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Day 1 Broome - Buccaneer Archipelago
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 the 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
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
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
Take a tender excursion upstream and disembark to walk amid an ancient patch of rich rainforest glades. Admire the cool surroundings and take a dip in the spring fed rainforest 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
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
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
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 Admiralty Gulf, Mitchell River
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. A not to be missed experience, departing from the Kimberley Quest’s helipad the flight gives you a unique ‘birds-eye’ view of this awesome landscape. Drop a lure in later and perfect your fishing skills, go crocodile spotting at low tide or simply relax on the sun deck with a book from the comprehensive onboard library. Enjoy an appetising gourmet lunch, with time for a swim in the cool waters of Surveyors Creek. Day 9 Vansittart Bay, WWII DC3 Crash Site
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. Day 10 Drysdale River
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 11 King George Falls
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 12 Koolama Bay, Berkeley River
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. A leisurely cruise leads out into Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, later passing the Kimberley’s highest sand dunes at Cape St Lambert.
Day 13 Berkeley River, Cambridge Gulf
Alternatively you may go crocodile-spotting or bird watching. Savour your last evening under the Kimberley skies as we cruise towards Cambridge Gulf, the final leg of our odyssey, while we journey through the night towards the historic town site of Wyndham.
Day 14 Wyndham Port
Home to a large crocodile population due to the local meat works operation (1900–1985), this town has a colourful past. Enjoy your last breakfast and cappuccino onboard; then wave goodbye to the crew of the Kimberley Quest II. Board your courtesy coach at 8.00am for transfer to the town site of Kununurra. Perhaps you may wish to stay in Kununurra for a few days and take the time to explore the famous surrounds of Lake Argyle, the Ord River, El Questro or Purnululu National Park, home to the Bungle Bungle Ranges. Arrival into Kununurra is approximately 9.00am.
Scenic Helicopter flights 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. |
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. 
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. 
Today we cruise to another of the Kimberley’s icons, the amazing Montgomery Reef. An immense reef system covering more than 300km, 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. 
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. 
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. 
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. 
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). 
We are now entering the incredible assortment of islands that form the Bonaparte Archipelago. Cruise across Admiralty Gulf to the Mitchell River, another of the Kimberley’s big rivers and the source of the magnificent Mitchell Falls. Charter a helicopter and take an exhilarating ride over the falls, known by the Wunambal people as Punamii-Unpuu. 
We are now on the north coast of the Kimberley. Today 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. 
Today 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. 
At 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. 
Today, we visit Koolama Bay, the site where the 340ft vessel ‘Koolama’ was beached, following an attack by the Japanese during WWII. 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. 
Today is your last chance to catch a barramundi or to try your luck for a large golden trevally at the river mouth. The Berkeley River offers stunning ochre-tinted sandstone scenery, amphitheatre waterfalls and beautiful freshwater pools, perfect for a refreshing dip. 
Arrive into Wyndham Port at approximately 7.00am. Established in 1885 to cater for the huge influx of gold miners heading to the rich goldfields at Halls Creek, Wyndham later became a focus for cattle export.   |