At a Glance
Discover the Kimberley’s spectacular Southern Coast in style and comfort on this all-inclusive, 8-day, luxury adventure cruise from Broome to the Hunter River including a scenic heli flight over the magnificent Mitchell Falls.
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 Southern Coast is particularly special, with its prolific islands, inlets and pockets of rainforest home to many species of birds and other wildlife.
Departing from Broome, head north to discover a land of extraordinary colour and contrast. Cruise the thousand islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago. Get up ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 7-nights’ accommodation aboard Kimberley Quest II on a twin-share basis
- All transfers between your accommodation and Kimberley Quest II
- Daily excursions led by knowledgeable guides
- All meals: fresh Kimberley style gourmet cuisine prepared by an onboard chef
- Non-alcoholic drinks
- Linen including excursion towels
Itinerary
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NOTE: This itinerary also runs in reverse from the Hunter River to Broome (Fly – Cruise). Your Adventure Quest begins when a courtesy vehicle picks you up from your Broome CBD 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 cold drink as you watch the sun dip below the horizon, while cruising past the famous Cable Beach, 22-kilometres (14mi) of pristine white sand edged by dunes and ochre red cliffs. Your destination is the remote Cape Leveque on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula north of Broome. This rugged and pristine slice of the Kimberley is famous for its Aboriginal heritage, which continues to thrive. |
Kimberley Quest II
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Start your day crossing the vast King Sound, cruising through the breathtaking Buccaneer Archipelago. This remote area consists of some 800-1,000 rocky islands with small embayments and secluded white sandy beaches. At Dugong Bay, take a scenic tender excursion to cool off with a dip in one of the freshwater pools. Around the corner lies Talbot Bay, home to one of the icons of the Kimberley Coast, the Horizontal Falls. Described by David Attenborough as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”, this unique “sideways” waterfall is formed by fast moving tidal currents squeezing between two narrow gorges. The tidal ranges in this area can exceed 10-metres (33ft) and the direction of the flow reverses ensuring the water flows two different ways each day. 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 unique rock formations. |
Kimberley Quest IIBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
At sunrise, cast out your line for a spot of fishing in Collier Bay, your first chance to hook the elusive Barramundi. After, continue on to Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest inshore reef. Take a tender to witness an astonishing marine spectacle as the reef is transformed by some of the biggest tidal changes on Earth. When the tide falls, the coral reef appears to rise from the ocean in a torrent of cascading water and a plethora of marine life makes its escape – manta rays, octopuses, reef sharks turtles and even dugongs and dolphins. In the afternoon, cruise to Red Cone Creek. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Ruby Falls, a picturesque freshwater swimming hole filled with waterlilies and smooth water-worn rocks to sit on and take in the tranquil surrounds. Alternatively, try your hand at mud crabbing. You might just catch your dinner! |
Kimberley Quest IIBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
At sunrise, fish the inlets of Doubtful Bay for the legendary Barramundi and Threadfin Salmon. Next, cruise up the Sale River for a swim in the spring-fed rainforest pools. You will also have the opportunity to view ancient Indigenous rock art. In the afternoon, cruise towards Raft Point and Steep Island, known for its ancient red rock walls and pebble beaches. Disembark and walk up to the caves on the hill to find some of the best preserved Wandjina art in the Kimberley. From the hilltop, stop to admire the sunset before returning to the vessel. |
Kimberley Quest IIBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Relax on board as you cruise past Augustus Island and the remote pearling settlement of Kuri Bay. At nearby Camden Harbour, visit the forlorn settler’s grave on Sheep Island and soak up the history of the first European settlement in the 1860s. From here, you will also be able to see into the brilliant blue waters of Camden Sound – one of the world’s great humpback calving grounds. From April to September, thousands of whales give birth in the Sound, covering themselves in sticky mud to assist with healing wounds gained during mating battles. In the afternoon, take a tender to explore deeper into the area. Try your hand at fishing or collect rock oysters, before unwinding on the sundeck. |
Kimberley Quest IIBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
At sunrise, cruise through St George Basin, a deep harbour bounded by steep cliffs with large expanses of mangroves and tidal mudflats. Leaving the vista of mighty Mt Trafalgar and Mt Waterloo, cruise up the Prince Regent River, one of Australia’s straightest rivers, marvelling at the pristine waterway that cuts through sandstone cliffs and gorges. Your destination is King Cascade, a spectacular terraced waterfall that is inaccessible to larger cruise ships. Make sure to stand on the front deck for a refreshing shower beneath the falls before climbing to the top for a swim in the enticing crystal-clear pool. In the afternoon, join your guides for an excursion to Cathedral Falls, while spotting crocodiles and flying foxes. Alternatively, fish the Prince Regent River, which is renowned for big Barramundi. |
Kimberley Quest IIBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Wake up early for your last chance to catch a Barramundi in the rich waters of the Prince Regent River. In the morning, visit Camp Creek, where the freshwater meets salt. Crocodiles are common in the creek and are sometimes seen in the first billabong, surrounded by paperbark trees, lilies and marsh-warts. This is also a great site for bird watchers. Take time to complete a walk to find 2 magnificent pools that end in a series of waterfalls. In the afternoon, cruise out of Prince Regent River to Careening Bay, site of the historic Mermaid Tree, first visited in 1820 by Phillip Parker King and his ship Mermaid. During the 10 days it took to complete maintenance of Mermaid, the ship’s carpenter visited the Boab tree and carved “HMC Mermaid 1820” into the trunk. Nearly 200 years later, the lettering has grown to 12-metres high. |
Kimberley Quest IIBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
In the morning, take a tender to explore the Hunter River, famous for its two large waterfalls and the spectacular rock formation at its mouth. Keep an eye out for crocodiles and flying foxes and take in the beauty of the Kimberley Coast for the last time. Depart the Kimberley Quest II 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 litres 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 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. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchAccommodation
Dates & Prices
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 and finish point of this cruise is Broome, Western Australia.
This itinerary also runs in reverse from the Hunter River to Broome (Fly – Cruise). Please enquiry the route.
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.
Alcoholic beverages.
Use of satellite phone, facsimile and internet.
Scenic helicopter flights.
Traditional Owner Visitor Pass fees.
Kimberley Quest II merchandise.
Airfares and pre- / post-accommodation (however we are happy to assist with these arrangements).
Tips and gratuities.
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.
