Coral Princess
24 Night breathtaking kimberley darwin-broome
CABINS |
2010 |
| Cabin | $12,745 pp |
| Stateroom | $13,645 pp |
| Upper Deck Stateroom | $13,845 pp |
| Deluxe Stateroom | $14,145 pp |
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KEY: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner |
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This tour has it all - the best the Kimberley has to offer, with the magnificent World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungles and a small group 4wd journey along the Gibb River Road, plus small ship cruising along the Kimberley's spectacular coastline. Experience Australia's last undiscovered region in style, from the exclusive wilderness camps to the amazing wildlife, waterfalls and friendly locals.
DAY 1: Welcome aboard! (l, D)
10:00 Board Coral Princess for an 11.00am departure. Today we cross the Cambridge Gulf and sail into Western Australian waters. This evening enjoy the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAY 2: King George River and Falls (B, L, D)
At approximately noon we arrive at King George River and with the Explorer, our specially designed excursion vessel explores the scenic gorges and views the mighty King George waterfalls. Visit Tranquil Bay for beach walking and exploration.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAY 3: Bigge Island rock art (B, L, D)
This morning we visit the sea bird rookeries on Low Rocks. If time permits we make a stop at Cape Voltaire for a swim and beach exploration. This afternoon we visit the amazing aboriginal rock art gallery on Bigge Island.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAY 4: Mitchell Falls optional heli ride (B, L, D)
Cruising into Prince Frederick Harbour we anchor at Naturalist Island. Here we have helicopters available for optional scenic flights to the Surveyor and Mitchell Falls on the Mitchell Plateau and enjoy exploration of the surrounding area and enjoy a swim in the fresh water pools. This evening we enjoy a beach BBQ at sunset.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAY 5: Mermaid Boab tree (B, L, D)
Careening Bay: Our lecturers lead us to the site of a large boab tree with the inscription "HMC Mermaid - 1820" still clearly visible. This afternoon we cruise into the very scenic Prince Regent Basin.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAY 6: King Cascade (B, L, D)
With the Explorer we cruise the Prince Regent River and visit King Cascade, an unusual and picturesque waterfall cascading over terraced rock formations. We also visit Camp Creek for a picnic lunch and the opportunity to swim in fresh water ponds.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAY 7: Kuri Bay (B, L, D)
Today we cruise through Kuri Bay home of the south sea pearl industry. We go ashore at Raft Point and visit a secluded and very interesting aboriginal rock art gallery. We also take the Explorer up one of the many river systems to the waterfalls and a fresh water swim. We may also plan an exploration stop at one of the many islands.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAY 8: Horizontal Falls (B, L, D)
The Buccaneer Archipelago consists of more than 800 islands and this area experiences over 10 metre tidal ranges, one of the largest in the world. Here our landings and activities are planned around the tides - a way of life in the Kimberley region. Our plans include reef walks and marine life study on Montgomery Reef and a visit to Talbot Bay and the amazing Horizontal Waterfalls.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAY 9: Koolan & Cockatoo Islands, Croc Creek falls (B, L, D)
Cruising through King Sound, witness the effects of the iron ore mining operations on Koolan and Cockatoo Islands. If time permits we may visit Cockatoo Island. We visit Crocodile Creek and enjoy exploration, and fresh water swimming.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAY 10: Lacepede Island birdwatching (B, L, D)
Cruising through Yampi Sound we visit the Lacepede Islands. These islands are situated well off shore and are known for the turtle nestings and booby and frigate bird colonies. This evening we enjoy the Captain's Farewell Cocktail Party.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAYs 11 & 12: Broome
Arrive Broome 0800. Optional pearl farm tour $65pp. 2 free days to explore Broome.
Accommodation: Cable Beach Club. Garden View Studio
DAY 13: Broome, Boab Prison Tree, Gibb River Road, Tunnel Creek, Windjana Gorge (b, l, d)
This morning begin your exploration of the awe-inspiring Kimberley region. At Derby, we visit the Boab Prison Tree, believed to be more than 1,000 years old. We begin our journey on the Gibb River Road, a remote Outback highway that accesses some of the Kimberley's best scenery. We travel to remarkable Tunnel Creek and with torch in hand, wade through the cool waters to view the wonderful oasis. At Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above white sands, see the ancient marine fossils embedded in the gorge walls. You may see freshwater crocodiles lazing on the banks of the Lennard River, which runs through the gorge.
Two Night Stay: Imintji Wilderness Camp. Stay in the comfort of our exclusive permanent campsite.
DAY 14: Bell Gorge, Hiking and Swimming (B, L, D)
Back on the Gibb River Road, we travel to Bell Gorge, where rugged cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. Take a swim below the waterfall which feeds the lower pool or go bird watching. The energetic can choose from a number of hiking opportunities.
DAY 15: Galvans Gorge, Barnett River Gorge, Drysdale River (B, L, D)
Today, travel through the heart of Kimberley cattle country to discover some of the region's most secluded gorges. At Galvans Gorge, a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole. Inspect the rock art on the gorge walls and take a leisurely swim. Continue to beautiful Barnett River Gorge, where you can enjoy lunch in a setting of shady paperbark trees. Look out for the bird life that inhabits the area, or enjoy a swim. Turning off the Gibb River Road, travel north on the Kalumburu Road, heading towards the isolated Mitchell Plateau. Ford the Drysdale River and, late this afternoon, arrive at our exclusive overnight Wilderness Camp on the banks of the upper King Edward River. This area is the traditional home of the Ngarinyin Aboriginal people.
Stay: Enjoy the tranquil, natural setting of Marunbabidi Wilderness Camp, Kalumburu Road .
DAY 16: Mitchell Plateau, King Edward River, Aboriginal Art (b, L, D)
Ascending the Mitchell Plateau, explore Wandjina and Gwion (Bradshaw) art galleries and swim in the clear waters at King Edward River Crossing. For the next two nights, stay at our unique permanent wilderness accommodation beside pandanus palm-fringed Camp Creek. Enjoy this unique location at the top of the plateau. For wildlife watchers, the region's bird life includes brolgas, herons, kites and sea eagles.
2 night stay: Stay in tented cabins with private ensuites at Ungolan Wilderness Lodge, Mitchell Plateau
DAY 17: Mitchell Falls, Gwion (Bradshaw) Art, Scenic Helicopter Flight over the Falls (b, l, d)
Today you have a full day to discover the beauty of Mitchell Falls, with its magnificent system of waterfalls and Aboriginal art. When available, local Aboriginal guides will join us for the adventure. Begin with a guided hike to Little Merten Falls to view rarely seen Aboriginal art. Continue on to view Gwion (Bradshaw) art and Big Merten Falls before arriving at stunning Mitchell Falls, where you can swim in the pools above the falls and learn of local flora and fauna. We have included a special scenic helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls back to the vehicle (or, if you prefer, hike back with your guide). Longer helicopter flights over the remote coastline are also available, at an additional charge.
DAY 18: Mitchell Plateau, King Edward River, Aboriginal Rock Art (b, l, d)
Travelling through Livistona palm forests, view galleries of ancient Aboriginal art before saying goodbye to the awe-inspiring scenery of the Mitchell Plateau. Lunch is at a majestic spot alongside the cool waters of the King Edward River, with time for a swim before continuing to our Wilderness Camp.
Stay: Stay once again at Marunbabidi Wilderness Camp, Kalumburu Road
DAY 19: Gibb River Road, El Questro Station (b, l, d)
Rejoining the Gibb River Road, ford the mighty Durack River, named after the region's most famous pioneering family. Then, ford the Pentecost River into El Questro Station - one million acres in the Kimberley wilderness. Tonight enjoy a delicious dinner at Emma Gorge Resort.
Stay: Enjoy staying in tented cabins at Emma Gorge Resort, El Questro (if unavailable, accommodation may be changed to El Questro bungalows or a Kununurra motel)
DAY 20: El Questro, Wyndham, Kununurra (b, l)
Hike into Emma Gorge. Then enjoy time to explore El Questro. Soak in the hot pools of Zebedee Springs and visit the station township. Head to Wyndham and take in spectacular views of the Cambridge Gulf from Five Rivers Lookout. Continue to Kununurra.
2 night Stay: All Seasons Hotel, Kununurra
DAY 21: Ord River and Lake Kununurra Cruise (b)
This morning you have some free time to explore Kununurra. Then travel to Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in the Southern Hemisphere. This afternoon, join a spectacular wildlife cruise on the mighty Ord River. Witness the sunset while cruising Lake Kununurra.
DAY 22: Echidna Chasm, Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park (b, l, d)
Explore this wilderness region that was awarded World Heritage status in 2003. Hike into Echidna Chasm, a spectacular cleft in the rock massif.
2 night Stay: Stay in tented cabins with private ensuites at Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, Purnululu National Park
DAY 23: Cathedral Gorge, Beehive Domes (b, l, d)
Hike into Piccaninny Creek and spectacular Cathedral Gorge. Walk among the beehive domes, as your guide brings the natural history of the range to life. Learn about bushtucker, bush medicine and the area's significance to local Aboriginals. There's time for an optional helicopter flight (own expense). Enjoy drinks and watch the sun set over the domes.DAY 24: Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing (b, l, d)
Farewell the Bungle Bungle and visit Halls Creek. See unusual China Wall, a natural quartz formation, before heading to Fitzroy Crossing.
Stay: Fitzroy River Lodge, Fitzroy Crossing
DAY 25: Geikie Gorge Cruise, Broome (b, l)
Enjoy the morning exploring Geikie Gorge, where annual flooding has created a bleached effect on the sandstone walls. Our unique cruise is guided by a traditional Bunuba landowner. After lunch, we travel to Broome, where the tour concludes.
