- 10 Day Grand Kimberley Coast Itinerary

Transfer from Kununurra to Wyndham, where you will be welcomed on board your ship. A relaxed dinner this evening allows you the chance to meet your fellow travellers and sets the tone for the next nine nights on board your expedition small ship.

Ride aboard a Zodiac to approach King George Falls, which plunge 80 metres over a sandstone cliff. Edge closer to this epic cascade and learn how it turns to a raging torrent during the monsoonal wet season.

Wake this morning as your ship cruises into Koolama Bay. Hear how this harbour was renamed following the Japanese bombing of the MV Koolama in 1942. Next, it’s on to King George River. Join your expedition team and jump aboard a Zodiac to meander through the river’s gorge system, passing hidden mangrove-fringed coves and soaring red cliffs.

An intriguing exploration of Vansittart Bay awaits today. Join your expedition team and set out across the bay’s vast salt flats to view the wreckage of a US Air Force C-53 that crash landed on the beach during World War II. Later, step ashore at Jar Island and see examples of mysterious Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) paintings, dating back some 20,000 years.

See examples of first-contact art depicting European tall ships dating from the 15th to 18th century in caves throughout Bigge Island. Having been repainted annually for the past 5,000 years, the images are thought to be the oldest continuous sacred-painting tradition on the planet.

After a busy day of exploring, return to your ship and perhaps dine al fresco this evening.

Your expedition ship arrives at Prince Frederick Harbour today, home to towering red cliffs and mangroves. With its extreme tides and pristine ecosystems, the harbour is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including saltwater crocodiles and mudskippers. For the keen birdwatchers among you, be sure to keep an eye out for kingfishers, egrets, herons and white-bellied sea eagles. Then, once again, it’s time to jump aboard your trusty Zodiac vessels, this time for an exhilarating exploration of the Hunter River and Naturalist Island. As your day of discovery draws to a close, you might choose to set out on a helicopter flight and view Mitchell Falls from above (own expense).

Reach Careening Bay today, home to the historic Mermaid Boab Tree. It was here in 1820 that Lieutenant Phillip Parker King used the area’s massive tides to beach his damaged ship, the HMC Mermaid. During this time, King’s carpenter carved the ship’s name into a boab tree that overlooks the bay. Continue on to Prince Regent Nature Reserve, only accessible by boat. Explore this protected area and see why it is recognised as a national biodiversity hotspot. Next, it’s on to the untouched coastal area of Hanover Bay. While you’re here, you might like to hop aboard your Zodiac for an enthralling visit to St George’s Basin. If the tide allows, perhaps catch a glimpse of a saltwater crocodile, among other marine life. Enjoy dinner back on board this evening.

Board a Zodiac to witness Montgomery Reef rise out of the ocean as the tidal waters cascade rapidly into the surrounding channels. Keep an eye out for unique bird life and turtles which may pop their heads up from time to time.

After an in-depth exploration of Montgomery Reef, cruise through Doubtful Bay, a hotspot for whale watching during the season. Later, step ashore at Raft Point to visit an ancient Wandjina rock art site. These unique art figures are ritually repainted each year, however scientific estimates show that the originals date back as far as 5,000 years. When available, a local Indigenous guide will join you.

Subject to tidal conditions, set out on a thrilling ride through the falls aboard a high-powered fast boat. Hold on tight as your boat skims across Talbot Bay to the mouth of the falls before making its way through the churning waters.

Today your ship cruises through to Talbot Bay, known for its epic 12-metre tides that create an astonishing natural spectacle, the Horizontal Falls. The adventure continues later as your Zodiac explores Cyclone Creek. See dramatic folds in the rock formations as you navigate through the creek, accompanied by your expedition team member.

There’s promise of yet more turquoise waters today as your ship arrives in the Buccaneer Archipelago, home to more than 800 islands. Cruise to Adele Island and join your expedition team member for an exploration of this remote coastal area by Zodiac. The island is surrounded by Adele Reef, teeming with an array of coral and marine life, including reef sharks and stingrays. Back on board, toast the end of an epic adventure during a farewell dinner. Then, take in the amber glow of a Kimberley sunset for the last time as your ship sets sail towards Broome.

Arriving into Broome this morning means it’s time to say goodbye to your ship and to be transferred to the airport.