MV Great Escape
MV Great Escape is a 26 metre, fully air-conditioned, 14 passenger, luxury adventure catamaran custom built for cruising the Kimberley Coast....
Prices, Dates & Availability 2024
(The Traditional Owners of the Kimberley and their representatives have now implemented a permit/fee for guests accessing traditional lands when cruising the Kimberley region. This can be up to an additional $105 per person.)
14 Day Classic Adventure
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8 Day Southern Experience
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4 Night Kimberley Fishing Extravaganza
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9 Day Waterfall Safari
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6 Night Kings Of The Kimberley Northern Gorges
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9 Day Waterfall Safari
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6 Night Kings Of The Kimberley Northern Gorges
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14 Day Classic Adventure
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8 Day Southern Experience
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4 Night Kimberley Fishing Extravaganza
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* All prices are per person & based on Twin share unless otherwise listed
Prices, Dates & Availability 2023 - Sold Out
(The Traditional Owners of the Kimberley and their representatives have now implemented a permit/fee for guests accessing traditional lands when cruising the Kimberley region. This can be up to an additional $105 per person.)
* All prices are per person & based on Twin share unless otherwise listed
Itineraries
8 Day Southern Experience vv – Broome to Mitchell Plateau
Day 1
FLY FROM BROOME TO MITCHELL PLATEAU
Today you’ll be transferred from Broome via light aircraft to the Mitchell Plateau airstrip. Here our helicopter will be waiting to take you on a scenic flight over the picturesque Mitchell Falls before landing on MV Great Escape to commence your cruise. This is a spectacular way to start your Kimberley adventure. Your crew will welcome you onboard and enjoy a delicious lunch before we set off to explore the Hunter River, an incredibly scenic waterway rich with fat Barramundi and succulent Mud Crabs. We take the helicopter in the afternoon to Manning Peak for sunset drinks.
Day 2
york sound
In the morning, we will cruise around to York Sound, where we will set off for a walk through a tropical rainforest arriving for a swim at Benno’s waterfall. Tide depending, we will fish for Barramundi around Boongari Island. After lunch, we will cruise to Careering Bay for an expedition to view the historic Boab Tree that Philip Parker King carved in 1820 when they careened their vessel for repairs. We will anchor for the night at Python Cliffs, under the shadow of Mount Waterloo and Trafalgar. The scenery in this area is incredible.
Day 3
ST GEORGES BASIN
With luck, the tide will allow us the chance for an early morning fish. We’ll then cruise down through Saint Georges Basin to the mouth of the Prince Regent River and the infamous King Cascade. This is a stunning cruise that passes both Mount Trafalgar and Mount Waterloo. If not, we’ll cruise straight up to Kings Cascade, where everyone will want to explore the amazing natural gardens, as well as the multitude of freshwater pools and falls. In the evening, we will depart the river and make our way to Camden Harbour.
Day 4
CAMDEN HARBOUR
Camden Harbour is steeped in history as the first attempted European settlement in the Kimberley. It failed dismally, and we’ll delve into that history as we explore the old settlement. Tide permitting, we’ll gather a sumptuous feast of Kimberley rock oysters and then cruise through Kuri Bay – the Kimberley’s first pearling settlement. We can then try our hand hunting for reef fish before spending the afternoon cruising down the coast to Langii, an Aboriginal Dreaming site. Here we’ll see the mystical ‘Petrified Warriors’ and spend time relaxing on the silicon beach, while the evening will be spent cruising to Doubtful Bay.
Day 5
MONTGOMERY REEF
Raising the anchor early, we’ll then take a cruise to Montgomery Reef, a fascinating reef structure that creates spectacular cascading waterfalls in the middle of the ocean. Your crew will describe the incredible history of the area while we search for grazing Turtles, roving Sharks and the odd Dugong. You’ll then have the exciting opportunity to view the reef from the air, thanks to our onboard helicopter. Finally, we’ll spend the late afternoon cruising into Doubtful Bay, where we’ll anchor for the evening.
Day 6
DOUBTFUL BAY
Wake up to panoramic views of the magnificent Raft Point headland. We’ll spend the day exploring waterfalls, swimming and fishing in the Glenelg River, Red Cone Creek or Three Ways. You’ll join the crew and your fellow guests to watch the sunset and toast your day of adventure.
Day 7
HORIZONTAL FALLS
On your last full day onboard, you’ll wake in the Talbot Bay area, where we experience the world-famous Horizontal Falls via tender boat and helicopter. We will enjoy lunch onboard as we cruise out of Talbot Bay, weaving past many little islands and through the Koolan Island Gap. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a freshwater swim at Dugong Bay. We can also swim in turquoise waters and explore silica-white sand beaches. In the late afternoon, we will commence our cruise past Cape Leveque celebrating our final evening together onboard as we make our way to Broome.
Day 8
BROOME
After sharing so many experiences with the crew and fellow guests, this is a big day for everyone. We steam overnight into Broome and disembark the boat at 8:00 am, for a bus transfer to your Broome accommodation.
14 Day Classic Adventure vv – Broome to Wyndham
Day 1
BROOME
Your Kimberley cruise classic adventure will begin at approximately 5:00 pm with drinks and canapes on the bow. Once underway, the Chef will treat you to your first delicious dinner as we cruise up the coast towards the Buccaneer Archipelago.
Day 2
YAMPI SOUND TO TALBOT BAY
On your first full day aboard the boat, we’ll cruise across the vast King Sound to Yampi Sound. Tide permitting, you can collect some legendary Kimberley Rock Oysters for the evening entrée. Then it’s onto your first freshwater swim under an awe-inspiring waterfall. Back onboard, we’ll relax and enjoy the afternoon cruise through the Koolan Island Gap, weaving past many little islands on our way to Dugong Bay.
Day 3
DOUBTFUL BAY
Wake up to panoramic views of the magnificent Raft Point headland. We’ll spend the day exploring waterfalls, swimming and fishing in the Glenelg River, Red Cone Creek or Three Ways. You will join the crew and your fellow guests to watch the sunset and toast your day of adventure.
Day 4
MONTGOMERY REEF
The unique tidal flows of Montgomery Reef are a sight to behold as we take an early morning cruise along this unique reef structure. Your crew will describe the incredible history of the area while we search for grazing Turtles, roving Sharks and the odd Dugong. You’ll then have the exciting opportunity to view the reef from the air, thanks to our onboard helicopter. After the turn of the tide, we will cruise up to Camden Sound and anchor for the evening.
Day 5
CAMDEN HARBOUR
We will start our day exploring Camden Sound and Sheep Island, the first attempted European settlement in the Kimberley. You will marvel at the scenery as we cruise through Port George and Treachery Passage to Saint Georges basin. Your crew will point out major Kimberley features, such as Mount Trafalgar and Mount Waterloo as we enter the Prince Regent River. We will have the opportunity to fish the low tide at sunset.
Day 6
PRINCE REGENT RIVER/KING CASCASDE
In the morning, we will continue our cruise along the Prince Regent River arriving at the famous King Cascade. The Skipper will position the boat under the waterfall for a beautiful photo. After anchoring the boat in the river, we will take the tender boats across to the river’s edge to commence our walk up through the rocky outcrops and along the fern-lined waterfall, arriving at the rear of the waterfall. There is the opportunity for a scenic helicopter flight to see this unique river system from the air. In the afternoon, we will make our way out of the Prince Regent River, heading towards Careening Bay, where Philip Parker King careened his boat in 1820.
Day 7
HUNTER RIVER
We’ll spend the morning fishing and explore the surrounding tributaries, before anchoring right next to the cascading waterfall. At the top of the falls, you can swim in a multitude of crystal clear freshwater pools and frolic beneath the magical waterfalls which feed them. The evening will be spent cruising out of the river to the delightful Careening Bay.
Day 8
YORK SOUND/WINYALKEN ISLAND
Waking up in York Sound, we will set off for a walk through a tropical rainforest arriving for a swim at Benno’s waterfall. After lunch, we cruise to Swift Bay and Winyalken Island. Winyalken Island is covered in Livingstonia palms like a storybook pirate island. There are caves to explore as well as fascinating Wandjina and Gwion Gwion art.
Day 9
MITCHELL RIVER
This stunning wide river system has waterfalls and rock pools we can walk to. As an open estuary river, it is the perfect hunting ground for Barramundi. We will take the opportunity to drop some Mud Crab pots before lunch. After lunch, we will head off to Surveyors Creek, which is a pretty little gorge about halfway down the Mitchell River, where you can enjoy a swim in a huge waterhole.
Day 10
OSBORNE ISLANDS
Osborne Islands are a protected group of islands offering ample opportunity for adventure activities. We will start the day with a fishing excursion or a beach combing expedition. Later in the morning, the group will have the option to take the helicopter into a remote waterfall location for a picnic lunch and swim. In the evening, we will enjoy the sunset and a bonfire on the beach.
Day 11
VANSITTART BAY
We’ll kick things off with a fishing excursion. We target a variety of pelagic species here, including Giant Trevally, Queenfish, Tuna and Mackerel. There are also a few places to pick up a Mangrove Jack, Fingermark or Bluebone as well. We’ll then cool off with a quick swim before trekking over to view the mysterious Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) ancient rock art galleries. Back onboard the boat, we will have lunch as we cruise into the cove to explore a crashed World War II DC3 plane. In the evening, we’ll cruise around to the Osborne Islands.
Day 12
KING GEORGE RIVER
Your backdrop for breakfast will be awesome cathedral-like gorges as we cruise up the magnificent King George River. You’ll spend today trekking, exploring and drinking in the fantastic scenery this river has to offer in overwhelming abundance. The iconic twin King George Falls are a highlight not just of the day but of the entire Kimberley Coast, and you can experience them right from the bow of the boat.
Day 13
BERKELEY RIVER
The Berkeley River is a stunning river system that offers a wide variety of soft adventure options, including nature walks and swimming in fresh water pools. You will also have the opportunity to dangle your line and possibly catch a Barramundi, before enjoying a walk to a waterhole. In the afternoon, we’ll cruise back down the river and anchor just outside the mouth for the late afternoon.
Day 14
WYNDHAM
After sharing so many experiences with the crew and fellow guests, this is a big day for everyone. We steam overnight into Wyndham and disembark the boat at 8:00 am for your bus transfer back to Kununurra.
9 Day Waterfall Safari – Broome to Wyndham
Day 1
BROOME
Your Kimberley cruise adventure begins at 5:00 pm with drinks and canapes on the bow. Once underway, the Chef will serve dinner as we cruise up the coast towards the Buccaneer Archipelago.
Day 2
YAMPI SOUND TO TALBOT BAY
On your first full day onboard, we will cruise across the vast King Sound to Yampi Sound. We can swim in turquoise waters and explore silica-white sand beaches. Perhaps you will have your first freshwater swim under an awe-inspiring waterfall at Crocodile Creek. Back onboard, you can relax and enjoy the afternoon cruise through the Koolan Island Gap, weaving past many little islands on our way to experience the world-famous Horizontal Falls.
Day 3
DOUBTFUL BAY & MONTGOMERY REEF
Wake up to panoramic views of the magnificent Raft Point headland. We will spend the morning exploring waterfalls, swimming and fishing in a creek of choice in the Doubtful Bay area. We will enjoy lunch onboard as we cruise to Montgomery Reef. The unique tidal flows are a sight to behold as we cruise along this unique reef structure. Your crew will describe the incredible history of the area while we search for grazing Turtles, roving Sharks and the odd Dugong. You will then have the exciting opportunity to view the reef from the air, thanks to our onboard helicopter. After the turn of the tide, we will enjoy dinner onboard and spend the evening cruising to Saint George Basin.
Day 4
PRINCE REGENT RIVER/KING CASCADE
We will continue our cruise along the Prince Regent River, arriving at the famous King Cascade. The Skipper will position the boat under the waterfall for a beautiful photo. After anchoring the boat in the river, we will take the tender boats across to the river’s edge to walk up through the rocky outcrops and along the fern-lined waterfall, arriving at a waterhole at the rear of the waterfall. There is the opportunity for a scenic heli flight overhead to see this unique river system from the air. In the afternoon, we will leave the Prince Regent River towards the Hunter River.
Day 6
MITCHELL RIVER
This stunning wide river system has waterfalls and rockpools we can walk to. As an open estuary river, it is the perfect hunting ground for Barramundi. We’ll take the opportunity to drop some Mud Crab pots before lunch. After lunch, we’ll head off to Surveyors Creek, a pretty little gorge about halfway down the Mitchell River, where you can swim in a huge waterhole.
Day 7
KING GEORGE FALLS
Your backdrop for breakfast will be cathedral-like gorges as we cruise down the magnificent King George River. You will be driven right up to the cascading waterfalls, and you can take a shower right on the bow of the boat. We’ll then spend the day exploring and enjoying all the fantastic scenery this river offers.
Day 8
BERKELEY RIVER
The Berkeley River is a stunning river system that offers various soft adventure options, including nature walks and swimming in freshwater pools. You’ll also have the opportunity to dangle your line and possibly catch that elusive Barramundi before enjoying a walk to a waterhole. We’ll cruise back down the river in the afternoon and anchor just outside the mouth for the late afternoon.
Day 9
Wyndham
After sharing so many experiences with the crew and fellow guests, this is a big day for everyone. We steam overnight into Wyndham and disembark the boat at 8:00 am for your bus transfer back to Kununurra.
Day 5
HUNTER RIVER
The Hunter River is an incredibly scenic waterway rich with fat Barramundi and succulent Mud Crabs with plenty of opportunity to forage for lunch. For the adventurous, we can set off on a challenging hike to Jackson’s Falls. We take the helicopter to Manning Peak for sunset drinks in the afternoon. Tonight we will steam to the Mitchell River.
6 Night Kings Of The Kimberley Northern Gorges
Day 1
Wyndham to Berkeley River
Your crew will welcome you aboard around 5:00pm at the Wyndham Jetty with drinks and canapés, before we set off for the spectacular Berkeley River. Dinner will be served underway and then you’ll have the rest of the evening to settle into your cabin, familiarize yourself with the boat, and relax.
Day 2
Berkeley River
The Berkeley River is a stunning river system that offers a wide variety of soft adventure options, including nature walks and swimming in fresh water pools. You’ll also have the opportunity to dangle your line and possibly catch that elusive 50-pounder barramundi, before enjoying a picnic lunch. In the afternoon we’ll cruise back down the river and anchor just outside the mouth for the late afternoon.
Day 3
Atlantis Bay / Whiskey Creek
Start the day with a sumptuous breakfast as we cruise to the secluded Atlantis Bay. Here we’ll go ashore for a quick walk to a lovely waterhole, or perhaps take a leisurely stroll along the beach. We’ll then head toward Cape Whiskey and Whiskey Creek where we can go fishing on the low tide. In the afternoon, we’ll cruise to the magnificent King George River and set anchor for the night.
Day 4
King George Falls
Your backdrop for breakfast will be cathedral-like gorges as we cruise down the magnificent King George River. Your vessel will be driven right up to the cascading waterfalls and you can take a shower right on the bow of the boat. We’ll then spend the day trekking, exploring and enjoying all the fantastic scenery this river has to offer.
Day 6
Drysdale River
We’ll kick things off with a fishing excursion to organise the daily lunch buffet. We target a variety of pelagic species here, including giant trevally, queenfish, tuna and mackerel. There are also a few places to pick up a mangrove jack, fingermark or bluebone as well. We’ll then cool off with a quick swim before trekking over to view the mysterious Bradshaw ancient rock art galleries. Back aboard the boat, we’ll enjoy a sumptuous fresh lunch as we cruise into the cove to explore a crashed World War II DC3 plane. In the evening, we’ll cruise around Cape Bougainville to the mighty Mitchell River.
Day 7
Fly from Mitchell Falls to Kununurra
Today you’ll be transferred from the boat via helicopter over the picturesque Mitchell Falls to the Mitchell airstrip. Here you’ll be greeted by a fixed-wing aircraft that will fly you back to Kununurra airport.
4 Night Kimberley Fishing Extravaganza
Day 1
Broome to Doubtful Bay
You will take a light aircraft from Broome to Mount Hart station and then a helicopter to meet the boat. We’ll be kicking things off with a fishing expedition at a creek of choice in the Doubtful Bay area. In the afternoon, we’ll make our way to Red Cone Creek for a swim at Ruby’s Falls. This is a spectacular waterfall with a swimming hole at the top.
Day 2
Barlee Impediment/Mud Bay
Waking up at Barlee Impediment, a vast waterway with many fishing opportunities. We will set off in the tenders and explore the many creeks, runoffs, and rock bars in search of Barramundi, Finger Mark and Mangrove Jack. After lunch, we’ll cruise around to Mud Bay to try our luck with the outgoing tide, targeting pelagics such as Giant Trevally and Queen Fish.
Day 3
Montgomery Reef
The unique tidal flows of Montgomery Reef are a sight to behold as we take an early morning cruise along this unique reef structure. Your crew will describe the incredible history of the area while we search for grazing Turtles, roving Sharks and the odd Dugong. You’ll then have the exciting opportunity to view the reef from the air, thanks to our onboard helicopter. Before lunch, we will enjoy a refreshing swim on our very own sandy cay island before it disappears right before our eyes with the incoming tide. After lunch, we will pull anchor and cruise across to Eagle Creek, where we will fish the outgoing tide for Barramundi.
Day 4
Raft Point
In the morning, we will try our luck at mud crabbing on the incoming tide and estuary fishing. We will enjoy lunch onboard as we cruise around to Raft Point, where you can either go for a fish or simply enjoy this spectacular Kimberley vista. In the afternoon, we will cruise to Red Cone Creek for a short walk and cooling swim at Sapphire Pool.
Day 5
Broome
After departing MV Great Escape in the morning by helicopter, you’ll land at Mount Hart and be transferred to Broome by a fixed wing charter flight. Our friendly office staff will greet you at Broome airport and then transfer you onto your accommodation or to the Broome International Airport if required.
Inclusions & Options
Your expedition includes:
Optional extras:
Deck Plan & Cabins
Cabins:
Panoramic View Staterooms
Three Panoramic View Staterooms are located on the mid-level and on the upper deck. This is the superior level of accommodation onboard MV Great Escape, providing added space, larger windows, and larger ensuites. The Panoramic Stateroom is 15.2 metres squared including the ensuite.
Horizon Staterooms
Four Horizon View Staterooms are located on the lower deck, all with private ensuites, large port-hole style windows, personal fridges, flat screen televisions and DVD players. These rooms have queen-size beds you can walk all the way around, and two can be configured as twin-single beds as well. The Horizon View Stateroom is 8.8 metres squared including the ensuite.
Deck Plan:
More About This Ship:
….. The vessel accommodates a maximum of 14 passengers in 7 executive staterooms with queen size beds you can walk all the way around, and the option of twin single bed configuration. Three 5 metre excursion tenders are available to transfer guests from MV Great Escape to their daily adventures. This allows for flexibility within the itinerary. Guests may choose a preferred shore-based excursion or boating activity. MV Great Escape features indoor and alfresco dining areas to allow for all weather conditions.