7 Day Kimberley Expedition Cruise
Broome - Mitchell Plateau - Broome

Itinerary - Cruise / Fly

Note: The Fly / Cruise itinerary operates in the reverse to the itinerary below

Day 1 - Broome and Buccaneer Archipelago

From the historic pearling settlement of Broome, a courtesy vehicle will pick you up from your accommodation at approximately 4.30pm and transfer you to the Kimberley Quest II for boarding at approximately 5.00pm. Begin your "ultimate Kimberley expedition" with a relaxing drink on the sundeck and watch as the sun dips below the western horizon as you cruise past world famous Cable Beach. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner as you cruise overnight towards the Buccaneer Archipelago. Your Kimberley adventure has begun!

Day 2 - Buccaneer Archipelago, Talbot Bay

This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast whilst cruising through the spectacular surrounds of the thousand islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago. We cruise into Yampi Sound, an area of spectacular geology. Further exploration takes us past Cockatoo Island, once mined for its rich reserves of iron ore. We stop to explore Crocodile Creek where there is a pretty waterfall and a lovely freshwater swimming hole (easy level walk). A perfect place for a refreshing dip! We then head on towards Talbot Bay, home to one of the many pearl farms that frequent the Kimberley. The rich and protected waters provide ideal growing conditions for the coveted south sea pearl. Talbot Bay is also home to one of the icons of the Kimberley coast, the magnificent Horizontal Waterfalls. The region's massive up to 10 metre tides create a spectacular scene, sending huge volumes of water pouring through a narrow chasm in the land formation. Board one of the tenders and head in for an up-close and an exhilarating ride through this natural phenomenon.

Enjoy a well deserved rest this evening after an action packed first day onboard the Kimberley Quest II. Relax on the spacious sundeck and soak up the last of the sun's rays before the Kimberley night skies put on their own special display - billions of stars of the Milky Way, and an assortment of constellations that have guided seafarers for millennia.

Day 3 - Montgomery Reef

Today we cruise to another of the Kimberley's icons, the amazing Montgomery Reef. An immense reef system covering more than 300km? it is Australia's largest inshore reef system. Watch as the tide falls right before your eyes, creating a waterfall effect as the reef rises out of the water. A navigable channel, running deep into the Eastern reef, provides a stunning panorama of white water rapids on the ebb tide. Magical lagoons are created as the tide drops, which are rich in marine life, including dugongs, turtles, manta rays and many species of sea birds.

Fascinating history surrounds High Cliffy Island, bordering the eastern edge of Montgomery Reef. Home to a physically superior tribe of Aborigines called the Yawijibaya tribe that disappeared around 1929. Discover more from one of our experienced guides onboard!

Day 4 - Doubtful Bay, Sale River

We cruise across Doubtful Bay to explore the first of the big rivers, the Sale River. One of the most sublime and beautiful estuaries, it winds its way through rugged narrow gorges with towering sandstone cliffs. This magical but unforgiving wilderness will captivate those who crave it; its secrets are not easily revealed without some effort. Take a tender excursion upstream and disembark to walk amid an ancient patch of rich rain forest glades. Admire the cool surroundings and take a dip in the spring fed rain forest pools before returning to the vessel (easy level walk). Also on offer is another beautiful waterfall, Ruby Falls, a picturesque freshwater swimming hole filled with water lilies and smooth water-worn rocks to sit on and take in the tranquil surrounds. Journey back to the vessel to enjoy more fine cuisine prepared by our talented chef and relax on the sundeck as we continue on our quest.

Day 5 - Kuri Bay, Camden Harbour

This morning we cruise between Augustus Island and the mainland, passing the remote settlement of Kuri Bay, home to Australia's largest and wealthiest pearling operation. At nearby Camden Harbour, we visit forlorn settlers' graves on a picturesque island and soak up the history of early European settlement (easy walk to ruins). This was the setting for a disastrous 19th-century sheep farming venture by early Victorian settlers. In this rugged setting and harsh climate, the settlement failed miserably and was abandoned after less than two years and much tragedy. Try your hand at Kimberley fishing in one of our secret spots, take one of the tenders for a spot of exploration or laze about the sundeck and take in the beautiful scenery. Dine on freshly caught barramundi, served with crisp greens and a lovely chilled beverage!

Day 6 - St George Basin, Prince Regent River, King Cascade

This is another packed day of adventure, as we cruise through St George Basin, the Kimberley's largest inland sea. Leaving the vista of mighty Mt Trafalgar, we cruise up the drowned fault-line of the Prince Regent River. Arriving at the King Cascade waterfalls you will marvel at the rush of water cascading in breathtaking tiers, surrounded by lush ferns and a myriad of wildlife. It is possible to climb above the falls for an unforgettable swim in the multitude of crystal-clear rock pools (medium walk and climb) and is well worth the effort. You will also be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the magnificent Prince Regent River in the distance - wilderness adventuring at its best! But wait there's more - Camp Creek, a delightful walk up to the base of the falls for another swim. Options include bird-watching along the tree-lined banks of this pretty watercourse.

Day 7 - Careening Bay, Bigge Island

Visit Careening Bay, site of an ancient boab tree first visited in 1820 by Phillip Parker King whilst on a hydrographic survey of the Australian coastline. King and his crew careened the vessel HMC 'Mermaid' for repairs and subsequently carved the vessel's name into a boab (easy walk to the tree). Next we cruise north to Bigge Island, one of the Kimberley's largest islands and home to some amazing rock art galleries with a maritime theme. Relax on a sandy beach, before heading back to the vessel to watch as another spectacular sunset sinks below the Kimberley horizon.

Day 8 - Hunter River

In the morning explore the Hunter River, one of the Kimberley's most scenic rivers. The prominent 'Indian Head' stands as sentry to the entrance to the river and is a perfect photographic opportunity with a backdrop of deep red sandstone escarpments and sapphire blue skies. Last chance to catch a Barra here in these rich waters.

Depart the vessel by helicopter and enjoy a scenic flight over the spectacular Mitchell Falls and then onto the Mitchell Plateau airstrip. This monumental landscape was formed over 1800 million years ago amidst volcanic eruptions, massive upheavals in the earth's crust and ice ages to form what is now known as the Mitchell Plateau. The Mitchell River splashes over the sheer sandstone cliffs of the falls known by the Wunambal people as Punamii-unpuu. Discover by air the sheer immensity of the Kimberley by light aircraft as you wind your way back to Broome, arriving mid to late afternoon.

A courtesy vehicle will transfer you to your accommodation.

The Vessel

The Kimberley Quest II is a luxurious 25 metre, fully air conditioned vessel, equipped with a helipad and was custom built to explore the Kimberley Region.

The Kimberley Quest II can accommodate up to 18 passengers in deluxe twin, deluxe double, superior double cabins and an exclusive flybridge double cabin. All cabins are equipped with their own private ensuites.

Kimberley Quest II Vessel Specifications

Builder: Maritime Engineering Services Pty Ltd - built 2004

Length: 23.98 metres

Breadth: 8.0 metres

Service Speed: 10 knots

Hull: Single chine, monohull

Engines: Two (2) 6 cylinder diesel Caterpillars (450 Hp each)

Generators: Two (2) 75 KVA Caterpillars

Full Capacity: 35,000 litres

Fresh Water: 8,000 litres

View Vessel Layout

Kimberley Cruise | Booking Form and Conditions - PDF
Kimberley Cruise | Booking Form and Conditions - MS Word Document

Further Information

Notes

All air & helicopter transfers between Broome and the Mitchell Plateau are included in the price of the cruise.

This is only a suggested itinerary. Due to the vast tidal movements and remote terrain of the Kimberley region, Pearl Sea Coastal Cruises cannot guarantee that the itinerary will remain the same. However, during the time you spend with us you will experience many more spectacular places not listed on the itinerary and there will be lots of opportunities to catch fresh fish for the table as well as land and sight seeing excursions to many untouched places.