Kimberley Complete With Grand Kimberley Coast (Island Sky)

Description

Spacious Suites On Sky Ships. With the largest lead-in cabins in the region for ships of this size, welcome to APT Small Ship Expedition Cruising.

Custom-Designed 4WD Vehicles. Our specially engineered vehicles have an impeccable reliability record, traversing some of the roughest terrain.

Exclusive Wilderness Lodges. APT’s network of secluded Wilderness Lodges are perfectly placed in the key Kimberley locations.

Trip Name

Kimberley Complete 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 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.Stay: Nine Nights, MS Island Sky

Day 2 - Day 2 Koolama Bay, King George River and Falls

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEAnticipation 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

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEIn 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 (own 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

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEExcitement 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

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCESubject 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. 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

Arriving into Broome this morning means it’s time to say goodbye to your ship. You’ll set out on a fleeting exploration of this historic pearling town before being transferred to Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa. Spend the day at leisure, before a welcome dinner.Stay: Broome, Cable Beach Club Resort Spa

Day 11 - Day 11 Gibb River Road, Windjana Gorge, Tunnel Creek

Your adventure commences today with a visit to Windjana Gorge. Later, continue to Tunnel Creek and wade through its cool waters.Stay: Fitzroy Crossing, Fitzroy River Lodge

Day 12 - Day 12 Geikie Gorge, Halls Creek, Purnululu National Park

Today's highlight is a cruise along Geikie Gorge, home to unique flora and fauna.Stay: Two Nights, APT's exclusive Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge

Day 13 - Day 13 Purnululu National Park, Piccaninny Creek, Cathedral Gorge

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEToast the day with a glass of bubbly as the sun sets over the Bungle Bungle Range.Today starts with a walk along Piccaninny Creek, before stopping at Cathedral Gorge. You might like to take a helicopter flight over the Bungle Bungle Range (own expense). Tonight, enjoy a special Signature Experience.

Day 14 - Day 14 Echidna Chasm, Kununurra

Join a hike along a Livistona palm-fringed trail into the natural cleft that is Echidna Chasm. Then it's on to Kununurra.Stay: Two Nights, Kununurra Country Club Resort

Day 15 - Day 15 Lake Argyle, Ord River, Kununurra

Travel to Lake Argyle before joining a wildlife cruise on the mighty Ord River. Later, soak up the Kimberley sunset while cruising on the tranquil Lake Kununurra.

Day 16 - Day 16 Parry’s Lagoon, Wyndham, El Questro

Explore Parry’s Lagoon then head to Wyndham and view the Cambridge Gulf from the Five Rivers Lookout.Stay: El Questro, Emma Gorge Resort

Day 17 - Day 17 El Questro, Home Valley Station

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCESoak in the hot pools of Zebedee Springs and leave feeling revitalised for a hike to Emma Gorge.An incredible Signature Experience awaits this morning in the wilderness of El Questro. Tonight, you'll be treated to views over the Cockburn Range during sunset.Stay: Home Valley Station

Day 18 - Day 18 Gibb River Road, Mitchell Plateau

Travel to the Mitchell Plateau today.Stay: Two Nights, APT's exclusive Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge

Day 19 - Day 19 Mitchell Falls

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEEnjoy an included helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls or if you prefer, hike back to the vehicle with your guide.A world of waterfalls awaits your discovery at Mitchell Falls today. Later, take to the skies during an unforgettable Signature Experience.

Day 20 - Day 20 King Edward River, Drysdale River Station

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCEAdmire ancient Indigenous Wandjina and Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) rock art.Visit Indigenous rock art galleries and enjoy a refreshing swim in King Edward River.Stay: Drysdale River Station

Day 21 - Day 21 Manning Gorge, Galvans Gorge, Gibb River Road

At Manning Gorge, enjoy lunch in the shade of boab trees. Continue to Galvans Gorge.Stay: Two Nights, APT's exclusive Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge

Day 22 - Day 22 Bell Gorge

Back on the Gibb River Road, travel to Bell Gorge. Here, enjoy a refreshing swim in the cool waterhole.

Day 23 - Day 23 Derby, Broome

Return to Broome, stopping at the Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre and the Boab Prison Tree along the way.Stay: Broome, Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa

Day 24 - Day 24 Depart Broome

Discover the delights of Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa as you enjoy your day to unwind at leisure before transferring to the airport for your flight home.

Day 25 - Please Note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Mitchell Falls Scenic Flight. Take an included breathtaking helicopter flight over the spectacular four-tiered cascading Mitchell Falls.
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.