Grand Kimberley Coast Small Ship Expedition Cruise

• Exclusive Savings
• Nine nights aboard the MS Caledonian Sky with daily excursions on Zodiac vessels
• Experiences in 18 destinations
• Locally inspired dining – a total of 26 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
• The services of an expert 10-member expedition team
• Embark on an exhilarating high-powered fast boat ride through Horizontal Falls
• Join your expedition team to explore Montgomery Reef by Zodiac
• Step ashore on Bigge Island and discover Indigenous rock art created by the Wunambal people
• Experience the natural wonder of King George Falls aboard a Zodiac

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Broome, Embark Ship
We’ll meet you at the airport this afternoon before being welcomed aboard your expedition ship. A relaxed dinner this evening allows you the chance to meet your fellow travellers and sets the tone for the next nine nights on board.

Day 2: Buccaneer Archipelago, Adele Island
There’s promise of turquoise waters today as your ship arrives in the Buccaneer Archipelago, home to more than 800 islands. Cruise to Adele Island and join your expedition team member for an exploration of this remote coastal area by Zodiac. The island is surrounded by Adele Reef, teeming with an array of coral and marine life, including reef sharks and stingrays.

Day 3: Talbot Bay, Horizontal Falls
Signature Experience – Subject to tidal conditions, set out on a thrilling ride through the falls aboard a high-powered fast boat. Hold on tight as your boat skims across Talbot Bay to the mouth of the falls before making its way through the churning waters.

Today your ship cruises through to Talbot Bay, known for its epic 12-metre tides that create an astonishing natural spectacle, the Horizontal Falls. Here, enjoy a Signature Experience. The adventure continues as you jump aboard your Zodiac vessel for an exploration of Cyclone Creek. See dramatic folding in the rock formations as you navigate through the creek, accompanied by your expedition team member. It is here you’ll experience your first Signature Experience.

Day 4: Montgomery Reef, Doubtful Bay, Raft Point
Signature Experience – Excitement builds this morning as you join your expedition team for an in-depth exploration of Montgomery Reef by Zodiac. Witness the reef rise out of the ocean as the tidal waters cascade rapidly into the surrounding channels. Keep an eye out for unique bird life and turtles who may pop their heads up from time to time.

Start your day with a phenomenal Signature Experience. Then, cruise through Doubtful Bay, a hotspot for whale watching during the season. Later, step ashore at Raft Point to visit an ancient Wandjina rock art site. When available, you’ll be joined by a local Indigenous guide.

Day 5: Prince Frederick Harbour, Hunter River, Mitchell Falls
Your expedition ship arrives at Prince Frederick Harbour today, home to soaring red cliffs and mangroves. With its extreme tides and pristine ecosystems, the harbour is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and mudskippers. Keen birdwatchers should keep an eye out for kingfishers, egrets, herons and white-bellied sea eagles. It’s time to jump aboard your Zodiac vessels for an exploration of the Hunter River and Naturalist Island. As your day of discovery draws to a close, you might choose to set out on a helicopter flight and view the natural spectacle of Mitchell Falls from above (own expense).

Day 6: Bigge Island
Signature Experience – In caves throughout the island, see examples of first contact art depicting European tall ships dating from the 15th to 18th century. Having been repainted annually for the past 5,000 years, it is thought to be the oldest continuous sacred painting tradition on the planet.

Discover Bigge Island today, known for its Indigenous rock art created by the Wunambal people. During your time here, take in a Signature Experience.

Day 7: Vansittart Bay, Jar Island
An intriguing exploration of Vansittart Bay awaits today. Join your expedition team and set out across the bay’s vast salt flats to view the wreckage of a US Air Force C-53 that crash landed on the beach during World War II. Later, step ashore at Jar Island and see examples of mysterious Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) paintings, dating back some 20,000 years.

Day 8: Koolama Bay, King George River and Falls
Signature Experience – Anticipation builds as your Zodiac approaches King George Falls, plunging 80 metres over a towering sandstone cliff. Edge closer to this epic cascade and learn how it turns to a raging torrent during the monsoonal wet season.

Wake this morning as your ship cruises into Koolama Bay. Hear how this harbour was renamed following the Japanese bombing of the MV Koolama in 1942. Next, it’s on to King George River. Join your expedition team and jump aboard a Zodiac to meander through the river’s gorge system, passing hidden mangrove-fringed coves and soaring red cliffs.

Day 9: Day at Sea
Enjoy a full day to relax at sea and take in a presentation from your Expedition Team. Learn about the fascinating ecology of Australia’s most remote coastline, one that is dominated by some of the most dramatic tidal conditions on Earth. Hear stories of the rich World War II history and get prepared to discover ancient Indigenous culture that dates back for tens of thousands of years. Take time to relax as you feel the pleasant pristine air of the Timor Sea fill your lungs and then take advantage of the Open Bridge policy for the chance to make acquaintances with your ship’s Captain. After dinner tonight, make your way to the Lounge for the evening entertainment.

Day 10: Disembark Ship, Depart Darwin
Arriving into Darwin this morning means it’s time to say goodbye to your ship and to be transferred to the airport.