Please note that due to the extremely high tidal range in the Kimberley region, exact times of each activity cannot be given. Tides completely rule the timing of our day-to-day operations and therefore, activities are scheduled to optimise conditions and opportunities as they present themselves. This Itinerary is designed to be a guide as to the places we go and activities on this safari. Please also note that we have not included all the fishing, swimming and exploring opportunities that may arise during the safari in the itinerary. 

On your arrival at the Derby Jetty, you will be greeted by your Captain Darryl Keevil, who will help you aboard the Mahalo II. Your sea safari will begin with a three-hour cruise up King Sound and across Stokes’ Bay. It is interesting to see the coastline change from the mangrove-lined, muddy waters of King Sound to the rocky hills, beaches and blue water of the Buccaneer Archipelago. Our first stop is at XnX’s in Cone Bay, where a freshwater spring meanders its way down the hill through rock-pools under the dense foliage of a rainforest thicket. Returning to the boat for lunch we continue our journey over Strickland Bay through Whirlpool Passage and into Yampi Sound. We stop for a fish at one of our secret fishing holes. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks watching the sun set over the islands of the Archipelago before a feast of fresh fish for the evening meal.

While the tide is out, we go for a morning gather in search of the large black lipped oysters. A refreshing swim under the waterfall at Crocodile Creek will relax and rejuvenate. We cruise past Koolan Island and drop our lines in at another secret fishing spot before making our way down Talbot Bay to the famous Horizontal Waterfalls. Don a life jacket and allow the crew to take you on a thrilling ride through the falls. Enjoy lunch aboard Mahalo II at the Mini Gaps.

This morning we start cruising towards Doubtful Bay. On the way, we investigate the majestic Montgomery Reef with its tidal waterfalls, turtles, bird life and amazing marine creatures that make up the reef. It is now time to venture to the Sale River, winding up the saltwater chasm before arriving at the freshwater branch of the River. A refreshing swim in a side stream covered with rainforest trees will revitalize you. We must leave the Sale River before the tide goes out and settle in for another beautiful Kimberley sunset. 

Today we explore the wonders of Doubtful Bay. After some fishing at Vinneys Creek, we bait the crab pots and drop them in at one of our favourite mud-crabbing creeks, Red Cone Creek. While the tide is in, we go for another refreshing swim at Ruby Falls, where there is a large freshwater pool and a waterfall. We set off for the Ancient Aboriginal Rock Art Gallery at Raft Point. For the keen bushwalkers, a walk up one of the many headlands will reveal the history of past native inhabitants of this area.

Today we begin our journey from Doubtful Bay to Port George IV. We pass by one of the many Paspaley Pearl farms situated in Kuri Bay. A visit to Sheep Island and a short walk around the remnants of the Camden Harbour Settlement will have you imagining the harsh life of the settlers of Camden Harbour in 1865.

We spend some time fishing on one of the many isolated and unfished reefs of this area before heading up the Prince Regent River to the spectacular King’s Cascade Waterfalls. This is the site of the famous crocodile attack that took the life of the American model, Ginger Meadows. This waterfall is one of the many picturesque sights that will have you reaching for your camera, whilst exploring this magnificent area. The night is spent either aboard Mahalo where we indulge in some freshly caught reef fish.

A short trek will take you to a beautiful pool at the base of a waterfall. Leaving the Prince Regent River, we head for Careening Bay at the Southern end of Port Nelson. There is a large Boab Tree here that Philip Parker King carved “HMS Mermaid 1820” into its trunk during his survey of Australia. We continue on to Prince Frederick Harbour where we make camp for the night. Both the Roe and the Hunter Rivers drain into Prince Frederick Harbour.

We begin the day with a hike to Jackson Falls for a swim. It is time to try our hand at fishing for the elusive Barramundi, whilst exploring the Hunter River. Our journey continues to Bigge Island where we explore the region and view amazing rock formations.

We spend the morning viewing the Aboriginal Rock Art of the Wunambal people in Wary Bay, which features the Kaiara Spirits with their huge haloed heads. These spirits are thought to control the weather and when angered, whip up a cyclone. We make our way across Montague Sound and cruise around Cape Voltaire, our destination being the Mitchell River.

We do a spot of Barramundi fishing in the morning before a swim at Surveyor’s Creek. It is here that you have the option to rendezvous with helicopters for a flight over the Mitchell Plateau to the Mitchell Falls (helicopter rides are approximately $300 per person). The afternoon is spent fishing the Mitchell River before cruising to Port Warrender where we drop anchor.

The morning is spent viewing the Bradshaw Paintings at Port Warrender. We then make our way to Admiralty Gulf and partake in some reef fishing. The afternoon is spent cruising to Freshwater Bay and exploring the region.

It is time to refresh in the stream at Freshwater Bay before making our way to Vansittart Bay to see some more Bradshaw paintings on Jar Island and an old DC3 Bomber that crashed in 1953. We spend the afternoon cruising to Cape Londonderry where we moore for the evening.

A morning cruise will bring us to the King George River where we can drive the boat right up to the cascading waterfalls. Depending on the amount of water coming down, you may be able to take a shower on the bow of the boat. An afternoon fish may produce some fresh fish for the evening’s meal.

We leave the King George River in the morning for a relaxing cruise to the Berkley River. Fish and explore yet another of the Kimberley’s Big Rivers. After departing the Berkley River with the tide we cruise to the Cambridge Gulf, which leads to the Port of Wyndham. Here we have our last opportunity to catch that elusive Barramundi. As this is our last night we have our farewell drinks and feast aboard Mahalo II while reflecting back on the big one that got away.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and we must make our way to the Port of Wyndham for disembarkation by 9.00 am. Say good-bye to the crew and be transferred by bus to Kununurra.