Waterfalls Cruises (April only)
Derby - Mitchell Falls Cruise
These two spectacular 10 day / 9 night cruises are offered in April 2009 only, to take advantage of the magnificent waterfalls of the Kimberley after the wet season. Make sure you pack your camera as we take you on the journey of a lifetime. The cruise includes an unforgettable helicopter ride over the Mitchell Falls with breath taking scenery below, plus a scenic light air flight to or from Broome or Derby. You will explore the timeless Kimberley Coast by sky, land and sea!
Cruise 1: Depart by boat from Derby to Mitchell Falls and return by helicopter and light plane to Broome or Derby. Passengers departing from Boome will be transferred to Derby to join Discovery One.
Cruise 2: Depart from Broome or Derby via light plane and helicopter to Mitchell Falls and return by boat to Derby. Passengers returned to Broome by light plane from Derby.
The following itinerary is for Cruise 1 and should be reversed for Cruise 2.
Day 1
Your cruise departs Derby and travels into the heart of the Buccaneer Archipelago where you begin your adventure on the cruise of a lifetime! Enjoy a welcome drink as you settle in to your comfortable 82ft vessel ‘Discovery One’, while we cruise off into the sunset.
Day 2.
Next morning we make our way to the bright white sands of Silica Beach. Relax on the pure silica sand or take a walk. This is a photographers’ paradise. We then cruise amongst the many Islands as we make our way across the top end of King Sound. Take a close look at Cockatoo Island and its Iron Ore mine as we enjoy lunch on the deck and cruise north.
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 the 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 timeless land. Indulge in a fresh water swim in their tank fed by a natural spring, then wander through their lush garden with spectacular views. This is one of the most enjoyable stops you will experience and, after a BBQ lunch, you have time to shop for locally made jewellery.
Prepare yourselves for an exciting afternoon as we again head north past Koolan Island and make our way to Talbot Bay, home of the famous Horizontal Waterfalls. You will experience a thrilling fast boat ride through the Falls and Cyclone Creek and marvel at the incredible marine life, including the impressive Tawny Nurse sharks, that come to greet Discovery One. Enjoy a night of fun and prizes as we host our popular quiz night!
Days 4
This morning we again travel north, after leaving Talbot Bay for 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 land. We anchor over night and enjoy yet another spectacular sunset.
Days 5
From Raft Point we cruise across Doubtful Bay to explore one of the Kimberley’s most picturesque big rivers, the SALE RIVER, which is one of the most stunning and beautiful estuaries you will see. As it winds its way through picture postcard narrow gorges with towering sandstone cliffs, this magical but unforgiving wilderness will amaze you! We take you on an 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 (an easy walk). Next you will slowly cruise up Red Cone creek to enjoy a refreshing swim at the beautiful freshwater Ruby Falls. Walk up to the head of the creek and search for Aboriginal rock art and serene billabongs.
Days 6
We leave Doubtful Bay and go west to explore the 400 square kms 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 enjoy a swim in the clear water and view the striking rock formations that nature has carved over time. Tonight we anchor in Deception Bay where we invite you to enjoy your magnificent surroundings as a delicious dinner is served to you on the deck of Discovery One.
Days 7 & 8
Make yourself comfortable and enjoy the remarkable views as we continue north. This morning you will 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. Because of this, a joint Australian/American/Japanese venture established Kuri Bay Pearls, which is extremely successful today. This afternoon we stop to take a walk through this wondrous land and explore some of the native flora and fauna. Tonight we anchor at the mouth of the Prince Regent River.
Get your cameras ready as we experience some spectacular scenery on our journey down the Prince Regent River. It’s time for some crocodile spotting! See how many you can count as we travel up Camp Creek to witness the soothing waterfalls and striking gorges. Welcoming us are Mt Trafalgar and Mt Wellington, named by Philip Parker King in 1820. Our next stop is the majestic King Cascade Falls. This spectacular site is where American model, Ginger Meadows, was fatally attacked by a crocodile in 1987.
During these two days we will also 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 after being speared by Aborigines. Despite this, Lt Grey reported back positively describing the area as ‘lush and fertile’. His report of the area 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. We also call in to Sheep Island and visit the graves of these tough pioneers.
Day 9
On our way North to Mitchell River we will pass many Islands including the Coronation Group and Bigge Island. As we round Cape Voltaire there will be further great photo opportunities.
Cruise across Admiralty Gulf to the Mitchell River, another of the Kimberley's big rivers and the source of the magnificent Mitchell Falls. This stunning landscape was formed over 1800 million years ago amidst volcanic eruptions. Have your cameras ready! We will explore this unique area viewing many crocodiles on our way. On your last night you will enjoy our Kimberley horse race game on our top deck and cheer your appointed jockeys along; a fun night to be had by all.
Day 10
Over a sumptuous breakfast, say your good byes to your new found passenger friends as you prepare for an amazing helicopter flight over the Mitchell Falls and the awesome landscape below. This is a not to be missed experience. Discover by air the sheer beauty of the Kimberley by light aircraft as you wind your way back to Broome or Derby, arriving mid to late afternoon. All passengers will be transferred to their accommodation.
Please note: this itinerary is intended as a guideline. Cruise sequence may change with tide and weather
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