Kimberley Wonderland
Snapshot
- 24 night package
- Aboard the Le Jacques-Cartier
- Fly & Tour Package
- Broome return
- Departs 11 July 2024
From
$25,330*
per person twin share
BOOK NOW
Overview
10 night expedition cruise
From Broome to Darwin, embark on a 10 night expedition cruise.
Set sail for the wild and grandiose landscapes of Kimberley, following this exceptional Ponant itinerary.
On the Lacepede Islands, take the time to admire the abundance of nesting birds as well as the large population of turtles residing in the lagoon.
In one of the most picturesque parts of the region, the Hunter River, you will see wild mangrove forests where saltwater crocodiles live along with many species of birds.
During your cruise, the magnificent bays of Vansittart and Swift will offer you exceptional panoramas, between islands, secret inlets, caves and rocky overhangs.
The highpoint of this cruise will undoubtedly be the discovery of the King George River and the majestic Twin Falls, the highest falls in Western Australia.
You will also visit Collier Bay, where you will be able to admire the Montgomery Reef, home to vast expanses of lagoons and immense coral reefs.
Your ship will take you along one of the most spectacular coasts in the entire region.
With their falls, abrupt gorges, savannah, calm waters and desolate mountain chains, the wild lands of Kimberley are the promise of an exceptional adventure.
12 night Kimberley Guided Tour
- Visit the Horizontal Falls by seaplane with exciting boat ride
- Discover the Mitchell Plateau and spend 2 nights at our luxury safari camp
- Enjoy a guided walk to Mitchell Falls via rarely seen Gwion and Wanjina cultural art sites. Includes return scenic helicopter flight
- Discover the World Heritage Listed Bungle Bungles including Cathedral Gorge and Echidna Chasm
- Visit spectacular Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek National Parks
- Enjoy an Ord River adventure cruise and learn about the Irrigation Scheme
- Travel the northern half of the infamous Gibb River Road
- Discover Kununurra and Wyndham including Five Rivers Lookout
- Spend 2 nights at El Questro and discover Zebedee Thermal Springs
Inclusions
Cruise
- 10 night expedition from Broome to Darwin
- All onboard meals
- All onboard beverages including mini-bar
- Regular outings and shore expeditions via easy to access Zodiac®
- A highly qualified expedition team of geologists, historians, cultural experts, marine biologists, naturalists and conservationists
- Individually-controlled airconditioning
- Stateroom layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, communicating staterooms available (Children welcome)
- Minibar
- Flat screen satellite TV
- Video on demand
- Bose™ Bluetooth speaker
- Desk with stationery
- Safe
- Hermès® bath products
- Dressing table, bath robes, Hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 110V American (two flat pins) /220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- 24hr room service
- Inclusive Internet access Wi-fi
Darwin Stay
- 2 night accommodation in Darwin
Guided Tour
- Small Group Size - 20
- All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) included. Complimentary beverages from a selected list included at lunch and dinner (when dining at licensed venues only).
- All attraction, entry and cruise fees
- 2 nights in Outback Spirit's luxurious & exclusive Ngauwudu Safari Camp
- 10 nights of hotel, resort, safari camp and lodge accommodation all with en-suite facilities
- Travel aboard a state-of-the-art 5 star 4WD Mercedez Benz vehicle
- Escorted by an experienced and professional Tour Driver / Guide
- Two spectacular scenic helicopter flights at the Mitchell Falls and Bungle Bungles
Itinerary
July 11, 2024 - Broome
Embark onboard Le Jacques-Cartier 7/11/2024 from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Departure 7/11/2024 at 8:00 pm
Located in the northwest of the Kimberley region and in the far north of western Australia, the town of Broome is reputed for its history and its glorious pearling era. The fascinating Chinatown district, which is the historic city centre, and the famous Japanese cemetery, dates back to 1896, and has a past marked by the immigration of numerous Chinese and Japanese workers, attracted by the prosperous pearl industry at the end of the 19th century and at the beginning of the 20th century. Broome is also famous for the “staircase to the moon”, an optical illusion created by the moon reflecting on the sand banks at low tide, like a staircase climbing up towards the sky, a unique spectacle provided by nature…
July 12, 2024 - Lacepede Islands
Arrival 7/12/2024
Departure 7/12/2024
The Lacepede islands are western Australia’s most important breeding habitat for green turtles (Chelonia Mydas), and have been named by birdlife international as an important bird area (Iba). The breeding colony of brown boobies is possibly the largest in the world. Up to 20,000 roseate terns have also been recorded here. Other birds breeding on the islands include masked boobies, Australian pelicans, lesser frigatebirds, eastern reef egrets, silver gulls, crested, bridled and lesser crested terns, common noddies, pied and sooty oystercatchers. Join your expedition team for a guided zodiac tour to view the prolific wildlife. Due to the sensitive nature of the environment, landings are prohibited on the Lacepede Islands.
July 13, 2024 - July 14, 2024 - Collier Bay
Arrival 7/13/2024
Departure 7/14/2024
Lying to the east of the buccaneer archipelago, the ancient landscapes of collier bay have been shaped by the massive tidal movements the region is renowned for, creating a photographer’s paradise. With a tidal range exceeding 14 metres, recorded near yule entrance at the southern end of the bay, they are among the largest in the world. This massive daily movement of water creates unique phenomena that occur nowhere else in the world. Nestled in the centre of the bay is Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest inshore reef system. As the tide falls a raging torrent of water cascades off the top of the reef, creating turbulent ‘rivers’ and mini waterfalls. At the southern end of the bay, talbot bay is home to the world’s only ’horizontal falls’ described by Sir David Attenborough as “one of the greatest wonders of the natural world.” Hidden in the many caves and grottos of this ancient landscape are a multitude of ancient rock art galleries. Here you can find spectacular examples of the Wandjina and Gwion Gwion styles.
As we are at the mercy of weather and tide conditions in this region, the activities mentioned above are only possible experiences and can’t be guaranteed.
July 15, 2024 - Careening Bay
Arrival 7/15/2024
Departure 7/15/2024
Careening bay was named by lieutenant Phillip Parker King after his ship, HMC mermaid, was careened there during his third voyage of discovery in 1820. King surveyed the western coast to complete the map initiated by flinders 20 years earlier. The mermaid had been leaking badly and king needed to find a shallow sandy bay where he could careen his boat to undertake repairs. At a high tide, on a warm September afternoon, he ran the mermaid onto the sands. For ten days the mermaid crew worked hard before refloating the vessel. The ship’s carpenter carved the name of the vessel and the year into a conspicuous boab tree. The famous boab tree is now 3 metres wide and national heritage listed. A reminder of a by gone era of exploration!
July 16, 2024 - Hunter River
Arrival 7/16/2024
Departure 7/16/2024
Arguably one of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast, prince Frederick harbour and the hunter river are lined with ancient rainforest pockets, pristine mangroves and mosaic sandstone cliffs. They are considered to be some of the most pristine mangrove forests in the world, containing up to 18 different species, supporting a rich and diverse fauna. The sandstone escarpment at the river mouth, known as “Kampamantiya” rises over 200 metres high before giving way to extensive mud banks and mangrove forests home to numerous bird species and the iconic saltwater crocodile. Our expert expedition team will share their knowledge with you as you explore this pristine mangrove environment by zodiac keeping a constant lookout for wildlife. You will also have the opportunity to reach the Mitchell Falls by helicopter from naturalist island beach.
July 17, 2024 - Swift Bay
Arrival 7/17/2024
Departure 7/17/2024
The Bonaparte archipelago, is a stunningly rugged maze of islands stretching almost 150 km along western Australia’s remote Kimberley coast. Its colour and scale conspire to take ones’ breath away. Its distant location has meant it has remained an unspoilt and remarkably pristine location to explore and experience. Phillip parker king named “swift's bay" after Jonathon Swift (1667-1745) the author of Gulliver’s travels. The ‘t’ shaped bay is composed of heavily fractured sandstone providing an abundance of rock shelters. On the walls of these shelters are examples of both Wandjina and Gwion Gwion style rock art. Join your expedition team ashore for a guided walk to a number of rock art galleries depicting these unique rock art styles.
July 18, 2024 - Vansittart Bay
Arrival 7/18/2024
Departure 7/18/2024
Jar island contains ancient rock art galleries depicting the Gwion Gwion style unique to the Kimberley region. Mainly neglected by, or unknown to, the early European researchers of aboriginal culture in the Kimberley in favour of the dominant and more dramatic Wandjina art, Gwion Gwion art has in recent years gained world prominence. It is generally thought that this art may extend back to over 30,000 years before our time and represents the first wave of seagoing colonisers of the Australian continent. As it is, these are the oldest detailed depiction of human figures in the world. Join your expedition team ashore for a short walk, past some fascinating rock formations, to the site of the Gwion Gwion art galleries.
July 19, 2024 - King George river
Arrival 7/19/2024
Departure 7/19/2024
The journey up the King George river is nothing short of breathtaking. The 80-metre-high sides of the gorge display varying degrees of weathering of the ancient Warton sandstone. The colours and textures of the gorge change with the light as you travel further up the river creating a continual changing scenery that is simply stunning. The journey culminates at the King George twin falls; the highest single-drop falls in the whole of the Kimberley (80 m or 260 ft). Fed by wet season run-off the level of water cascading over the falls varies from year to year. Your expedition team will escort you in either the zodiacs or ships tenders to the foot of the twin falls, and explain all about the stunning geological formations of the canyon.
July 20, 2024 - At sea
Arrival 7/20/2024
Departure 7/20/2024
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
July 21, 2024 - Darwin
Arrival 7/21/2024 early morning
Disembarkation of Le Jacques-Cartier - 7/21/2024 at 8:00 am
Darwin is located in Australia’s northern territory which is also known as the “top end”. It is the capital city and the most populated town of the northern territory. Darwin is a beautiful tropical city, a melting pot of people and cultures, over 50 different cultures live and work side by side that prides itself in its unique and friendly laid-back lifestyle. Come discover the town’s still recent history through its emblematic buildings such as the new parliament house opened in 1994, a magnificent example of tropical architecture or admiralty house declared heritage place, a tropical-style home elevated on stilts that has survived two cyclones and numerous air raids.
Enjoy some down time in Darwin with an overnight stay.
7/22/2024 – Darwin
Enjoy an overnight stay in Darwin
7/23/2024 – Darwin
Upon arrival in Darwin today you will be met and greeted by our friendly and professional Tour Director. This afternoon enjoy a city sights tour including a visit to the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Later in the afternoon we check in to the Hilton Garden Inn, enjoying harbour view rooms along the Darwin Esplanade. Tonight, enjoy our first dinner together as we get ready to embark on our Kimberley adventure. (D)
7/24/2024 – Scenic Flight to Mitchell Plateau
This morning we depart Darwin on our scenic flight to the Mitchell Plateau. Our aircraft for the morning is Outback Spirit's state-of-the-art Cessna Grand Caravan, featuring a high wing for excellent visibility, air-conditioning and turbine reliability. On arrival, we make our way to our exclusive Ngauwudu Safari Camp, the most luxurious tented camp in the Kimberley. Featuring deluxe safari suites with ensuite bathrooms, quality furnishings and large balconies, the camp is a magical spot for the next two nights of our adventure and the ideal base from which to discover the Mitchell Plateau and Mitchell Falls. (B,L,D)
Please note: Weight limits apply to all scenic flights
7/25/2024 – Exploring Punamii-Uunpuu (Mitchell Falls)
A big walk today, but also a big highlight. After a short drive to the ranger station, we'll set off on a guided 4km walking tour to the incredible Mitchell Falls (good level of fitness and mobility required). Along the way we'll discover rarely seen Gwion and Wanjina rock art galleries, accompanied by a local expert guide from Kandiwal Community. The walk also takes us past Mertens Falls before arriving at the top of the Mitchell Falls, one of the most awe-inspiring wonders of the Kimberley. After a picnic lunch and enough time to admire the falls we'll take to the skies for a spectacular helicopter flight (included) back to where the walk started. Viewing the falls and surrounding landscape from the air is an absolute highlight, and a great way to finish off the experience! Once we're on the ground at the ranger station, we return to the camp for a wellearned rest and perhaps a swim in the palm fringed creek. (B,L,D)
Please Note: For passengers not wishing to do the Mitchell Falls walk there is an option to fly down by helicopter. An Outback Spirit guide will still escort you. The flight is at your own expense. Please note: Weight limits apply to all scenic flights
7/26/2024 – King Edward River - Drysdale Station
This morning we depart the Mitchell Plateau and head back to the Kalumburu Road. Along the way we'll visit several exceptional Wanjina rock art galleries near the King Edward River and enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon we arrive at Drysdale River Station, a pastoral lease which runs over 9000 head of cattle across more than a million acres. We spend the night in comfortable station cabins with private ensuite bathrooms. (B,L,D)
7/27/2024 – Drysdale - Gibb River Road - El Questro
Wilderness Park This morning we farewell Drysdale Station and re-join the Gibb. We then continue east and cross the Durack River before arriving at the mighty Pentecost River at the foot of the Cockburn Range. We stop to admire the view of the stunning escarpment before continuing on to the world renowned El Questro Wilderness Park where we'll spend the next two nights at Emma Gorge Resort in unique tented cabins. (B,L,D)
7/28/2024 – Exploring El Questro
This morning we head deeper into this iconic Kimberley wilderness park to Chamberlain Gorge, a beautiful three kilometre-long fresh waterhole bound by towering escarpment. Enjoy a 90 minute gorge cruise and feed some of the cheeky Archerfish before visiting Zebedee Thermal Springs for a swim in the warm, crystal clear water. We then return to Emma Gorge Resort via the Station township. After lunch, enjoy a guided walk up to the stunning Emma Gorge waterfall (2.5 hours return – a good level of fitness required, but well worth it!). Enjoy a swim in the large rock pool at the base of the falls and marvel at the beauty of the gorge, one of the best in the Kimberley. Upon returning to the resort, the rest of the afternoon can be spent at your leisure before regrouping for dinner. (B,L,D)
7/29/2024 – El Questro - Kununurra
Depart El Questro this morning and travel along the Gibb River Road to Wyndham and the spectacular Five Rivers Lookout, boasting dramatic views over Cambridge Gulf. This afternoon we visit the Argyle Homestead Museum en route to Lake Argyle, the departure point for our sensational three-hour cruise down the Ord River. Enjoy the mesmerising scenery and diverse wildlife as your skipper takes you downstream to Kununurra, providing expert commentary along the way. We arrive back into Kununurra at sunset and make our way to the Kununurra Country Club for our overnight stay. (B,L,D)
7/30/2024 – Kununurra - Bungle Bungles
This morning we depart Kununurra and head south to the World Heritage Listed Purnululu National Park (the Bungle Bungles) where we'll check in to the Bungle Bungles Savannah Lodge for our two night stay, owned by Outback Spirit in partnership with Aviair/Helispirit. The lodge features comfortable cabins with ensuite bathrooms. (B,L,D)
7/31/2024 – Exploring the Bungle Bungles
Today we explore the wonders of Purnululu, including its unique orange and black beehive shaped domes. First up, enjoy a breathtaking 18 minute scenic helicopter flight over the park with a bird's eye view of its astounding natural features. Afterwards enjoy a walk along Piccaninny Creek to the mind boggling natural amphitheatre of Cathedral Gorge. Then follow the 'dome trail' for a closer inspection of the park's unique geological formations. This afternoon we'll head to the northern region of the Bungle Bungles to visit Echidna Chasm before returning to the lodge. (B,L,D)
8/1/2024 – Bungle Bungles – Halls Creek - Fitzroy Crossing
We depart the Bungle Bungles early this morning and back track along the infamous Bungles track. From here, we join the Great Northern Highway and head into Halls Creek. After lunch, we turn off the highway to Mt Pierre Station where we will veer onto a track that will lead us to Mimbi Caves. Your local guide will take you through this natural wonder which is part of the 350 Million-year-old Devonian Reef system. This amazing cave system will take your breath away with its vivid colours and limestone rock formations. Listen to Dreamtime stories and learn about one of the most significant Devonian fossil sites in the world from the local Gooniyandi people. Enjoy freshly brewed tea and damper made the traditional way by your guides using native seeds. Later, we head to the town of Fitzroy Crossing, the site of where the unprecedented flood events occurred in 2023. We overnight at the Fitzroy River Lodge (B,L,D)
*The walk into the Mimbi Caves is uneven and you will need to be reasonably confident on your feet. In the caves the light can be poor and in some places non-existent. Those suffering a fear of close spaces should be mindful of this.
8/2/2024 – Tunnel Creek & Windjana - Broome
First up this morning is a visit to Tunnel Creek National Park for a fascinating underground river walk. Next it's onto the awe-inspiring Windjana Gorge, one of the most spectacular gorges in the Kimberley. In places, the water-streaked walls of the gorge rise majestically to stand 100 metres above the floodplain. After a guided walk through the gorge we'll depart for Broome, arriving late afternoon to check in to the iconic Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa for our two night stay. (B,L,D)
8/3/2024 – Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures
For the afternoon, we are ending our journey on a high with a sensational half-day adventure to the Horizontal Falls. First, enjoy a 50-minute seaplane flight and land on the calm waters of Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago. Then, we cruise through the falls and surrounding bays and have a bite to eat before returning to Broome. Tonight, we gather for our final dinner together and celebrate our adventure through the Kimberley. Note: Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures have a weight restriction of 120kg.
8/4/2024 – Broome
Your tour concludes after breakfast this morning and you will be transferred according to the details specified above. (B)
Every effort will be made by your crew to ensure that the above itinerary is followed. However, Outback Spirit reserves the right to alter the itinerary once on tour as required due to weather and track conditions or other operational considerations.
* Term and conditions apply:
All pricing subject to change and availability.
Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise.
Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change.
Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies.
Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
Destinations featured in this deal
Australia Broome and Kimberley Region Northern Territory Western Australia