Day 1: Depart Darwin
Arrive at 7:00am for SailSAFE check-in. Board your Coral Expeditions ship in Darwin at 8:00am where there is time to settle into your cabin before a 9:00am departure. Spend a luxuriant sea day at leisure as we cruise across Joseph Bonaparte Gulf and sail into Western Australian waters.

King George River & Falls (Oomari Falls)

Prepare to be awed by the majestic King George Falls, the tallest twin falls in Western Australia, cascading from an impressive height of 80 meters. As we approach, you’ll be surrounded by steep gorges shaped by a river system that has sculpted the Kimberley landscape over 400 million years. Early in the waterfall season, we may get the chance to cruise around the base of these magnificent falls, while later in the season, we’ll admire the intricate honeycomb patterns etched into the sandstone cliffs.

Vansittart Bay (Banjal)

Vansittart Bay is rich in cultural history, featuring the ancient Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art galleries, some of the oldest known art in the world, dating back up to 20,000 years. Nearby Jar Island, named for the pottery shards found here, recalls the Macassan fishermen who harvested trepang. You can also explore the wreck of a US Airforce C-53 Skytrooper aircraft, a remnant of a 1942 navigational mishap.

Mitchell Falls, Winyalkan & Swift Bay

The breathtaking Mitchell Falls, cascading down the Mitchell Plateau, are a highlight of the Mitchell River National Park. Consider taking a scenic helicopter flight (additional cost) to view these stunning waterfalls and the hidden rock art galleries behind them. Alternatively, explore the fascinating sandstone caves at Wollaston Bay or visit the impressive Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art sites at Swift Bay. In the evening, enjoy a gourmet BBQ while watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean.

Prince Frederick Harbour & Bigge Island (Wuuyuru)

Prince Frederick Harbour is renowned for its striking natural beauty, lined with mangroves and monsoon rainforests against a backdrop of ochre escarpments. Keep an eye out for white-bellied sea eagles and mangrove crabs as we cruise up Porosus Creek to witness captivating rock formations. Bigge Island, known as Wuuyuru, is the traditional land of the Wunambal people.

Prince Regent River & Careening Bay (Wunbung-Gu)

King Cascade is a stunning waterfall that tumbles down a series of terraces, making it one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Kimberley. We’ll navigate the straight path of the Prince Regent River before arriving at Careening Bay, where the historic Mermaid Boab Tree stands, bearing the inscription of Lt. Phillip Parker King’s carpenter from 1820.

Montgomery Reef (Yowjab)

Montgomery Reef is a unique ecosystem that reveals itself during the massive 11-meter tides, creating a stunning spectacle as it rises from the ocean. Our Expedition Team will guide you through this biologically rich area, where you can witness the diverse wildlife, including turtles, dolphins, and birds, as they take advantage of the exposed rock pools.

Doubtful Bay & Raft Point (Ngumbree)

Raft Point stands sentinel at the entrance to Doubtful Bay, a vast expanse of sheltered waters that hosts remarkable sites, including the ancient Wandjina rock art galleries just a short stroll from the beach. These galleries are among the finest in the Kimberley and can be explored with guidance from the Traditional Owners when available. Doubtful Bay lies within the traditional lands of the Worrora people, who revere the Wandjina as their god, law-maker, and creator. These sacred images are etched throughout the Kimberley, preserving their stories, knowledge, and cultural heritage in stone.

As Red Cone Creek flows gently downstream, it converges with the charming Ruby Falls. Named by local mariner Capt. Chris Trucker after his daughter, this creek winds through impressive rock formations that resemble stacked building blocks. These natural walls are perfect for climbing and exploring, leading to a series of refreshing freshwater swimming holes and cascading waterfalls. Depending on the season, the falls can either gurgle with vibrant energy or trickle softly, creating a serene atmosphere.

Horizontal Falls (Garaanngaddim) & Buccaneer Archipelago

The Horizontal Falls stand out as one of the Kimberley’s premier attractions, famed for the extraordinary 11-meter tides that define this region. Naturalist David Attenborough has famously referred to them as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.”

These spectacular falls are formed as the ocean surges through a narrow gorge in the McLarty Ranges. Water accumulates on one side, then rushes through the constriction, resulting in a stunning horizontal waterfall of swiftly flowing seawater. One of the unforgettable experiences during our Kimberley expedition cruises is riding the exhilarating rapids in our Zodiac inflatable tenders.

Nestled in the heart of the Buccaneer Archipelago, Talbot Bay features islands that are over 2 billion years old. As we explore Cyclone Creek, you’ll witness the dramatic geological formations that tell the story of the earth’s ancient forces. Our journey will also take us through the Iron Islands and past Koolan Island, culminating in a picturesque evening with sunset drinks at Nares Point.

The Lacepede Islands

A protected nature reserve, the Lacepede Islands are vital nesting grounds for seabirds and green turtles. Conditions permitting, we’ll explore the lagoons by Xplorer and Zodiac, observing the vibrant wildlife that thrives here. It is significant as a seabird nesting rookery for brown boobies and roseate terns. Other species often sighted at the Lacepedes include Australian Pelicans, frigate birds, egrets and gulls.

Day 11: Arrive in Broome
Arrive in Broome this morning at 8:00am. A post-cruise transfer to Broome CBD or Airport is included. If you’re not transferring directly to the airport why not spend the day visiting world-famous Cable Beach or stroll the historic streets of Chinatown in central Broome.

This itinerary is an indication of what destinations are usually visited and activities are usually on offer. Throughout the expedition changes may be made to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.

Please note: All entrance fees to National Parks, ports, traditional owner fees and charges imposed by governing authorities are included in the cruise fare.