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We asked our Captain’s to come together to create their ideal itinerary. After joining forces, they have come up with a list of places they love to explore and rarely have the opportunity to visit. We are therefore excited to announce this completely new six day expedition which delves into the areas that highlight our Captain’s love of the Kimberley! Covering the area of coastline between the Hunter River and Mitchell River which both southern and northern cruises never encounter, this is your opportunity to share in the excitement and revel in new discoveries.
DAY 1: Broome, Hunter River, Wandjina Island
Your Captain’s Quest begins in the morning when you depart for a scenic flight up the Kimberley coast to the Hunter River. After boarding the Kimberley Quest II, enjoy a buffet lunch onboard whilst you take in the amazing high red escarpments and wildlife which makes this river so special. We then cruise to Wandjina Island where you can take a short walk to an impressive rock art site, featuring a distinct Wandjina with feathered headdress of the Wunambal people.
DAY 2: Roe River, Lamarck Island
Explore the Roe River, renowned for some of the biggest barramundi and saltwater crocodiles in the Kimberley, as well as many species of bird life. Take a tender for your first chance to catch a barramundi or go mud-crabbing. In the afternoon cruise to Lamarck Island, where a beautiful sandy beach displays monsoonal rainforests. Search for bird species such as the Rainbow Pitta, Shining Flycatcher, Yellow Oriole and the ground-dwelling Orange-footed Scrub Fowl, which is noted for its extraordinary nesting mounds and incessant leaf raking.
DAY 3: York Sound, Scott Strait
Today we have the opportunity to explore rarely visited York Sound in the Bonaparte Archipelago and to enjoy the scenic spectacles of basalt islands and towering sandstone cliffs. There is a chance for a swim in crystal clear pools which are fed by a beautiful creek. As we cruise through Scott Strait, marvel at the numerous inlets and secluded bays which surround this area.
DAY 4: Bigge Island, Mudge Bay
This morning we visit Bigge Island, which was discovered by Captain Phillip Parker King in 1820, and consists of a very rugged terrain with ancient weathered rocks containing white to reddish quartz sandstone. The island was renowned for its tribal ceremonies and is also home of some of the most amazing Bradshaw and Wandjina rock art galleries. We then explore Mudge Bay in search of ancient Bradshaw rock art, including the well-known Bradshaw boat painting. Late evening take an excursion to a secluded beach where you can enjoy a fire as you watch another spectacular sunset over the Kimberley horizon.
DAY 5: Swift Bay
Cast a lure and perfect your fishing skills for the elusive barramundi which are hiding in the snags or join our guides to collect rock oysters. Explore Swift Bay in Montague Sound, this heavily fractured sandstone country is a perfect locality for stunning examples of different Aboriginal rock art styles: Gwion (Bradshaw), Irregular Animal Infill and Wandjina. On our journey back to the vessel, enjoy a relaxing tender excursion taking in the spectacular scenery before spending your last night under the Kimberley stars.
DAY 6: Mitchell River, Broome
The Mitchell River is a broad estuary flanked by dense mangroves noted for their prolific bird life. Early morning take a scenic excursion into this primeval habitat with our guides to go crocodile spotting, bird watching and take in the flora and fauna before enjoying a freshwater swim. Depart the Kimberley Quest II and discover by air the sheer immensity of the Kimberley as you make your way back to Broome, arriving around late afternoon. A courtesy vehicle will transfer you to your accommodation.
*This is only a suggested itinerary. Due to the vast tidal movements and remote terrain of the Kimberley region, Pearl Sea Coastal Cruises 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 sightseeing excursions to many untouched places. |
