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Mitchell Plateau to Derby Cruise
12th May to 21st May | 2nd June to 11th June | 4th August to 13th August
Explore, discover & experience the timeless Kimberley Coast by sky, land and sea!
This spectacular 10 days/9 nights cruise includes an unforgettable helicopter ride over the magnificent Mitchell Plateau & Falls. Passengers departing from Broome or Derby will be flown by light aircraft to the Mitchell Plateau, then transferred by scenic helicopter flight to Naturalist Beach, in the Hunter River, to meet Discovery One. At the conclusion of the cruise in Derby, all passengers will be returned to their accommodation in Broome or Derby.
Day 1:
After a light air flight from Broome or Derby, followed by a helicopter flight to Naturalist Beach, you will be welcomed on board Discovery One with a drink and a smile from the crew. Settle into your cabin on our comfortable 82ft vessel ‘Discovery One’, then relax on our top deck with a drink and take in the beauty of the Hunter River and York Sound as your cruise of a lifetime commences.
Day 2:
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! 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. Discovery One will take you up close to these magnificent falls which cascade over fern covered tiers in breathtaking splendour.
Day 3:
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. His journey soon ended after being speared by Aborigines, however, he reported back positively describing the area as ‘lush and fertile’. This 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 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 4:
Watch the landscape change as we explore amazing Montgomery Reef! This huge 400 square km reef becomes exposed as the tides fall, creating a visual spectacle of waterfalls and sea life. This is an exceptional site only few get to see. On our next stop, we discover the beauty of Langgi. Here you will view the striking colours and shapes of the 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 5:
This morning we enjoy the fresh water pools and falls at beautiful Samson Inlet before continuing on past Australia’s largest pearl farm, Kuri Bay, which 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.
Day 6:
Today we cross Doubtful Bay to explore the Sale River, with its beautiful estuaries, and then slowly cruise up Red Cone creek to enjoy a refreshing swim in the upper pools at the beautiful freshwater Ruby Falls, before anchoring in Doubtful Bay for the night.
Day 7:
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. You will enjoy a thrilling fast boat ride around the Falls and explore Cyclone Creek, marveling at the incredible marine life, including the impressive Tawny Nurse sharks that come to greet Discovery One. Enjoy yet another vivid sunset as we anchor here for the night.
Day 8:
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 9:
This morning 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. Relax on this pristine beach, take a dip or go for a stroll; this is a photographers’ paradise! Enjoy some sundowners and unwind in your surroundings as we anchor at the top of Kind Sound for the evening.
Day 10:
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 going to Broome will be transferred by coach, while passengers staying in Derby will be transferred to their 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. |
