This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.
A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
For the true explorer, expedition small-ship cruising is the best way to get off the beaten track.This experience is not just about the ship’s creature comforts but very much the destination, its nature and wildlife. Daily shore excursions by Zodiac inflatable boats allow you to step onshore and explore. A world-class, expert expedition team will help you discover each exciting destination. Onboard you’ll enjoy informative and educational lectures. These trips will be a mix of fully guided or self-guided depending on your chosen package. There’s a land touring component with shared sightseeing and transfers.
✓ 10 Nights accommodation in 3 to 4 star accommodation
✓ 10 nights cruising the magnificent Kimberley Coast onboard a Coral Expeditions small expedition ship, Coral Discoverer or Coral Adventurer
✓ 18 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches and 18 Dinners
✓ Airfare from Broome to Darwin (via Kununurra)
✓ Arrival airport, Darwin to hotel and port to airport transfers
✓ Dedicated transportation throughout
✓ Local cruise down the Ord River from Lake Argyle to witness the setting sun in Kununurra.
✓ Support local Aboriginal artists with a visit to Mangkaja Gallery in the Kimberley, to understand culture sustainability through art.
✓ National Park fees contribute toward the protection of local marine life and local habitat areas, and fund land-protection projects.
✓ All activities listed in the itinerary unless a paid optional
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Welcome to Darwin! This afternoon you will enjoy a tour of this tropical city. See the mixture of old and new architectural styles and cultural influences including old Government House and the new Northern Territory Parliament building. You'll also see for yourself some of the damage caused to the town during Cyclone Tracy of 1974. Enjoy dinner this evening with your Travel Director and fellow travellers at a restaurant with spectacular views overlooking the Darwin Waterfront.
Travel south along the Stuart Highway stopping at Adelaide River War Cemetery along the way. During WWII, Adelaide River was the headquarters of a large military base. A large cemetery was created especially for those who gave their lives in the service and defence of their country. This afternoon you continue through Katherine to Nitmiluk National Park. Take a relaxing cruise at Katherine Gorge where you'll really feel the spirituality of the land and marvel at the gorges while you spot wildlife and learn about the history and culture of the local Traditional Owners, the Jawoyn people. In the afternoon, you’ll meet Tom Curtain and experience his spectacular Outback show, it will be an experience you’ll never forget.
Watch the landscape transform as you journey across vast pastoral leases and Aboriginal homelands into Western Australia. Visit the historic Durack Homestead Museum. The homestead was originally built in 1895 by the famous pioneering Durack family on Argyle Downs Station. Cruise the Ord River from Lake Argyle to Kununurra on an exhilarating and educational boat journey where you will experience an abundance of wildlife and some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Kimberley. The magical sunset on the water at the end of this journey as you arrive into the town of Kununurra is something you will never forget.
Today you can take an optional early morning scenic flight over the spectacular Bungle Bungle beehive domes before a tour of Kununurra, or you may like to join an in depth 4WD tour of the Bungle Bungles in the World Heritage listed Purnululu National Park. Alternately join your Travel Director and visit Mirima National Park, which has great cultural significance to the local Miriwoong people and features intriguing natural rock formations. Afterwards you'll have time to view the town from Kelly’s Knob Lookout before enjoying a free afternoon to relax and unwind. This evening, you’re invited to a privately hosted ‘Be My Guest’ dinner at the Kununurra Sandalwood Factory in the heartland of Kununurra’s Sandalwood plantations. Enjoy a dinner based on fresh locally grown produce from the Ord Valley, Australia’s next ‘food bowl’.
Our long-time partners and family at Hoochery Distillery will take you on a guided tour to hear how Spike Desert and his family came to open this award winning rum distillery. The family will take you behind the scenes of the distillery before you sit down and try their famous Ord River Rum Cake for morning tea. Today you get to hit the Gibb River Road and travel to El Questro Wilderness Park for your stay at Emma Gorge Resort. Nestled at the foot of the rusty red Cockburn Ranges, you won't even know the resort is there as you approach down the dusty dirt road, but before you know it, an oasis of native pandanus and palms appear. Staying in safari style tented cabins, you really feel like you're immersed in nature. It's just magic!
This morning rise to the calls of native birds and head to the resort's large veranda for a hearty breakfast with views of the surrounding ranges. Next up you'll travel across the mighty Pentecost River to the hub of El Questro Wilderness Park for a cruise on Chamberlain Gorge, a fresh waterhole fringed by tropical vegetation and 60 metre tall escarpments. Afterwards, spend a little time at the station and grab a bite for lunch before heading back to Emma Gorge Resort. This afternoon is free for you to relax and enjoy your surrounds. Maybe take a dip in the resort pool, lay back with a good book on your cabin's veranda or if you have a high level fitness you might take the challenging hike to Emma Gorge for a dip in the crystal clear waterhole.
Today visit the Argyle Diamond Mine. Located at the traditional Barramundi Dreaming site at Barramundi Gap, it's the world's largest supplier of natural coloured diamonds. The mine has been operating since 1983 and has produced 800 million carats of rough diamond since! A local Indigenous guide will join you for an extensive behind the scenes look at the diamond mining process and cultural significance of the mine site. Continue south to the historic town of Halls Creek, situated on the edge of the Great Sandy Desert. The town is rich in Aboriginal and European history and culture.
Travel through the Kimberley to the remote township of Fitzroy Crossing. Stop at an indigenous Art Gallery and experience what the gallery is doing for the local community. This afternoon a beautiful boat cruise with a local guide through the remarkable Geikie Gorge. Discover how the gorge was formed by the waters of the Fitzroy River tunnelling through the Napier Range. Watch for freshwater crocodiles, fruit bats and wallabies as the 30 metre high walls of the gorge tower above you.
Travel to the tropical resort town of Broome on the Indian Ocean. On arrival, enjoy a Broome orientation tour with your Travel Director and hear stories of this famous pearling town. Cable Beach has some of the best sunsets in Western Australia so sit back and relax with a drink to watch the spectacular sunset over the ocean.
Today, say farewell to your fellow travellers. The hotel runs an airport shuttle service to the airport (booking the night prior with reception recommended). On arriving at the airport, board your flight to Darwin for the next leg of your journey.
Please note: Guests not joining the cruise will be staying in Broome a night longer.
Flight: Flight from Broome to Darwin will stop via Kununurra. Total travel time 3 hrs.
On arrival in Darwin, board a transfer from the airport to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon in Darwin.
Your hotel is located 500m from the Wharf. Make your way to Fort Hill Wharf to board your cruise. Boarding starts at 8am. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard as we cruise northwards towards King George River.
Fed by the King George River draining across the Gardner Plateau, 80m tall King George Falls are the highest twin falls in Western Australia. Cruise through steep-sided gorges carved many millions of years ago to reach the base of the falls. In waterfall season, cruise under the mist of the falls by Zodiac, while in later months view the honeycomb erosion patterns of sandstone cliffs up close.
Vansittart Bay is home to many cultural and historically significant sites like the remarkable Jar Island Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art galleries estimated to be up to 20,000 years old. Nearby on the Anjo Peninsula, we explore the well-preserved wreckage of a US Air Force C-53 Skytrooper aircraft.
Carved through layers of sandstone, Mitchell Falls descends over four tiers, creating pools of emerald green on each level. An optional helicopter flight will provide a breathtaking view. At the top of the falls, sandstone terraces form a lookout from which to savour the serenity of this ancient landscape. Alternatively explore the sandstone caves of Hathway’s Hideaway, a maze of weathered tunnels, arches and columns that was once an Aboriginal midden. Swift Bay reveals a series of fine Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art galleries.
Prince Frederick Harbour is one of the Kimberley’s most spectacular locations. The harbour is dotted with islands lined with mangroves and monsoon rainforests, set against a backdrop of ochre-hued escarpments.
White-bellied sea eagles and other birds of prey are often seen here, and at low tide, expansive mudflats reveal large populations of mud-skippers and mangrove crabs. Cruise up Porosus Creek to spot wildlife and later explore rock art sites.
Running on a fault line, this straight river is a haven for native species. Here we visit the beautiful King Cascade, a terraced waterfall. Falling from a considerable height and around 50m across, water tumbles down a staggered terrace of Kimberley sandstone, surrounded by grasses, mosses and ferns.
See the National Heritage Listed ‘Mermaid Tree’ at Careening Bay. It still bears the name carved by the carpenter of Phillip Parker King’s ship HMS Mermaid when the ship was repaired here in 1820.
Montgomery Reef is a biologically diverse area covering over 300 sq km. Twice daily, as the sea recedes in mammoth tides, Montgomery Reef rises from the ocean in a cascade of rushing water, revealing a flat-topped reef. Opportunistic birds take advantage of the marine life left exposed in rock pools, while turtles and larger marine life may also be spotted. Get up close to witness the spectacle, as our Expedition Team share their knowledge on the reef and wildlife that surrounds you.
Raft Point guards the entrance to sheltered Doubtful Bay, which harbours significant sites such as the ancient Wandjina rock art galleries. Doubtful Bay is the traditional country of the Worrora people who follow the Wandjina, and these stories, knowledge and culture have been recorded in stone for millennia.
Visit Red Cone Creek, which flows gently downstream until it meets Ruby Falls. Climb up rock formations like building blocks, to reach the freshwater swimming hole. Other sites we may visit in Doubtful Bay include the mighty Sale River and Steep Island.
Due to the mammoth tides the Kimberley is renowned for, the Horizontal Falls are created as the ocean thunders through a narrow gorge in the McLarty Ranges. As the tide changes, water is forcibly pushed through the bottleneck, creating a rushing horizontal waterfall of swiftly flowing seawater. Experience a heart-pumping ride through the rapids aboard our Zodiacs.
In the spectacular Buccaneer Archipelago, you will see evidence of massive geological forces in the ancient rock formations as we cruise through the Iron Islands, past Koolan Island, and enjoy sunset drinks at Nares Point.
A Class-A nature reserve, these islands are a rookery for brown boobies and roseate terns as well as other species of birds. The four low-lying islands are also an important breeding and nesting habitat for green turtles, which are commonly spotted. If tidal conditions allow, explore the lagoons by Zodiac.
Our incredible adventure along the Kimberley Coast concludes in Broome this morning at 8:00am. Bid farewell to new-found friends and the Captain and crew. Post cruise transfers to CBD hotels or the airport are included.
If you’re not transferring directly to the airport why not spend the day enjoying the tropical city of Broome with its landscaped waterfront and harbourside Wave Pool.
Small ships and unique itineraries take you to some of the most beautiful and remote regions of Australia. On board you will discover a personalised style of cruising. With ships carrying only 72 to 120 guests, you can say goodbye to queues, long waits, and assigned seating. Instead, enjoy a relaxed, convivial atmosphere shared with like-minded explorers.
Without crowds to worry about, the chefs can prepare small-batch meals made with Australian ingredients. Where possible, they procure from local food markets. The shallow draft and high manoeuvrability of the purpose-designed expedition ships get you closer on coastal adventures to explore the sheltered bays and hidden inlets inaccessible to larger ships.
Coral Expeditions operate with a number of different small ships, all with similar facilities and deck plans. Please click the ship name and departure below to be taken to further information
Room Types and Upgrade Options;
Coral Adventurer - 17 August 2021, 10 May 2022, 21 June 2022, 2 August 2022 departures
Coral Deck - Included.
Coral Deck Staterooms are located below the Promenade Deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The ensuites have a toilet, shower, ample storage and full amenities provided. A porthole window gives you views of the world outside. (17 square metres)
Promenade Deck - starting from $1,540 per person
Promenade Deck Staterooms are located below the Explorer Deck and are identically furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The ensuites have a toilet, shower, ample storage and full amenities provided. A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside. (17 square metres)
Explorer Deck Balcony - starting from $5,940 per person
Explorer Deck staterooms are located below the Bridge Deck and are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The ensuites have a toilet, shower, ample storage and full amenities provided. Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas. (21.4 square meters)
Bridge Deck Balcony - starting from $6,240 per person
Bridge Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The ensuites have a toilet, shower, ample storage and full amenities provided. French windows opening to a balcony with seating for two gives you a private perch to watch the panorama unfold outside. (21.4 square meters)
Bridge Deck Suite - starting from $11,540 per person
Bridge Deck suites are spacious and elegant retreats after a busy day ashore. Suites are equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine. They have a spacious super King-sized bed. The 8 square metre private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two. A unique outside-facing bathroom with picture windows, bath and separate shower complete the suite experience. The complimentary minibar is replenished daily. (56 square meters)
Coral Discoverer - 20 July 2021, 10 August 2021, 31 August 2021, 7 June 2022, 19 July 2022, 9 August 2022, 30 August 2022 departures
Main Deck (Category B) - Included
Located close to the Dining Room, our three spacious Main Deck (Category B) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature twin portholes for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Main Deck (Category A) - starting from $560 per person
Located close to the Dining Room, our six spacious Main Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature large, twin porthole windows for expansive ocean views, along with a desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Promenade Deck (Category A) - starting from $2,300 per person
Encircled by a full-ship promenade, our 19 spacious Promenade Deck (Category A) staterooms are 18sqm (195 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Bridge Deck Balcony Stateroom - starting from $5,000 per person
Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge and Bridge, our six spacious Bridge Deck staterooms are 20sqm (215 square feet) in size and open out onto private balconies for expansive ocean views, along with a sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Coral Geographer - 3 August 2021 departure
Coral Deck - Included
Coral Deck Staterooms are located below the Promenade Deck and are identically furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The ensuites have a toilet, shower, ample storage and full amenities provided. A porthole window gives you views of the world outside. (17 square meters)
Promenade Deck - starting from $1540 per person
Promenade Deck Staterooms are located below the Explorer deck and furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The ensuites have a toilet, shower, ample storage and full amenities provided. A large picture window gives you wide views of the world outside. (17 square meters)
Explorer Deck Balcony - starting from $5,940 per person
Explorer Deck staterooms are comfortably furnished with a junior King size bed which can be separated into two singles. A wardrobe, desk and armchair are included. The ensuites have a toilet, shower, ample storage and full amenities provided. Your private balcony has seating for two from which to view the passing coastal vistas. These staterooms are located on the Explorer deck. (21.4 square meters)
Bridge Deck Balcony Suite - starting from $11,540 per person
There will be 6 spacious and elegant suites featured on the Coral Geographer. They will be equipped with a lounge area, minibar and personal coffee machine. They have a spacious super King-sized bed. A 3.5 square metre private balcony has an outdoor daybed and lounge chair for two. The unique outside-facing bathroom with floor to ceiling windows will be the feature of the suites, with an infinity bathtub with sky views. The complimentary minibar is replenished daily. (37.5 square meters)
Please note, all cabin upgrades and sole use cabins are subject to availability. Should you wish to upgrade, please list in the special request field when making your booking.
Coral Expeditions SailSafe Plan
Coral Expeditions has put in place a range of measures and associated protocols to manage expeditions in a world in which COVID-19 exists. The plan focuses on prevention to target a 100% COVID free environment onboard. Coral Expeditions has implemented a three-tiered medical screening protocol and ensures everyone on board has passed through this screening process. This prevention protocol is supported by strict onboard mitigation actions and an approved response plan. Please follow this link more information and to familiarise yourself with Coral Expedition's SailSafe Plan
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking on Request;
COVID-19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be effected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Travel Spree customers. As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available. This particular tour is categorised as a “4”:
4 – A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 4 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable. Emma Gorge walk requires a good level of fitness.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
A single supplement is available on all nights of this trip from an extra $7,999 subject to availability.
Triple Share
Not available.
Children
Children must be 12 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Flexible Date Change Option
Book now, change later with our Flexible Date Change option. You may select this $99pp option at time of purchase, giving travellers the flexibility to change your date without penalty (subject to availability, less third party costs incurred, plus any applicable surcharges for the new date selected).
Date change must be requested prior to 65 days before your original selected departure date*. Once inside 65 days of departure, date changes are not permitted.
*some packages may have a varied period in which you can request a date change due to limitations with the third-party provider.
Please refer to our 'Book with Confidence' section for terms and conditions.
The Flexible Date Change option does not cover cost incurred for components not fulfilled by Inspiring Vacations or in the event extra services have been booked with Inspiring Vacations outside of the standard package, including but not limited to airfares, pre/post accommodation or insurance.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period.
Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply. Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to support@inspiringvacations.com, including the reason for cancellation.
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