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Day 1 Broome - Mitchell Falls, Hunter River
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
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
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
We then cruise past 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
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
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
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
All air & helicopter transfers between Broome and the Mitchell Plateau are included in the price of the cruise. Flights from Broome Airport run 8.30 -10.30am. Pearl Sea Coastal Cruises will advise you of pick up details and a courtesy vehicle will transfer you from your accommodation to the Airport. *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. |
Depart Broome in the morning 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. 
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). 
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. 
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). 
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. 
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. 
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). 
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 airport.  |