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Peregrine Travel Centre

The Kimberley From Darwin (Coral Expeditions I)

The Kimberley From Darwin (Coral Expeditions I)

From $8,290 AUD

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Description

We invite you to discover the remarkable Kimberley Coast. Home to towering waterfalls, rugged outback landscapes, ancient Aboriginal art and abundant wildlife there is simply no place on earth quite like the Kimberley, and no better way to discover it than by small ship.

Join us aboard the Coral Expeditions I ship to discover all of the icons of the Kimberley Coast over ten unforgettable days cruising between Darwin and Broome. In the north, discover the majestic King George River with its towering 80-metre twin falls and the mysterious Bradshaw (Gwion) Paintings of Bigge Island. Explore the Mitchell Plateau and cruise the Kimberley’s ‘big’ rivers before experiencing beautiful King Cascades, remarkable Montgomery Reef and the amazing natural phenomenon of the Horizontal Falls in the south.

This is a land steeped in ancient Aboriginal culture and the legends of Australia’s pioneering past. Travel ashore to view the world’s oldest known indigenous rock art, the mysterious Bradshaw (Gwion) paintings and soak up the history of early explorers such as Phillip Parker King who first charted this spectacular coastline almost 200 years ago. With two landings most days you will enjoy more opportunities to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the Kimberley. Aboard our unique ‘Explorer’ excursion vessel and fleet of inflatable zodiacs, and with the expert local knowledge of our experienced guides, you are assured of making the most of every minute of your expedition, and do it all in total comfort and unrivalled style.

Please note: post cruise transfers in either Darwin and Broome are included.

Trip Name
The Kimberley From Darwin (Coral Expeditions I)
Days
11
Overview
Vessel Type: Motor Catamaran Length: 35 metres Passenger Capacity: 44/46 (25 cabins) Built: refurbished 2016 Coral Expeditions I is fully equipped for the ultimate expedition cruising experience in Australian coastal waters. Australian flagged, registered and staffed, the ship was purpose-built for cruising in the region and is the ideal size to access the very best parts of Western Australia’s remarkable Kimberley region, the northern coastlines of Cape York and Arnhem Land and the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. The 25 onboard rooms are bathed in natural light, with a fresh and modern decor creating a breezy feel. You can choose between double and twin bedded rooms, each fully equipped with a spacious private ensuite, air conditioning and ample storage space. The ship’s forward lounge is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery in air-conditioned comfort, and features a comprehensive reference library and plasma screens. The Sun Deck at the rear with a new bar outdoor area added in 2016 is another popular place to relax and take in the panoramic views. Meals are served in the modern dining room, and with space for all guests to dine during one sitting and no assigned seating, meal times are a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers. Coral Expeditions I operates an open bridge policy, allowing you to spend time with the Captain and his maritime crew as we cruise. Follow our progression on the ship’s charts and chat with Captain, or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery. Coral Expeditions I is fitted with modern safety and navigation equipment, and wireless internet facilities. FACILITIES ON BOARD Limited wireless internet available. Service quality may vary on location and weather Sun Deck with sun lounges Fully stocked cocktail bars Spacious, modern dining room Forward lounge Reference library Gift shop Open bridge Limited laundry facilities available SCUBA diving department (selected itineraries) STATEROOM ACCOMMODATION Choose from four grades of well-appointed rooms, each tastefully decorated with comfortable furnishings and original artworks. Enjoy the comforts of an en suite bathroom, featuring hairdryer and international power outlets. Rooms also feature picture windows for expansive ocean views (except some Cabin category rooms featuring portholes), ample storage space and air-conditioning. All rooms are serviced daily and feature Australian toiletries.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1: Depart Darwin
Board your ship at 8.00am for planned 9:00am departure > cross Cambridge Gulf and sail into Western Australian waters > join our expedition staff in the lounge for an informative introduction to the Kimberley > with fellow travellers and friendly Coral Expeditions’ crew, enjoy the Captain’s welcome drinks
Day 2 - Day 2: King George River and Falls
Discover the first of the Kimberley’s ‘big’ rivers, the mighty King George > board Xplorer, our specially designed excursion vessel and explore scenic gorges > take to our inflatable Zodiacs and cruise close to the base of magnificent King George Falls, the tallest single-drop waterfalls in Western Australia, towering some 80 metres above the river below > visit secluded Tranquil Bay for beach walking and exploration
Day 3 - Day 3: Vansittart Bay DC3 and Jar Island
Join our 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 World War II > visit Jar Island and discover the island’s outstanding rock art gallery > with our Guest Lecturers, see fine examples of the Kimberley’s mysterious Bradshaw Paintings (Gwion Gwion), dating back some 20,000 years
Day 4 - Day 4: Hathaway’s Hideaway and Mitchell Falls
Anchor in Winyalken Bay > travel ashore aboard Xplorer to explore the maze of natural sandstone caves known as Hathaway’s Hideaway > consider an optional scenic heli-flight over the Mitchell Plateau for close up views of the mighty four-tiered Mitchell Falls (additional expense) > this evening enjoy a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset as we indulge in a gourmet Aussie Beach BBQ
Day 5 - Day 5: Bigge Island and Careening Bay
Discover the rock art gallery on Bigge Island featuring fine examples of both Wandjina and Bradshaw art > hear from our Guest Lecturers about these traditional art forms and the myths from the dreamtime that inspired them > explore Careening Bay; named by early explorer Phillip Parker King after his ship ‘HMC Mermaid’ was careened for repairs during his second voyage of discovery in the Kimberley > our Expedition Team will lead us to the site of a remarkable boab tree bearing the inscription ‘HMC Mermaid – 1820’, still clearly visible almost 200 years later BLD
Day 6 - Day 6: Prince Regent River and King Cascades
Cruise the mighty Prince Regent River aboard Xplorer 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 also time for a cooling dip in the freshwater pools
Day 7 - Day 7: Montgomery Reef and Doubtful Bay
Savour a truly unforgettable moment as Montgomery Reef ‘rises’ out of the ocean as the tide ebbs > join our Expedition Staff aboard the Xplorer and Zodiacs to experience this natural phenomenon up close > discover the reef’s diverse marine life including turtles, manta rays and reef sharks > cruise through scenic Doubtful Bay
Day 8 - Day 8: Raft Point and Ruby Falls
Cruise through Kuri Bay, home of the south sea pearl industry > travel ashore at imposing Raft Point and visit a secluded and very interesting Aboriginal rock art gallery to view Wandjina art and some of the Kimberley’s most well-preserved Bradshaw Paintings (Gwion Gwion) > explore Red Cone Creek and enjoy a leisurely swim at Ruby Falls
Day 9 - Day 9: Horizontal Falls and Bucaneer Archipelago
Meander through the Buccaneer Archipelago, home to over 800 islands > in Talbot Bay the region’s 12 metre tides create an amazing spectacle, the unique Horizontal Falls, described by legendary naturalist Sir David Attenborough as “one of the greatest natural wonders in the world” > the amazing power of the falls is revealed when the region’s 12 metre tides turn, forcing millions of litres of water to rush through the narrow gaps between cliffs > board the Zodiacs for an exhilarating ride through the falls > explore Silica Beach on Hidden Island with its stunning white sands and crystal clear waters
Day 10 - Day 10: Lacepede Islands
Explore 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 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 > board the Zodiacs and explore the island’s lagoon, keeping an eye out for many species of marine birdlife including Australian Pelicans, frigate birds, egrets, gulls and terns > the islands are also renowned as Western Australia’s most significant breeding grounds for the Green Turtle, often seen nesting > this evening we reflect on this wonderful expedition with new-found friends as we enjoy the Captain’s farewell drinks
Day 11 - Day 11: Arrive in Broome
Our adventure along the Kimberley Coast concludes in Broome this morning at 8:00am > 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 > post cruise transfers included
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
30-03-201809-04-2018AUD$9,490Stateroom
30-03-201809-04-2018AUD$8,290Cabin
30-03-201809-04-2018AUD$10,490Deluxe Stateroom
30-03-201809-04-2018AUD$9,990Upper Deck Stateroom
30-03-201809-04-2018AUD$12,435Cabin Sole
20-04-201830-04-2018AUD$10,490Deluxe Stateroom
20-04-201830-04-2018AUD$8,290Cabin
20-04-201830-04-2018AUD$9,990Upper Deck Stateroom
20-04-201830-04-2018AUD$9,490Stateroom
13-07-201823-07-2018AUD$8,290Cabin
13-07-201823-07-2018AUD$9,490Stateroom
13-07-201823-07-2018AUD$9,990Upper Deck Stateroom
13-07-201823-07-2018AUD$10,490Deluxe Stateroom
14-09-201824-09-2018AUD$9,990Upper Deck Stateroom
14-09-201824-09-2018AUD$9,490Stateroom
14-09-201824-09-2018AUD$8,290Cabin
14-09-201824-09-2018AUD$10,490Deluxe Stateroom
29-03-201908-04-2019AUD$10,790Deluxe Stateroom
29-03-201908-04-2019AUD$9,890Stateroom
29-03-201908-04-2019AUD$8,690Cabin
29-03-201908-04-2019AUD$10,290Upper Deck Stateroom
29-03-201908-04-2019AUD$13,035Cabin Sole
19-04-201929-04-2019AUD$13,035Cabin Sole
19-04-201929-04-2019AUD$10,290Upper Deck Stateroom
19-04-201929-04-2019AUD$8,690Cabin
19-04-201929-04-2019AUD$9,890Stateroom
19-04-201929-04-2019AUD$10,790Deluxe Stateroom
10-05-201911-05-2019AUD$13,035Cabin Sole
10-05-201911-05-2019AUD$10,290Upper Deck Stateroom
10-05-201911-05-2019AUD$8,690Cabin
10-05-201911-05-2019AUD$9,890Stateroom
10-05-201911-05-2019AUD$10,790Deluxe Stateroom
21-06-201901-07-2019AUD$13,035Cabin Sole
21-06-201901-07-2019AUD$10,290Upper Deck Stateroom
21-06-201901-07-2019AUD$8,690Cabin
21-06-201901-07-2019AUD$9,890Stateroom
21-06-201901-07-2019AUD$10,790Deluxe Stateroom
12-07-201922-07-2019AUD$13,035Cabin Sole
12-07-201922-07-2019AUD$10,290Upper Deck Stateroom
12-07-201922-07-2019AUD$8,690Cabin
12-07-201922-07-2019AUD$9,890Stateroom
12-07-201922-07-2019AUD$10,790Deluxe Stateroom
02-08-201912-08-2019AUD$13,035Cabin Sole
02-08-201912-08-2019AUD$10,290Upper Deck Stateroom
02-08-201912-08-2019AUD$8,690Cabin
02-08-201912-08-2019AUD$9,890Stateroom
02-08-201912-08-2019AUD$10,790Deluxe Stateroom
23-08-201902-09-2019AUD$13,035Cabin Sole
23-08-201902-09-2019AUD$10,290Upper Deck Stateroom
23-08-201902-09-2019AUD$8,690Cabin
23-08-201902-09-2019AUD$9,890Stateroom
23-08-201902-09-2019AUD$10,790Deluxe Stateroom

Inclusions

    • Discover the mighty King George River and get in close to the soaring falls on our Zodiac excursions
    • Visit and learn about ancient rock art with our expert Expedition Team
    • Explore Hathaway’s Hideaway and the maze of sandstone caves
    • Indulge in gourmet Aussie beach BBQ as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean
    • Aboard our Xplorer tender, cruise the Prince Regent River to King Cascades
    • Experience the tidal phenomenon that expose Montgomery Reef and create the unique Horizontal Falls
    • Spot amazing marine life and enjoy bird watching

Map

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