Coral Princess
25 day breathtaking kimberley darwin-broome
2009 DEPARTURES:
22 MAY-15 JUNE 2009
24 JULY-17 AUGUST 2009
CABINS |
2009 - earlybird specials* |
| Cabin | $12,775 pp |
| Stateroom | $13,675 pp |
| Upper Deck Stateroom | $13,875 pp |
| Deluxe Stateroom | $14,075 pp |
|
Seniors Card holders - $50 discount pp |
|
DAY 1: Welcome aboard! (l, D)
10:00 Board Coral Princess for an 11.00am departure. Today we cross the Cambridge Gulf and sail into Western Australian waters. This evening enjoy the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAY 2: King George River and Falls (B, L, D)
At approximately noon we arrive at King George River and with the Explorer, our specially designed excursion vessel explores the scenic gorges and views the mighty King George waterfalls. Visit Tranquil Bay for beach walking and exploration.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAY 3: Bigge Island rock art (B, L, D)
This morning we visit the sea bird rookeries on Low Rocks. If time permits we make a stop at Cape Voltaire for a swim and beach exploration. This afternoon we visit the amazing aboriginal rock art gallery on Bigge Island.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAY 4: Mitchell Falls optional heli ride (B, L, D)
Cruising into Prince Frederick Harbour we anchor at Naturalist Island. Here we have helicopters available for optional scenic flights to the Surveyor and Mitchell Falls on the Mitchell Plateau and enjoy exploration of the surrounding area and enjoy a swim in the fresh water pools. This evening we enjoy a beach BBQ at sunset.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAY 5: Mermaid Boab tree (B, L, D)
Careening Bay: Our lecturers lead us to the site of a large boab tree with the inscription "HMC Mermaid - 1820" still clearly visible. This afternoon we cruise into the very scenic Prince Regent Basin.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAY 6: King Cascade (B, L, D)
With the Explorer we cruise the Prince Regent River and visit King Cascade, an unusual and picturesque waterfall cascading over terraced rock formations. We also visit Camp Creek for a picnic lunch and the opportunity to swim in fresh water ponds.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAY 7: Kuri Bay (B, L, D)
Today we cruise through Kuri Bay home of the south sea pearl industry. We go ashore at Raft Point and visit a secluded and very interesting aboriginal rock art gallery. We also take the Explorer up one of the many river systems to the waterfalls and a fresh water swim. We may also plan an exploration stop at one of the many islands.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAY 8: Horizontal Falls (B, L, D)
The Buccaneer Archipelago consists of more than 800 islands and this area experiences over 10 metre tidal ranges, one of the largest in the world. Here our landings and activities are planned around the tides - a way of life in the Kimberley region. Our plans include reef walks and marine life study on Montgomery Reef and a visit to Talbot Bay and the amazing Horizontal Waterfalls.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAY 9: Koolan & Cockatoo Islands, Croc Creek falls (B, L, D)
Cruising through King Sound, witness the effects of the iron ore mining operations on Koolan and Cockatoo Islands. If time permits we may visit Cockatoo Island. We visit Crocodile Creek and enjoy exploration, and fresh water swimming.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAY 10: Lacepede Island birdwatching (B, L, D)
Cruising through Yampi Sound we visit the Lacepede Islands. These islands are situated well off shore and are known for the turtle nestings and booby and frigate bird colonies. This evening we enjoy the Captain's Farewell Cocktail Party.
Accommodation: Coral Princess
DAY 11: Broome
08.00 arrival into Broome. Depart from Coral Princess for the Cable Beach Club, where you will enjoy a 2 night stay, and the opportunity for touring and local sightseeing in the beautiful and cosmopolitan township of Broome. We can assist with arranging a tour of the pearl farm, a hovercraft ride in Roebuck Bay, a camel ride, or any other tour. Please ask.
Accommodation: Cable Beach Club. Garden View Studio
DAY 12: Broome
Free day to explore Broome.
Accommodation: Cable Beach Club. Garden View Studio
DAY 13: Broome, Prison Tree, Gibb River Road, Tunnel Creek, Windjana Gorge (B, L, D)
Depart Broome at 7.00 a.m. to begin your exploration of the awe-inspiring Kimberley region. At Derby, we visit the Boab Prison Tree, believed to be more than 1000 years old. This hollowed tree was used as a prison cell during the region's early days. We begin our journey on the Gibb River Road, a remote Outback highway that accesses some of the Kimberley's best scenery. We travel to remarkable Tunnel Creek, a 750 metre-long natural tunnel carved through the Napier Range. With torch in hand, we wade through the cool waters to view the wonderful oasis that awaits us on the other side. At Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above white sands, see the ancient marine fossils embedded in the gorge walls. You may also see freshwater crocodiles lazing on the banks of the Lennard River, which runs through the gorge. Continue to our exclusive camp, in the heart of Ngarinyin country.
Two Night Stay: Imintji Wilderness Camp. Stay in the comfort of our exclusive permanent campsite.
DAY 14: Bell Gorge, Hiking and Swimming (B, L, D)
Back on the Gibb River Road, we travel through Outback landscapes to Bell Gorge, where rugged cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. The afternoon is yours to explore the spectacular scenery. Take a swim below the waterfall which feeds the lower pool or go birdwatching. The energetic can choose from a number of hiking opportunities. This is the perfect place to simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. Head back to camp and relax before dinner.
DAY 15: Galvans Gorge, Barnett River Gorge, Drysdale River (B, L, D)
Today we travel through the heart of Kimberley cattle country to discover some of the region's most secluded gorges. At Galvans Gorge, a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole, with Boab trees clinging to the escarpment above. Inspect the rock art on the gorge walls and take a leisurely swim. We stop at the Mt Barnett Roadhouse before travelling to beautiful Barnett River Gorge, where we enjoy lunch in a setting of shady paperbark trees. Look out for the birdlife that inhabits the area and enjoy another dip. Turning off the Gibb River Road, we travel north on the Kalumburu Road, heading towards the isolated Mitchell Plateau. We ford the Drysdale River and, late this afternoon, arrive at our exclusive overnight wilderness camp on the banks of the upper King Edward River. This area is the traditional home of the Ngarinyin Aboriginal people.
Stay: King Edward River, Marunbabidi Wilderness Camp. Relax in this tranquil bush setting.
DAY 16: Mitchell Plateau, King Edward River, Ungolan Wilderness Camp (B, L, D)
Ascending the Mitchell Plateau, we enter a remote world of Livistona palm forests, beautiful lookouts, ancient Aboriginal art, magnificent waterfalls and isolated swimming holes. Today, explore amazing Wandjina and Gwion (Bradshaw) art galleries and swim in the crystal-clear waters at King Edward River Crossing. For the next two nights, we stay at our unique permanent wilderness camp beside Pandanus palm-fringed Camp Creek. Enjoy this unique location, at the top of the plateau. For wildlife watchers, the region's prolific birdlife includes brolgas, herons, kites and sea eagles, as well as some rainforest birds. You may be lucky enough to see the Monjon, a rock wallaby that is unique to the Kimberley region. At night and early in the morning, look out for the Northern Quoll, a native cat that is often spotted near popular camps.
Two Night Stay: Ungolan Wilderness Camp. The Wunambal people welcome you.
DAY 17: Mitchell Falls, Gwion (Bradshaw) Art, Scenic Flight over the Falls (B, L, D)
Today we have a full day to discover the beauty of Mitchell Falls, with a magnificent system of waterfalls and Aboriginal art. When available, local Aboriginal guides will join us for the adventure, imparting their knowledge of the area and sharing their cultural beliefs, which are closely linked to this stunning environment. Begin with a guided hike to Little Merten Falls to see impressive Aboriginal art. Continue through open woodland to view Gwion (Bradshaw) art and Big Merten Falls before arriving at Mitchell Falls. With superb scenery and rich culture, you can swim in the pools above the falls, learn of local history and look for the region's wildlife. We have included a special helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls back to the vehicle (or, if you prefer, hike back with your guide). Longer scenic helicopter flights over the remote coastline are available at an additional charge.
DAY 18: Mitchell Plateau, King Edward River (B, L, D)
Travelling through Livistona palm forests, we view galleries of ancient Aboriginal art before saying goodbye to the awe-inspiring scenery of the Mitchell Plateau. Lunch is at a majestic spot alongside the cool waters of the King Edward River, with time for a swim before continuing to our comfortable wilderness camp.
Stay: Marunbabidi Wilderness Camp.
DAY 19: El Questro Station, Emma Gorge (B, L, D)
Rejoining the famous Gibb River Road, we ford the mighty Durack River, named after the region's most famous pioneering family. Then, we cross the Pentecost River into El Questro - one million acres in the Kimberley wilderness. Once settled into Emma Gorge Resort, take a hike into the gorge and indulge in a refreshing swim over to the waterfall.
Accommodation: El Questro, Emma Gorge Resort tented safari cabins or the station township in a bungalow.
DAY 20: El Questro, Wyndham, Kununurra (b, l)
Explore El Questro. Hike into Emma Gorge and take a swim over to the droplet waterfall. Soak in the hot pools of Zebedee Springs and visit the station. Travel to Wyndham and see Cambridge Gulf from Five Rivers Lookout.
Two Night Stay: Kununurra, All Seasons Hotel.
DAY 21: Cruise Ord River and Lake Kununurra (b)
Travel to Lake Argyle and join a wildlife cruise on the Ord River.
DAY 22: Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park, Echidna Chasm (b, l, d)
Head to Purnululu National Park and hike into Echidna Chasm. Stay in the national park in comfort at our award-winning Wilderness Lodge.
Two Night Stay: APT's award-winning Bungle Bungle Wilderness Camp
DAY 23: Bungle Bungle Range, Cathedral Gorge (b, l, d)
Hike into Piccaninny Creek and Cathedral Gorge. A scenic helicopter flight (own expense) is on offer. This evening, enjoy drinks and watch the sun set over the domes.
DAY 24: Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing (b, l, d)
Visit Halls Creek and see China Wall, a natural quartz formation before heading to Halls Creek.
Stay: Fitzroy Crossing, Fitzroy River Lodge.
DAY 25: Geikie Gorge Cruise, Broome (b, l)
Explore Geikie Gorge, and join a traditional Bunuba land owner for a cruise. Travel to Broome, home of Cable Beach. Hotel or airport transfer.
