Day 1: Kununurra - Wyndham Port
Your Ultimate Quest begins when a courtesy vehicle picks you up from Kununurra at approximately 3.30pm and transfers you to the Kimberley Quest II in Wyndham port (100km); here you will be welcomed on board by your captain and crew. Begin your cruise with a relaxing drink as you cruise out of the Cambridge Gulf, whilst the sun sets over the horizon.
Day 2: Berkeley River
Early morning we cruise up the Berkeley River, taking in the numerous waterfalls and ancient sandstone escarpments. Experience your first taste of fishing for Barramundi or take a tender excursion with our guides to go crocodile-spotting and bird watching. Marvel at the Amphitheatre Falls and then cool off in beautiful freshwater pools. Late afternoon we take a tender excursion up to the back of the Berkeley River, where the salt water meets the fresh water. Fish off the flat rocks for Barra which are lurking in the rapids, or alternatively walk to a freshwater pool to enjoy a relaxing dip. Tonight we savour the surroundings, anchoring near a secluded waterfall.
Day 3: King George River
At high tide, we cross the sandbars of the King George River for a breathtaking cruise along this majestic cathedral-like gorge. This incredible scenery unfolds as we approach the King George Falls, a dual waterfall that has an uninterrupted vertical drop of over 80m, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Western Australia. The Kimberley Quest II is able to cruise to the base of the twin falls for a refreshing ‘shower’, Kimberley-style! For those intrepid adventurers, you may climb to the top for a breathtaking vista of the river below, a truly humbling experience as you appreciate the immensity of this untamed landscape, followed by a refreshing dip. Overnight we anchor just metres away from the falls, with tranquil sounds and an extraordinary view from the bow.
Day 4: Koolama Bay, Pangali Cove, Glycosmis Falls
Visit Koolama Bay, where the vessel Koolama was beached in February 1942, following an attack by the Japanese in 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. We then visit the survivors’ camp at Pangali Cove and enjoy a freshwater dip beneath a waterfall. In the afternoon we visit Glycosmis Falls to view another unbelievable Kimberley waterfall and then cruise around Cape Londonderry, the most northerly point of Western Australia.
Day 5: Drysdale River
Today we encounter one of the longest rivers in the Kimberley (432km), the Drysdale. Spend the day exploring the spectacular palm-studded landscape and the rapids of the Drysdale area. Join our guides on a scenic tender excursion to witness crocodiles, flying foxes and many species of bird life which thrive in these delta islands. Then enjoy a swim in secluded rock pools. Late afternoon walk on a deserted beach or try to catch a Barramundi, with many great ‘snags’ to fish around.
Day 6: Vansittart Bay, WWII DC 3 Crash Site
Today we explore various coves within Vansittart Bay, visiting sites rich in the fascinating Bradshaw or Gwion Gwion art, named after Joseph Bradshaw, who in 1891 became the first European to record these amazing paintings. Some Bradshaw art, which is unique to the Kimberley, has been dated at over 17,000 years old. There is also the opportunity to visit the crash site of a DC3 aircraft, located on the eastern side of Vansittart Bay. As we continue our journey, witness the rugged terrain and ancient weathered rocks from the vessel while cruising towards the Mitchell River.
Day 7: Mitchell River, Surveyors Creek
We are now entering the incredible assortment of islands that form the Bonaparte Archipelago. Cruise to the Mitchell River, source of the magnificent Mitchell Falls, where you can charter a helicopter and take an exhilarating ride over the falls themselves. Drop a lure in later and perfect your fishing skills in these rich waters or go crocodile spotting. Late afternoon enjoy a swim in the cool tranquil waters of Surveyors Creek.
Day 8: Bigge Island, Careening Bay
This morning we cruise north to Bigge Island, one of the largest sandstone islands and home to amazing Bradshaw art and Wandjina art with a maritime theme. As we continue our journey we visit Careening Bay, site of an ancient carved boab tree first visited in 1820 by Phillip Parker King while on a hydrographic survey of the Australian coastline.
Day 9: Prince Regent River, King Cascade, Cathedral Falls
Early morning we cruise through St George Basin, a stunning inland sea. Leaving the vista of the mighty Mt Trafalgar and Mt Waterloo, we cruise up the Prince Regent River, marvelling at the pristine waterway that cuts through sandstone cliffs and gorges. Arriving at the spring-fed King Cascade, admire the rush of water cascading in breathtaking tiers, surrounded by lush ferns and a myriad of wildlife. Climb above the falls for an unforgettable swim in a massive crystal clear pool. Be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the magnificent Prince Regent River in the distance – wilderness adventuring at its best! Late afternoon join our guides for an excursion to Cathedral Falls, while spotting crocodiles and flying foxes. Alternatively fish the Prince Regent River which is renowned for big barra and Threadfin Salmon.
Day 10: Camden Harbour, Kuri Bay, Langii
At nearby Camden Harbour, we visit forlorn settlers’ graves on Sheep Island and soak up the history of the early European settlement. Take one of the tenders for a spot of exploration, have a go at fishing or collect rock oysters. Alternatively relax on the sundeck to take in the beautiful scenery. We then cruise between Augustus Island and the mainland, passing the remote pearling settlement of Kuri Bay. Late afternoon we visit the mysterious cove at Langii and witness the ‘Petrified Warriors’. These remarkable sandstone pillars represent the warriors killed in a Dreamtime battle.
Day 11: Raft Point, Sale River, Doubtful Bay
This morning we cruise to Steep Island and anchor below Raft Point, as we prepare to walk to the caves perched on the hill. Here is some of the finest well-preserved Wandjina art in the Kimberley. From the top we have an amazing view of the Kimberley coast. We then explore the Sale River and take an excursion upstream for a dip in the spring-fed rainforest pools, and on the journey home, view ancient rock art from the tenders. As the sun begins to set, we fish the inlets of Doubtful Bay for the elusive Barramundi and Threadfin Salmon.
Day 12: Red Cone Creek, Montgomery Reef, Collier Bay
Take a tender excursion to Red Cone Creek for a refreshing swim at Ruby Falls, or join our guides to try your luck at mud crabbing. We then cruise to the amazing Montgomery Reef, which covers more than 300km2, making it Australia’s largest inshore reef. Watch as the tide falls right before your eyes, creating a waterfall effect as the reef rises out of the water. Then take a ride in the tenders to observe many marine species, including turtles and sea birds. Late afternoon try your luck at Barramundi fishing in Collier Bay or alternatively relax on board and take in the beautiful scenery.
Day 13: Talbot Bay, Dugong Bay, Buccaneer Archipelago
Cruise to Talbot Bay, home to one of the icons of the Kimberley coast, the spectacular Horizontal Falls. Take a tender and head in for an up-close and exhilarating ride through this natural phenomenon. Join a scenic excursion up the back of Cyclone Creek to marvel at the amazing rock formations. In and around Dugong Bay, we take a scenic tender excursion and cool off with a refreshing swim in one of the freshwater pools. In the afternoon we cross the vast King Sound, cruising through the thousands of islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago towards Cape Leveque at sunset, as we journey through the night towards Broome.
Day 14: Cape Leveque - Broome
Arrive into Broome early morning. Enjoy your last breakfast on board before saying goodbye to the crew of the Kimberley Quest II. Disembarkation is at approximately 8.00am, where a courtesy vehicle will transfer you to your accommodation or airport.
