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Northern Quest Cruise / Fly

Northern Quest Cruise / Fly

Printer friendly itinerary available here

Day 1              Wyndham Port

Wyndham PortDeparture will be from the pioneering settlement of Wyndham. A courtesy coach will transfer you from the town site of Kununurra 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 you cruise down Cambridge Gulf. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner as you cruise overnight towards the Berkeley River. Your Kimberley odyssey has begun!

 

 

 

 

Day 2              Berkeley River

Berkeley RiverEnjoy a 15 mile cruise up the Berkeley River taking in the numerous falls and ancient escarpments. The Berkeley River offers stunning ochre-tinted sandstone scenery, amphitheatre waterfalls and beautiful freshwater pools, perfect for a refreshing dip. First opportunity to catch a barramundi today or alternatively you may go crocodile-spotting or bird watching. A walk up the back of the Berkeley leads us to a beautiful freshwater pool where we enjoy a leisurely dip and savour the surroundings under a deep azure Kimberley sky.

 

 

 

Day 3              King George Falls

King George FallsAt high tide, we cross the sandbars of the King George River for a breathtaking cruise along this beautiful waterway. Incredible scenery unfolds as we approach the King George Falls through vertically-sided sandstone canyons, ending at the highest waterfall in Western Australia. The 'Kimberley Quest II' cruises to the base of the twin falls for a refreshing 'Kimberley shower!' For those intrepid adventurers it is well worth a climb to the top for a breathtaking vista of the river below - a truly humbling experience as you appreciate the immensity of this ancient untamed landscape. Enjoy a well deserved swim in one of the cool upper pools (strenuous level walk). Overnight we anchor just metres away from the falls and are lulled to sleep by water cascading over the cliff face!

Day 4              Koolama Bay

Koolama BayVisit Koolama Bay, where the motor vessel 'Koolama' was beached in February 1942, following an attack by the Japanese. The passengers were taken ashore on orders by the ship's master, while many of the crew had to walk overland on an epic cross-country trek. The 'Koolama' was unfortunately later sunk off the Wyndham jetty during another air raid. Plenty of history surrounds the Kimberley and our crew will be more than happy to share the stories with you. After visiting the survivors' camp at Pangali Cove, enjoy a freshwater dip beneath a waterfall. Cruise around Cape Londonderry, the most northerly point of Western Australia.

 

Day 5              Drysdale River

Drysdale RiverToday we encounter one of the Kimberley's longest rivers (432km), the Drysdale. We spend the day exploring in dinghies the spectacular palm-studded landscape and rapids of the Drysdale area and marvel at its unique flora and fauna. The Drysdale is renowned for its saltwater crocodiles, flying foxes and many species of bird life, which thrive in
its delta islands. Walk on a deserted beach or try to catch the elusive Kimberley barramundi, with many great "snags" to fish around. Our expert guides will endeavour to put you on the 'spot' and bring home a couple of "Barra". Enjoy a sumptuous dinner and revel in this ancient paradise.

 

Day 6              Napier Broome Bay

Napier Broome BayEnjoy more relaxing and exploring as we cruise across Napier Broome Bay. There is an opportunity for a beach walk to a historic Indonesian Trepang site for an insight into the lives of the early Macassan fishermen. The Macassans crossed the Timor Sea prior to the 1900's in sailing prahus to catch bêche-de-mer, or sea cucumbers: a particularly important resource in the Asian market place. This site stems back to the first early contact between Aboriginal tribes and the Indonesian fisherman and is absolutely fascinating. Feast on juicy mud crabs and freshly caught fish, prepared superbly by our talented chef.

 

 

Day 7              Vansittart Bay, WWII DC3

Vansittart Bay, WWII DC3Today we explore various coves within Vansittart Bay, visiting sites rich in the fascinating Bradshaw or Gwion Gwion art. Named after Joseph Bradshaw, he was the first European to record these amazing paintings in 1891. Some Bradshaw art has been dated at over 17,000 years old, said to predate the Wandjina figures. Find out more from one of our knowledgeable guides and delve into our comprehensive onboard library. There is also the opportunity today to visit the crash site of a DC3 aircraft located on the eastern side of Vansittart Bay. Explore the remains of this aircraft which crashed during World War II. After running low on fuel, the pilot was forced to land on the beach, crashing into the scrub. The remains are quite intact and make for a great photographic opportunity. Later, we cruise around the coastline of the Bougainville Peninsula, where dramatic black basalt cliffs contrast with lush green rain forests.

Day 8              Admiralty Gulf, Mitchell River, Broome

Admiralty Gulf, Mitchell River, BroomeCruise across Admiralty Gulf to the Mitchell River, another of the Kimberley's big rivers and the source of the magnificent Mitchell Falls. Take an exhilarating ride over the falls, known by the Wunambal people as Punamii-Unpuu. 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 know as the Mitchell Plateau. This is a not to be missed experience, departing from the 'Kimberley Quest II' helipad, which gives you a unique 'birds-eye' view of this awesome landscape. 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. Extra scenic flights are available on request.

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.

Kimberley Quest IIStill exploring after 15 years...
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