Kimberley Coastal Expedition with Kimberley and the Top End

Today, we'll meet you at the airport before welcoming you aboard your expedition ship. The Seabourn Pursuit is the newest and most luxurious ship on the Kimberley Coast, boasting incredible facilities, delectable dining options and personalised service. You might like to admire the views from the panoramic balcony of your spacious suite, sip champagne on the outdoor deck, take a dip in the infinity pool or share stories of your adventures with your newfound friends in one of the luxurious shared spaces.

A relaxed dinner this evening gives you the chance to meet your fellow travellers and sets the tone for the next nine nights on board. Stay Nine Nights: Seabourn Pursuit (D)

• 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.

Enjoy a relaxed morning aboard your luxurious ship. This afternoon, pay a special visit to Ashmore Reef Marine Park. Located in the Timor Sea and spanning 583 square kilometres, the reef is a sanctuary for many marine species. Every year, more than 100,000 seabirds breed here, including crested terns, white-tailed tropicbirds and great frigatebirds.

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. 255 species of reef-building coral dwell here - the greatest number of any reef on the West Australian coast.

Our visit to Ashmore Reef is required to ensure we comply with Australian government regulations. Pending favourable weather and sea conditions, you'll explore this sanctuary via Zodiac with your Expedition Team. (B/L/D)

This morning, join your Expedition Team on an intriguing discovery. Walk across salt flats to view the wreckage of a US Air Force DC-3 which crash-landed near Vansittart Bay during World War II.

Later, we reposition in the bay to visit Jar Island and discover the island's outstanding rock art gallery. During your exploration here, you'll see fascinating examples of Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, dating back more than 20,000 years. (B/L/D)

• Approximately six kilometres from the mainland, Bigge Island is ripe for discovery today. It's well known for its Aboriginal rock art, created by the Wunambal people, and you'll explore a network of caves throughout the island. Here, discover paintings that display fascinating examples of first-contact art and Wandjina figures.

You are transported to Prince Frederick Harbour today, home to the towering red cliffs and tangled mangroves of Hunter River and Porosus Creek. With its extreme tides and pristine ecosystems, the harbour and its waterways are rich in wildlife including mudskippers and saltwater crocodiles. Porosus Creek takes its name from the scientific name for saltwater crocodile, a good indication of what we're looking for today.

Keen birdwatchers should keep a careful eye out for kingfishers, egrets, herons and white-bellied sea eagles. To enhance your day, 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)

• At Montgomery Reef, depart with your Expedition Team to discover the reef by Zodiac. The reef ‘rises' out of the ocean as tidal waters cascade into surrounding channels.
• Experience a welcome to country and immersive smoking ceremony conducted by the Arraluli people, the traditional custodians of the land. Then, embark on a guided hike led by the expedition team to explore the mesmerising rock art site where your Aboriginal guide will offer an interpretation the rock art. This signature experience offers a profound connection to the rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions of the Arraluli people.

• 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, board a zodiac with your Expedition Team to view this natural phenomenon.

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 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. (B/L/D)

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'll enjoy dinner. Stay: Broome, Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa (B/D)

In Derby, visit a local art gallery to view indigenous art from across the Kimberley before joining the Gibb River Road to Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above pristine white sands and fossils lie embedded in the gorge walls. Stay Two Nights: APT Exclusive Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge (B/L/D)

Back on the Gibb River Road, travel to Bell Gorge, where stunning 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. (B/L/D)

Travel through the heart of Kimberley cattle country to Galvans Gorge, where a refreshing swim awaits. Then, continue to the beautiful Manning Creek, where you'll enjoy lunch before arriving at the historic cattle station of Drysdale River Station. Stay: Drysdale River Station (B/L/D)

• Admire ancient Indigenous Wandjina and Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) rock art.

• Soar over incredible Mitchell Falls on an included helicopter flight.

Bidding the Mitchell Plateau goodbye, rejoin the Gibb River Road and ford the Durack and Pentecost rivers on the way to El Questro. Stay Two Nights: El Questro - Emma Gorge (B/L/D)

• Head to Zebedee Springs, a permanent natural thermal spring tucked away in a secluded pocket of rainforest. Relax as you soak in the hot springs and leave feeling revitalised.

Journey into Purnululu National Park, home to the famed black and orange striped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range. Travel the Spring Creek Track before hiking to Echidna Chasm, a natural cleft in the rock.

Later, arrive at your lodge in the heart of the national park. Stay Two Nights: APT's exclusive Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge (B/L/D)

• Toast the day with a glass of bubbly as the sun sets over the Bungle Bungle Range.

Travel along the Spring Creek Track to Kununurra, known as the gateway to eastern Kimberley. Stay Two Nights: Kununurra Country Club Resort (B/L/D)

Travel to Lake Argyle today, the largest man-made lake in the Southern Hemisphere. From here, set out on a wildlife cruise along the mighty Ord River. Explore this ecological system, which has developed from the damming of the river to create an area rich in native wildlife and flora. (B/L/D)

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. Stay: Katherine, Cicada Lodge (B/L/D)

• Enjoy a relaxing cruise on Yellow Water Billabong, home to incredible landscapes and wildlife.

A local guide will join you today as you cross the East Alligator River into spiritual Arnhem Land. Experience the ancient art and natural beauty of this special place.

This afternoon, return to Kakadu to discover the rock art and billabongs of Cannon Hill and Hawk Dreaming (please note Arnhem Land may be inaccessible for cultural reasons or when tides prevent the crossing of the East Alligator River). (B/L/D)

Located within Kakadu National Park, visit the sacred site of Ubirr and explore its galleries of ancient Indigenous rock art. There are some works that have been continuously painted and repainted since around 40,000 BC.

Later, travel to Darwin, where the time has come to look back on the journey as you enjoy a farewell dinner. Stay: Darwin, Vibe Hotel (B/L/D)

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