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Kimberley Expedition
Aboard the Orion
From $7,735 per person, based on double occupancy. Single rates from $13,536.
Trip Overview
Down Under, "The Kimberley" means the ultimate in wilderness. Raw and intense in its beauty, this stretch of crenellated coast on the far-northwest flank of Australia is largely inaccessible except by sea. The vast plateau of the Kimberley runs headlong into the ocean, bearing scars of the erosive action of surf, wind and water over millennia. Rivers cut deep gorges through ochre sandstone. Waterfalls plunge over cliffs. Dazzling white-sand beaches meet a transparent ocean studded with islands. In wild Australia, nature is on overdrive. Though the Kimberley is sparsely inhabited except by wildlife, its rich human history is also on display in stunning galleries of Aboriginal rock art.
Trip Itinerary
Please note that the dates below do not include travel time to and from the destination. We suggest consulting our tour operator, Natural Habitat Adventures, to discuss the best flight options for your travels.
Thursday, August 4: Broome, Australia / Embark
Arrive in the historic pearling center of Broome. Transfer to the ship in the late afternoon to board the Orion. (D)
Friday, August 5: Cape Leveque & The Lacepedes
Cape Leveque is a nexus of white sand, fiery red cliffs and turquoise ocean. Enjoy exquisite swimming in clear rock pools filled with tropical fish, a beach walk with an Aboriginal guide or fishing over the reef. Sailing on to the Lacepede Islands, you’ll find a plethora of wildlife, including the world's largest colony of brown boobies and nesting green sea turtles. (B,L,D)
Saturday, August 6: Talbot Bay / Horizontal Waterfalls
You’ll reach the Buccaneer Archipelago today, a thousand scattered islands and low-lying reefs. At Talbot Bay, massive tides surge through the close walls between two islands, creating the phenomenon of a horizontal waterfall flowing across the flat face of the ocean. Take an exhilarating trip via Zodiac to witness it. (B,L,D)
Sunday, August 7: Montgomery Reef / Raft Point
Arriving at high tide, you’ll see little of Montgomery Reef. However, as the tide drops rapidly away, a raging torrent of water pours off the top of the reef, revealing its expanse. Maneuver in by Zodiac to watch cormorants, egrets and sandpipers forage for food trapped on the reef's surface. From Raft Point your expedition leaders lead a hike to a rock saddle that forms a spectacular outdoor Aboriginal art gallery. (B,L,D)
Monday, August 8: Hunter River / Mitchell Falls
Prince Frederick Harbour and the Hunter River are edged with verdant rain forest and vermillion cliffs that tower above the river mouth. Crocodiles abound, and you may see some on your Zodiac excursion into the lush mangroves. The expedition team shares their knowledge of the ecosystem as you keep an eye peeled for wildlife. An optional helicopter excursion is available to Mitchell Plateau and the spectacular triple drop of Mitchell Falls. (B,L,D)
Tuesday, August 9: Vansittart Bay
Land and take a short walk to another impressive display of Aboriginal rock art. These Gwion Gwion (also known as Bradshaw) petroglyphs are named after Joseph Bradshaw, the first European to record them in 1891. The images are hard to date but are estimated to be at least 17,000 years and up to 50,000 years old, when humans first explored this continent – possibly the oldest images known to man. (B,L,D)
Wednesday, August 10: King George River and Falls
Board Zodiacs from Koolama Bay for a cruise up the ochre sandstone canyon cut by the King George River to the 300-foot double drop of King George Falls. Depending on water flows, you may be able to stand beneath the falls' cool spray. Another perspective on the gorge and falls is offered on an optional helicopter flight. (B,L,D)
Thursday, August 11: Wyndham / Bungle Bungles
Wyndham is your staging post for Purnululu National Park, site of the fantastic-looking Bungle Bungles. These beehive-shaped sandstone domes, visually striking in alternating tiger-stripes of orange and black, are bordered by great banded cliffs that glow fire-red in the setting sun. To truly appreciate this odd landscape, you’ll take to the air on a flight to survey its wondrous features. (B,L,D)
Friday & Saturday, August 12 & 13: At sea / Jaco Island
Spend Friday at sea. On Saturday, the Orion will go to Jaco Island, which is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands of Timor. Federal regulations require that the Orion operates internationally, thus the reason for this brief stop.While the Orionis clearing customs and immigration, you may have an opportunity to go ashore before the ship departs for the next Australian port. (B,L,D daily)
Sunday, August 14: Darwin / Disembark
The voyage concludes after breakfast in Darwin. Airport transfers can be provided for an additional fee). (B)
