Beyond Adventure - 21 Day Kimberley Cruise

Your Adventure begins when a courtesy vehicle picks you up from your accommodation at approximately 4.30pm and transfers you to the Kimberley Quest II, where you will be welcomed on board by your captain and crew. Enjoy a relaxing drink as you watch the sun dip below the horizon, while cruising past the famous Cable Beach. An expedition that is truly beyond adventure has begun!

This morning will find us crossing the vast King Sound, cruising through the thousands of islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago. In and around Dugong Bay, we take a scenic tender excursion and cool off with a refreshing swim in the freshwater pools. Around the corner lies Talbot Bay, home to one of the icons of the Kimberley coast, the spectacular Horizontal Falls. Take a tender and head in for an up-close and exhilarating ride through this natural phenomenon. In the afternoon take a scenic excursion up the back of Cyclone Creek to marvel at the amazing rock formations.

Early morning we take you fishing in Collier Bay, your first chance to catch a Barramundi. We then cruise to the amazing Montgomery Reef, which covers more than 300km², making it Australia’s largest inshore reef. Watch as the tide falls right before your eyes, creating a waterfall effect. Then take a tender ride to view the many marine species, including turtles and sea birds. Enjoy an afternoon cruise to Red Cone Creek for a refreshing swim at Ruby Falls or try your luck at mud crabbing.

At nearby Camden Harbour, we visit forlorn settlers’ graves on Sheep Island and soak up the history of the early European settlement. Take one of the tenders for a spot of exploration, have a go at fishing or collect rock oysters. Alternatively relax on the sun-deck to take in the beautiful scenery. We then cruise between Augustus Island and the mainland, passing the remote pearling settlement of Kuri Bay. Late afternoon we will enter Deception Bay for a refreshing swim among paperbark trees. 

Early morning we cruise through St George Basin, a stunning inland sea. Leaving the vista of the mighty Mt Trafalgar and Mt Waterloo, we cruise up the Prince Regent River, marvelling at the pristine waterway that cuts through sandstone cliffs and gorges. Arriving at the spring- fed King Cascade, admire the rush of water cascading in breathtaking tiers, surrounded by lush ferns and a myriad of wildlife. Climb above the falls for an unforgettable swim in a massive crystal clear pool. Be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the magnificent Prince Regent River in the distance - wilderness adventuring at its best! Late afternoon join our guides for an excursion to Cathedral Falls, while spotting crocodiles and flying foxes. Alternatively fish the Prince Regent River which is renowned for big Barra and Threadfin Salmon. 

This morning we cruise out of the Prince Regent River and visit Careening Bay, site of an ancient carved boab tree first visited in 1820 by Phillip Parker King. Cruising through Scotts Strait viewing the amazing sea-caves and spectacular sandstone coastline of York Sound. Relax on board to another spectacular sunset as the sun sinks below the Kimberley horizon, while we cross Prince Frederick Harbour towards Swift Bay.

Step back to a land before time, viewing some of the finest examples of Kimberley rock art. Every period of Kimberley rock art is on display in and around this area. Let your imagination flow as we hike through the remote terrain, sit under rocky out-crops and marvel in the magnitude.

We are now entering the incredible assortment of islands that form the Bonaparte Archipelago. Cruise to the Mitchell River, source of the magnificent Mitchell Falls. Flick a lure in and perfect your fishing skills in these rich waters or go crocodile spotting. Late afternoon enjoy a swim in the cool tranquil waters of Surveyors Creek.

This morning we cruise around the coastline of the Bougainville Peninsula, where dramatic black basalt cliffs contrast with lush green rainforests. We then explore various coves within Vansittart Bay, visiting sites rich in the fascinating Bradshaw or Gwion Gwion art, named after Joseph Bradshaw, who in 1891 became the first European to record these amazing paintings. Some Bradshaw art, which is unique to the Kimberley, has been dated at over 17,000 years old. There is also the opportunity to visit the crash site of the DC3 aircraft which crashed during World War II on the eastern side of Vansittart Bay. Take a beach walk to a historic Indonesian Tepang site for an insight into the lives of the early Macassan Fisherman.

Today we encounter one of the longest rivers in the Kimberley (432km), the Drysdale. Spend the day exploring the spectacular palm-studded landscape and the rapids of the Drysdale area. Join our guides on a scenic tender excursion to witness crocodiles, flying foxes and many species of bird life which thrive in these delta islands. Then enjoy a swim in secluded rock pools. Late afternoon walk on a deserted beach or try to catch a Barramundi, with many great ‘snags’ to fish.

Early morning we cruise around Cape Londonderry, the most northerly point of Western Australia. We view more unbelievable Kimberley waterfalls namely Barramundi & Glycosmis. Try your luck at landing the elusive Barramundi whilst revelling in the remoteness of this magical region.

Today we visit Koolama Bay, where the vessel “Koolama” was beached in February 1942, following an attack by the Japanese in World War II. The passengers were taken ashore by order of the ship’s master, and many had to walk overland on an epic cross-country trek. The 'Koolama' was unfortunately sunk off the Wyndham jetty during another air raid. Late afternoon take in more history at the survivors’ camp at Pangali Cove where you can enjoy a freshwater dip beneath a waterfall.

At high tide, we cross the sandbars of the King George River for a breathtaking cruise along this majestic cathedral-like gorge. Incredible scenery unfolds as we approach the King George Falls, through vertically-sided sandstone canyons, ending at the tallest waterfall in Western Australia. The Kimberley Quest II cruises to the base of the magnificent twin falls for a refreshing 'Kimberley shower'. Overnight we anchor just metres away from the falls, with tranquil sounds and an extraordinary view from the bow.

This morning for those intrepid adventurers, you may climb to the top for a breathtaking vista of the river below, a truly humbling experience as you appreciate the immensity of this untamed landscape. Enjoy a well-deserved swim in one of the cool upper pools, followed by an excursion to the East Arm Falls.

This morning we visit two sites associated with the German Aviators Bertram & Klaussman. In 1932, the pair were blown off course in their seaplane Atlantis and endured starvation in the wilderness, before being found and rescued by Gwini Aborigines after 40 days. 

Today we cruise up the Berkeley River, taking in the numerous waterfalls and ancient sandstone escarpments. Take a tender excursion with our guides to go crocodile-spotting and bird watching. Marvel at the Amphitheatre Falls and then cool off in beautiful freshwater pools. Late afternoon we have another tender excursion opportunity up to the back of the Berkeley River, where the salt water meets the fresh water. Fish off the flat rocks for Barramundi lurking in the rapids, or alternatively walk to a freshwater pool to enjoy a relaxing dip. Tonight we savour the surroundings anchoring near a secluded waterfall.

Today commences by taking in the magnitude of the Berkeley River - with a leisurely cruise aboard Quest Express taking in the ancient sandstone escarpments. The Berkeley River offers stunning ochre-tinted sandstone scenery, amphitheatre waterfalls and beautiful freshwater pools, perfect for a refreshing dip. You have one last chance to catch the elusive Barramundi or alternatively go wildlife-spotting or bird watching.

Arrive into Wyndham Port early morning. Enjoy your last breakfast on board before saying goodbye to the crew of the Kimberley Quest II. Board a courtesy coach at 7.30am for transfer to Kununurra (100km), arriving at approximately 9.00am. This is only a suggested itinerary. The remote Kimberley region experiences large tidal movements which can affect our itinerary. We may need to vary this from time to time, however, no matter the tides, we always visit the spectacular icons of this region. There will be plenty of land and sightseeing excursions to many untouched places, and opportunities to catch fresh fish for the table. Please note scenic helicopter flights are available on request.

This is only a suggested itinerary. The remote Kimberley region experiences large tidal movements which can affect our itinerary. We may need to vary this from time to time, however, no matter the tides, we always visit the spectacular icons of this region. There will be plenty of land and sightseeing excursions to many untouched places, and opportunities to catch fresh fish for the table. Please note scenic helicopter flights are available on request.