Essence Of The Kimberley With Grand Kimberley Coast (Island Sky)

Description

Enjoy 20 day adventure discovering Kimberley. Experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises.

Trip Name

Essence Of The Kimberley With Grand Kimberley Coast (Island Sky)

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 90 metres Passenger Capacity: 116 Built / refurbished: 1992 / 2010 / 2017 Sister ship to Hebridean Sky. Island Sky and Hebridean Sky are truly sisters. Built in the same Italian Shipyard, both boast spacious, well-appointed suites, stylish common areas, and redundant core technology that allows them to operate smoothly, even under the most challenging of conditions. Both ships are all-suite, all-inclusive small expedition vessels with touches of elegance throughout. The Island Sky is scheduled for additional upgrades in 2017, including the addition of tinted sliding glass doors to all cabins on the Promenade Deck. Services: World-Class Cuisine Complimentary Wine or Beer with Dinner Live Entertainment Complimentary Coffee/Tea station Voyage Photographer On-board MD and Facilities Dedicated Passenger Service Manager Pre-voyage hotel night Complimentary Expedition Jacket Facilities: Elevator serving all passenger decks Upgraded WIFI Internet Library with computers Panoramic Top Deck Observation Platform Bar/Lounge with Live Entertainment Lounge with Audiovisual Facilities DVD Movie Library Tinted sliding glass doors in all cabins on the Promenade Deck World-Class Cuisine: Great expeditions require great food! Our team of world-class chefs offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that change daily. They have boat-loads of creativity, so you are sure to experience a variety of remarkable cuisine throughout your voyage. Accommodations: All Suites Feature: Exterior views Your choice of queen-sized or two twin-sized beds Sitting area with sofa and side chair Flat Screen TV with DVD/CD player Telephone Independent temperature controls Mini-Bar Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries Hair dryer 220 square feet or more Sofa can be converted to bed for third person PLEASE NOTE - DECK PLANS CAN VARY.

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1 Arrive Broome

Arrive in Broome, where we meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 - DAY 2 Broome, Gibb River Road, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek

Journey along the Gibb River to Windjana Gorge, where ancient marine fossils lay embedded in the gorge walls. Next it's on to Tunnel Creek, Western Australia's oldest cave system. Wade through the cool waters that fill the tunnel and discover a serene oasis on the other side. Later, continue to Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge.

Day 3 - DAY 3 Bell Gorge

Travel to Bell Gorge today, where towering cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. You might like to hike to the lower pool of the gorge and enjoy a refreshing dip in the waterfall below, or enjoy a spot of bird-watching.

Day 4 - DAY 4 Galvans Gorge, Manning Gorge, Gibb River Road, Home Valley Station

At Galvans Gorge, a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole where boab trees cling to the escarpment above. Continue to the beautiful Manning Gorge, where you'll enjoy lunch in the shade of paperbark trees. Look out for the region's bird life and enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine water. Later ford the mighty Durack River before arriving at Home Valley Station, an immense cattle property. Tonight you'll be treated to views over the Cockburn Range during sunset.

Day 5 - DAY 5 El Questro, Emma Gorge

Soak in the delectable hot pools of Zebedee Springs and leave feeling revitalised.Cross the Pentecost River into El Questro, covering a staggering 700,000 acres. Afterwards, visit the station township and take a moment to unwind. Hike to picturesque Emma Gorge, where you can indulge in a refreshing dip in a safe freshwater swimming hole beneath a towering droplet waterfall. Tonight, absorb the serene surroundings before indulging in a delicious dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 6 - DAY 6 Ord River, Lake Kununurra, Kununurra

Travel to the majestic Lake Argyle and join a spectacular wildlife cruise on the mighty Ord River. From a modern shaded vessel, discover a fascinating ecological system that is rich in wildlife, flora and undeniable beauty. This evening, spend your time at leisure or simply relax at your hotel.

Day 7 - DAY 7 Purnululu National Park, Echidna Chasm

Journey to Purnululu National Park, one of Australia’s most stunning natural landscapes. Join a hike along a Livistona palm-fringed trail into Echidna Chasm, a spectacular natural cleft in the rock. Settle into the tranquil ambience of the Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, located in the heart of this stunning national park.

Day 8 - DAY 8 Purnululu National Park, Piccaninny Creek, Cathedral Gorge

Watch the sunset over the Bungle Bungle Range – with a glass of bubbly in hand, of course.A full day has been set aside for you to explore Purnululu National Park today, starting with a walk along Piccaninny Creek. Your next stop is Cathedral Gorge, a natural amphitheatre of red rock, created by millions of years of water erosion. Tonight, end your day with an unforgettable Signature Experience.

Day 9 - DAY 9 Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing

Head to Halls Creek and admire the unusual China Wall. A natural quartz formation that runs six kilometres along the landscape, the wall is an echo of that for which it was named - the Great Wall of China. Continue on towards Fitzroy Crossing, a small settlement situated on the Fitzroy River.

Day 10 - DAY 10 Geikie Gorge, Broome

Travel to Geikie Gorge National Park and explore magnificent Darngku (Geikie Gorge). Flooding of the river has bleached the walls white over time - an intriguing sight that makes it popular with photographers. Board a unique cruise before returning to Broome.

Day 11 - DAY 11 Broome, Embark Ship

Check out of your hotel this morning and set out on a fleeting exploration of this historic pearling town. You'll gain a deeper understanding of Broome's Indigenous culture and the Japanese pearl divers who arrived here in the 1880s. Then it's time to bid farewell to Broome and transfer to your expedition ship. A relaxed dinner this evening sets the tone for the next nine nights on board.

Day 12 - DAY 12 Adele Island, Buccaneer Archipelago

There’s promise of 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 for an exploration of this remote coastal area by Zodiac.

Day 13 - DAY 13 Talbot Bay, Horizontal Falls

Subject to tidal conditions, set out on a thrilling ride through Horizontal Falls aboard a high-powered fast boat.Today your ship cruises through to Talbot Bay, known for its epic 12-metre tides that create an astonishing natural spectacle, the Horizontal Falls. After an exciting Signature Experience, join your expedition team and hop aboard a Zodiac to venture through Cyclone Creek.

Day 14 - DAY 14 Raft Point, Doubtful Bay, Montgomery Reef

Join your expedition team for an in-depth exploration of Montgomery Reef by Zodiac. Witness the reef rise out of the ocean as the tidal waters cascade rapidly into the surrounding channels.Excitement builds this morning as you set out on an incredible Signature Experience. Then, cruise through Doubtful Bay before stepping ashore at Raft Point to visit an ancient rock art site.

Day 15 - DAY 15 Careening Bay, Prince Regent Reserve, St George's Basin

Reach Careening Bay today, home to the historic Mermaid Boab Tree. See for yourself a living piece of Australian colonial history before continuing 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.

Day 16 - DAY 16 Prince Frederick Harbour, Hunter River, Mitchell Falls

Your expedition ship arrives at Prince Frederick Harbour today, home to soaring red cliffs and mangroves. 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 (additional expense).

Day 17 - DAY 17 Bigge Island

In caves throughout Bigge Island, see examples of first contact art.Discover Bigge Island today, known for its Indigenous rock art created by the Wunambal people.

Day 18 - DAY 18 Vansittart Bay, Jar Island

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.

Day 19 - DAY 19 Koolama Bay, King George River And Falls

Join your expedition team and jump aboard a Zodiac to meander through the river's gorge system. Anticipation builds as your Zodiac approaches King George Falls, plunging 80 metres over a towering sandstone cliff.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, where you will enjoy a Signature Experience. Back on board, toast the end of an epic adventure during a farewell dinner.

Day 20 - DAY 20 Wyndham, Disembark Ship, Depart Kununurra

Arriving into Wyndham this morning means it’s time to say goodbye to your ship. Be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Day 21 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Explore The Bungle Bungles. Take part in an exploration of the Bungle Bungle Range as you witness the natural wonders of Purnululu National Park.
Spectacular Horizontal Falls. Board a high powered fast-boat to ride the massive tide at the spectacular Horizontal Falls.
Montgomery Reef. Board your Zodiac to experience Montgomery Reef as the tide recedes, getting up close to unique marine life.