Iconic Kimberley with Grand Kimberley Coast

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, plungingwhich plunges 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 (Bradshaw) 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 expedition ship. Be transferred to your hotel, where you will enjoy the evening at leisure. Stay: Broome, Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa (B/D)

Journey on the Gibb River Road to Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above pristine white sands and fossils lay 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 Bradshaw (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 Bradshaw (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, rejoin the Gibb River Road and ford the Durack and Pentecost rivers on the way to El Questro, an incredible cattle station come nature reserve that covers a staggering 700,000 acres. Stay Two Nights: 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. Afterwards, 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.

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 that has developed from the damming of the river to create an area rich in native wildlife and flora. Stay: Kununurra Country Club Resort (B/L/D)

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