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Across the Top of Australia

Across the Top of Australia

From £7,215 GBP

Description

The Kimberley region of Western Australia was the last great empty section of Australia to be explored, with European settlers arriving only just over 100 years ago. Ignored by the early settlers, the Kimberley is today one of the richest areas of the continent with record gold and diamond rushes, great cattle drives and hauls of pearl shells having put the region well and truly on the economic map. However, for all its latterly discovered wealth, it still remains one of the most untouched areas in the world. Covering nearly 423 000 square kilometres, the region has fewer people per square kilometre than almost any other place on earth and is truly one of the world’s last great wilderness areas with a complex landscape which encompasses spectacular gorges and waterfalls, fascinating cave systems and an incredibly diverse variety of wildlife.

Rarely visited in any comprehensive way due to its wild and undeveloped nature, the Kimberley is a wonderful place for the genuine traveller to explore and perfect for expedition style cruising. There are so many highlights, it is difficult to know where to begin when extolling its virtues. From the tidal phenomena at the Montgomery Bay Reef to the Horizontal Waterfalls near Talbot Bay, from the hundreds of islands in the Buccaneer Archipelago to the gorges of the Mitchell, King George and Prince Regent rivers and from the fertile Ord River Valley to Lake Argyle. The whole vast area offers a cornucopia of natural world delights on a scale seldom witnessed anywhere else in the world.

Trip Name
Across the Top of Australia
Days
18
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 114 (in 57 suites) Built: 1991 / refurbished 2012 The MS Caledonian Sky accommodates a maximum of 114 passengers in 57 spacious outside suites. Many have walk-in wardrobes and some feature tub baths. There will be seven categories of suites and sixteen suites will have private balconies. For those familiar with the MS Island Sky she will feel like a second home, although there are some differences. The dining room, lounge, Lido Deck and bar are all similar. However, the ‘Club’ on the MS Caledonian Sky has been transported to the very top deck. Here, there is a library and bar which leads out on to a lovely forward deck. The ‘Club’ has wonderful views with ceiling to floor windows. If you like the MS Island Sky, we are sure you will also approve of her sister. And, of course it is important that we offer the very best of facilities. However, equally as important are the staff on board whether they are the vessel’s crew or our own expedition staff. Noble Caledonia’s reputation has been built on providing the very best in all areas. Their crew of 74 not only offer an excellent service they are also noted for their kindness and attention to detail. A well run ship with a warm atmosphere is what we are known for, and it is because most of our crew have been with us for many years that we are able to engender such an atmosphere. Your Suite Onboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. The passenger accommodation is arranged over four decks and all suites have outside views. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring a country style wash basin, hot towel rack and vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower and/or bath tub. Facilities in the suites also include walk-in or spacious wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool or desk, mini-fridge, flat screen television, telephone, programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries, air-conditioning and heating. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Your space The spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. In addition there is the Club Lounge on the Panoramic Deck which features a bar. The onboard travel library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. Outside there is a rear Lido deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade. On the top deck there is a further observation and sun deck with bar service and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. There is also a small gymnasium onboard and hairdressers with appointments made on request. Your dining With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the quality of cuisine will be of a consistent superior quality. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, our accomplished chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus. In the main elegant dining room, breakfast is served buffet-style, with certain items cooked to order and lunch and dinner is à la carte. When weather permits, breakfast, a buffet-style lunch and dinner are also served on deck. To enhance your dining experience even further a selection of wines are included with lunch and dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and tea and coffee are available 24 hours. With sufficient notice, most diets can be catered for on board. For your comfort, safety and security The vessel is equipped with the latest safety, navigation and communications equipment along with roll stabilisers to minimise the ship’s motion. The Captain and officers operate an open-bridge policy that allows passengers onto the bridge at most times with the exception of arrival and departure from port and during times of complicated navigation. Here you can check the ship’s progress by charts and learn more from the officers about your journey. There is also a dedicated channel on your television in your suite showing the routing of the vessel along with technical information and estimated times of arrival and departure from port. On board you will also find a clinic and doctor and a lift that serves all decks. Smoking on board is restricted to outside decks only. Gratuities Unlike many other cruise vessels, onboard the MS Caledonian Sky you do not need to worry about tipping staff as we have included them in your holiday price. In addition we tip all their guides and drivers along the way, thereby taking away the hassle of always having to remember to have some small change with you.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Perth.
Make your way to to the Duxton Hotel (or similar) for a two night stay.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Perth.
After breakfast in the hotel we enjoy a guided tour of Perth which will include a guided walk of Kings Park, perched on Mount Eliza. Absorb impressive views of the city and the Swan River and visit the Caversham Wildlife Park. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore at your own pace before we meet tonight for a welcome dinner including a glass of the local wine.
Day 3 - Day 3- Perth to Broome.
This morning enjoy a cruise along the famous Swan River to Fremantle which is famous for its wonderful beaches and well-preserved colonial architecture. We have time to explore before returning to Perth airport for our scheduled flight to Broome. On arrival transfer to the MS Caledonian Sky and sail this evening.
Day 4 - Day 4 - Lacepede Islands.
Arrive this morning at 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 on the islands.
Day 5 - Days 5 & 6 - Buccaneer Archipelago, Talbot Bay and Horizontal Falls.
We spend two days cruising the Buccaneer Archipelago, made up of over 800 islands and home to a wealth of wildlife and fascinating rock formations. We will use our Zodiacs in Yampi Sound to make beach landings and enjoy a swim in the natural pool at crocodile creek, an area that defies its name. We will also visit Talbot Bay, known for its massive 12 metre tides that create an amazing spectacle, the unique Horizontal Falls. David Attenborough described the phenomena as “one of the greatest natural wonders in the world”. Subject to tidal conditions we board local boats for an exhilarating, ride through the falls. This afternoon we will use our Zodiacs to explore Cyclone Gorge. Here we hope to see crocodiles and fiddler crabs in the waters whilst observing the unique geology and amazing rock formations.
Day 6 - Day 7 - Montgomery Reef & Raft Point.
An unforgettable adventure today as the magnificent Montgomery Reef ‘rises’ out of the ocean as the tidal waters cascade down in to the surrounding deep channels in an awesome display of the power of nature. Join our Expedition Team aboard your Zodiac to experience this natural phenomenon up close and discover the reef’s diverse marine life including turtles, manta rays and reef sharks. Over lunch we position to Raft Point and use Zodiacs to land on the beach. Either enjoy time to relax whilst the energetic can climb to a secluded Aboriginal rock art gallery to view Wandjina art which is over 4000 years old. Enjoy the spectacular views from the top before returning to the ship.
Day 7 - Day 8 - Hunter River & Naturalist Island.
The Prince Frederick Harbour is home to some of the most spectacular scenery we will see. Soaring red cliffs, green rainforest and mangroves paint a beautiful canvas for our arrival as we sail through Nine Pin Head, the sandstone bluff that marks the mouth of the river. We follow the Hunter River to reveal the spectacular backdrop of Mount Trafalgar while to the north Mount Anderson rises to an impressive 480 metres. We will drop anchor at Naturalist Island and have the choice to join a Zodiac excursion around the island and mangroves looking for wildlife, especially crocodile, or an optional helicopter excursion to Mitchell Falls. This amazing four tiered waterfall drops 80 metres and is surrounded by the red escarpment lands of the Mitchell Plateau making the view from the air quite stunning. We will land at the top for a short walk to the lookout points and may even have a chance to swim in the river at the top of the falls.
Day 8 - Day 9 - Vansittart Bay & Jar Island.
We have the whole day to explore Vansittart Bay. First thing we will use the Zodiacs to land on Jar Island to see the Gwion Gwion Aboriginal art gallery. Discovered by Joseph Bradshaw in 1891 some of the art has been dated back over 17,000 years and is unique to this region. We will walk to the two rock art galleries and see the rocky burial mound between the sites. Return to the vessel for lunch and this afternoon land on the Anjo Peninsula. Our onboard naturalists will lead various walks over the mud flats, rock pools and sand dunes looking for wildlife, birds and plants.
Day 9 - Day 10 - King George River.
At dawn we will start our 12 kilometre journey through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery along the mighty King George River. Millions of years of erosion have created vertical sheer walls that resemble stacks of sandstone. The highlight is sure to be King George Falls, the highest single drop falls in the whole of the Kimberley and your Expedition Team will get you to the cascading waters. The more active may like to accompany some of the Expedition Team on a trek to the top of the falls for breathtaking views. For those that remain at the foot of the falls we will run a series of Zodiac cruises through the gorge looking for wildlife such as flying foxes, dugong and crocodiles.
Day 10 - Day 11 - Wyndham.
We will arrive in Wyndham before breakfast and have a choice of optional excursions. Choose to discover the Bungle Bungles, a distinct mountain range within Purnululu National Park – many visitors describe them as the highlight of their visit to the Kimberley region. Enjoy a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles rock formations and a hike into Cathedral Gorge and Piccaninny Creek. Alternatively join the Ord River Cruise which will involve travelling by bus to Kununurra where we board our scenic cruise boat for a 55 kilometre scenic cruise along the mighty Ord River to Lake Argyle keeping an eye out for freshwater crocodiles in the water. Enjoy a land tour of Lake Argyle and visit historic Durack Homestead and view the lake from the scenic lookout. For those who wish to remain onboard, the town of Wyndham is close to the port to enjoy at your leisure.
Day 11 - Day 12 - At sea.
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Day 12 - Day 13 - Jaco Island, East Timor.
After clearing custom formalities in Com we will travel to uninhabited Jaco Island, part of East Timor’s, Nino Konis Santana National Park, for a day of beachcombing, swimming and snorkelling. The island has been identified as an important birding area due to its population of doves, honey-eaters and sunbirds and members of our expedition team will lead birding walks. Snorkelling platforms will be set up for those wanting to experience the underwater world whilst others may prefer to relax on the white sandy beaches.
Day 13 - Day 14 - At sea.
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Day 14 - Day 15 - Darwin, Australia.
Disembark after breakfast and enjoy a full day tour to Litchfield National Park, famous for its magnificent waterfalls and where bird and wildlife species abound. We will see Florence Falls and enjoy an interpretive bush and monsoon vine forest walk. Visit the Buley Rock Hole and then travel on to Tolmer Falls for a magnificent view of the water cascading down to the deep waterhole at the base of the falls. Return via Wangi Falls, with its large crystal clear pool; maybe take a dip in the cool waters and Litchfield’s amazing stand of termite mounds. On arrival in Darwin we will transfer to the Hilton hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay and meet this evening for a farewell dinner at the hotel.
Day 15 - Day 16 - Darwin
After breakfast in the hotel, onward plans are independant.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
27-08-201711-09-2017£8,415Promenade Premium Balcony
27-08-201711-09-2017£10,215Castle Standard Sole
27-08-201711-09-2017£10,715Caledonian Superior Sole
27-08-201711-09-2017£8,815Promenade Owners Corner
27-08-201711-09-2017£7,415Castle Standard
27-08-201711-09-2017£7,815Promenade Premium
27-08-201711-09-2017£8,115Bridge Deluxe Balcony
27-08-201711-09-2017£7,615Caledonian Superior
27-08-201711-09-2017£7,215Castle Standard Forward

Inclusions

    • Enjoy a guided tour of Perth which will include a guided walk of Kings Park and visit of the Caversham Wildlife Park.
    • Spend two days cruising the Buccaneer Archipelago, made up of over 800 islands and home to a wealth of wildlife and fascinating rock formations.
    • Enjoy a swim in the natural pool at crocodile creek, an area that defies its name.
    • Visit Talbot Bay, known for its massive 12 meter tides that create an amazing spectacle, the unique Horizontal Falls. David Attenborough described the phenomena as “one of the greatest natural wonders in the world”.
    • See the magnificent Montgomery Reef that ‘rises’ out of the ocean as the tidal waters cascade down in to the surrounding deep channels in an awesome display of the power of nature.
    • Travel through some of the world’s most spectacular scenery along the mighty King George River. Millions of years of erosion have created vertical sheer walls that resemble stacks of sandstone. The highlight is sure to be King George Falls, the highest single drop falls in the whole of the Kimberley.
    • Travel to uninhabited Jaco Island, part of East Timor’s, Nino Konis Santana National Park, for a day of beachcombing, swimming and snorkelling.

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