The Kimberleys - Darwin to Broome 11 day cruise

Why Join This Cruise:

• Accesses the remote and wild coastline of Australia's top end that is otherwise virtually inaccessible


• Explore this dramatic coastline aboard luxury motor yacht Orion, renowned for its first class service and the excellence of her expeditionary staff


• Enjoy the area's rugged scenery, plunging waterfalls, endemic wildlife, Aboriginal rock art and unique rock formations
• Optional helicopter ride over the Hunter River and Mitchell Falls

Trip Overview
This voyage offers intrepid travellers an in-depth exploration of this remote coastline, between Darwin to Broome aboard one of the world's most comfortable and luxurious expeditionary boats. Nothing can fully prepare you for the dramatic contrasts of Australia's north-west, rich in Aboriginal culture and galleries of ancient artwork. The ragged Kimberley coast is definitely best explored by water. Its rugged gorges, rocky inlets and plunging 100 metre high waterfalls combining for an awe-inspiring experience you simply can't have by travelling overland.



Daily Itinerary

Day 1 Darwin, Northern Territory - Embark
Embarkation in Darwin, Australia's closest city to the equator and the gateway to the Top End, as its known.

Day 2 At Sea
Opportunity to familiarise yourself today with the ship and expeditionary staff, with lectures scheduled to introduce you to the area you will be exploring.

Day 3 King George River and Falls
Today drop anchor in Koolama Bay, originally known as King George Bay, but renamed after the merchant ship Koolama bombed near here by Japanese aircraft during World War II. The 12km zodiac journey up the King George River reveals some of the world's most spectacular scenery and a wealth of bird species. The almost vertical sheer canyon walls have been eroded over millions of years and are an awe-inspiring sight.

The Zodiac cruise up the stunning sandstone canyon culminates in the twin drops of King George Falls. For those looking for a bit more adventure, you will be able to take a walk to the top of the falls and have the opportunity to enjoy a swim. Optional helicopter flight over King George falls (not included in overall cost).

Day 4 Vansittart Bay
Today you will visit Jar Island in Vansittart Bay, named by the explorer Phillip Parker King for the shards of pottery he found there, most likely left behind by Macassan traders. After landing ashore by zodiac, your destination will be an outdoor art gallery of Gwion Gwion Aboriginal art thought to have been created at least 17,000 yrs ago, but potentially up to over 50,000 years ago when humans first explored this continent.

Day 5 Bigge Island

Bigge Island is a rugged and barren moonscape. A short Zodiac ride will take you ashore on a sandy beach close to a series of caves home to Wandjina and ship art galleries. Small Monjon rock wallabies and the Northern Quoll thrive here free of feral predators found on the mainland. The island is famous as a site for its amazing rock art, including "first-contact" art spread over many sites.

Day 6 Hunter River & Mitchell Falls
Arguably one of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast, Prince Frederick Harbour and the Hunter River are lined with green rainforest, mangroves and soaring red cliffs. Cliffs at the river mouth are some 200 metres high and to the north Mt. Anderson rises to an impressive 480 metres. This region has many crocodiles and you may be lucky enough to see them. Zodiac expeditions into the Mangrove environment of the Hunter River and its tributaries.

For those wishing to explore some of the Kimberley's vast interior, you have the option to fly by helicopter from Naturalist's Island to the famous Mitchell Falls & over spectacular terrain (additional cost).

Please note - Helicopters used for your shoreside expedition do not have doors is weight restricted, therefore there is no guarantee guests will fly together and may be split into other groups. Our Expedition Team will endeavour to work the best options available on the day.

Day 7 Montgomery Reef/Raft Point
Arriving at high tide, you'll see very little of Montgomery Reef. However as the tide drops rapidly, a raging torrent of water cascades off the top of this 400 hectare reef, as miles of surrounding reef appears to slowly rise out of the ocean. A Zodiac will maneuver you into the perfect spot to watch cormorants, egrets and sandpipers forage for sea life trapped on the surface of the reef. Below the waterline opportunistic sea turtles, reef sharks and many larger fish also take advantage of this feast.

After landing ashore by Zodiac at Raft Point, excursion to a spectacular outdoor Aboriginal art gallery. The art is an account of the mythical Wandjina clan on the 'Great Fish Chase' with their distinctive haloes and dugong, crocodiles, fish and snakes.

Day 8 Talbot Bay/Horizontal Waterfalls
The Horizontal Waterfalls in the Buccaneer Archipelago are a product of the huge tides in the region, and the effect is created by the rapid tidal fall on the ocean-side of gaps in the cliffs. When conditions are right it is possible for a "waterfall" up to 3 metres high to form as the waters trapped on the landward side cascade out through the narrow gap to the ocean side. A flotilla of Zodiacs today will take you for an exhilarating trip to witness this unique phenomenon.

Option to also see the massive tidal movement and the prehistoric geology that created it from the air by exclusively chartered seaplane (not included in overall cost).

Later in the day, join a Zodiac excursion to Cyclone Bay where the tortured geological folds of what was once seabed will be explained.

Day 9 Cape Leveque & The Lacepedes
Cape Leveque is situated 220kms north of Broome on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula. A remote oasis in the white sands, red earth and thick bush, Cape Leveque can only be accessed by 4WD, boat or by air. Enjoy beautiful swimming in rock pools with clear water and abundant tropical fish. Optional guided beach walk with a member of the Lombadina community, go fishing, or just sit back and simply relax in this tranquil place.

The Lacepedes Islands offer a plethora of wildlife, home to the world's largest colony of Brown Boobies as well as green sea turtles who choose this pristine environment to mate and hatch their eggs.

Day 10 Broome
Arrive into Broome with the day to explore this charismatic town either independently or with a guide.
Broome has a colourful history and a unique, cosmopolitan feel, which stems from its early pearling days when over 400 luggers plied the coast.

The town is full of contrasts: stroll along kilometres of pristine white sand and swim in the clear water of Cable Beach or skim across tidal flats aboard a hovercraft to Gantheaume Point, home of the 130 million year old Dinosaur Footprints.

Evening return to the ship for a final dinner together before you embark tomorrow

Day 11 Disembark

Disembarkation and transfer to the airport for onward travel

**Please note that this itinerary also operates in reverse**



The Boats
The following boat operates this particular cruise, please refer to the 'Australian Boats' section for full details:

MV Orion

Technically and aesthetically, Orion is arguably the most sophisticated vessel in its class. The Berlitz Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships guide describes her as "the latest in the quest to build the ideal expedition cruise ship". Constructed by the world-leading Cassens Shipyard in Emden, and launched in November 2003, she boasts a host of advanced design features including technology that sets new standards in sustainable marine environmental practices.

Although custom-made for expedition cruising, Orion is the epitome of elegance. No expense has been spared when it comes to the quality of fittings and furnishings, and the range and calibre of onboard recreational facilities are nothing short of five-star. Orion's luxurious appointments means she is more mega-yacht than cruise ship and her guests are few; around just 50 couples, all cared for in 5-star comfort by a crew of 75.

Technical Information
Guest Capacity: 106
Length: 103 metres
Beam: 14.25 metres
Gross Tonnage: 4,000
Speed: 12.5 knots
Built: 2003 in Germany

Cruise dates for 2008

19th - 29th July**
29th July - 8th August
8th - 18th August**
29th August - 8th September**

** - Itinerary operates in reverse, Broome to Darwin

Cruise dates for 2009

12th - 22nd May
1st - 11th June
11th - 21st June**
22nd July - 1st August**
1st - 11th August
11th - 21st August**
21st - 31st August
31st August - 10th September**

** - Itinerary operates in reverse, Broome to Darwin


Guide Price

	Prices from:
Stateroom B	£3,970pp
Stateroom A	£4,595pp
Junior Suite	£5,455pp
Deluxe Suite	£5,975pp
Balcony Suite	£7,120pp
Owners Suite	£8,620pp

*Please note that these prices are subject to exchange rate fluctuations

What's included?

• 10 day cruise based on full board basis


• All guided land and sea based excursions, unless otherwise stated


• On board lectures

What's not included?

• All flights and travel arrangements getting to and from the points of embarkation/ disembarkation


• Optional add-on excursions and flights during the cruise


• Drinks & Gratuities

Single Supplements on board
For those who require their own cabin, please contact the office for a quotation.

Pre/ post Cruise Extensions
For those wishing to extend their stay in Australia and explore further, this cruise can be incorporated into a longer tailor-made itinerary.

Please visit the Australia section on our website for further journey ideas.


To discuss this trip, for further details or to check boat availability, please either:

Call 01285 880981
Email voyages@steppestravel.co.uk

Steppes Travel cruise destinations include: Alaska, Amazon, Antarctica, Arctic, Baja Mexico, Galapagos.