Kimberley Complete with Kimberley Coastal Expedition

Today, we’ll meet you at the airport before welcoming you aboard your expedition ship. The Seabourn Pursuit is the newest and most luxurious ship on the Kimberley coast, boasting incredible facilities, delectable dining options and personalised service. You might like to admire the views from the panoramic balcony of your spacious suite, sip champagne on the outdoor deck, take a dip in the infinity pool or share stories of your adventures with your newfound friends in one of the luxurious shared spaces. A relaxed dinner this evening gives you the chance to meet your fellow travellers and sets the tone for the next nine nights on board.

Today, your ship cruises into Koolama Bay. Hear how this bay was renamed following the Japanese bombing of the MV Koolama in 1942. Join your Expedition Team aboard a Zodiac to meander through King George River’s gorge system, passing mangrove-fringed coves and sheer red cliffs. This evening, enjoy a Captain’s welcome dinner.

Signature Experience - King George Falls

Get up close and personal to the magnificent King George Falls, where the King George River tumbles 80 metres down from lofty sandstone cliffs. You’ll be able to experience its power as your Zodiac creeps close to the iconic waterfall.

This morning, join your Expedition Team on an intriguing discovery. Walk across salt flats to view the wreckage of a US Air Force C-53, which crash-landed near Vansittart Bay during World War II. Later, we reposition in the bay to visit Jar Island and discover the island’s outstanding rock art gallery. During your exploration here, you’ll see fascinating examples of Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, dating back more than 20,000 years.

Enjoy a relaxed morning aboard your luxurious ship. This afternoon, pay a special visit to Ashmore Reef Marine Park. Located in the Timor Sea and spanning 583 square kilometres, the reef is a sanctuary for many marine species. Every year, more than 100,000 seabirds breed here, including crested terns, white-tailed tropicbirds and great frigatebirds. In addition to the prolific birdlife, beneath the clear tropical waters, the coral reefs, seagrass meadows, sandflats and lagoons of Ashmore Reef are home to a colourful array of marine life. 255 species of reef-building coral dwell here - the greatest number of any reef on the West Australian coast. Our visit to Ashmore reef is required to ensure we comply with Australian government regulations. Pending favourable weather and sea conditions, you’ll explore this sanctuary via Zodiac with your Expedition Team.

Travel to Swift Bay, home to some of the oldest and most significant Indigenous rock art in the Kimberley. Here, you'll encounter unique rock art etched into cave walls and on cliffs, depicting Wandjina figures. These powerful, ancestral spirits are associated with rain, clouds and the creation of the land and people, deeply rooted in the Dreamtime stories of the Kimberley.

You are transported to Prince Frederick Harbour today, home to the towering red cliffs and tangled mangroves of Hunter River and Porosus Creek. With its extreme tides and pristine ecosystems, the bay and its waterways are rich in wildlife including mudskippers and saltwater crocodiles. Porosus Creek takes its name from the scientific name for the saltwater crocodile, a good indication of what we’re looking for today. Keen birdwatchers should keep a careful eye out for kingfishers, egrets, herons and white-bellied sea eagles. To enhance your day, you might choose to set out on a thrilling helicopter flight to see the Mitchell Falls in all its splendour from above (flight at own expense).

Enrich Your Experience - Mitchell Falls Helicopter Flight

Soar over the incredible and breakthtaking Mitchell Falls on a scenic helicopter flight experience.

Today, visit Montgomery Reef and Freshwater Cove, where you will enjoy two Signature Experiences.

Signature Experience - Montgomery Reef

Following your visit to Freshwater Cove, depart with your Expedition Team to discover Montgomery Reef by Zodiac. Soak in the amazing scenes aboard a Zodiac as Montgomery Reef dramatically rises out of the ocean as a result of the region’s strong tides. Cruise through narrow channels between the world’s largest inshore reef as you admire the spectacle and the incredible wildlife exposed by the cascading water.

Signature Experience - Arraluli Heritage Exploration

Experience a Welcome to Country and an immersive smoking ceremony conducted by the Arraluli people, the traditional custodians of the land. Then, embark on a guided hike led by the Expedition Team to explore a mesmerising rock art site where your Aboriginal guide will offer an interpretation of the rock art. This Signature Experience offers a profound connection to the rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions of the Arraluli people.

Explore Talbot Bay and Cyclone Creek. Accompanied by your Expedition Team Leader, you’ll weave nimbly past the dramatic folds of rock formations, keeping a look out for local wildlife.

Signature Experience - Horizontal Falls

Today, your ship cruises through to Talbot Bay, known for its massive 12-metre tides that create the unique Horizontal Falls. Subject to tidal conditions, board a zodiac with your Expedition Team to view this natural phenomenon.

There’s promise of turquoise waters today as your ship arrives in the Buccaneer Archipelago, home to more than 800 islands. Cruise to the Lacepede Islands and join your Expedition Team for an exploration of this remote coastal area by Zodiac. Known as Western Australia’s most important breeding site for Green Turtles and also named by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA), the islands host one of the world’s largest brown booby colony, alongside up to 20,000 roseate terns and a wealth of other seabird species.

Enjoy your final breakfast on board, before disembarking in Broome. Transfer to your hotel for some free time. Later, meet your Driver-Guide and celebrate the start of your exploration of the Kimberley by 4WD.

Your day starts with a visit to the fascinating Boab Prison Tree. Believed to be more than 1,500 years old and measuring an incredible 14 metres in diameter, this remarkable tree was once used by early police patrols as a standing point for prisoners as they were walked to Derby. Today, the hollow tree is a registered Aboriginal site of great cultural significance. Continue your journey along the iconic Gibb River Road, a remote 660-kilometre outback highway stretching between Broome and Kununurra. The ‘Gibb’ traverses the wild heart of the Kimberley, passing spectacular landscapes of intensely coloured ranges, dramatic gorges, deep rock pools and spectacular waterfalls. Turn off the Gibb River Road to the extraordinary Tunnel Creek, a 750-metre-long natural tunnel carved through the Napier Range. With torch in hand, wade through the cool waters that fill the tunnel and emerge on the other side to the sight of a tranquil and stunning oasis. Continue on to Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above glistening white sands. Admire the ancient marine fossils embedded in the gorge walls and scour the banks for a glimpse of the freshwater crocodiles. Back on the Gibb River Road, travel into the Wunaamin Miliwundi Range National Park, which covers more than 900,000 acres and features seven rugged ranges. Later, arrive at your lodge for dinner. 

Back on the Gibb River Road, travel to Bell Gorge, where stunning cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. Sitting approximately 300 metres above sea level, Bell Gorge is an idyllic natural spot for swimming and photography. Here you can also enjoy a spot of birdwatching. If you are feeling particularly energetic, you can hike to the lower pool of the gorge and take a relaxing dip below the cascading waterfall. 

Travel through the heart of Kimberley cattle country to discover some of the region’s most secluded gorges. At Galvans Gorge, a short walk leads to a picturesque waterhole where boab trees cling to the escarpment above. Continue to beautiful Manning Creek, where you’ll enjoy lunch in the shade of paperbark trees. Look out for the region’s birdlife and enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine water. Turn off the Gibb River Road and travel north on the Kalumburu Road towards the isolated Mitchell Plateau. Later, arrive at Drysdale River Station and enjoy a unique stay at this historic cattle property, including a delicious dinner. 

Cross the Drysdale River, then ascend the Mitchell Plateau to enter a remote world of Livistona palm forests, panoramic lookouts, magnificent waterfalls and isolated swimming holes.

For the next two nights, experience Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge, with its Ungolan Pavilion, where you can relax in the lounge, treat yourself to a drink or read up on the local culture. In the heart of the Mitchell Plateau, your accommodation is perfectly positioned beside the Pandanus palm-fringed Camp Creek, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip. For wildlife watchers, the region’s fantastic array of bird life includes brolgas, herons, kites and sea eagles, as well as rainforest birds. This evening, you’ll be treated to a superb three-course dinner that showcases the region’s finest local produce. For the perfect accompaniment, a selection of flavoursome beers and wines are available. 

Signature Experience – Wandjina and Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) Rock Art   

Admire ancient Wandjina and Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art that dates back thousands of years at a gallery in the Mitchell Plateau. This artwork stakes a claim as some of the earliest figurative art, distinguished by its depiction of stick-like human figures.  

Today, enjoy a full day to discover the beauty of Mitchell Falls, with its magnificent waterfalls and Indigenous art. When available, local Aboriginal guides will join the adventure, imparting their knowledge of the area and sharing their cultural beliefs. Begin with a guided hike to Little Mertens Falls to view rarely seen Indigenous art. Continue to Big Mertens Falls before arriving at Mitchell Falls. You can swim in the pools above the falls and spot the region’s abundant wildlife, amid superb scenery and rich culture. 

Signature Experience – Mitchell Falls Scenic Helicopter Flight  

Set out on a thrilling helicopter flight to see Mitchell Falls in all its splendour from above. By gaining a bird’s-eye view of this remote region, you’ll not only see this iconic four-tiered Kimberley attraction, but also the surrounding gorges, emerald water pools, and soaring red cliffs. 

Rejoin the Gibb River Road and pass by the mighty Durack River before arriving at Emma Gorge Resort, located at El Questro, a sprawling wilderness area which covers 700,000 acres. Settle in before enjoying dinner this evening.

Today, you'll enjoy a duo of Signature Experiences. Later, relax back at Emma Gorge Resort.

Signature Experience – Zebedee Springs

Venture through a pre-historic forest of Livistona and pandanus palms before arriving at a true oasis, Zebedee Springs. This permanent natural thermal spring is tucked away in a secluded pocket of El Questro’s wilderness. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs, leaving you feeling refreshed and re-energised. Signature Experience – Injiid Marlabu Calls Us

Join the Traditional Owners of El Questro Station, the Ngarinyin people, for a meaningful introduction to their culture and deep spiritual connection to Country. Experience ancient healing practices, hear ancient stories passed down through generations, and explore the enduring history and traditions of El Questro. Through this immersive encounter, gain a deeper understanding of Ngarinyin culture and language, fostering an appreciation of Country and the stewards who have cared for it for millennia.

Hike to Emma Gorge this morning and enjoy a refreshing swim in the turquoise pool at the base of the 65-metre waterfall, surrounded by soaring colourful cliffs. Continue to Kununurra, the eastern gateway to the Kimberley near the border with the Northern Territory. Tonight, enjoy flavours of the East Kimberley at the hotel restaurant.

Explore the beauty of Kununurra this morning at leisure before travelling to majestic Lake Argyle, the largest man-made lake in the Southern Hemisphere. Afterwards, join a spectacular wildlife cruise on the mighty Ord River. From modern shaded vessels, discover a fascinating ecological system that has developed from the damming of the Ord River at two locations to create an area rich in wildlife, flora and undeniable beauty.

This evening, enjoy a barbecue dinner as you watch a mesmerising sunset while cruising on tranquil Lake Kununurra.

Depart Kununurra and journey to Purnululu National Park, one of Australia's most stunning natural landscapes. The park is home to the famed black and orange striped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range, ascending to 578 metres above sea level. Standing over a grass-covered plain, steep cliffs form the western face. Created by the constant erosion of river movements over a staggering 20 million years, the range has both geological and Indigenous cultural significance. It is an imposing sight and one that you are sure to remember forever. Join a hike along a Livistona palm-fringed trail into Echidna Chasm. Settle into the tranquil ambience of the Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge, located in the heart of this stunning national park. Enjoy a delicious dinner and share your adventures with your fellow travellers.

Explore the magic of Purnululu for yourself and discover the depth of the Bungle Bungle Range. Walk along Piccaninny Creek, a winding gorge within the Bungle Bungle domes. Your next stop is the natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge, a spacious cavern where the acoustics are astounding. Marvel at the majestic beehive domes as your guide brings the natural history of the range to life. You may like to experience an optional scenic helicopter flight over the domes.

Signature Experience – Sunset Drinks at the Bungle Bungle Range

There's no better way to end a day of discovery than by watching the sunset over the Bungle Bungle Range. With a glass of sparkling in hand, see the massive beehive-shaped domes cast in a golden glow at this time of day.

Enrich Your Experience – Bungle Bungle Helicopter Flight

Experience breathtaking views of World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park from above on a scenic helicopter flight (own expense).

Travel to the town of Fitzroy Crossing, stopping at Halls Creek along the way. Situated in the heart of the Kimberley, Halls Creek sits on the northern edge of the Great Sandy Desert, covering some 142,908 square kilometres of desert and pastoral country, rich in Aboriginal and European history and culture. Continue west to Fitzroy Crossing, set on the mighty Fitzroy River. Enjoy dinner this evening at your hotel.

Today, sit back and relax as you soak in the iconic scenery of the Kimberley as you return to Broome. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.

After a breakfast this morning, your adventure comes to an end with a transfer to the airport for your flight home.