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Darwin to Broome:
March 13th to March 26th, 2012
$7,495 per person twin share
Incorporating a cruise between Wyndham and Derby plus all transfers.
Discover the incredible beauty of the Kimberley, as our comfortable 82’ catamaran, Discovery One, makes her way from the historic settlement of Wyndham to the township of Derby. You will experience 14 days and 13 nights of wonder as we take you on a never to be forgotten journey through this pristine and spectacular wilderness. Our cruise includes Kimberley icons such as the Horizontal Falls, Montgomery Reef and Raft Point, with the added bonus of viewing the stunning waterfalls of the region in their full glory after the wet season!
All transfers are inclusive in the price and will be via a flight from Darwin or Kununurra and a bus transfer from Kununurra to Wyndham, at the start of the cruise, and a bus transfer from Derby to Broome at the conclusion of the cruise. If you wish to leave from, and return to Kununurra, alternative transfer options can be arranged. Also included in the price are all excursions, meals and GST.
Day 1:
Arriving at the jetty in Wyndham, you will be greeted onboard Discovery One with a welcoming drink by our friendly crew. Settle in, get to know your fellow travellers and relax as we serve you dinner under the tropical stars, while you begin your journey of a lifetime cruising down Cambridge Gulf towards the Berkeley River.
Day 2:
Wake up to the stunning red and ochre cliffs bordering the Berkeley River and enjoy the scenery as we cruise through this magical region of waterfalls and freshwater pools. We visit Koolama Bay, named for the 340ft vessel 'Koolama' that was beached following an attack by the Japanese during WWII. This is just one of many places of historic interest in the Kimberley.
Day 3:
Today we make our way to the King George River for a cruise along this beautiful stretch of water. Heading towards the King George Falls through sandstone cliffs, we end at the base of these twin falls for a close up view of the tallest falls in Western Australia. Be prepared for a shower! We anchor tonight at the falls where you can relax and enjoy a drink on the top deck, followed by dinner in an incomparable setting. Drift off to sleep peacefully to the soothing sound of the cascading water.
Day 4 & 5:
Your destination is the region of the northern Kimberley Coast, including Vansittart Bay, where we take you exploring various coves on the perimeter. Here you will view the ancient Bradshaw or Gwion Gwion paintings. Joseph Bradshaw was the first European to record these amazing paintings in 1891, some of which have been dated at over 17,000 years old, predating the famous Wandjina figures. We also visit a site where a DC3 aircraft crashed on the beach during WWII after running low on fuel. You can explore the almost intact remains of this aircraft, getting a feel for this important time in Australia’s history. Travelling on, we cruise to the Bonaparte Archipelago, a fascinating set of islands offering wonderful scenery and diversity. Our Captain has many places of interest to explore with you during these 2 days and will take you to as many places as tides and weather allow.
Day 6:
This morning we visit Careening Bay, site of an ancient boab tree first visited in 1820 by Phillip Parker King whilst surveying the Australian coastline. We take you on a walk to see the boab where King and his crew careened the vessel HMC 'Mermaid' for repairs and carved the vessel's name into the tree. Next on our agenda is Bigge Island, one of the Kimberley's largest islands and home to some amazing rock art galleries. View these important and ancient paintings or relax and take a walk on a sandy beach before heading back to Discovery One for another wonderful sunset and a night under the stars in York Sound.
Day 7:
Today we make our way to the St George Basin, where you are welcomed by the sight of Mt Trafalgar and Mt Wellington (named by Philip Parker King during his explorations), before making our way to the Prince Regent River. Get your cameras ready as we experience some spectacular scenery on our journey down this remote and pristine waterway. It’s time for some crocodile spotting! This journey concludes at the majestic King Cascade Falls. This spectacular site is where American model, Ginger Meadows, was fatally attacked by a crocodile in 1987. Discovery One will take you up close to these magnificent falls which cascade over fern covered tiers in breathtaking splendour.
Day 8:
This morning we visit the pristine sands of Hanover Beach. It is here, in 1838, where Lt. George Grey unloaded his Timor ponies and began the first land based expedition of North West Australia, in search of the great inland sea. The journey soon ended when he was speared by Aborigines. Despite this, Lt Grey reported back positively describing the area as ‘lush and fertile’. This glowing report encouraged a group of optimistic farmers to establish a new settlement here in 1864. The historic landmark ‘Camden Sound’ is our next destination. Here we visit the 19th century ruins of that settlement that lasted less than two years, and appreciate the harsh conditions they endured. We also call in to Sheep Island and visit the graves of these tough pioneers.
Day 9:
Watch the seascape change as we head south and explore the 400 square km’s of Montgomery Reef! This huge reef becomes exposed above the waterline as the tide falls, creating a visual spectacle of waterfalls and sea life. This is an exceptional site only very few get to see. Travelling on, we discover the beauty of Langgi. Here you will view the striking colours and shapes of rock formations that nature has carved over millions of years, before returning to Discovery One for a relaxing afternoon of cruising to Raft Point, home to some ancient and well preserved aboriginal paintings. We take a walk to the caves, where you will take in the breathtaking views over Doubtful Bay and Steep Island and learn about the Wandjina people who once inhabited this timeless land.
Day 10:
Cruising between Augustus Island and the mainland, today we pass the remote settlement of Kuri Bay, home to Australia's largest and wealthiest pearling operation. We cross Doubtful and slowly cruise up Red Cone creek to enjoy a refreshing swim in the upper pools at the stunning, freshwater Ruby Falls.
Day 11:
Today we reach the start of the Buccaneer Archipelago with its 1200 islands! Our first stop is Talbot Bay, home of the famous Horizontal Falls. The region's massive tides create a spectacular scene, sending huge volumes of water pouring through a narrow chasm in the land formation. We take you on an exciting fast boat ride around the falls before exploring Cyclone Creek, marvelling at the incredible marine life, including the impressive Tawny Nurse sharks, that often come to greet Discovery One. Enjoy yet another vivid sunset as we anchor here for the night.
Day 12:
This morning we take you to Silvergull Creek where you will meet a unique couple who have made their home in this beautiful wilderness. Enjoy a barbeque lunch, take a stroll in the rainforest they have created, or just relax in their spring fed tank with amazing views
Day 13:
Today we stop to explore Crocodile Creek, where we take a refreshing swim in the stunning fresh water falls and rock pools. Back onboard, take a close look at Cockatoo Island and its Iron Ore mine, and then relax over lunch on the deck while we cruise west to Silica Beach, with its pure white sands and clear blue water. Enjoy some sundowners and unwind in your surroundings as we anchor at the top of Kind Sound for the evening.
Day 14:
Relax on the top deck and soak up the 360 degree views as we enjoy the final stretch of cruising to the township of Derby. This afternoon we arrive back at Derby Jetty where we bid you farewell, hoping that you will take with you memories to last a lifetime. Passengers travelling to Broome will be transferred by coach, while passengers staying in Derby will be transferred to their accommodation.
This itinerary is intended as a guide only. While all places of interest specified in this itinerary will be attempted, the cruise itinerary and sequence may change with tides and weather or at the discretion of the Captain.
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