At a Glance
Discover the Kimberley’s spectacular northern gorges in style and comfort on this all-inclusive 8-day small expedition cruise from Kununurra to Broome (or vice versa). With departures at the tail end of the wet season, this cruise is ideal for those wanting to view the Kimberley’s rivers and waterfalls at their most magnificent.
There is nothing quite as immersive, invigorating, profound and peaceful as a Kimberley Coast cruise. Here, in one of the oldest and largest landscapes on Earth, is a largely untouched wilderness of striking contrasts, with 1,200-kilometres (746mi) of sheer cliffs, pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters teeming with marine life. The Northern Kimberley Coast is particularly special, with its broad rivers, extensive waterfalls, incredible Gwion Gwion rock art sites and fascinating World War II history.
Departing from Kununurra, head ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- Non-alcoholic drinks
- Linen including excursion towels
- Daily excursions led by knowledgeable guides
- 7-nights’ accommodation aboard Kimberley Quest II on a twin-share basis
- All transfers between your accommodation and Kimberley Quest II
- All meals: fresh Kimberley style gourmet cuisine prepared by an onboard chef
Itinerary
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Departing from Kununurra at approximately 3:30pm, a courtesy vehicle picks you up and transfers you to Wyndham Port, where the captain and crew will welcome you aboard the luxurious Kimberley Quest II. Enjoy welcome drinks with your fellow travellers as you cruise out of the Cambridge Gulf with the sun setting over the horizon. |
Kimberley Quest II
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Spend the day cruising the Berkeley River, taking in the ancient sandstone escarpments and cascading waterfalls. Try your hand fishing for the legendary Barramundi or take a tender excursion with knowledgeable guides to go birdwatching or crocodile spotting. Marvel at the Amphitheatre Falls and then cool off in a tranquil freshwater swimming hole. In the afternoon, embark on a tender excursion to the top end of the river, where the fresh water meets the salt water. The freshwater swimming holes found in this part of the river have fun rapids to play in, as well as plenty of opportunities for estuary fishing. In the evening, anchor by a secluded waterfall and enjoy a cold sundowner. |
Kimberley Quest IIBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
At high tide, cross the sand bars of the King George River for an unforgettable cruise along this cathedral-like gorge. The breathtaking scenery culminates in the mighty King George Falls, a dual waterfall that has an uninterrupted vertical drop of more than 80-metres (262ft), making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Western Australia. Cruise right up to the base of the twin falls for a refreshing ‘shower’, Kimberley style. Intrepid adventurers may climb to the top of the falls for spectacular views of the river below, followed by a refreshing dip to cool off. Overnight, anchor just metres away from the falls, with an extraordinary view and tranquil sounds from the bow. |
Kimberley Quest IIBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Start your day with a visit to Koolama Bay. Located at the mouth of the King George River, the Bay is named for the Australian merchant vessel that beached here after a Japanese aerial attack during 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 to the Drysdale River Mission, guided by a priest. After visiting the survivors’ camp at Pangali Cove, cool off with a freshwater swim beneath a waterfall. In the afternoon, visit Glycosmis Falls, one of the lesser-known waterfalls on the coast. Described as King George Falls’ little brother, what these falls make up in heigh they make up for in sheer seclusion. Kimberley Quest II is one of the only ships to visit this part of the coast. Cap off the day with a cruise around Cape Londonderry, the northernmost point of mainland in Western Australia. |
Kimberley Quest IIBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Today, you will encounter one of the longest rivers in the Kimberley (432km/268mi): The Drysdale. Spend the day exploring the Drysdale’s broad rivers and the edge of its eponymous national park, the largest and least accessible in the Kimberley, with no public roads leading in or out and no airstrip within its boundaries. Join your guides on a scenic tender excursion through remote, palm-studded landscape and rapids, keeping an eye out for crocodiles, flying foxes and many species of birds. In the afternoon, enjoy a swim in one of the river’s numerous freshwater pools, some of which host impressive Gwion Gwion rock art. You might also like to take a walk along a deserted beach, try your hand at fishing, or simply sit back and enjoy the sounds of the Australian bush. |
Kimberley Quest IIBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Relax on board as your cruise across Napier Broome Bay. Midmorning, there is an opportunity for a beach walk to a historic site to learn about the lives of early Macassan fisherman, who were known to collect and process trepang (also known as sea cucumber), a marine invertebrate prized for its culinary value as well as its medicinal properties. In the afternoon, spend time fishing the inlets and estuaries for Barramundi and Mangrove Jack. You might also like to try your hand at mud crabbing – a great option for tonight’s dinner! |
Kimberley Quest IIBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
Arrive into Vansittart Bay, where you will find many islands in close proximity as well as many beautiful beaches and coves surrounded by the glistening aqua waters of the Timor Sea. With your guides, explore remarkable Gwion Gwion Aboriginal rock art galleries estimated to be up to 20,000 years old. You may also find traces of old jars brought to the Island by Macassan fishermen harvesting sea cucumbers (hence the Island’s English name: Jar Island). Close by, on the Anjo Peninsula, lies the skeleton of a US Air Force C-53 Sky Trooper aircraft, which veered off course and crash landed on the Island on its way to Perth in 1942. Luckily, all on board lived to tell the tale – they were rescued by a Qantas Flying Boat! In the late afternoon, cruise around the coastline of the Bougainville Peninsula, where dramatic black basalt cliffs contrast with lush green rainforests. |
Kimberley Quest IIBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
Cap off your unforgettable adventure with a cruise through the lower Mitchell River, which has carved a realm of spellbinding gorges and waterfalls in the blocky, layered sandstone of the Mitchell Plateau. Say farewell to the crew and prepare to tick off a bucket list item: the magnificent Mitchell Falls. Board a scenic heli flight for the ultimate bird’s eye view of this iconic four-tiered waterfall. Look down and you will see sheer sunburnt cliffs and millions of liters of water cascading from one emerald green pool to the next. Touching down at the Mitchell Plateau airstrip, transfer to a light aircraft for the scenic flight to Broome. As you travel towards the setting sun, look down in wonder at one of the oldest wilderness landscapes on Earth. Upon arrival in Broome, enjoy a curtesy transfer to your CBD accommodation. NOTE: This is only a suggested itinerary. The remote Kimberley region experiences large tidal movements which can affect the itinerary. The itinerary may need to be varied this from time to time, however, no matter the tides, the expedition cruise would 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. |
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Dates & Prices
Cabin Type & 2025 Fare
Double Cabin - $14,990pp, twin share
Superior Cabin - $16,990pp, twin share
Flybridge Cabin - $18,490pp, twin share
Please enquire about available cabin type.
Please Please contact us for group bookings or private charters.
Uunguu Visitor Pass is not included in the fare, payable at time of booking.
More Info
The start point in Kununurra or Broome, Western Australia.
The finish point is Broome or Kununurra, Western Australia.
The Kimberley has two distinct seasons: wet season (December to March) and dry season (April to November). During ‘the Wet’ most 4WD roads and National Parks are closed. As such, this tour operates during ‘the Dry’ with daytime temperatures ranging from 28-30-degrees Celsius. Be aware, however, that the region can get surprisingly cold overnight.
Note: In September and October, as ‘the Wet’ approaches, temperatures increase accordingly, and it can be very hot during the day. It is essential you are prepared for this.
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Deposits are non-refundable once paid
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
