Embark Heritage Adventurer in the afternoon at Darwin Port, Australia’s 'northern gateway,' renowned for its glittering harbour, World War II history, and enviable tropical outdoor lifestyle. Upon arrival, the captain and expedition team will greet you and escort you to your cabin. You'll have time to settle in and get acquainted with the ship. You'll also be introduced to your expedition team who will outline your voyage plans. You're invited to join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge and on the Observation Deck as your ship sets sail for the Kimberley. Note: some voyages operate in reverse.

Heritage Adventurer's approach to King George River gorge is a must-see, and it is best experienced from the observation deck as our vessel is dwarfed by the towering 2,000 million-year-old Warton sandstone cliffs. Navigating this scenic waterway by Zodiac, you'll be captivated by the ever-changing eroded rock faces as we venture deeper into the gorge, marvelling at the untouched beauty of this iconic landscape. As we reach the end of the gorge, the grand spectacle of the Kimberley’s highest single-drop falls awaits. The King George River cascades 80m over ancient red sandstone cliffs into tidal waters below, presenting one of Australia’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.

The twin falls, known by the Balanggarra people as the male and female Rainbow Serpents or Wunkurr, are fed by wet season rains and hold a special place in Indigenous lore. During your visit, you will learn about the creation of this natural wonder and enjoy a closer look.

Vansittart Bay is a treasure trove of beautiful islands, pristine white beaches, turquoise waters, secluded coves, and stunning scenery. It is also home to a historical World War II site and remarkable ancient Aboriginal rock art. Named by early explorer Rear Admiral Philip Parker King after the Chancellor of the Exchequer, this striking, naturally protected bay is framed by scattered jagged sandstone monoliths. It is the final resting place of the preserved skeleton of a WWII Douglas C-53 Skytrooper (DC-3), which crash-landed on the saltpan after running out of fuel during a mercy mission to evacuate four Dutch citizens from Java.

On Jar Island, you will find ancient outdoor Aboriginal Gwion Gwion art galleries set among fascinating caves and rock formations. Much of the rock art, tucked under ledges and featured on cave walls, is estimated to be up to 40,000 years old and remarkably preserved, protected from the elements. The island is also home to interesting flora and fauna, including the Golden-backed Tree Rat, echidnas, and various bird species. Vansittart Bay offers a bounty of anthropological and historical wonders waiting to be discovered.

Located closer to Indonesia than to mainland Australia, Ashmore Reef is Australia’s most remote marine park. It encompasses three tropical islands surrounded by coral reefs, hosting over 500 species of fish, 225 reef-building coral species, and 100,000 nesting sea birds. As a designated Important Bird Area (IBA) and primarily Sanctuary Zoned, access to Ashmore Reef is strictly regulated. Your visit adheres to Australian Government regulations, and there may be an opportunity for a Zodiac cruise near West Island.

Today, we visit Bigge Island to explore its ancient Aboriginal rock art sites and the historic Mermaid Boab Tree. This tree, now National Heritage listed and measuring around 3m wide, bears the name of the HMC Mermaid, carved into it during Philip Parker King’s third voyage of discovery in 1820 while the ship was beached for emergency repairs. The tree offers a glimpse into Australian colonial history, and an old Makassan Islamic prayer alcove can be found behind it. Additionally, you will explore the jaw-dropping, otherworldly sandstone coastline of York Sound, with its incredible sea caves and fascinating wildlife.

On today's adventure, your ship will navigate the scattered islands of the Bonaparte Archipelago, which stretch almost 150km along the dramatic coastline. Your destination is the remote and pristine inlet of T-shaped Swift Bay, featuring sandy beaches, ominous sea-worn caves, and mangroves. A Zodiac cruise offers a closer look at this incredible coastline, where you will likely observe salt-water crocodiles. On land, numerous rock art galleries display the unique Wandjina and Gwion Gwion styles on a large scale, highlighting the region’s cultural significance.

While exploring the Hunter River today, you'll quickly understand why this winding, 30km stretch of water is celebrated as one of the Kimberley coast's highlights. Nestled in the northeast corner of Prince Frederick Harbour, an expansive bay that exemplifies Kimberley's vast scale, this picturesque wonderland features islands, wildlife-filled mangrove-lined rivers, savanna woodlands, lush monsoon rainforests nourished by abundant rainfall, and towering red cliffs. At the river's mouth, the majestic 200m high sandstone escarpment Kampamantiya stands sentinel and welcomes you into this surreal realm we'll explore today.

Fed by the Hunter and Donkin waterfalls, each 90m high, the Hunter River hosts one of the world's largest and most pristine mangrove systems. Zodiac cruises along the coastline offer opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, including White-bellied Sea Eagles, Osprey, Great-billed Heron, Eastern Reef Egrets, Red-headed Honeyeaters, Blue-spotted Mudskippers, and Fiddler Crabs. The river is also home to the iconic saltwater crocodile, with the Kimberley's largest population found here.

You'll also explore Naturaliste Island/Wunumpurramarra, with its impressive 300-metre-long beach strewn with marine snail shells. For those seeking even greater adventure, an optional scenic heli-flight offers a breathtaking view of the iconic Mitchell Falls, a four-tiered cascade accessible only from the air. The flight includes a landing on Mitchell Plateau, renowned as one of Australia's most scenic and biologically significant areas, where you'll explore the intricate sandstone landscape shaped by the Mitchell River.

Located at the eastern end of the Buccaneer Archipelago and accessible only by sea, you have two days to explore the ancient landscapes and seascapes of Collier Bay, renowned for its remarkable natural attractions. At Talbot Bay, you will witness the power of the region's immense tidal movements, famously showcased at the world's only Horizontal Falls. Here, as the tide drops more than 14 metres, trapped water surges through narrow chasms, creating breathtaking falls, whirlpools, and boiling white water—an awe-inspiring spectacle described by David Attenborough as "one of the greatest wonders of the natural world."

Nearby Cyclone Creek offers exploration of twisted geological folds in the ancient seabed, with opportunities to encounter Tawny Nurse Sharks and other captivating marine life. Another tidal marvel awaits at Montgomery Reef, the world's largest inshore reef system. Hopefully, you will witness the reef 'rise' from the ocean as the tide falls, forming cascading torrents and up to 3-metre-high waterfalls. This phenomenon displaces marine life, triggering a feeding frenzy among predators both above and below the water's surface.

Explorations along the shoreline of Freshwater Cove reveal numerous ancient rock art galleries nestled within caves and grottos, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural history.

Today, you will explore the remarkable wildlife sanctuary and avian haven of the Lacepede Islands. Designated as a nature reserve in 1970 and declared rat-free in 1986, these four unassuming islands off Western Australia's north-west coast are globally recognised as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. They boast what is believed to be the world's largest breeding colony of Brown Boobies, with up to 18,000 pairs nesting here annually.

These small, low-lying islands consist of coarse sand and coral rubble atop a platform reef and serve as the state's most crucial breeding grounds for Green Turtles. The islands are also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including Roseate Terns, Masked Boobies, Australian Pelicans, Bridled, Crested, and Lesser Crested Terns, Eastern Reef Egrets, Silver Gulls, Common Noddies, Lesser Frigatebirds, and Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers. Visiting vagrant species include Grey-tailed Tattlers, Whimbrels, Bar-Tailed Godwits, Ruddy Turnstones, and Great Knots.

While landings are restricted, you will explore the islands' stunning shores by Zodiac. With luck, you may also spot Humpback Whales, which frequent this coastline during their northern migration in winter and early spring

This morning, the Heritage Adventurer reaches Broome, once a rugged frontier and now a serene tropical beach resort that serves as the gateway to the Kimberley. A complimentary coach will transport you to a central hotel or Broome International Airport after breakfast. It is advised that any flights are scheduled to depart before 1:00 PM to allow ample time for disembarkation procedures and travel arrangements from Broome.

Throughout your journey, unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather or unexpected excursion opportunities may necessitate deviations from the planned itinerary. Rest assured, your Expedition Leader will keep you well-informed throughout the voyage. 

Secure your space today by calling one of our Travel Specialists on 0203 196 1000 or enquire here