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Peregrine Travel Centre

The Kimberley: Darwin to Broome (Coral Geographer)

The Kimberley: Darwin to Broome (Coral Geographer)

From AUD $7,650

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Description

Perfected over three decades, our 10-day Kimberley cruise takes you on an unforgettable journey from Darwin to Broome. 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.

Trip Name
The Kimberley: Darwin to Broome (Coral Geographer)
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Passenger Capacity: 120 Built: 2020 Expedition capabilities > Two trademark Xplorer tenders seat all passengers and facilitate comfortable shore excursions > Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration > Lecture lounge for daily expedition briefings and expert presentations > Small onboard library featuring books on destinations and wildlife > Shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems allowing access to locations closed to large cruise ships Marine immersion > Navigator lounge in the bridge > Over 1000 square metres of open deck space including a wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views > Engine room tours and a high level of crew interaction with guests Food and wine features > Single seating dining with communal table serves buffet breakfast and lunch, and multi-course table d’hote dinners > Showcase galley with viewing window creating fresh small-batch cuisine featuring Australian and local produce > Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks > Curated wine cellar featuring boutique wines and exceptional vintage Australian reds Guest comfort > All outside-facing guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; the majority have a private balcony > Active stabilisers to dampen sea motion > Well-equipped gym > Passenger elevator > Wi-Fi available in all guest areas

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: DEPART DARWIN
Board your Coral Expeditions ship at 8.00am where there is time to settle into your cabin before our 9:00am departure. Spend a luxuriant sea day at leisure as we cruise across Joseph Bonaparte Gulf and sail into Western Australian waters. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard and join our Expedition Team in the Lounge for an insightful introduction to the Kimberley. As dusk falls meet your fellow travellers, the Captain and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.
Day 2 - Day 2: KING GEORGE RIVER AND FALLS
Fed by the King George River draining across the Gardner Plateau, 80m tall King George Falls are the most impressive Kimberley waterfalls and the highest twin falls in Western Australia. Before reaching the mist-like spray rising from the base of King George Falls, we cruise through steep-sided gorges carved by a flooded river system that carved a swathe through the Kimberley landscape 400 million years ago. Early in the waterfall season, we may cruise around the base of impressive King George Falls while in later months we take the opportunity to view the honeycomb erosion patterns of sandstone cliffs up close.
Day 3 - DAY 3: VANSITTART BAY
Vansittart Bay is home to many cultural and historically significant sites like the remarkable Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) Aboriginal rock art galleries estimated to be up to 20,000 years old. Jar Island is so-named after the pot shards found here, brought to the island by Macassan fisherman harvesting sea cucumbers (also known as trepang). Nearby, on the Anjo Peninsula lays the well-preserved wreckage of a US Airforce C-53 Skytrooper aircraft, the result of a pilot losing his bearings flying from Perth to Broome in 1942 and putting down on a salt pan near present-day Truscott Airbase.
Day 4 - Day 4: MITCHELL FALLS, WINYALKAN, & SWIFT BAY
Tumbling down the Mitchell Plateau in a series of tiered waterfalls and emerald green rock pools, the Mitchell Falls are the photogenic poster child for the Mitchell River National Park. Take a scenic helicopter flight (additional cost) to multi-tiered Mitchell Falls where emerald-hued rock pools cascade down the escarpment and ancient rock art galleries are concealed in caves behind curtains of water. Mitchell River National Park is inhabited by significant numbers of mammals, amphibians, reptiles and bird species which are lured by a year-round water source. Sandstone terraces beside tiered rock pools make a terrific viewing platform from which to savor the serenity of this ancient landscape. An alternative option to Mitchell Falls is exploring the sandstone caves of Hathway’s Hideaway. This mass of weathered tunnels, arches and columns form a labyrinth-like maze and was once an Aboriginal midden. Another option while anchored at Winyalkan Bay is a visit to a series Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art galleries at Swift Bay. In the evening we will enjoy watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean while indulging in a gourmet BBQ.
Day 5 - Day 5: PRINCE FREDERICK HARBOUR
Prince Frederick Harbour is one of the Kimberley’s most spectacular locations at the southern end of York Sound. The harbour is dotted with islands lined with mangroves and monsoon rainforests, set against a backdrop of the ochre-hued escarpment. White-bellied sea eagles and other birds of prey are often seen here, and at low tide, expansive mudflats reveal large populations of mudskippers and mangrove crabs. We will take our Xplorer tender vessels on a cruise up Porosus Creek to view some striking rock formations.
Day 6 - DAY 6: PRINCE REGENT RIVER & CAREENING BAY
King Cascade is a classically beautiful terraced waterfall and is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Kimberley. Falling from a considerable height and around 50m across, water tumbles down a staggered terrace of Kimberley sandstone. Layer upon layer of ochre-hued and blackened rock sprouts grasses, mosses and ferns in a sort of lushly vegetated hanging garden. We reach King Cascade after cruising in our Xplorer tender vessels down the steep-sided Prince Regent River which is a remarkable anomaly as the river runs dead straight along a fault line. Lt. Philip Parker King named nearby Careening Bay after he beached his leaking vessel HMC Mermaid to effect repairs. While stranded on this remote coastline for 17 days the ship’s carpenter carved HMC Mermaid 1820 into the bottle-shaped trunk of a boab tree near the beach. Almost 200 years later, the Mermaid Boab Tree has since split into two trunks and sports a mammoth girth of 12m. Significantly, the bulbous tree is listed on the National Register of Big Trees and the carpenter’s careful inscription now stands almost as tall as a person.
Day 7 - Day 7: MONTGOMERY REEF
Montgomery Reef is a biologically diverse area covering over 300 sq km and was named by Phillip Parker King. Twice daily, as the sea recedes in mammoth 11m tides, Montgomery Reef rises from the Indian Ocean in a cascade of rushing water revealing a flat-topped reef pockmarked with rock pools and rivulets. As the reef emerges, we get up close in our Xplorer and Zodiac inflatable tenders to witness the spectacle as our Expedition Team share their knowledge on the formation of the reef and the myriad wildlife. Opportunistic birds take advantage of the emerging reef, feeding on marine life left exposed in rock pools. Turtles, dolphins, dugongs and sawfish too are also attracted to feeding opportunities as the ocean recedes. The ocean is awash in a swirl of eddies and whirlpools as the moon’s gravitational force takes hold. Then, a few hours later the entire water-borne drama is reversed as the tide comes in and Montgomery Reef disappears below sea level.
Day 8 - Day 8: DOUBTFUL BAY
Raft Point guards the entrance to Doubtful Bay, a vast body of sheltered water which harbours significant sites such as the ancient Wandjina rock art galleries located a short walk from the beach and are considered some of the finest in the Kimberley and we visit the rock art galleries when traditional owners are available to guide us. Doubtful Bay is the traditional country of the Worrora people who follow the Wandjina, their god, law-maker and creator. Images of Wandjina are found throughout the Kimberley, recording their stories, knowledge and culture in stone. Red Cone Creek flows gently downstream until it meets the small but impressive Ruby Falls. Named by local mariner Capt. Chris Trucker after his daughter, Red Cone Creek is carved through rock formations stacked atop each other like building blocks. These rock walls are great for climbing and clambering over before reaching a series of freshwater swimming holes and waterfalls. The falls may be a gurgling torrent or a gentle trickle, depending on the time of the year. Other sites we aim to visit in Doubtful Bay include the mighty Sale River and Steep Island.
Day 9 - Day 9: HORIZONTAL FALLS AND BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO
The Horizontal Falls are one of the Kimberley’s biggest attractions and are a result of the mammoth 11m tides the Kimberley is renowned for. Naturalist David Attenborough described the Horizontal Falls as ‘one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.’ The Horizontal Falls are created as the ocean thunders through a narrow gorge in the McLarty Ranges. Water builds up on one side and is forcibly pushed through the bottleneck, creating a rushing horizontal waterfall of swiftly flowing seawater. Riding the rapids on our Zodiac inflatable tenders is one of the highlights of our Kimberley expedition cruises. Talbot Bay is at the heart of the Buccaneer Archipelago, where rocks on the 800 or so islands are estimated at over 2 billion years old. At Cyclone Creek, you will see evidence of massive geological forces in the impressive rock formations and cruise through the Iron Islands, past Koolan Island, before enjoying sunset drinks at Nares Point.
Day 10 - Day 10: THE LACEPEDE ISLANDS
The Lacepede Islands are a protected class-A nature reserve and are significant as a seabird nesting rookery for brown boobies and roseate terns. Other species often sighted at the Lacepedes include Australian Pelicans, frigate birds, egrets and gulls. The four low-lying islands are also an important breeding and nesting habitat for green turtles. If weather and tide conditions are suitable, we will explore the lagoons by Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels. As our incredible Kimberley adventures draw to a close, on our last evening aboard we enjoy the Captain’s farewell drinks amongst new-found friends.
Day 11 - DAY 11: ARRIVE IN BROOME
Our incredible adventure along the Kimberley Coast concludes in Broome this morning at 8:00am. Bid farewell to new-found friends, the Captain and crew. A post-cruise transfer to Broome CBD or Airport is included. If you’re not transferring directly to the airport why not spend the day visiting world-famous Cable Beach or stroll the historic streets of Chinatown in central Broome.
Day 12 - Please Note:
This itinerary is an indication of the destinations we visit and activities on offer. Throughout the expedition we may make changes to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
25-04-2024AUD $0-
25-04-2024AUD $0-
25-04-2024AUD $0-
30-04-202110-05-2021AUD $7,650Coral Deck
30-04-202110-05-2021AUD $8,990Promenade Deck Stateroom
30-04-202110-05-2021AUD $11,475Coral Deck
30-04-202110-05-2021AUD $12,490Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
30-04-202110-05-2021AUD $13,485Promenade Deck Stateroom Solo
30-04-202110-05-2021AUD $17,190Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
30-04-202110-05-2021AUD $18,735Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom Solo
21-05-202131-05-2021AUD $9,350Coral Deck
21-05-202131-05-2021AUD $10,890Promenade Deck Stateroom
21-05-202131-05-2021AUD $14,025Coral Deck
21-05-202131-05-2021AUD $15,290Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
21-05-202131-05-2021AUD $16,335Promenade Deck Stateroom Solo
21-05-202131-05-2021AUD $20,890Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
21-05-202131-05-2021AUD $22,935Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom Solo
11-06-202121-06-2021AUD $9,350Coral Deck
11-06-202121-06-2021AUD $10,890Promenade Deck Stateroom
11-06-202121-06-2021AUD $14,025Coral Deck
11-06-202121-06-2021AUD $15,290Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
11-06-202121-06-2021AUD $16,335Promenade Deck Stateroom Solo
11-06-202121-06-2021AUD $20,890Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
11-06-202121-06-2021AUD $22,935Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom Solo
02-07-202112-07-2021AUD $9,350Coral Deck
02-07-202112-07-2021AUD $10,890Promenade Deck Stateroom
02-07-202112-07-2021AUD $14,025Coral Deck
02-07-202112-07-2021AUD $15,290Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
02-07-202112-07-2021AUD $16,335Promenade Deck Stateroom Solo
02-07-202112-07-2021AUD $20,890Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
02-07-202112-07-2021AUD $22,935Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom Solo
23-07-202102-08-2021AUD $9,350Coral Deck
23-07-202102-08-2021AUD $10,890Promenade Deck Stateroom
23-07-202102-08-2021AUD $14,025Coral Deck
23-07-202102-08-2021AUD $15,290Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom
23-07-202102-08-2021AUD $16,335Promenade Deck Stateroom Solo
23-07-202102-08-2021AUD $20,890Bridge Deck Balcony Suite
23-07-202102-08-2021AUD $22,935Explorer Deck Balcony Stateroom Solo
25-04-2024AUD $0-
25-04-2024AUD $0-
25-04-2024AUD $0-
25-04-2024AUD $0-
25-04-2024AUD $0-
25-04-2024AUD $0-
25-04-2024AUD $0-

Inclusions

    • Experience the thrill of riding the Horizontal Falls in inflatable Zodiac tender vessels
    • Get up close to Montgomery Reef and discover the tidal reef’s diverse marine life
    • Experience King George River and 80m tall twin King George Waterfalls
    • Cruise the Prince Regent River to the ‘hanging garden’ King Cascades waterfall
    • Visit Indigenous rock art galleries and learn about ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion art
    • Spot native wildlife and birdlife in their natural habitat
    • View the Kimberley landscape by air on a scenic helicopter flight to Mitchell Falls (additional cost)
    • Enjoy sunset canapes and drinks on the beach as dusk settles over the Kimberley

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