Grand Kimberley Coast With Cape Leveque (Island Sky)

Description

Enjoy 12 day Kimberley cruise aboard Island Sky.

Trip Name

Grand Kimberley Coast With Cape Leveque (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 Kununurra, Wyndham, Embark Ship

From Kununurra transfer 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.

Day 2 - DAY 2 Koolama Bay, King George River And Falls

Anticipation builds as your Zodiac approaches King George Falls, plunging 80 metres over a towering 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. It is here you’ll experience your first Signature Experience.

Day 3 - DAY 3 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 4 - DAY 4 Bigge Island

In caves throughout the island, see examples of first contact art depicting European tall ships dating from the 15th to 18th century. Having been repainted annually for the past 5,000 years, it is thought to be the oldest continuous sacred painting tradition on the planet.Discover Bigge Island today, known for its Indigenous rock art created by the Wunambal people. During your time here, take in a Signature Experience.

Day 5 - DAY 5 Prince Frederick Harbour, Hunter River, Mitchell Falls

Your expedition ship arrives at Prince Frederick Harbour today, home to soaring 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. Keen birdwatchers should keep an eye out for kingfishers, egrets, herons and white-bellied sea eagles. It's time to jump aboard your Zodiac vessels for an 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 the natural spectacle of Mitchell Falls from above (additional expense).

Day 6 - DAY 6 Careening Bay, Prince Regent Reserve, St George's Basin

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.

Day 7 - DAY 7 Montgomery Reef, Doubtful Bay, Raft Point

Excitement builds this morning as you 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. Keep an eye out for unique bird life and turtles who may pop their heads up from time to time.Start your day with a phenomenal Signature Experience. Then, 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. When available, you'll be joined by a local Indigenous guide.

Day 8 - DAY 8 Talbot Bay, Horizontal Falls

Today your ship cruises through to Talbot Bay, known for its epic 12-metre tides that create an astonishing natural spectacle, the Horizontal Falls. Here, enjoy a Signature Experience. The adventure continues as you jump aboard your Zodiac vessel for an exploration of Cyclone Creek. See dramatic folding in the rock formations as you navigate through the creek, accompanied by your expedition team member.

Day 9 - DAY 9 Buccaneer Archipelago, Adele Island

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.

Day 10 - DAY 10 Disembark Ship, Broome, Cygnet Bay

Arriving into Broome this morning means it’s time to say goodbye to your ship. This afternoon journey to Cape Leveque to visit the remote camp of Kooljaman, which is owned and run by the Indigenous Bardi Jawi Communities. Dinner tonight will be accompanied by an Indigenous host at Kooljaman.

Day 11 - DAY 11 Cygnet Bay

Join a local expert to discover the secrets of how the world’s finest pearls are produced at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm.Start your day with breakfast overlooking Cygnet Bay before enjoying a Signature Experience. After lunch, take to the water on a Sea Safari and cruise the ancient landscapes of the Buccaneer Archipelago. Watch the sunset on Shell Island before dinner back at Cygnet Bay this evening.

Day 12 - DAY 12 Beagle Bay, Depart Broome

Farewell the Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm and visit the Ardyaloon Trochus Hatchery & Aquaculture Centre at One Arm Point. The Bardi Jawi retain a strong connection to their rich culture and saltwater traditions, and you'll learn about the hunting and gathering methods that have been passed down by their ancestors over the years. Gain a fascinating insight into the Aboriginal Dreamtime before continuing to Beagle Bay, a small Indigenous community that was founded in 1890 by French Trappist monks. Visit the Beagle Bay Church and view its decorative altar. An abundance of mother of pearl shells from local waters have been laid into the plaster, giving it a unique finish. This afternoon Return to Broome and transfer to Airport.

Day 13 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. Join a local expert at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm and discover how the world's finest pearls are produced.
Phenomenal Montgomery Reef. Witness the tidal phenomenon of Montgomery Reef as it rises out of the water.
Cape Leveque Cultural Visit. Journey to Cape Leveque and the remote camp of Kooljaman where you will learn about the cultural traditions of the local Bardi Jawi.