8 Day northern kimberley 'quest' 

CABIN	* 2012 Earlybird special *	2012 full fare
Twin (Lower Deck)	$6,676 pp	$8,345 pp
Double (Lower Deck)	$7,424 pp	$9,280 pp
Superior (Mid Deck)	$8,708 pp	$10,885 pp
Flybridge	$9,668 pp	$12,085 pp
El Questro day tour cruise add-on	$250 pp (if booking cruise with us)
Accommodation is based on twin share occupancy. Single passengers may reserve sole use of a cabin for 34% less than the two fare cost. Alternatively, if travelling alone you can also choose to share your cabin with a same sex room mate and the single supplement fee will be waived. If we do not book another passenger into your cabin you will have sole use of the cabin at no additional cost.
* EARLYBIRD SPECIAL - For a limited time, book on any 14 day Ultimate, 10 day Adventure, 8 day Northern or 8 day Southern Quest cruise in 2012 and benefit with a 20% discount!   * Conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only from 1st September 2011 - 31st January 2012. Valid for 14 day Ultimate, 10 day Adventure, 8 day Northern & 8 day Southern Quest cruises only in 2012. Subject to availability. Offer can be withdrawn at anytime. Discount cannot be exchangeable, transferrable or redeemed as cash.

Seen a special advertised elsewhere but not on our website? Ask us if we can match it. We can usually do better!

wyndham-mitchell plateau cruise-fly itinerary

(fly/cruise itinerary see below)


DAY 1: Wyndham Port

Departure will be from the pioneering settlement of Wyndham. A courtesy coach will transfer you from the town site of Kununurra to the 'Kimberley Quest II' for boarding at approximately 5.00pm. Begin your "ultimate Kimberley expedition" with a relaxing drink on the sundeck and watch as you cruise down Cambridge Gulf. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner as you cruise overnight towards the Berkeley River. Your Kimberley odyssey has begun! 

DAY 2: Berkeley River

Enjoy a 15 mile cruise up the Berkeley River taking in the numerous falls and ancient escarpments. The Berkeley River offers stunning ochre-tinted sandstone scenery, amphitheatre waterfalls and beautiful freshwater pools, perfect for a refreshing dip. First opportunity to catch a barramundi today or alternatively you may go crocodile-spotting or bird watching. A walk up the back of the Berkeley leads us to a beautiful freshwater pool where we enjoy a leisurely dip and savour the surroundings under a deep azure Kimberley sky.

DAY 3: King George Falls

At high tide, we cross the sandbars of the King George River for a breathtaking cruise along this beautiful waterway. Incredible scenery unfolds as we approach the King George Falls through vertically-sided sandstone canyons, ending at the highest waterfall in Western Australia. The 'Kimberley Quest II' cruises to the base of the twin falls for a refreshing 'Kimberley shower!' For those intrepid adventurers it is well worth a climb to the top for a breathtaking vista of the river below - a truly humbling experience as you appreciate the immensity of this ancient untamed landscape. Enjoy a well deserved swim in one of the cool upper pools (strenuous level walk). Overnight we anchor just metres away from the falls and are lulled to sleep by water cascading over the cliff face!

DAY 4: Koolama Bay

Visit Koolama Bay, where the motor vessel 'Koolama' was beached in February 1942, following an attack by the Japanese. The passengers were taken ashore on orders by the ship's master, while many of the crew had to walk overland on an epic cross-country trek. The 'Koolama' was unfortunately later sunk off the Wyndham jetty during another air raid. Plenty of history surrounds the Kimberley and our crew will be more than happy to share the stories with you. After visiting the survivors' camp at Pangali Cove, enjoy a freshwater dip beneath a waterfall. Cruise around Cape Londonderry, the most northerly point of Western Australia.

DAY 5: Drysdale River

Today we encounter one of the Kimberley's longest rivers (432km), the Drysdale. We spend the day exploring in dinghies the spectacular palm-studded landscape and rapids of the Drysdale area and marvel at its unique flora and fauna. The Drysdale is renowned for its saltwater crocodiles, flying foxes and many species of bird life, which thrive in its delta islands. Walk on a deserted beach or try to catch the elusive Kimberley barramundi, with many great "snags" to fish around. Our expert guides will endeavour to put you on the 'spot' and bring home a couple of "Barra". Enjoy a sumptuous dinner and revel in this ancient paradise.

DAY 6: Napier Broome Bay

Enjoy more relaxing and exploring as we cruise across Napier Broome Bay. There is an opportunity for a beach walk to a historic Indonesian Trepang site for an insight into the lives of the early Macassan fishermen. The Macassans crossed the Timor Sea prior to the 1900's in sailing prahus to catch bêche-de-mer, or sea cucumbers: a particularly important resource in the Asian market place. This site stems back to the first early contact between Aboriginal tribes and the Indonesian fisherman and is absolutely fascinating. Feast on juicy mud crabs and freshly caught fish, prepared superbly by our talented chef.

DAY 7: Vansittart Bay, WWII DC3

Today we explore various coves within Vansittart Bay, visiting sites rich in the fascinating Bradshaw or Gwion Gwion art. Named after Joseph Bradshaw, he was the first European to record these amazing paintings in 1891. Some Bradshaw art has been dated at over 17,000 years old, said to predate the Wandjina figures. Find out more from one of our knowledgeable guides and delve into our comprehensive onboard library. There is also the opportunity today to visit the crash site of a DC3 aircraft located on the eastern side of Vansittart Bay. Explore the remains of this aircraft which crashed during World War II. After running low on fuel, the pilot was forced to land on the beach, crashing into the scrub. The remains are quite intact and make for a great photographic opportunity. Later, we cruise around the coastline of the Bougainville Peninsula, where dramatic black basalt cliffs contrast with lush green rain forests.

DAY 8: Admiralty Gulf, Mitchell River, Broome

Cruise across Admiralty Gulf to the Mitchell River, another of the Kimberley's big rivers and the source of the magnificent Mitchell Falls. Take an exhilarating ride over the falls, known by the Wunambal people as Punamii-Unpuu. This monumental landscape was formed over 1800 million years ago amidst volcanic eruptions, massive upheavals in the earth's crust and ice ages to form what is now know as the Mitchell Plateau. This is a not to be missed experience, departing from the 'Kimberley Quest II' helipad, which gives you a unique 'birds-eye' view of this awesome landscape. Discover by air the sheer immensity of the Kimberley by light aircraft as you wind your way back to Broome, arriving mid to late afternoon. A courtesy vehicle will transfer you to your accommodation.

All air & helicopter transfers between Broome and the Mitchell Plateau are included in the price of the cruise. Extra scenic flights are available on request.

reverse itinerary: mitchell plateau-wyndham fly-cruise

DAY 1: Broome, Admiralty Gulf, Mitchell River 

Depart Broome in the morning on a fixed wing aircraft for a scenic flight up the coast to the Mitchell Plateau. Board the helicopter and enjoy an unforgettable flight over the spectacular Mitchell Falls, formed over 1800 million years ago and known by the Wunambal people as Punamii-unpuu. After an exhilarating ride over the falls, land on the helipad of the "Kimberley Quest II" before enjoying a buffet lunch at anchor.

Cruise across Admiralty Gulf to the Mitchell River, one of the Kimberley's big rivers and the source of the magnificent Mitchell Falls. Drop a lure in later and perfect your fishing skills, go crocodile spotting at low tide or simply relax on the sun deck with a book from the comprehensive onboard library. There will be time for a swim in the cool waters of Surveyors Creek.
 

DAY 4: Drysdale River

Today we encounter one of the Kimberley's longest rivers (432km), the Drysdale. We spend the day exploring in dinghies the spectacular palm-studded landscape and rapids of the Drysdale area and marvel at its unique flora and fauna.

The Drysdale is renowned for its saltwater crocodiles, flying foxes and many species of birdlife, which thrive in its delta islands. Walk on a deserted beach or try to catch the elusive Kimberley Barramundi, with many great "snags" to fish around. Our expert guides will endeavour to put you on the 'spot' and bring home a couple of "barra". Enjoy a sumptuous dinner and revel in this ancient paradise.

DAY 5: King George Falls

At high tide, we cross the sandbars of the King George River for a breathtaking cruise along this beautiful waterway. Incredible scenery unfolds as we approach the King George Falls through vertically-sided sandstone canyons, ending at the highest waterfall in Western Australia. The Kimberley Quest II cruises to the base of the twin falls for a refreshing 'Kimberley shower!' For those intrepid adventurers it is well worth a climb to the top for a breathtaking vista of the river below - a truly humbling experience as you appreciate the immensity of this ancient untamed landscape. Enjoy a well deserved swim in one of the cool upper pools (strenuous level walk). Overnight we anchor just metres away from the falls and are lulled to sleep by water cascading over the cliff face!

DAY 6: Koolama Bay, Berkeley River

Today, we visit Koolama Bay, the site where the 340ft vessel 'Koolama' was beached, following attack by the Japanese during WWII. The passengers were taken ashore on orders by the ship's master, while many of the crew had to walk overland on an epic cross-country trek. The 'Koolama' was unfortunately later sunk off the Wyndham jetty during another air raid.

Plenty of history surrounds the Kimberley and our crew will be more than happy to share the stories with you. A leisurely cruise leads out into Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, later passing the Kimberley's highest sand dunes at Cape St Lambert.

DAY 7: Berkeley River, Cambridge Gulf

Today is your last chance to catch a Barramundi or to try your luck for a large Golden trevally at the river mouth. The Berkeley River offers stunning ochre-tinted sandstone scenery, amphitheatre waterfalls and beautiful freshwater pools, perfect for a refreshing dip.

Alternatively you may go crocodile-spotting or bird watching. Savour your last evening under the Kimberley skies as we cruise towards Cambridge Gulf, the final leg of our odyssey, while we journey through the night towards the historic town site of Wyndham.

DAY 8: Wyndham Port

Arrive into Wyndham Port at approximately 7.00am. Established in 1885 to cater for the huge influx of gold miners heading to the rich goldfields at Halls Creek, Wyndham later became a focus for cattle export. Home to a large crocodile population due to the local meat works operation (1900-1985), this town has a colourful past.

Enjoy your last breakfast and cappuccino onboard; then wave goodbye to the crew of the Kimberley Quest II. Board your courtesy coach at 8.00am for transfer to the town site of Kununurra.

Perhaps you may wish to stay in Kununurra for a few days and take the time to explore the famous surrounds of Lake Argyle, the Ord River, El Questro or Purnululu National Park, home to the Bungle Bungle Ranges. Arrival into Kununurra is approximately 9.00am.