7 NIGHT / 8 Day KIMBERLEY CRUISE

DERBY-TALBOT BAY-DERBY ITINERARY

Discover the incredible beauty of the Buccaneer Archipelago on our unique cruise/fly holiday over 7 nights and 8 days. Including icons such as the Prince Regent River, Montgomery Reef and Raft Point, you will explore the timeless Kimberley Coast from sky, land and sea.

Day 1

A scenic transfer from Broome to Derby (for those who've paid to depart from Broome), Enjoy a low-level scenic flight by seaplane from Derby to land on the pristine waters of Talbot Bay. From here you will enjoy a thrilling jetboat ride through the Horizontal Falls before boarding your vessel ‘Discovery One' for the cruise of a lifetime! Settle in to your comfortable 82ft catamaran as we cruise up Talbot Bay, past the Paspaley Pearl farms. Tonight we anchor in beautiful Doubtful Bay.

Day 2

Wake up to the majestic red cliffs of Raft Point, home to some of Australia's oldest aboriginal paintings. This morning we take a scenic walk to the caves, where you will take in the spectacular views over Doubtful Bay. Learn about the Wandjina people who once inhabited this land. Enjoy lunch back onboard as we take an impressive trip up Sale River. Here we take an excursion in the tenders to see where the fresh water from the Sale River meets the tidal salt water. Enjoy the sparkling water from the streams that feed the Sale as we take a walk in this ancient rainforest. Tonight we anchor in Deception Bay where we invite you to enjoy your magnificent surroundings as a delicious dinner is served to you on the deck of Discovery One.

Day 3

Make yourself comfortable and enjoy your untouched surroundings as we continue north. Keep an eye out for the magnificent Humpback Whales who come here to give birth and mate through the cooler months before returning to the Antarctic in summer. On the way, we pass Australia's largest peal farm Kuri Bay. Operated by the Paspaley group, Kuri Bay was the first pearl farm established in Western Australia. In 1857, Japan experienced a disastrous pearling season resulting in 17 tonnes of pearls lost. Because of this, an Australian/American/Japanese venture established Kuri Bay Pearls which is extremely successful today. This afternoon we stop to take a walk through this wondrous land and explore some of the native flora and fauna. Tonight we anchor at the mouth of the Prince Regent River.

Days 4 & 5

Get your cameras ready as we experience some spectacular scenery on our journey down the Prince Regent River. It's time for some crocodile spotting! See how many you can count as we travel up Camp Creek to witness the soothing waterfalls and striking gorges. Welcoming us are Mt Trafalgar and Mt Wellington, named by P.P. King in 1820. Our next stop is the majestic King Cascades. This beautiful site is where American model Ginger Meadows was fatally attacked by a crocodile in 1987. Here, we disembark and go on a walk to take a refreshing swim in the fresh water rock pools. If the tides are on our side, we can take an easy stroll to some more aboriginal art before continuing on to the impressive Cathedral Falls.

During these two days we will also visit the pristine sands of Hanover Beach. It is here, in 1838, where Lt. George Grey (later the Governer of Sth. Australia) unloaded his Timor ponies and began the first land based expedition of North West Australia. In search of the great inland sea, the party of 12 soon returned to Hanover Bay after being speared by Aborigines. Despite this, Lt Grey reported back positively describing the area as ‘lush and fertile'. It was Lt Grey's positive report of the area that encouraged a group of optimistic farmers to establish a new settlement here in 1864. This historic landmark ‘Camden Sound' is our next destination. Here we visit the 19th century ruins of a settlement that lasted less than two years, and appreciate the harsh conditions they lived with. We also call in to Sheep Island and visit the graves of these tough pioneers.

Continuing south, we explore the 400 square km's of Montgomery Reef! As the tide quickly drops away, watch this mammoth reef appear, exposing thousands of spectacular waterfalls and an abundance of sea life! This is a sight few ever get to see.

Day 6

A special treat today as we arrive in Silvergull Creek where we go on an excursion to ‘Squatters Arms' and meet a couple who have made their home in this timeless land. Enjoy a fresh water swim in their tank fed by a natural spring, then wander through nature's garden. After a BBQ lunch, you have time to shop for locally made jewellery. Next we take a close look at Cockatoo Island and it's Iron Ore mine. Tonight we anchor in the delightful Myrindi Bay. Enjoy a night of fun and prizes as we host our popular quiz night!

Day 7

Another swim this morning as we head to Crocodile Creek where we enjoy morning tea and a swim at the picturesque fresh water rock pools and waterfalls. This hidden treasure is definitely worth seeing. This afternoon, get your cameras ready again as we arrive at the crystal white sands of Silica Beach. The sand here is made from very fine 98% pure silica giving the beach a dazzling effect. Relax on the beach or take a walk - this is paradise! We cruise south for two hours and anchor tonight at Stictland Bay.

Day 8

Relax on the top deck and soak up the 360 degree views as we enjoy the final stretch of this magnificent area. This afternoon we arrive back at Derby Jetty where we bid you farewell. You will take with you memories to last a lifetime. Passengers from Broome will enjoy a scenic transfer back, Derby passengers will be transferred to their accommodation.

Please note: this itinerary is intended as a guideline. Cruise sequence may change with tide and weather conditions.