7 NIGHT SOUTHERN KIMBERLEY Broome - Broome

CABIN	sep 2010 special offer!	2010  full fare	2011 & 2012	2011  group discounts
				2 -3 cabins	4+ cabins
Deluxe Twin	N/A	$8,345 pp	$8,345 pp	$7,927 pp	$7,510 pp
Deluxe Double	N/A	$9,280 pp	$9,280 pp	$8,816 pp	$8,352 pp
Superior Double	$8,163 pp	$10,885 pp	$10,885 pp	$10,340 pp	$9,796 pp
Exclusive Flybridge	$9,063 pp	$12,085 pp	$12,085 pp	$11,480 pp	$10,865 pp
Prices include helicopter and light aircraft transfer ex Broome
Single travellers can share a Deluxe cabin with another person (same gender) - we can advertise for the 2nd person. The price is then the cost of twin share. If you prefer to take the cabin as sole use, please add a 66% single supplement.
	AUG 2010 CRUISES: Receive a $500pp Linney's master jewellers gift voucher.
	SEP 2010 CRUISES: Book a Superior or Flybridge cabin and one person travels half price! Includes 31 Aug cruise.
	ALL 2011 CRUISES: Go in the draw to win 3x Superior cabins on a 7 day cruise in 2012. Valued at $65,310.
2011 group discounts - not valid after final payment has been received. Book now. Offers may be recalled at any time.

CRUISE/FLY ITINERARY

DAY 1: Broome - Buccaneer Archipelago

From the historic pearling settlement of Broome, a courtesy vehicle will pick you up from your accommodation at approximately 4.30pm and transfer you to the Kimberley Quest II for boarding at approximately 5.00pm. Begin your "ultimate Kimberley expedition" with a relaxing drink on the sundeck and watch as the sun dips below the western horizon as you cruise past world famous Cable Beach. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner as you cruise overnight towards the Buccaneer Archipelago. Your Kimberley adventure has begun!

DAY 2: Buccaneer Archipelago, Talbot Bay

This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast whilst cruising through the spectacular surrounds of the thousand islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago. We cruise into Yampi Sound, an area of spectacular geology. Further exploration takes us past Cockatoo Island, once mined for its rich reserves of iron ore. We stop to explore Crocodile Creek where there is a pretty waterfall and a lovely freshwater swimming hole (easy level walk). A perfect place for a refreshing dip! We then head on towards Talbot Bay, home to one of the many pearl farms that frequent the Kimberley. The rich and protected waters provide ideal growing conditions for the coveted south sea pearl. Talbot Bay is also home to one of the icons of the Kimberley coast, the magnificent Horizontal Waterfalls. The region's massive up to 10 metre tides create a spectacular scene, sending huge volumes of water pouring through a narrow chasm in the land formation. Board one of the tenders and head in for an up-close and an exhilarating ride through this natural phenomenon.

Enjoy a well deserved rest this evening after an action packed first day onboard the Kimberley Quest II. Relax on the spacious sundeck and soak up the last of the sun's rays before the Kimberley night skies put on their own special display - billions of stars of the Milky Way, and an assortment of constellations that have guided seafarers for millennia.

DAY 3: Montgomery Reef

Today we cruise to another of the Kimberley's icons, the amazing Montgomery Reef. An immense reef system covering more than 300km² it is Australia's largest inshore reef system. Watch as the tide falls right before your eyes, creating a waterfall effect as the reef rises out of the water. A navigable channel, running deep into the Eastern reef, provides a stunning panorama of white water rapids on the ebb tide. Magical lagoons are created as the tide drops, which are rich in marine life, including dugongs, turtles, manta rays and many species of sea birds.

Fascinating history surrounds High Cliffy Island, bordering the eastern edge of Montgomery Reef. Home to a physically superior tribe of Aborigines called the Yawijibaya tribe that disappeared around 1929. Discover more from one of our experienced guides onboard!

DAY 4: Doubtful Bay, Sale River

We cruise across Doubtful Bay to explore the first of the big rivers, the Sale River. One of the most sublime and beautiful estuaries, it winds its way through rugged narrow gorges with towering sandstone cliffs. This magical but unforgiving wilderness will captivate those who crave it; its secrets are not easily revealed without some effort. Take a tender excursion upstream and disembark to walk amid an ancient patch of rich rain forest glades. Admire the cool surroundings and take a dip in the spring fed rain forest pools before returning to the vessel (easy level walk). Also on offer is another beautiful waterfall, Ruby Falls, a picturesque freshwater swimming hole filled with water lilies and smooth water-worn rocks to sit on and take in the tranquil surrounds. Journey back to the vessel to enjoy more fine cuisine prepared by our talented chef and relax on the sundeck as we continue on our quest.

DAY 5: Kuri Bay, Camden Harbour

This morning we cruise between Augustus Island and the mainland, passing the remote settlement of Kuri Bay, home to Australia's largest and wealthiest pearling operation. At nearby Camden Harbour, we visit forlorn settlers' graves on a picturesque island and soak up the history of early European settlement (easy walk to ruins). This was the setting for a disastrous 19th-century sheep farming venture by early Victorian settlers. In this rugged setting and harsh climate, the settlement failed miserably and was abandoned after less than two years and much tragedy. Try your hand at Kimberley fishing in one of our secret spots, take one of the tenders for a spot of exploration or laze about the sundeck and take in the beautiful scenery. Dine on freshly caught barramundi, served with crisp greens and a lovely chilled beverage!

DAY 6: St George Basin, Prince Regent River, King Cascade

This is another packed day of adventure, as we cruise through St George Basin, the Kimberley's largest inland sea. Leaving the vista of mighty Mt Trafalgar, we cruise up the drowned fault-line of the Prince Regent River. Arriving at the King Cascade waterfalls you will marvel at the rush of water cascading in breathtaking tiers, surrounded by lush ferns and a myriad of wildlife. It is possible to climb above the falls for an unforgettable swim in the multitude of crystal-clear rock pools (medium walk and climb) and is well worth the effort. You will also be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the magnificent Prince Regent River in the distance - wilderness adventuring at its best! But wait there's more - Camp Creek, a delightful walk up to the base of the falls for another swim. Options include bird-watching along the tree-lined banks of this pretty watercourse.

DAY 7: Careening Bay, Bigge Island

Visit Careening Bay, site of an ancient boab tree first visited in 1820 by Phillip Parker King whilst on a hydrographic survey of the Australian coastline. King and his crew careened the vessel HMC 'Mermaid' for repairs and subsequently carved the vessel's name into a boab (easy walk to the tree). Next we cruise north to Bigge Island, one of the Kimberley's largest islands and home to some amazing rock art galleries with a maritime theme. Relax on a sandy beach, before heading back to the vessel to watch as another spectacular sunset sinks below the Kimberley horizon.

DAY 8: Hunter River

In the morning explore the Hunter River, one of the Kimberley's most scenic rivers. The prominent 'Indian Head' stands as sentry to the entrance to the river and is a perfect photographic opportunity with a backdrop of deep red sandstone escarpments and sapphire blue skies. Last chance to catch a Barra here in these rich waters.

Depart the vessel by helicopter and enjoy a scenic flight over the spectacular Mitchell Falls and then onto the Mitchell Plateau airstrip. This monumental landscape was formed over 1800 million years ago amidst volcanic eruptions, massive upheavals in the earth's crust and ice ages to form what is now known as the Mitchell Plateau. The Mitchell River splashes over the sheer sandstone cliffs of the falls known by the Wunambal people as Punamii-unpuu. Discover by air the sheer immensity of the Kimberley by light aircraft as you wind your way back to Broome, arriving mid to late afternoon.

A courtesy vehicle will transfer you to your accommodation.

All air & helicopter transfers between Broome and the Mitchell Plateau are included in the price of the cruise.

FLY/CRUISE ITINERARY

DAY 1: Broome, Mitchell Falls, Hunter River

Depart Broome in the morning (8.30-10.30am) on a fixed wing aircraft for a scenic flight up the coast to the Mitchell Plateau. Board the helicopter and enjoy an unforgettable flight over the spectacular Mitchell Falls, formed over 1800 million years ago and known by the Wunambal people as Punamii-unpuu. After landing on the helipad of "Kimberley Quest II", enjoy a buffet lunch at anchor. In the afternoon, join a tender to explore the majestic Hunter River. The prominent 'Indian Head' stands as sentry at the entrance to the river and is a perfect photographic opportunity with a backdrop of deep red sandstone escarpments. Your Kimberley adventure has begun!

DAY 2: Careening Bay, Prince Regent River, King Cascade

We visit Careening Bay, Phillip Parker King's stopover in 1820 while charting the Australian coastline. King's crew careened the vessel HMC "Mermaid" for repairs here and subsequently carved the vessel's name into a boab tree (easy walk to the tree). Cruise through St George Basin, the Kimberley's inland sea, past mighty Mount Trafalgar, before entering the Prince Regent River. Arriving at the King Cascade waterfalls, you will marvel at the rush of water cascading in breathtaking tiers. It is possible to climb above the falls (medium walk) for a memorable swim in a series of crystal-clear rock pools - wilderness adventuring at its best!

DAY 3: Camp Creek, Prince Regent River, Hanover Bay

Today we take a tender to Camp Creek, with its beautiful paperbark-lined billabongs (medium-moderate walk) with excellent opportunities for bird watching and swimming. In the afternoon, try your hand at fishing for Barra or view rock art, before we cruise out of the Prince Regent River through impressive whirlpools to anchor in Hanover Bay. Relax on the spacious sundeck and soak up the last of the sun's rays before the Kimberley night skies put on their own special display - billions of stars of the Milky Way, and the constellations that have guided seafarers for millennia.

DAY 4: Camden Harbour, Kuri Bay, Deception Bay

This morning we visit Camden Harbour, scene of a 19th-century sheep farming fiasco by early Victorian settlers. In this rugged setting and harsh climate, the settlement failed miserably and was abandoned after less than two years and much tragedy (easy walks to ruins and island cemetery). We then cruise pass the remote settlement of Kuri Bay, famed for its pearl farm. In the afternoon, try fishing with our knowledgeable crew at Deception Bay, join one of the tenders for a spot of exploration or laze about the sundeck and take in the beautiful scenery. 

DAY 5: Langgi, Doubtful Bay, Sale River

Today we briefly visit Langgi, a mysterious cove, where remarkable sandstone pillars represent warriors killed in a Dreamtime battle. We then cruise across Doubtful Bay, to explore the Sale River. One of the most sublime and beautiful estuaries, it winds its way through rugged narrow gorges with towering sandstone cliffs, home to a rare Grevillea. We take a tender excursion upstream before a short, easy walk into a lush rain forest, a true oasis in the Kimberley. Admire the cool, fern fringed surroundings or take a dip in a rain forest pool, before returning to the vessel. Enjoy a golden sunset, followed by more fine Kimberley cuisine.

DAY 6: Montgomery Reef, Talbot Bay

Covering more than 300km², Montgomery Reef is an extraordinary panorama of vast lagoons, tiny sandstone islets and a central mangrove island. Watch as the tide falls right before your eyes, along a navigable channel running deep into the eastern reef, creating a stunning horizon of white water rapids. View magical marine life, including turtles, sharks, colourful reef fish, weird soft corals and many species of sea birds. We cruise across to Talbot Bay, where rich and protected waters provide ideal growing conditions for the coveted South Sea Pearl. Talbot Bay is also home to the magnificent Horizontal Waterfalls. The region's massive 10 metre tides create a unique spectacle, sending volumes of sea water pouring through two narrow chasms in the cliff face. Board one of the tenders for an up-close and exhilarating ride into this natural phenomenon!

DAY 7: Yampi Sound, Cape Leveque

This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast, whilst cruising through the spectacular islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago into sheltered Yampi Sound. We stop to explore Crocodile Creek, where visiting yachties have left a remarkable display of memorabilia under a shade-shelter. There is a pretty waterfall with a lovely freshwater swimming hole above (easy walk). A perfect place for that last refreshing dip! Further exploration takes us past Cockatoo Island, once mined by BHP for its rich reserves of iron ore. Cruise across King Sound, passing the cliff-top lighthouse of Cape Leveque around sunset, as we journey overnight to the historic pearling settlement of Broome.

DAY 8: Broome

Arrive into the Port of Broome at approximately 7.00am. Enjoy your last sumptuous breakfast onboard; then wave goodbye to the crew of the "Kimberley Quest II". Disembarkation is at approximately 8.00am, where a courtesy vehicle will transfer you to your accommodation or the airport.

All air & helicopter transfers between Broome and the Mitchell Plateau are included in the price of the cruise.

*These are only suggested itineraries. Due to the vast tidal movements and remote terrain of the Kimberley region, Kimberley Quest II cannot guarantee that the itinerary will remain the same. However, during the time you spend with us you will experience many more spectacular places not listed on the itinerary. There will be plenty of opportunities to catch fresh fish for the table as well as land and sight seeing excursions to many untouched places.