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Kimberley and Top End 4WD and Cruising

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 Trip Length
27 Days
 Trip Starts
Broome
 Trip Finishes
Broome
27 Day Kimberley and Top End 4WD and 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
GKKCD27S
Cruise Line
Ponant
Ship
Passengers
264
Crew
145
Launched
2013
Refurbished
2019

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 27 Day Kimberley and Top End 4WD and Cruising. Discover Western Australia and the Top End on this luxury land tour. Embrace the rural beauty of Kakadu National Park, aboriginal rock art & the stunning Kimberley's coastline.

Itinerary

Arrive in Broome, where we meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel, Broome's iconic Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa. Settle in and enjoy the evening at leisure. Head to the Sunset Bar and Grill and soak up the views of Broome's incredible sunset as you enjoy a welcome dinner. Stay: Broome, Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa (D)

Journey on the Gibb River Road to Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above pristine white sands and fossils lie embedded in the gorge walls. 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. Stay Two Nights: APT's 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 Gorge, where you'll enjoy lunch before arriving at the historic cattle station of Drysdale River Station. Stay: Drysdale River Station (B/L/D)

Explore the Wandjina and Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art galleries of the Mitchell Plateau before a swim in the clear waters of the King Edward River. Stay Two Nights: APT's exclusive Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Admire ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art.

A world of waterfalls awaits your discovery today. Begin with a guided hike to Little Mertens Falls and view rarely seen rock art. See Big Mertens Falls, then enjoy an included helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls, or you can hike back to the vehicle with your guide. (B/L/D)

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

Bidding the Mitchell Plateau goodbye, return to the Gibb River Road and ford the Durack and Pentecost rivers on the way to El Questro, an incredible cattle station and nature reserve that covers a staggering 700,000 acres. Stay Two Nights: El Questro, Emma Gorge Resort (B/L/D)

Enjoy a hike to picturesque Emma Gorge, where you can indulge in a refreshing swim beneath the stunning towering droplet waterfall. After lunch, enjoy a Signature Experience. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • 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)

Explore the magic of Purnululu for yourself and discover the depth of the Bungle Bungle Range. Created by the constant erosion of river movements over 20 million years, the range has both geological and Indigenous cultural significance. Start 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). (B/L/D)

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

Today will be spent travelling to Kununurra, the gateway to the eastern Kimberley. Stay Two Nights: Kununurra Country Club Resort (B/L/D)

Travel to Lake Argyle today, the largest artificial 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)

After breakfast, set out on a cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge, as you learn about the music, stories and ways of the local Jawoyn people. Next, it's on to Kakadu, Australia’s largest national park. Here, enjoy a Signature Experience, then journey to Nourlangie Rock. See its ancient rock art, dating back some 20,000 years. Stay Two Nights: Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge (B/L/D)

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 works that have been continuously painted and repainted since around 40,000BC. Later, travel to Darwin. Stay: Hilton Darwin (B/L/D)

After a morning at leisure, be transferred to your luxurious expedition ship, Le Soleal. Later, get to know your expedition team and APT cruise director at a welcome briefing before dinner. Stay 10 Nights: Le Soleal (B/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 Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) 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 Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) 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 and to be transferred to the airport. (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 31 destinations
  • The services of an APT cruise director and expert 12-member expedition team

  • Locally inspired dining – a total of 76 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
  • Prices includes airport transfers, port charges and park fees
  • Travel insurance is mandatory on all cruises
  • Cruising itinerary is subject to change due to tidal conditions and may be modified on board your ship
  • Prices are for cruise and land tour 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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