Kimberley & Top End With Grand Kimberley Coast

Description

Enjoy 26 day adventure aboard Island Sky discovering Kimberley. Experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises.

Trip Name

Kimberley & Top End With Grand Kimberley Coast

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 (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

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

Subject 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 expedition ship. Be transferred to the iconic Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa, where you will enjoy the evening at leisure.

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

Journey on the Gibb River Road to Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above pristine white sands and fossils lay embedded in the gorge walls. The gorge is home to an array of wildlife, including freshwater crocodiles. Next it's on to Tunnel Creek, a 750-metre-long natural tunnel carved through the Napier Range. Wade through the cool waters that fill the tunnel and emerge on the other side to a serene oasis.

Day 12 - DAY 12 Bell Gorge

Travel to Bell Gorge, where towering cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. You might like to hike to the lower pool of the gorge and enjoy a dip in the waterfall below. Alternatively, relax in the shade and enjoy a spot of birdwatching.

Day 13 - DAY 13 Galvans Gorge, Manning Gorge, Drysdale River Station

Travel through the heart of Kimberley cattle country to Galvans Gorge, where a refreshing swim awaits. Then, continue to the beautiful Manning Gorge, where you'll enjoy lunch before arriving at the historic cattle station of Drysdale River Station.

Day 14 - DAY 14 Mitchell Plateau, King Edward River

Admire ancient Indigenous Wandjina and Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) rock art.Explore the Wandjina and Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) rock art galleries of the Mitchell Plateau before a swim in the clear waters of the King Edward River.

Day 15 - DAY 15 Mitchell Falls

Enjoy 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 today. Take to the skies on an unforgettable Signature Experience.

Day 16 - DAY 16 Gibb River Road, El Questro

Bidding the Mitchell Plateau goodbye, rejoin the Gibb River Road and ford the Durack and Pentecost rivers on the way to El Questro.

Day 17 - DAY 17 El Questro

Relax as you soak in the Zebedee Sprngs and leave feeling revitalised.Cruise Chamberlain Gorge today, a fresh waterway fringed by tropical vegetation and rugged red escarpments. After lunch, head to Zebedee Springs, a permanent natural thermal spring tucked away in a secluded pocket of rainforest.

Day 18 - DAY 18 Purnululu National Park, Echidna Chasm

Journey deep into Purnululu National Park and travel the Spring Creek Track before hiking to Echidna Chasm, a natural cleft in the rock.

Day 19 - DAY 19 Purnululu National Park, Piccaninny Creek, Cathedral Gorge

Toast 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, end your day with a special Signature Experience.

Day 20 - DAY 20 Ord River, Kununurra

Today will be spent travelling to Kununurra, the gateway to the eastern Kimberley.

Day 21 - DAY 21 Lake Argyle, Ord River Cruise

Travel to Lake Argyle and set out on a wildlife cruise along the mighty Ord River.

Day 22 - DAY 22 Nitmiluk National Park

Cross the border into the Northern Territory on the way to Nitmiluk National Park. This evening, be treated to canapes and drinks on arrival at Cicada Lodge, followed by a three-course dinner showcasing local produce.

Day 23 - DAY 23 Nitmiluk Gorge, Kakadu National Park, Yellow Water Billabong Cruise

After breakfast, set out on a cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge. Next it's on to Kakadu, Australia’s largest national park. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on Yellow Water Billabong, then journey to Nourlangie Rock. See its ancient rock art, dating back some 20,000 years.

Day 24 - DAY 24 Arnhem Land, Hawk Dreaming, Cannon Hill

A local guide will join you today as you cross the East Alligator River into spiritual Arnhem Land. This afternoon, return to Kakadu to discover the rock art and billabongs of Cannon Hill and Hawk Dreaming.

Day 25 - DAY 25 Ubirr Rock, Darwin

Located within Kakadu National Park, visit Ubirr and explore its galleries of ancient Indigenous rock art. Later, travel to Darwin, where you'll enjoy a final farewell dinner.

Day 26 - DAY 26 Depart Darwin

Your epic adventure draws to a close today as you are transferred to Darwin Airport for your onward flight.

Day 27 - 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.
Yellow Waters Billabong Cruise. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife and watch the spectacular landscapes unfold on a Yellow Water Billabong cruise.
King George River And Falls. Explore the sandstone gorge carved by King George River to the 80 metre cascade of King George Falls, the highest in WA.