The Kimberleys

Day 1 | Buccaneer Archipelago – Talbot Bay

Starting with a scenic light plane flight from Broome to Cape Leveque, your Kimberley adventure starts with stunning vistas over the Buccaneer Archipelago. Embarking Phoenix One we cruise past the Iron Islands towards Talbot Bay to explore Crock Creek and enjoy our first swim.

Day 2 | Horizontal Falls – Doubtful Bay

Experience the phenomenon of Horizontal Falls, with water surging through the 10m gap between cliff faces create vast tidal whirlpools and a ‘horizontal’ waterfall. In Doubtful Bay you explore Red Cone Creek by tender, venturing to Ruby or Sapphire Falls.

Day 3 | Montgomery Reef

The largest inland reef in Australia, Montgomery Reef is an intriguing living reef system spanning 80 km which peeks up to 5 meters out of the water each low tide allowing water to cascade down its channels.

After exploring the reef by tender we head to Deception Bay for a relaxed afternoon swim.

Day 4 | Camden Harbour

Historic Camden Harbour was once promised as the next Sydney Harbour to the first European settlers. Cruise through scenic Port George, Treachery Passage, Saint George’s Basin and Waterloo Basin this area is rich with early settler history.

Day 5 | Prince Regent River

Named after Phillip Parker King, King Cascade waterfalls are a spectacular sight in full flow with cascading water surrounded by lush tropical ferns. A climb to the top of the falls is rewarded with a swim in the natural freshwater pools before catching the tide to Careening Bay.

Day 6 | Careening Bay – Hunter River

Home to the heritage-listed Boab tree, originally blazed in 1820 by crewmen from HMS Mermaid while they worked to repair and re-float the vessel. Roe and Hunter Rivers both discharge into Prince Frederick Harbour offering incredible scenery with sandstone cliffs and ancient rock art – some dating as much as 17,000 years old.

Day 7 | Prince Frederick Harbour

Prince Frederick Harbour creates a dreamy final backdrop to your Southern Kimberleys voyage. Departing by mallard float plane over the rugged Kimberley Coastline offers one last glimpse of this phenomenal part of Australia on your journey home.

Day 1 | Broome

Departing from Broome we cruise along iconic cable beach and pindan cliff faces, famous for views of the colourful Kimberleys sunsets. Settle in for the evening as we venture around the Cape to the Buccaneer Archipelago to start our Kimberley Exploration.

Day 2 | Bucaneer Archipelago – Talbot Bay & Horizontal Falls

The stunning sandstone cliffs of Yampi Sound welcome you to start the day exploring Crocodile Creek and a walk to the top waterhole for a swim. Later we cruise to Horizontal Falls a mere 10m wide pass in the cliff faces creating a ‘horizontal’ waterfall as the tide turns and water rushes out of the basin.

Day 3 | Montgomery Reef – Doubtful Bay

The largest inland reef in Australia, Montgomery Reef is an intriguing living reef system spanning 80 km which peeks up to 5 meters out of the water each low tide allowing water to cascade down its channels. Later cruise to either Ruby or Sapphire Falls up Red Cone Creek to enjoy a swim at these hidden gems amongst the mangroves.

Day 4 | Deception Bay

Deception Bay is known for its fishing and Black Tip Kimberley Oysters. Heading out on an excursion to one of the many freshwater swimming holes you will get the opportunity to try your hand at catching and gathering dinner or if in luck an intimate viewing of Humpback Whales that frequent these waters in season.

Day 5 | Camden Harbour

Historic Camden Harbour was once promised as the next Sydney Harbour to the first European settlers. Cruise through scenic Port George, Treachery Passage, Saint George’s Basin and Waterloo Basin this area is rich with early settler history.

Day 6 | Prince Regent River

Named after Phillip Parker King, King Cascade waterfalls are a spectacular sight in full flow with cascading water surrounded by lush tropical ferns. A climb to the top of the falls is rewarded with a swim in the natural freshwater pools before catching the tide to Careening Bay.

Day 7 | Careening Bay & Biggie Island

Home to the heritage-listed Boab tree, originally blazed in 1820 by crewmen from HMS Mermaid while they worked to repair and re-float the vessel. Biggie Island is composed of weathered sandstone and dolerites forming a rugged terrain. The islands caves and cliffs are dotted with indigenous rock art depicting examples of first contact between the Uunguu people and foreigners.

Day 8 | Mitchell River

Cruising the Mitchell River to the Mitchell Falls that flow down the dramatic cliff faces creating picturesque freshwater pools. Mitchell River offers the option to drop a line to land a big Barramundi or haul up the crab pot for a River to Plate feast. Further up Surveyors Creek take a dip in the refreshing tranquil pools.

Day 9 | Vansittart Bay

Picturesque Vansittart Bay is home to some of the world’s most prized pearls as well as the abandoned body of a World War II DC3 war plane, scuttled on the salt pan in 1942. Explore the many coves of Vansittart Bay where we will discover more Gwion Gwion drawings, some of which have been dated at over 17,000 years old.

Day 10 | King George River

Cruising through the towering sandstone cliffs of King George River to the famous twin falls (King George Falls). An optional hike to the peak of the falls for a swim in the top pool and breathtaking vistas is well worth the effort.

Day 11 | Berkeley River

Your final day in the Kimberley will include a leisurely cruise up Berkeley River taking in the impressive sandstone cliffs and wildlife. Departing by mallard float plane over the rugged Kimberley Coastline offers one last glimpse of this phenomenal part of Australia on your journey home.

Day 1 | King George River

Your adventure starts on board your Mallard float plane transfer in the morning from Darwin. Landing at the mouth of the mighty King George River on the waters of Tranquil Bay, your crew will greet you and assist to transfer your luggage onto Phoenix One, where your journey will start cruising through the towering sandstone cliffs of King George River to the famous Twin Falls.

Day 2 | Drysdale River

Located in Napier Broome Bay, the Drysdale River is one of the longest rivers in the Kimberley. A diverse delta water system and home to many rare plants and animals, including over 100 species of birds, sugar gliders, bats, wallabies and saltwater crocodiles. Our guides will take you on a scenic excursion up the river observing the diverse wildlife and a swim in the secluded rock pools.

Day 3 | Vansittart Bay

Vansittart Bay is home to some of the world’s most prized pearls as well as the abandoned body of a World War II DC3 war plane, scuttled on the salt pan in 1942. Explore the many coves of Vansittart Bay where we will discover incredible Bradshaw rock art now more commonly referred to as Gwion Gwion, some of which have been dated at over 17,000 years old.

Day 4 | Montague Sound

Iconic sandstone cliffs and prehistoric Livingstonia Palms and rugged sandstone formations create an ancient backdrop as we explore Montague Sound. The many islands offer lots of great fish holes for Barramundi and Mangrove Jack fishing. While the many caves and overhangs of this area have well preserved Wandjina art important to the history of Wunambal people.

Day 5 | Mitchell River

Cruising the Mitchell River to the Mitchell Falls with the opportunity to charter a helicopter for an incredible scenic flight over this dramatic terrain. Mitchell River offers the option to drop a line to land a big Barramundi or haul up the crab pot for a ‘river to plate’ feast. Further up Surveyors Creek take a dip in the refreshing tranquil pools.

Day 6 | Biggie Island

The second largest island in the Bonaparte Archipelago; Biggie Island is composed of weathered sandstone and dolerites forming a rugged terrain. Named Wuyurru in the Wunambal language, the islands caves and cliffs are dotted with more indigenous rock art depicting examples of first contact between the Uunguu people and foreigners and Wandjina figures, illustrating cloud and rain spirits from Aboriginal ancestry.

Day 7 | Careening Bay & Prince Frederick Harbour

Beautiful Careening Bay landscape to explore onshore, we visit the heritage-listed boab tree. Originally blazed in 1820 by crewmen from HMS Mermaid while they worked to repair and re-float the vessel.Roe and Hunter Rivers both discharge into Prince Frederick Harbour offering stunning scenery with vibrant sandstone cliffs, ancient rock art and impressive crocodiles.

Day 8 | Prince Regent River

Named after Philip Parker King, King Cascade waterfalls are a spectacular sight in full flow with cascading water surrounded by lush ferns. After a climb to the top of the falls to soak in the beautiful freshwater pools we can explore the river finding more famous Gwion Gwion rock art on the Northern banks.

Day 9 | Camden Harbour

Historic Camden Harbour settlement was once promised as the next Sydney Harbour to the first European settlers. Cruise through scenic Port George, Treachery Passage, Saint George’s Basin and Waterloo Basin this area is rich with early settler history. At Camp Creek head out for a spot of wildlife watching, drop a line in search of Barramundi and Mangrove Jack or a hike to Camp Creek waterhole.

Day 10 | Montgomery Reef

The largest inland reef in Australia, Montgomery Reef is an intriguing living reef system spanning 80 km which peeks up to 5 meters out of the water each low tide allowing water to cascade down its channels. Each day multitudes of turtles, dugongs and rays can be spotted feeding alongside the reef.

Day 11 | Doubtful Bay

Exploring Red Cone Creek by tender, we will adventure to either Ruby or Sapphire Falls; hidden gems nestled between the mangroves to enjoy a dip, with the opportunity to drop in a crab pot to catch our dinner. Tucked away in the North East corner of Doubtful Bay is the Sale River where ancient rock art of the Aboriginal ancestors can be viewed along the stunning red and orange sandstone cliff faces.

Day 12 | Horizontal Falls

Experience the phenomenon of Horizontal Falls, with water surging through the 10m gap between cliff faces create vast tidal whirlpools and a ‘horizontal’ waterfall. After enjoy a scenic excursion by tender up Cyclone Creek to view the unusual rock formation formed over millennia of tectonic plate movements with the opportunity to feed the abundant lemon sharks inhabiting this area.

Day 13 | Buccaneer Archipelago

Cruise the stunning sandstone islands of Yampi Sound. With the opportunity to explore Crocodile Creek waterhole by tender and a walk to the top waterhole for a swim. Later we cruise to stunning Silica Beach on Hidden Island for a swim and walk on the pristine white sands.

Day 14 | Broome

Your final day will see you cruise around Cape Leveque, the Dampier Peninsula, iconic Cable Beach and pindan cliff faces, famous for views of the iconic Kimberley colours of bright red and orange sands and vibrant turquoise waters. As we arrive into Broome your crew will assist to transfer your luggage ashore after a fond farewell.