Depart Perth and journey into Nambung National Park, enjoy the special experience of seeing bottlenose dolphins at Monkey Mia, discover the landscapes of Karijini National Park then indulge on the Oceanic Discoverer for a luxury small ship cruise of the Kimberley region.
Day 1. Nambung National Park, The Pinnacles, Kalbarri
This morning depart Perth and journey into Nambung National Park, home to the Pinnacles. Admire these eerie limestone pillars before continuing to Kalbarri National Park to discover its dramatic red rock gorges, coastal cliffs and lookouts.
Day 2. Murchison River Region, Wooleen Station
Enjoy a leisurely start to see surrounding landscapes, carved out over time by the mighty Murchison River. Then travel to Wooleen Station and explore this former sheep and cattle station, which is committed to preserving the ecology of the region through limited energy consumption. Enjoy the dramatic sunset and an informative talk from your host.
Day 3. Murchison, World Heritage-listed Shark Bay
Shark Bay is a great wilderness treasure of major zoological importance. It is home to around 26 species of mammal threatened with extinction. Continue to Shell Beach and tonight enjoy a seafood dinner.
Day 4. Denham
Explore Denham, a small town situated on the Peron Peninsula. This is a striking area of stark shrub land and acacia covered sand dunes. Visit the fascinating interactive displays at the Shark Bay Interpretive Centre, to learn more about this region and its environmental preservation scheme.
Day 5. Monkey Mia, Hamelin Pool
This morning at Monkey Mia, enjoy the special experience of seeing bottlenose dolphins as they visit the shore (subject to appearance). A local ranger will talk to you about these endearing marine mammals and their local habitat. Later, visit Hamelin Pool and see the age-old stromatolites, dome-shaped layered structures formed in shallow water and thought to be the world’s oldest living organisms.
Day 6. Ningaloo Reef Marine Park
Journey to Coral Bay at Ningaloo Reef Marine Park, home to Australia’s largest fringing coral reef. Cruise on a glass-bottom boat to see a wealth of stunning tropical fish and incredible forests of coral. Then continue on to Exmouth.
Day 7. Cape Range National Park
Enjoy a full day today to explore Cape Range National Park, which encompasses Ningaloo Reef Marine Park, famous for the striking contrast of its turquoise waters with the rocky, yet verdant, topography of Cape Range itself. Cruise on Yardie Creek through Yardie Gorge, keep an eye out for native wildlife.
Day 8. Tom Price, Karijini National Park
Head inland to the mining town of Tom Price, a showcase for the rich red hues of the Pilbara. Then, head on to Karijini National Park, with its sheer gorges and crystal-clear waterfalls.
Day 9. Karijini National Park
Discover the landscapes of Karijini National Park. Here, the ever-changing light, colours and reflections highlight the complex geological structures of the park. Visit Dales Gorge, Fortescue Falls and Oxers Lookout. Perhaps walk to see the water of Joffre Falls tumbling down the red rocks of Joffre Gorge.
Day 10. Hamersley Gorge, Millstream-Chichester National Park, Port Hedland
Visit Hamersley Gorge and Millstream-Chichester National Park, with its lush oasis of deep gorges and palm-fringed pools. Then continue on to Port Hedland.
Day 11. Eighty Mile Beach, Broome
Visit Eighty Mile Beach, a postcard-perfect stretch of sand and a significant area for migratory birds, forming the coastline from where the Great Sandy Desert approaches the Indian Ocean. Wallaroos, kangaroos and turtles also call the beach home, set against a backdrop of clear azure ocean. Then, journey through the Great Sandy Desert to Broome.
Day 12. Cape Leveque
Travel along the beautiful Dampier Peninsula to the pristine beaches of Cape Leveque. Enjoy time for lunch and to swim, snorkel and explore. Return to Broome and farewell your fellow travellers.
Day 13. Broome
Today is at your leisure for independent touring. Discover this relaxed town’s many historic and cultural attractions or enjoy some shopping time.
Day 14. Board Ship, Welcome Cocktail Party
After a morning at leisure in Broome, transfer to the port to board your ship and then this evening enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Aboard Cocktail Party.
Day 15. Lacepede Islands, Turtle Nursery
Cruise through Pender Bay and visit the Lacepede Islands. These four islands are home to colonies of booby birds and frigate birds, as well as Western Australia’s most important breeding ground for green turtles.
Day 16. Crocodile Creek, Talbot Bay, Horizontal Falls
Visit Crocodile Creek and, despite the creek’s name, you can enjoy a refreshing swim. Cruise to Talbot Bay and view the spectacular Horizontal Falls.
Day 17. Buccaneer Archipelago, Montgomery Reef
See the idyllic Buccaneer Archipelago, which experiences tidal ranges of over eleven metres. Walk onto Montgomery Reef this morning as the tide ebbs and the reef rises out of the sea. Visit Raft Point to see an Aboriginal rock art gallery.
Day 18. Camp Creek, King Cascades
Cruise up the Prince Regent River to Camp Creek. From here, journey to the majestic King Cascades waterfall in the Prince Regent Nature Reserve. Look out for saltwater crocodiles.
Day 19. Careening Bay, Kuri Bay
Cruise to Careening Bay, the site of a large boab tree of historic significance, inscribed with the name Lieutenant Philip Parker King, HMC Mermaid - 1820. Then continue to Kuri Bay, home of the South Sea pearling industry and the first cultured pearl farm.
Day 20. Prince Frederick Harbour, Naturalist Island
Journey to Prince Frederick Harbour and witness outstanding coastal scenery here. Then anchor at Naturalist Island for the day. Perhaps take a scenic helicopter flight (own expense).
Day 21. Bigge Island, Aboriginal Art
Cruise to Bigge Island, which is the second largest island of the Bonaparte Archipelago. Here, see ancient Aboriginal rock art sites on cliffs and cave walls.
Day 22. Vansittart Bay
Enjoy a full day to explore the untouched beauty of Vansittart Bay. Discover some of its many picturesque islands and secluded coves.
Day 23. King George River, Tranquil Bay
Journey along this magnificent waterway fringed by rugged scenery and cruise close to the base of the King George Falls. Later, take time to explore Tranquil Bay. Then, this evening, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Cocktail Party.
Day 24. Arrive Darwin, Disembark Ship
This morning your cruise ends as you disembark and transfer to the airport.
