The Kimberley: Broome to Darwin Cruise- Premium Adventure
The Kimberley: Broome to Darwin Cruise- Premium Adventure
The Kimberley: Broome to Darwin Cruise- Premium Adventure
11 Days Starting in Broome, Australia and ending in Darwin, Australia
Visiting: Broome, Lacepede Islands, Horizontal Falls, The Kimberley, Montgomery Reef, Prince Regent River, Prince Frederick Harbour, Mitchell River National Park, Vansittart Bay, King George Falls, Darwin
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WAB
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 99
Age range:
16-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a breathtaking 10-night cruise from Broome to Darwin, exploring the rugged beauty of The Kimberley aboard the luxurious Coral Adventurer, Coral Discoverer, or Coral Geographer. Experience the thrill of riding the Horizontal Falls, marvel at the diverse marine life of Montgomery Reef, and witness the majestic King George Falls. Cruise through the Prince Regent River to the stunning King Cascades waterfall and explore ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art galleries. Enjoy sunset canapés on the beach, spot native wildlife, and take a scenic helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls. With premium accommodations, all-inclusive meals, and expert-led excursions, this adventure promises an unforgettable journey through one of Australia's most remote and spectacular regions.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Depart Broome
Location: Broome
Accommodation Name: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Meals Included: Dinner
Embark: On the day of your departure, arrive at Broome Civic Centre (Jimmy Chi Hall – 27 Weld Street, Broome) at 2pm to meet the Coral Expeditions team and check in for your expedition cruise. A complimentary transfer will be provided to Deep Water Port, where boarding will begin from 4pm for a 5pm departure.
Board your Coral Expeditions ship and settle into your stateroom before departure. Also take the time to become acquainted with the facilities as we cruise northwards towards Cape Leveque.
As dusk falls, meet your fellow travellers, the captain and crew at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.
Premium accommodation: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Day 2 : Lacepede Islands
Location: Lacepede Islands
Accommodation Name: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Lacepede Islands are a protected nature reserve and an vital nesting rookery for brown boobies and roseate terns. Other species often sighted here include Australian pelicans, frigate birds, egrets and gulls. The four low-lying islands are also an important breeding and nesting habitat for green turtles.
If weather and tide conditions are suitable, we will explore the lagoons by Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels.
Premium accommodation: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Day 3 : Horizontal Falls And Buccaneer Archipelago
Location: Horizontal Falls
Accommodation Name: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Horizontal Falls are one of the biggest attractions in The Kimberly and are a result of the mammoth 36ft (11m) tides for which the region is renowned. Naturalist Sir David Attenborough described the Horizontal Falls as ‘one of the greatest natural wonders of the world’.
The Horizontal Falls are created as the ocean thunders through a narrow gorge in the McLarty Ranges. Water builds on one side and is forcibly pushed through the bottleneck, creating a rushing horizontal waterfall of swiftly flowing seawater. Riding the rapids on our Zodiac inflatable tenders is one of the highlights of our Kimberley expedition cruises.
Talbot Bay is at the heart of the Buccaneer Archipelago, where rocks on the 800 or so islands are estimated at more than 2bn years old. At Cyclone Creek, you will see evidence of massive geological forces in the impressive rock formations and cruise through the Iron Islands, past Koolan Island, before enjoying sunset drinks at Nares Point.
Premium accommodation: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Day 4 : Doubtful Bay And Raft Point
Location: The Kimberley
Accommodation Name: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Raft Point guards the entrance to Doubtful Bay, a vast body of sheltered water harbouring significant sites, including some of the finest ancient Wandjina rock art galleries in The Kimberley. If a Traditional Owner guide is available to accompany us, we can visit the galleries.
Doubtful Bay is the traditional country of the Worrora people who follow Wandjina, their god, lawmaker and creator. Images of Wandjina are found throughout The Kimberley, recording their stories, knowledge and culture in stone.
Other sites we aim to visit in Doubtful Bay include the mighty Steep Island and Ruby Falls at Red Cone Creek.
Premium accommodation: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Day 5 : Montgomery Reef
Location: Montgomery Reef
Accommodation Name: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Montgomery Reef is a biologically diverse area covering more than 154sqmi (400sqkm) and was named by explorer Phillip Parker King. Twice daily, as the sea recedes in mammoth 36ft (11m) tides, Montgomery Reef rises from the Indian Ocean in a cascade of rushing water revealing a flat-topped reef pockmarked with rockpools and rivulets.
As the reef emerges, we get up close in our Xplorer and Zodiac inflatable tenders to witness the spectacle as our Expedition Team share their knowledge on the formation of the reef and the myriad wildlife. Opportunistic birds take advantage of the emerging reef, feeding on the marine life exposed in rock pools. Turtles and dolphins are also attracted to feeding opportunities as the ocean recedes.
The ocean is awash in a swirl of eddies and whirlpools as the gravitational force of the moon takes hold. Then, a few hours later, the entire water-borne drama is reversed as the tide comes in and Montgomery Reef disappears below sea level.
Premium accommodation: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Day 6 : Prince Regent River And Careening Bay
Location: Prince Regent River
Accommodation Name: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
King Cascade is a classically beautiful, terraced waterfall and one of the most photographed waterfalls in The Kimberley. Falling from a considerable height and around 165ft (50m) across, water tumbles down a staggered terrace of Kimberley sandstone. Layer upon layer of the ochre-coloured and blackened rock sprouts grasses, mosses and ferns in a sort of lushly vegetated hanging garden.
We reach King Cascade after cruising in our Xplorer tender vessels down the Prince Regent River, which is a remarkable anomaly as the river runs dead straight along a fault line.
Phillip Parker King named nearby Careening Bay after he beached his leaking vessel HMC Mermaid to effect repairs. While stranded on this remote coastline for 17 days, the ship’s carpenter carved ‘HMC Mermaid 1820’ into the bottle-shaped trunk of a boab tree near the beach. Two hundred years later, the Mermaid Boab Tree has since split into two trunks and sports a mammoth girth of 39ft (12m). Significantly, the bulbous tree is listed on the National Register of Big Trees and the carpenter’s careful inscription now stands almost as tall as a person.
Premium accommodation: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Day 7 : Prince Frederick Harbour And Biggie Island
Location: Prince Frederick Harbour
Accommodation Name: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Prince Frederick Harbour, at the southern end of York Sound, is one of the most spectacular locations in The Kimberly. The harbour is dotted with islands lined with mangroves and monsoon rainforests, set against a backdrop of ochre escarpment.
White-bellied sea eagles and other birds of prey are often seen here, and at low tide, expansive mudflats reveal large populations of mudskippers and mangrove crabs. We take our Xplorer tender vessels on a cruise up Porosus Creek to view striking rock formations.
Premium accommodation: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Day 8 : Mitchell Falls, Winyalkan And Swift Bay
Location: Mitchell River National Park
Accommodation Name: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tumbling down the Mitchell Plateau in a series of tiered waterfalls and emerald-green rock pools, the Mitchell Falls are the photogenic poster child for the Mitchell River National Park. Take a scenic helicopter flight (additional cost) over it to see the rock pools cascade down the escarpment.
Mitchell River National Park is inhabited by significant numbers of mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds, which are lured by a year-round water source. Sandstone terraces beside tiered rock pools make a terrific viewing platform from which to savour the serenity of this ancient landscape.
An alternative option to Mitchell Falls is exploring the sandstone caves of Hathway’s Hideaway, a labyrinth of weathered tunnels, arches and columns. Another option while anchored at Winyalkan Bay is a visit to a series Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art galleries at Swift Bay.
In the evening, we enjoy watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean and a gourmet barbecue.
Premium accommodation: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Day 9 : Vansittart Bay
Location: Vansittart Bay
Accommodation Name: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Vansittart Bay is home to many cultural and historically significant sites, including remarkable Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) Aboriginal rock art galleries estimated to be up to 20,000 years old. Jar Island is so-named after the pot shards found here, brought over by Macassan fisherman harvesting sea cucumbers.
On the nearby Anjo Peninsula lies the well-preserved wreckage of a US Air Force C-53 Skytrooper aircraft, the result of a pilot losing his bearings while flying from Perth to Broome in 1942 and putting down on a saltpan near present-day Truscott Airbase.
Premium accommodation: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Day 10 : King George River And Falls
Location: King George Falls
Accommodation Name: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fed by the King George River draining across the Gardner Plateau, the 262ft (80m) tall King George Falls are the highest twin falls in Western Australia. Before reaching the misty spray that rises from the base of the falls, we cruise through steep-sided gorges carved by a flooded river system that carved a swathe through the Kimberley landscape 400m years ago.
Early in the waterfall season, we may cruise around the base of the falls, while in later months we take the opportunity to view the honeycomb erosion patterns of sandstone cliffs up close.
On our last evening aboard the ship, we enjoy the captain’s farewell drinks among new-found friends.
Premium accommodation: Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Geographer
Day 11 : Arrive In Darwin
Location: Darwin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Disembark: Arrive and disembark at Darwin’s Fort Hill Wharf at 8.30am.
Our incredible adventure along the Kimberley coast concludes in Darwin this morning at 8.30am. Bid farewell to your fellow travellers, the captain and crew. Post-cruise transfers to the CBD hotels or the airport are included (you must advise and pre-book with Exodus at least one month before departure if you wish to have a departure transfer).
If you’re not transferring directly to the airport, why not spend the day enjoying the tropical city of Darwin with its landscaped waterfront and harbourside wave pool?
What's Included
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Meals
10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners. -
Premium accommodation on board the Coral Geographer, Coral Adventurer or Coral Discoverer
Enjoy premium accommodation on board one of the three luxurious vessels: Coral Geographer, Coral Adventurer, or Coral Discoverer.
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All excursions and sightseeing
Participate in all included excursions and sightseeing activities during the cruise.
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Use of Xplorer and Zodiacs
Access to Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels for exploration and adventure.
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Daily lectures and briefings
Attend daily lectures and briefings to enhance your understanding of the region.
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All meals, chef-prepared on board
Enjoy all meals prepared by chefs on board, included in the package.
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Selected wines, beers, and spirits with juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner
Selected wines, beers, spirits, juices, and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner.
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Coffee and selection of teas
Enjoy complimentary coffee and a selection of teas throughout the cruise.
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Departure transfer on day 11 to Darwin CBD Hotel or Darwin Airport
A departure transfer to Darwin CBD Hotel or Darwin Airport is included on day 11, with prior booking.
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All entrance fees to National Parks and Ports, including Traditional Owner Fees
All entrance fees to National Parks and Ports, including Traditional Owner Fees, are covered.
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Tips and gratuities for guide and crew
Tips and gratuities for the guide and crew are included in the package.
What's Not Included
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Pre and post flights, pre and post cruise accommodation
Flights and accommodation before and after the cruise are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Arrival transfers
Transfers upon arrival are not included in the package.
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Entry visas to Australia
Entry visas to Australia are not included and must be obtained independently.
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Vaccinations
Vaccinations are not included and should be arranged as necessary.
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Items of a personal nature
Personal expenses such as phone and internet communications, bar charges outside the included drinks package, laundry charges, and souvenir purchases are not included.
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Mitchell Falls helicopter flight
The scenic helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls is not included and incurs an additional cost.
Food
All inclusive
Meals:Â All meals are fresh and chef-prepared onboard
Tea and coffee:Â 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station
Beverages:Â Selected wines, beers, juices, soft drinks and selected spirits are served complimentary with lunch and dinner. Drinks are available for purchase at other times.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Start your day with a tempting choice from a fresh continental or hot à la carte menu with options changing daily.
Lunches showcase a selection of hot and cold dishes, from salads and cold cuts to soups, fresh local seafood and seasonal tropical fruits both individual plated and small sharing plates.
Evenings are a convivial time to dine with new friends and reflect on an exciting day of discovery over dinner. We welcome you onboard with a seafood-sharing concept dinner on the first night. Other evening meals are served over a three-course table d’hote dinner menu, when selections are offered as you enjoy table service from the friendly dining room staff.
All Coral Expeditions feature a memorable pre-dinner event ashore where sunset drinks and canapés are served, often on a beach, and always in a beautiful location with a sunset view. Casual sundowners are hosted by the captain and are the perfect time to kick off your shoes and enjoy a beer, wine or cocktail while mingling with fellow guests in a relaxed atmosphere.
Lunch and dinner are accompanied by a curated beverage list featuring boutique Australian and New Zealand wines, beers and ciders.
Each voyage, the captain hosts a Captain’s Table for invited guests and officers will endeavour to host dinner guests on an evening when operational matters allow.
Beverages onboard
Lunch and dinner are accompanied by a curated beverage list; each evening, sunset drinks are held on the Vista Deck (weather permitting) where guests relax or socialise before dinner. Each voyage, the captain hosts a welcome and farewell event with complimentary canapés and beverages.
Drinks are complimentary during the official captain’s welcome and farewell events and the offshore sunset drinks. We invite guests to join the pre-dinner drinks at other times, but alcoholic beverages during these times will be at your own expense.
Sustainability in Food and Beverage
Across the Coral Expedition fleet, they are continually looking for ways to improve sustainability and reduce waste, partner with more organic and Fairtrade suppliers, and deliver a food and beverage experience in line with expedition roots and beliefs. They have successfully implemented measures to remove PC plastics and reduce packaging waste in their food and beverage supply chain. Since 2020, Coral Expeditions offer a selection of ecofriendly, Fairtrade and organic beverage products including:
Pukka Tea Range: 100Â percent certified organic herbs, ethically sourced.
Veneziano Coffee: 100Â percent fairtrade and Australian certified organic by the Biological Farming Association.
Tablelands Coffee Black Mountain: Grown locally in Mareeba, Cairns Tablelands of Far North Queensland.
JUST Water: Packaged in reusable, recycled paper-based containers with a lid made from sugar cane in Far North Queensland. Made in Australia with water from Victoria.
Snacks and pre-dinner canapés
In between shore adventures, the chefs will welcome you back on board with freshly baked treats or delicious canapés to accompany pre-dinner or sunset drinks. When local regulations allow, there may be the chance for impromptu stops to enjoy sunset drinks and canapés in scenic locations.
Special meal requirements
Vegetarian, vegans, gluten- and dairy-free items are included in all menus. The chefs will happily cater to other special dietary requirements with advance notice. Please advise at time of booking.
Accommodation
During this premium adventure cruise, you will spend 10 nights on the Coral Adventurer, Coral Discoverer or Coral Geographer. These ships offer a range of luxurious accommodations, including spacious suites with private balconies, junior king-size beds, and modern amenities. Enjoy the comfort and style of these premium vessels as you explore the stunning landscapes of The Kimberley.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes a cruise aboard your choice of three premium vessels: Coral Adventurer, Coral Discoverer, or Coral Geographer. These ships are designed for comfort and safety, allowing you to explore remote coastlines and islands. The tour also features excursions using Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels for closer exploration.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can be seen during the cruise?
During the cruise, you can spot a variety of wildlife including brown boobies, roseate terns, Australian pelicans, frigate birds, egrets, gulls, green turtles, white-bellied sea eagles, mudskippers, mangrove crabs, and possibly dolphins and turtles around Montgomery Reef.
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Are there any additional costs for activities during the cruise?
Yes, there is an additional cost for the scenic helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls.
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What is the accommodation like on the cruise ships?
The cruise offers premium accommodation on board the Coral Adventurer, Coral Discoverer, or Coral Geographer. The ships feature various staterooms and suites with amenities such as private balconies, lounge areas, minibars, and personal coffee machines. The ships are designed for comfort, style, and safety, with modern technology and Australian-style cruising.
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What meals are included during the cruise?
All meals are included and are fresh and chef-prepared on board. There is a 24-hour barista-style coffee and tea station, and selected wines, beers, juices, soft drinks, and spirits are served complimentary with lunch and dinner.
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What is the policy for solo travelers regarding accommodation?
Accommodation is based on twin-share occupancy. If you are traveling alone and wish to share, a roommate of the same sex will be assigned whenever possible. If a share partner is not found, you will be charged the full room rate.
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What kind of cultural experiences are included in the cruise?
The cruise includes visits to indigenous rock art galleries to learn about ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion art. You will also have the opportunity to explore cultural and historically significant sites such as the Gwion Gwion Aboriginal rock art galleries and the wreckage of a US Air Force C-53 Skytrooper aircraft.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.