Derby to Mitchell Plateau Cruise
Explore, discover & experience the timeless Kimberley Coast by sky, land and sea!
16th - 25th July 2011
This spectacular 10 days/9 nights cruise includes an unforgettable helicopter ride over the Mitchell Plateau & Falls, plus a scenic light air flight back to Broome or Derby. Passengers departing from Broome will be transferred to Derby to meet Discovery One. The cruise departs by boat from Derby to Naturalist Island in the Hunter River, and returns by helicopter/ light plane to Broome or Derby.
Day 1:
Your cruise departs from Derby where you are welcomed on board with a drink and a smile from the crew as you begin your travels into the heart of the Buccaneer Archipelago. Settle into your cabin on our comfortable 82ft vessel ‘Discovery One’ and then enjoy dinner on deck when we anchor at the top of King Sound for the night.
Day 2:
Next morning we make our way to the bright white sands of Silica Beach. Relax on this pristine beach, take a dip or go for a stroll; this is a photographers’ paradise! Cruising on over lunch, we take a close look at Cockatoo Island and its Iron Ore mine. This afternoon we visit Crocodile Creek where we take a refreshing swim in the stunning fresh water falls and rock pools. Enjoy some sundowners back onboard and unwind in your surroundings. This evening we anchor at beautiful Silver Gull Creek for the night.
Day 3:
After breakfast we go on an excursion to ‘Squatters Arms’ to meet a unique couple who have made their home in this amazing land. Indulge in a fresh water swim in their tank fed by a natural spring, then wander through their lush garden with spectacular views. After a BBQ lunch, prepare yourselves for a relaxing afternoon as we cruise past Koolan Island and make our way to Talbot Bay, home of the famous Horizontal Falls. Anchoring for the night, keep a watch for the impressive Tawny Nurse sharks that come to greet Discovery One.
Day 4:
This morning you will experience a thrilling fast boat ride through the Horizontal Falls and Cyclone Creek. This is one of the highlights of the cruise and has been described as one of the natural wonders of the world. Leaving Talbot Bay, we head towards the majestic red cliffs of Raft Point, home to some ancient indigenous Wandjina paintings. This afternoon we go for a scenic walk to the caves, where you will take in the spectacular views over Doubtful Bay and Steep Island and learn about the Wandjina people who once inhabited this timeless land. We anchor here for the night and enjoy yet another spectacular sunset.
Day 5:
From Raft Point we cruise across Doubtful Bay to the mouth of one of the Kimberley’s most picturesque big rivers, the Sale River, which is one of the most beautiful estuaries you will see. Next you will slowly cruise up Red Cone creek to enjoy a refreshing swim at the beautiful freshwater Ruby Falls, before anchoring in Doubtful Bay for the evening.
Day 6:
We leave Doubtful Bay and go west to explore the 400 square km’s of Montgomery Reef! As the tide quickly drops away, watch this mammoth reef appear, exposing thousands of spectacular waterfalls and an abundance of sea life! This is a unique sight few ever get to see. This afternoon we arrive at Langgi Beach where we view the striking rock formations that nature has carved over millions of years. Tonight we anchor in Deception Bay where you can enjoy your magnificent surroundings as a delicious dinner is served to you on the deck of Discovery One.
Day 7:
Make yourself comfortable and enjoy the remarkable views as we continue north. This morning, enjoy the fresh water pools and falls at beautiful Samson Inlet before continuing on past Australia’s largest pearl farm, Kuri Bay. Operated by the Paspaley group, Kuri Bay was the first pearl farm established in Western Australia. In 1857, Japan experienced a disastrous pearling season resulting in 17 tonnes of pearls lost. As a result of this, a joint Australian/American/Japanese venture established Kuri Bay Pearls, which is extremely successful today. Tonight we anchor at the mouth of the Prince Regent River.
Day 8:
Get your cameras ready as we experience some spectacular scenery on our journey down the Prince Regent River. See how many crocodiles you can count as we travel through this beautiful and pristine waterway. Our next stop is the majestic King Cascade Falls. We edge Discovery One right up to these falls which cascade over fern covered tiers in breathtaking splendour.
Day 9:
Today 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. His journey soon ended after being speared by Aborigines, however, he reported back positively describing the area as ‘lush and fertile’. This positive report of 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 a settlement that lasted less than two years, and appreciate the harsh conditions they endured. On your last night you will enjoy the Kimberley horse race on our top deck and cheer your appointed jockeys along; a fun night to be had by all.
Day 10:
Over breakfast, say your good byes to your new found passenger friends as we head for Naturalist Island at the mouth of the Hunter River. Prepare yourself for an amazing helicopter flight over the Mitchell Plateau and the stunning Mitchell Falls. The awesome geological wonder of this ancient landscape will amaze you. Continue your aerial view of the Kimberley by light aircraft as you wind your way back to Broome or Derby, arriving mid to late afternoon, where you will be transferred back to your accommodation by taxi.
This itinerary is intended as a guideline only. While all places of interest specified in this itinerary will be visited, the cruise sequence may change with tides and weather or at the discretion of the Captain. | 
