers
  • Pre and post cruise flights/charter flights
  • Pre and post cruise accommodation
  • Items of a personal nature such souvenir purchases
  • Optional Extras (in some destinations)

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Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
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