Kimberley Cruise Center

introduction to THE KIMBERLEY 
(BROCHURE PAGES 2-5)

SEASONS 

'The dry' apr-sep (MAJORITY OF CRUISE DEPARTURES):  

The Kimberley at its most comfortable - low humidity and warm to hot balmy days, cool to cold at night; clear blue skies with hardly a chance of rain. If you cruise the coastline at the end of the Dry (August-early October) you may encounter some fantastic Humpback whale watching!
Important: June & July are the Kimberley's busiest months. Many cruises during this period book out months in advance.

'The build up' oct-dec:  

Increasing humidity and higher temperatures. Great Barra fishing!

'The Wet' Dec-Mar:

During this time the Kimberley receives 90% of its rainfall and waterfalls are everywhere. As roads close with heavy flooding, most National Parks shut down and many tour operators cease operating. Those who visit at the end of this season (March) are richly rewarded as waterfalls are at their best, the land is lush green and the Barramundi are on the bite! However, you must brave the heat and humidity!

MOST POPULAR CRUISES 

• 2 WEEKS BROOME-WYNDHAM: The ultimate! See the 'prettier' waterfalls and attractions of the South plus the 'mighty' gorges and waterfalls of the North. Includes Kununurra coach transfer (daily flights connect Kununurra to Darwin and Broome).
• 1 WEEK SOUTHERN OR NORTHERN: For those short on time. Splits the 2 week cruise in 1/2 (ending at the Mitchell Plateau / Hunter River and incuding a scenic flight transfer to Broome or Kununurra depending on cruise) 
• 10 DAYS BROOME-DARWIN: Only offered by the 3 larger boats (Orion, Oceanic Discoverer, Coral Princess).

southern kimberley: BROOME-HUNTER RIVER (MITCHELL PLATEAU)

1000 islands; unusual rock formations; tidal phenomena; cascading waterfalls; fantastic fishing and wildlife spotting... there's plenty of action in the South!  Includes some or all of the below:

	BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO:  A group of 800-1000 largely uninhabited islands, named by Captain Phillip Parker King in commemoration of William Dampier's visit in 1688.			HORIZONTAL WATERFALLS: Described by David Attenborough as "one of the greatest natural wonders of the world!" Adventure lovers will enjoy a thrilling ride through 'the gaps!'
	CROCODILE CREEK: Take a refreshing swim in the Pandanus fringed billabong at the top of the waterfall - a popular spot for workers on the nearby pearl farms.			RAFT POINT: With spectacular views over neighbouring Steep Island, a hike to the Aboriginal art gallery on the cave walls of Raft Point is a photographer's delight.
	MONTGOMERY REEF: A breath-taking example of the Kimberley's powerful tides. On the outgoing tide thousands of cascading waterfalls expose a vast reef eco-system.			RUBY FALLS: A beautiful waterfall and swimming hole, recently discovered by the owner of Great Escape and named after his daughter.
	MT TRAFALGAR: At the mouth of the Prince Regent River, Mt Trafalgar towers overhead. It is a unique formation similar to the mesas of the southern American continent.			KING CASCADE: In the upper reaches of the Prince Regent River, King Cascade is a stunning tiered waterfall with a beautiful swimming hole at the top.
	HMC "MERMAID" BOAB: While charting the Australian coastline in 1820, Phillip Parker King careened his vessel HMC Mermaid here, and carved its name into a boab tree.			CAMP CREEK: Great birdwatching and a delightful walk up to the base of the falls for a refreshing swim.

northern kimberley: HUNTER RIVER (MITCHELL PLATEAU)-WYNDHAM

Huge crocodiles; massive gorges; waterfalls that reach to the sky; ancient art; a DC3 wreck; big Barra...everything's bigger in the North! Includes some or all of the below:

	MITCHELL FALLS: Stunning 4-tiered waterfall, accessible from the coast only by helicopter. May appear in the Southern or the Northern itinerary.			BIGGE ISLAND: Secluded beaches and a mysterious Wandjina rock art gallery. (Also visited by some boats in the Southern Kimberley cruise).
	THE MITCHELL RIVER: Renowned for big Barra and even bigger crocs! You will be delighted by Surveyor's Creek - a scenic, safe swimming spot.			BRADSHAW ART: Found in various locations around the northern Kimberley, the fascinating Bradshaw figures are possibly the oldest paintings known to man!
	VANSITTART BAY: Explore the remains of an intact DC3 aircraft which crashed during World War II on the eastern side of Vansittart Bay.			DRYSDALE RIVER: One of the Kimberley's longest rivers (432km). spectacular palm-studded landscape; rapids; crocodiles, flying foxes and many species of birdlife.
	KING GEORGE RIVER: After cruising through the massive gorge walls of the King George, you will anchor below Australia's highest twin waterfalls. What a sight!			TRANQUIL BAY: As the name suggests, a tranquil, scenic bay great for beach walking and shell collecting. KOOLAMA BAY: Following attack by the Japanese in 1942, some of the 160 passengers and crew aboard 'Koolama' were marooned here as Castaways.
	BERKELEY RIVER: 25kms of beautiful river gorge, great bushwalks, swimming holes and waterfalls. Great fishing for Barra and Mangrove Jack, brilliant bird watching.			WYNDHAM PORT: Established in 1885 to cater for the huge influx of gold miners heading to the Kimberley, later to become a focus for cattle export.