Home > Tours > Australia Tours > Essence of the Kimberley with Grand Kimberley Coast

Essence of the Kimberley with Grand Kimberley Coast

No Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Locally Guided Adventure Small Group Cruise 4WD Scenic
Sold Out
 Trip Length
20 Days
 Trip Starts
Darwin
 Trip Finishes
Broome
20 Day Essence of the Kimberley with Grand Kimberley Coast 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
GKKCD20

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 20 Day Essence of the Kimberley with Grand Kimberley Coast. Embrace the wonders of the Kimberley's on this remote small ship expedition cruise. Discover a world of ancient art, magnificent waterfalls, and glowing sunsets.

Itinerary

We'll meet you at the airport this afternoon before being welcomed aboard your expedition 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. Stay Nine Nights: MS Caledonian Sky (D)

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:

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. The adventure continues later as your Zodiac explores Cyclone Creek. See dramatic folds 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 Horizontal 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. Be transferred to the iconic Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa for an evening at leisure. Stay: Broome, Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa (B)

Journey along the Gibb River to Windjana Gorge, where ancient marine fossils lay embedded in the gorge walls. Next it's on to Tunnel Creek, Western Australia's oldest cave system. Wade through the cool waters that fill the tunnel and discover a serene oasis on the other side. Later, continue to Fitzroy Crossing where you'll stay tonight. Stay: Fitzroy Crossing, Fitzroy River Lodge (B/L/D)

Travel to Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park today and explore incredible Geikie Gorge, famed for its towering walls that have been bleached white by the river when it floods. Afterwards, head to Halls Creek, before arriving at Purnululu National Park. Stay Two Nights: APT's exclusive Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge (B/L/D)

A full day has been set aside for you to explore Purnululu National Park today, starting with a walk along Piccaninny Creek. Your next stop is Cathedral Gorge, a natural amphitheatre of red rock, created by millions of years of water erosion. Tonight, enjoy a Signature Experience. (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Watch the sunset over the Bungle Bungle Range – with a glass of bubbly in hand, of course.

A wildlife cruise on the mighty Ord River provides a front-row seat to the area's unique wildlife and flora this morning. Next it's time to travel back to Kununurra before making the journey to El Questro. Stay: Kununurra Country Club Resort (B/L/D)

A wildlife cruise on the mighty Ord River provides a front-row seat to the area's unique wildlife and flora this morning. Next it's time to travel back to Kununurra before making the journey to El Questro. Stay: El Questro, Emma Gorge Resort (B/L/D)

Hike to Emma Gorge where you'll be rewarded with a swim beneath a towering droplet waterfall. Tonight, head to a spectacular viewpoint and take in the views as the sun sets over the Cockburn Range. Stay: Home Valley Station (B/L/D)

Signature Experiences:
  • Enjoy a visit 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 refreshed.

At Manning Gorge, enjoy lunch in the shade of boab trees. Continue to Galvans Gorge, where a short walk leads to a waterhole. Admire the Wandjina rock art on the gorge wall before travelling to Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge. Stay Two Nights: APT's exclusive Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge (B/L/D)

Travel to Bell Gorge today, where towering cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. You might like to hike to the lower pool of the gorge and enjoy a refreshing dip in the waterfall below, or enjoy a spot of bird-watching. (B/L/D)

Venture into the Wilinggin King Leopold Range Conservation Park, then travel along the Gibb River Road to Derby, stopping at the Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre along the way. Stop by the Boab Prison Tree before arriving back in Broome later this afternoon. Stay: Broome, Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa (B/L/D)

Your journey comes to an end with a transfer to the airport today. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Watch the sunset over the iconic Bungle Bungle Range with a glass of bubbly
  • Discover ancient Indigenous rock art in a number of Kimberley locations
  • Embark on a thrilling fast boat ride through the spectacular Horizontal Falls

  • Experiences in 25 destinations
  • Airport transfers, port charges and park fees
  • The services of an expert APT driver-guide and 10-member expedition team.

  • Locally-inspired dining – a total of 54 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages

  • Stay at APT's exclusive network of Wilderness Lodges
  • 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 land/cruise only. Flights not included
Play Youtube Video

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.

Similar Tours

21 Day Essence of the Kimberley with Kimberley Coastal Expedition (Reverse) (APT)

21 Days Broome Darwin

Operated By: APT

From 19,507
Save 3,683
21 Day Essence of the Kimberley with Kimberley Coastal Expedition (APT)

21 Days Broome Darwin

Operated By: APT

From 22,754
Save 436
26 Day Kimberley & Top End with Kimberley Coastal Expedition (APT)

26 Days Broome Broome

Operated By: APT

From 23,962
Save 5,028
25 Day Kimberley Complete with Kimberley Coastal Expedition (APT)

25 Days Broome Darwin

Operated By: APT

From 26,478
Save 512