from$ 10920 AUD
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Coral Geographer
Darwin to Broome
Overview
Explore the Kimberley region on an unforgettable expedition through an ancient landscape where nature takes centre stage and Indigenous connections and exploration history abound. Coral Expeditions has over 24 years’ experience in the Kimberley, with an expert expedition team who love to share their passion and knowledge with you.
Departures
Cruise Itinerary
Board in Darwin at 8:00am for a 9:00am departure. On a reverse departure board in Broome at 4:00pm for a 5:00pm departure.
KING GEORGE RIVER & FALLS King George Falls are the highest twin falls in Western Australia at 80 metres. Here, cruise through steep-sided gorges to reach the base of the falls. In waterfall season, cruise under the mist of the falls by Zodiac, while in later months view the honeycomb erosion patterns of sandstone cliffs up close. VANSITTART BAY Vansittart Bay is home to many cultural and historically significant sites like the remarkable Jar Island Gwion Gwion rock art galleries estimated to be up to 20,000 years old. Nearby, explore the wreckage of a US Air Force C-53 Skytrooper aircraft. MITCHELL FALLS, WINYALKAN, & SWIFT BAY Carved through layers of sandstone, Mitchell Falls descends over four tiers, creating pools of emerald green on each level. An optional helicopter flight will provide a breathtaking view over the falls, or instead explore the sandstone caves of Hathway’s Hideaway. Swift Bay reveals a series of fine rock art galleries. PRINCE FREDERICK HARBOUR Prince Frederick Harbour is one of the Kimberley’s most spectacular locations. The harbour is dotted with islands lined with mangroves and monsoon rainforests, set against a backdrop of ochre-hued escarpments. White-bellied sea eagles and other birds are often seen here, and at low tide mudflats reveal large populations of mud-skippers and mangrove crabs. Cruise up Porosus Creek to spot wildlife and later explore rock art sites. PRINCE REGENT RIVER & CAREENING BAY Running along a straight fault line, Prince Regent River is a haven for native species. Here we visit beautiful King Cascade, where falling water tumbles down a terrace of Kimberley sandstone, surrounded by grasses and ferns. Later, see the Heritage Listed ‘Mermaid Tree’. It still bears the name carved by the carpenter of HMS Mermaid when the ship was repaired here in 1820. MONTGOMERY REEF Montgomery Reef covers over 300 sq km. As the sea recedes in mammoth tides, the reef rises from the ocean in a cascade of rushing water. Opportunistic birds take advantage of the marine life left exposed in rock pools, while turtles and larger marine life may also be spotted. Get up close to witness the spectacle, as our Expedition Team share their knowledge on the reef and wildlife. DOUBTFUL BAY Raft Point guards the entrance to sheltered Doubtful Bay, which harbours significant sites such as the ancient Wandjina rock art galleries. Visit Red Cone Creek and beautiful Ruby Falls and climb up the rock formations to reach the freshwater swimming hole. Other sites we may visit here are the Sale River and Steep Island. HORIZONTAL FALLS & BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO Due to the mammoth tides the Kimberley is renowned for, the Horizontal Falls are created as the ocean thunders through a narrow gorge in the McLarty Ranges. Experience a heart-pumping ride through the rapids aboard our Zodiacs. THE LACEPEDES A Class-A nature reserve, these islands are a rookery for brown boobies and roseate terns as well as other species. The low-lying islands are also an important habitat for green turtles, which are often spotted. If conditions allow, explore the lagoon by Zodiac.
Disembark in Broome at 8:00am. On a reverse departure disembark in Darwin at 8:30am. A post cruise transfer to the city or airport is included.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Coral Geographer
Vessel Type: Expedition Passenger Capacity: 120 Built: 2020 Expedition capabilities > Two trademark Xplorer tenders seat all passengers and facilitate comfortable shore excursions > Six zodiacs for more intrepid exploration > Lecture lounge for daily expedition briefings and expert presentations > Small onboard library featuring books on destinations and wildlife > Shallow draft and advanced navigation and propulsion systems allowing access to locations closed to large cruise ships Marine immersion > Navigator lounge in the bridge > Over 1000 square metres of open deck space including a wrap-around promenade deck with panoramic views > Engine room tours and a high level of crew interaction with guests Food and wine features > Single seating dining with communal table serves buffet breakfast and lunch, and multi-course table d’hote dinners > Showcase galley with viewing window creating fresh small-batch cuisine featuring Australian and local produce > Multiple indoor and outdoor bars, including our Explorer bar on the sundeck for sunset drinks > Curated wine cellar featuring boutique wines and exceptional vintage Australian reds Guest comfort > All outside-facing guest cabins with en-suite bathrooms; the majority have a private balcony > Active stabilisers to dampen sea motion > Well-equipped gym > Passenger elevator > Wi-Fi available in all guest areas
Highlights
• Experience the thrill of riding the tidal rapids through Horizontal Falls aboard a Zodiac • Marvel at King George River and get in close to the soaring 80m high King George Falls • Visit Indigenous rock art galleries and learn about ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion art • Spot crocodiles, tawny nurse sharks, sea turtles, humpback whales, and rock wallabies • Get up close to Montgomery Reef as it emerges from the sea and discover the tidal reef’s diverse marine life • Visit the Important Bird Area of the Lacepede Islands, and spot numerous bird species throughout your voyage, including Eastern Ospreys and White-breasted Sea Eagles • Follow in the wake of Phillip Parker King on a cruise up the Prince Regent River to King Cascade waterfall • View the Kimberley landscape from the air on an optional scenic helicopter flight to Mitchell Falls (additional cost) • Enjoy sunset canapes and drinks on the beach as dusk settles over the Kimberley
Map