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Essence of the Kimberley with Top End Cruising

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Fully Guided Locally Guided Adventure Small Group Cruise 4WD Scenic
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 Trip Length
21 Days
 Trip Starts
Darwin
 Trip Finishes
Broome
21 Day Essence of the Kimberley with Top End Cruising Itinerary (APT)
Countries Explored: Australia
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Small Ship Cruise
Accommodation
4 - 4.5 Star
Max. Group Size
23
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
GKKCD21RS
Cruise Line
Ponant
Ship
Passengers
264
Crew
145
Launched
2013
Refurbished
2019

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 21 Day Essence of the Kimberley with Top End Cruising. Embrace the wonders of the Kimberley's on this remote 4wd journey and small ship expedition cruise. Discover a world of ancient art, magnificent waterfalls, and glowing sunsets.

Itinerary

Welcome to Darwin, an ideal stepping stone to your Kimberley Coast adventure. After your arrival, we will transfer you to your luxury ship, Le Soleal. Get to know your expedition team and APT cruise director at a welcome briefing before dinner. Stay 10 Nights: Le Soleal (D)

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 onto the King George River. Join your expedition team and jump aboard a Zodiac to meander through the river's gorge system, passing mangrove-fringed coves and sheer red cliffs. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Anticipation builds as your Zodiac approaches King George Falls, which plunge 80 metres over a soaring sandstone cliff. Edge closer to this epic cascade and learn how it turns to a raging torrent during the monsoonal wet season.

This morning join your expedition team on an intriguing discovery. Walk across salt flats to view the wreckage of a US Air Force DC3 which crash-landed near Vansittart Bay during World War II. Later, visit Jar Island and discover the island's outstanding rock art gallery. During your exploration here, you'll see more examples of Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) paintings, dating back more than 20,000 years. (B/L/D)

Located in the Timor Sea, the Ashmore Reef Marine Park is a sanctuary for many marine species and a designated important bird area (IBA). Every year, more than 100,000 seabirds breed here, including crested terns, white-tailed tropicbirds and greater frigatebirds. It was recognised as a wetland of international importance in 2003 for its vital role in providing a haven for the tens of thousands of migratory shorebirds which turn up to feed each year.

In addition to the prolific birdlife, beneath the clear tropical waters, the coral reefs, seagrass meadows, sandflats and lagoons of Ashmore Reef are home to a colourful array of marine life including 255 species of reef building coral, the greatest number of any reef on the Western Australian coast. Ashmore Reef provides a unique opportunity to combine a zodiac tour to view the abundant birdlife and marine life with the opportunity to experience a magical moment snorkelling or a refreshing swim. (B/L/D)

Visit Careening Bay, the home of the historic Mermaid Boab Tree, where in 1820 Lieutenant Phillip Parker King used the area's massive tides to beach his damaged ship, the HMC Mermaid to repair a leak in the ship's hull. One of King's crew members carved the ship's name in a Boab Tree that overlooks the bay, and today you have the chance to see for yourself a living piece of Australian colonial history. (B/L/D)

Explore this maze of islands, inlets and peninsulas, believed to have been named by explorer Lieutenant Phillip Parker King after novelist Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels. Most significant here are extraordinary examples of Wandjina and Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) rock art, estimated to have been created between 5,000 and 13,000 years ago. They can be seen in caves close to the water's edge, mainly painted on rock overhangs. (B/L/D)

You are transported to Prince Frederick Harbour today, which is home to towering red cliffs and tangled mangroves. With its extreme tides and pristine ecosystems, the harbour is rich in wildlife including mudskippers and saltwater crocodiles. Keen birdwatchers should keep a careful eye out for kingfishers, egrets, herons and white-bellied sea eagles.

Stepping out from the sleek comfort of Le Soleal to your trusty Zodiac, it's hard to believe you're at Australia's final frontier, this time to explore the Hunter River and Naturalist Island. As your day of discovery draws to a close, you might choose to set out on a thrilling helicopter flight to see the Mitchell Falls in all its splendour from above (flight at own expense). (B/L/D)

Step onto dry land at Raft Point to visit an ancient Wandjina rock art site. The unique figures depicted in these artworks are ritually repainted each year, but scientific estimates date the originals as far back as 5,000 years. You'll be joined by a local Indigenous guide when available. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Depart with your expedition team to discover Montgomery Reef by Zodiac. The reef ‘rises' out of the ocean as the tidal waters cascade rapidly down into the surrounding channels. By Zodiac you'll get up close to see this natural phenomenon for yourself.

Explore Talbot Bay before transferring to a Zodiac to explore Cyclone Creek. Accompanied by your expedition team Leader, you'll weave nimbly past the dramatic folds of rock formations, keeping a look out for local wildlife. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Today your ship cruises through to Talbot Bay, known for its massive 12-metre tides that create the unique Horizontal Falls. Subject to tidal conditions, you'll board a zodiac with your expedition team to view this natural phenomenon.

This morning, your ship charts a course into the stunning Buccaneer Archipelago on route to the Lacepede Islands. Made up of more than 800 islands, and filled with stunning scenery and an incredible array of wildlife, the remote region remains relatively untouched. The Lacepede Islands are Western Australia's most important breeding habitat for Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) and have been named by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area.

The breeding colony of Brown Boobies is possibly the largest in the world. Up to 20,000 Roseate Terns have also been recorded here. Other birds breeding on the islands include Masked Boobies, Australian Pelicans, Lesser Frigatebirds, Eastern Reef Egrets, Silver Gulls, Crested, Bridled and Lesser Crested Terns, Common Noddies, Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers. Join your expedition team for a guided Zodiac tour to view the prolific wildlife. (B/L/D)

Arriving in Broome today means it's time to say goodbye to your ship. You'll disembark and we'll transfer you to your hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure before setting off on your land journey tomorrow morning. Stay: Broome, Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa (B)

Visit the Boab Prison Tree before traversing the Gibb River Road to Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek. Later, continue to Fitzroy Crossing. Stay: Fitzroy Crossing, Fitzroy River Lodge (L/D)

Travel to Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park and explore Geikie Gorge. Head to Halls Creek, before arriving at Purnululu National Park. Stay Two Nights: APT's exclusive Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Toast an enthralling and wonderful day with a glass of bubbly as the sun sets over the Bungle Bungle Range.

Enjoy a hike to Echidna Chasm. Afterwards, travel to Kununurra. Stay: Kununurra Country Club Resort (B/L/D)

A wildlife cruise on the Ord River provides a front-row seat to the area's unique wildlife this morning. Later, travel to El Questro. Stay: El Questro, Emma Gorge Resort (B/L/D)

Hike to Emma Gorge before a relaxing Signature Experience. Tonight, head to a spectacular viewpoint just in time for sunset. Soak up the views with a glass of bubbly and watch as the ever-changing colours dance over the Cockburn Range. Stay: Home Valley Station (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Soak in the thermal pools of Zebedee Springs, tucked away in a secluded pocket of rainforest.

Enjoy lunch at Manning Gorge then continue to Galvans Gorge to admire the rock art. Stay Two Nights: APT's exclusive Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge (B/L/D)

Travel to Bell Gorge today, where stunning cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. (B/L/D)

Travel to Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park and board a unique cruise. Flooding of the river has bleached the walls white over time – an intriguing sight that makes it popular with photographers. Stay: Broome, Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa (B/L)

Our journey comes to an end. After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport, bound for home. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • View the incredible natural phenomenon Horizontal Falls
  • Join your expedition team to explore Montgomery Reef by Zodiac
  • Discover ancient Indigenous rock art in a variety of Kimberley locations

  • Experiences in 25 destinations
  • The services of an expert APT driver-guide, cruise director and 12-member expedition team.

  • Locally-inspired dining – a total of 55 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages

  • 10 nights aboard Le Soleal with daily excursions on Zodiac vessels
  • Stay at APT's exclusive network of Wilderness Lodges

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • High Zodiac Activity – This expedition cruise uses Zodiacs for most excursions
  • Cruising itineraries are subject to change due to tidal conditions and may be modified on board your ship
  • Travel insurance is mandatory on all cruises
  • Prices includes airport transfers, port charges and park fees
  • Prices are for land/cruise only. Flights not included
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Deck Plans

Deck 2
 
Superior Stateroom
 
Deluxe Stateroom
Deck 3
 
Prestige Stateroom
Deck 4
 
Prestige Stateroom
Deck 5
 
Prestige Stateroom
 
Deluxe Suite
 
Owners Suite
Deck 6
Sun Deck

Cabins

Superior Stateroom

  • 226 sq ft / 21 sqm
  • Individually-controlled air-conditioning
  • King-size bed or twin beds
  • Shower with French bath products
  • Hairdryer & Bath robes
  • Flat screen satellite TV
  • Desk with stationery, minibar and personal safe
  • Internet access WiFi, Video on demand, iPod players and satellite direct line telephone
  • 24hr room service

Deluxe Stateroom

  • 200 sq ft / 18.5 sqm including private balcony
  • Individually-controlled air-conditioning
  • King-size bed or twin beds
  • Shower with French bath products
  • Hairdryer & Bath robes
  • Flat screen satellite TV
  • Desk with stationery, minibar and personal safe
  • Internet access WiFi, Video on demand, iPod players and satellite direct line telephone
  • 24hr room service

Prestige Stateroom

  • 200 sq ft/ 18.5 sq m, including private balcony
  • Individually-controlled air-conditioning
  • King-size bed or twin beds
  • Shower with French bath products
  • Hairdryer & Bath robes
  • Flat screen satellite TV
  • Desk with stationery, minibar and personal safe
  • Internet access WiFi, Video on demand, iPod players and satellite direct line telephone
  • 24hr room service

Deluxe Suite

  • 290 sq ft/ 27 sq m, including private balcony
  • Individually-controlled air-conditioning
  • King-size bed or twin beds
  • Shower with French bath products
  • Hairdryer & Bath robes
  • Flat screen satellite TV
  • Desk with stationery, minibar and personal safe
  • Internet access WiFi, Video on demand, iPod players and satellite direct line telephone
  • 24hr room service

Owners Suite

  • 484 sq ft/ 45 sq m, including private balcony
  • Individually-controlled air-conditioning
  • King-size bed or twin beds
  • Dining area and sofa
  • Shower with French bath products
  • Hairdryer & Bath robes
  • Flat screen satellite TV
  • Desk with stationery, minibar and personal safe
  • Internet access WiFi, Video on demand, iPod players and satellite direct line telephone
  • 24hr room service

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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