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Grand Kimberley Coast with Purnululu Experience

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 Trip Length
15 Days
 Trip Starts
Kununurra
 Trip Finishes
Broome
15 Day Grand Kimberley Coast with Purnululu Experience Itinerary (APT)
Countries Explored: Australia
Trip Operator
Trip Style
Small Ship Cruise
Trip Code
GKKCDK15

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 15 Day Grand Kimberley Coast with Purnululu Experience. Journey inland to the heart of World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park and spend two days surrounded by ancient rock formations and vast gorges. Then leave the red dirt behind and board your expedition ship for a Kimberley Coast cruise.

Itinerary

Today we meet you on arrival in Kununurra and transfer you to your hotel. Take some time to settle in and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure before dinner. Be sure to get a good night's sleep before your journey to Purnululu National Park tomorrow. Stay: Kununurra Country Club Resort (D)

Head south on the Great Northern Highway, bound for Purnululu National Park. The park is home to the famed black and orange striped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range, towering 578 metres above sea level. Standing over a grass-covered plain, steep cliffs form the western face. Created by the constant erosion of river movements over a staggering 20 million years, the range has both geological and Indigenous cultural significance. It is an imposing sight and one that you are sure to remember forever. Catch your first glimpse of the range before venturing to the southern end of the park to explore Piccaninny Creek, a winding gorge within the domes.

Your next stop is Cathedral Gorge, a natural amphitheatre of red rock, created by millions of years of water erosion. This spacious cavern is renowned for its acoustics, and you'll see why as you wander through it. Later tonight, settle into the tranquil ambience of Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, located in the heart of the national park. Recount the day's adventures as you sit down to dinner with your fellow guests this evening. Stay Two Nights: APT's exclusive Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:

  • We can't think of a more fitting way to end your day of discovery than watching the sunset over the Bungle Bungle Range – with a glass of bubbly in hand, of course.

After breakfast, start your day of discovery with a short walk to Osmand Lookout and pause to take in the views over the Osmand Range and surrounding landscape. Afterwards, set out on a hike to Echidna Chasm, a natural cleft in the rock that reaches a staggering 200 metres in height while only being one metre wide at certain points. As you follow a Livistona palm-fringed trail, see striking colour variations dance along the walls of this narrow cleft as the sun beams down into it. Afterwards, return to your wilderness lodge, where you may like to relax on your private deck before a delicious dinner this evening. (B/L/D)

Today, visit a local Indigenous community and gain an insight into their culture (when available). Then it's time to farewell the Bungle Bungle Range and travel along the Spring Creek Track through rugged red landscapes before returning to Kununurra. Stay: Kununurra Country Club Resort (B/L/D)

Board your flight from Kununurra to Darwin, where you'll enjoy an evening at leisure. Stay: Hilton Darwin (B)

After a morning at leisure, be transferred to your ship for your Kimberley cruise. Stay Nine Nights: MS Caledonian Sky

Get acquainted with your expedition ship as you enjoy informative lectures from your Expedition Team on board while spending a day at sea en route to the spectacular Kimberley Coast. Learn about the fascinating ecology of Australia's most remote coastline, one that is dominated by some of the most dramatic tidal conditions on Earth. Hear stories of the rich World War II history and get prepared to discover ancient Indigenous culture that dates back for tens of thousands of years. Take time to relax as you feel the pleasant pristine air of the Timor Sea fill your lungs and then take advantage of the Open Bridge policy for the chance to make acquaintances with your ship's Captain. After dinner tonight, make your way to the Lounge for the evening entertainment. (B/L/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 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. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • 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.

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. (B/L/D)

Discover Bigge Island today, known for its Indigenous rock art created by the Wunambal people. During your time here, take in a Signature Experience. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • 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.

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). (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • 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.

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. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • 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.

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. (B/L/D)

Arriving into Broome this morning means it's time to say goodbye to your ship and to be transferred to the airport. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Embark on a thrilling fast boat ride through the spectacular Horizontal Falls
  • Join your expedition team for an in-depth exploration of Montgomery Reef by Zodiac
  • Step ashore on Bigge Island and discover Indigenous rock art created by the Wunambal people
  • Enjoy a glass of bubbly and watch the sun set over the Bungle Bungle Range

  • Experiences in 18 destinations
  • The services of an expert 10-member expedition team
  • Airport transfers, port charges and park fees

  • Locally inspired dining – a total of 37 meals
  • A wide range of onboard beverages

  • Nine nights aboard the MS Caledonian Sky with daily excursions on Zodiac vessels

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • High Zodiac Activity – This expedition cruise uses Zodiacs for most excursions
  • Travel insurance is mandatory on all cruises
  • Cruising itineraries are subject to change due to tidal conditions and may be modified on board your ship
  • Prices are for cruise/land only, flights not included
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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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