The Kimberley - Cruising (Coral Princess)
From Darwin to Broome.
The region known simply as The Kimberley takes its evocative name from its most imposing landmark; an ancient mountain range visible from the rugged sea coast. Covering more than 400,000 square kilometres (an area three times larger than England) in North West Australia, yet home to just 30,000 people, it is a place universally acknowledged as one of the world's last - and
possibly most beautiful wilderness areas. The Kimberley yields images to fill the frames
of a lifetime. It is a place of magnificent vistas created by towering rock ridges, silent secluded gorges, wide savannah plains and plunging waterfalls which defy both nature and
belief.
This is a land steeped in ancient Aboriginal culture and the legends of our pioneering past. Travel ashore to view the world’s oldest known indigenous art, the mysterious Bradshaw (Gwion) paintings and soak up the history of early explorers such as Phillip Parker King who first charted this spectacular coastline almost 200 years ago.
Experience the heartland of Australia's northernmost unspoilt outback. The Kimberley is a completely unique experience.
The region known simply as The Kimberley takes its evocative name from its most imposing landmark; an ancient mountain range visible from the rugged sea coast. Covering more than 400,000 square kilometres (an area three times larger than England) in North West Australia, yet home to just 30,000 people, it is a place universally acknowledged as one of the world's last - and
possibly most beautiful wilderness areas. The Kimberley yields images to fill the frames
of a lifetime. It is a place of magnificent vistas created by towering rock ridges, silent secluded gorges, wide savannah plains and plunging waterfalls which defy both nature and
belief.
This is a land steeped in ancient Aboriginal culture and the legends of our pioneering past. Travel ashore to view the world’s oldest known indigenous art, the mysterious Bradshaw (Gwion) paintings and soak up the history of early explorers such as Phillip Parker King who first charted this spectacular coastline almost 200 years ago.
Experience the heartland of Australia's northernmost unspoilt outback. The Kimberley is a completely unique experience.
This itinerary is also available in reverse. Click here for additional dates.
19 July, 2013 to 29 July, 2013
Upper Deck Stateroom
$8590.00 AUD pp
With modern decor and comfortable furnishings, Upper Deck Staterooms are a spacious 14sqm (151 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views along with a desk, ample storage space and your choice of double or twin beds.
Deluxe Stateroom Deck A
$8890.00 AUD pp
Deluxe Staterooms are a spacious 17sqm (185 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views along with a comfortable settee, desk, ample storage space and your choice of double or twin beds.
09 August, 2013 to 19 August, 2013
Cabin
$7190.00 AUD pp
Cabin category rooms feature modern decor and comfortable furnishings and are a compact 10sqm (108 square feet) in size. Cabins feature twin circle portholes, air-conditioning,a private en suite bathroom, ample storage space and twin beds.
Stateroom
$8190.00 AUD pp
At 13sqm (151 square feet) in size Staterooms offer plenty of space to relax and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views along with a desk, ample storage space and your choice of double or twin beds.
Upper Deck Stateroom
$8590.00 AUD pp
With modern decor and comfortable furnishings, Upper Deck Staterooms are a spacious 14sqm (151 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views along with a desk, ample storage space and your choice of double or twin beds.
Deluxe Stateroom Deck B
$8890.00 AUD pp
With modern decor and comfortable furnishings, Upper Deck Staterooms are a spacious 14sqm (151 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views along with a desk, ample storage space and your choice of double or twin beds.
Deluxe Stateroom Deck A
$8890.00 AUD pp
Deluxe Staterooms are a spacious 17sqm (185 square feet) in size and feature picture windows for expansive ocean views along with a comfortable settee, desk, ample storage space and your choice of double or twin beds.
The Kimberley - Cruising (Coral Princess) itinerary:
Day 1: Depart Darwin
10:00am: Board Coral Princess for an 11:00am departure. Departing Darwin Harbour we cross Cambridge Gulf and sail into Western Australian waters. This evening meet your fellow travellers and friendly crew as we enjoy the Captain's Welcome Aboard Cocktails.
Day 2: King George River
Today we discover the first of the Kimberley's 'big' rivers, the mighty King George. Aboard Xplorer, our
specially designed excursion vessel, we'll explore scenic gorges, and in our inflatable Zodiacs we'll
cruise close to the base of magnificent King George Falls, the tallest waterfalls in Western Australia towering some 80 metres above the river below. Later, we visit Tranquil Bay for beach walking and
exploration.
Day 3: Bigge Island and Aboriginal Art
This morning we visit the sea bird rookeries on Low Rocks, followed by a stop at Cape Voltaire for a swim and beach exploration. This afternoon join our expert Guest Lecturer to discover the amazing rock art gallery on Bigge Island.
Day 4: Prince Frederick Harbour
Cruising into Prince Frederick Harbour we anchor at Naturalist Island. We have helicopters available for
optional scenic flights over the Mitchell Plateau for close up views of the mighty four-tiered Mitchell Falls. This evening, enjoy a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset as we indulge in a gourmet Aussie Beach BBQ.
Day 5: Careening Bay
Careening Bay was named by Phillip Parker King after his ship, 'HMC Mermaid', was careened during his second voyage of discovery in the Kimberley. Our lecturers lead us to the site of a large boab tree bearing the inscription “HMC Mermaid - 1820”, still clearly visible almost 200 years later. This afternoon
we cruise into the very scenic Prince Regent Basin.
Day 6: Prince Regent River and King Cascades
We cruise the mighty Prince Regent River aboard Xplorer to breathtaking King Cascades, an unusual
and picturesque waterfall cascading over terraced rock formations. Enjoy a picnic lunch at beautiful Camp Creek, where there is time for a leisurely swim in the fresh water pools. The more adventurous may wish to join a nature walk, keeping an eye out for native Kimberley birdlife.
Day 7: Kuri Bay and Raft Point
Today we cruise through Kuri Bay, home of the south sea pearl industry. Travelling ashore at Raft Point we visit a secluded and very interesting Aboriginal rock art gallery to view Wandjina art and the mysterious Bradshaw Paintings (Gwion), thought to be the world's oldest indigenous art, dating back over 20,000 years. Enjoy time to discover one of the bay's many uninhabited islands and savour a cooling dip in the fresh water pools.
Day 8: Montgomery Reef and Horizontal Falls
Today we cruise through the Buccaneer Archipelago, home to over 800 islands, and experience two of the unforgettable highlights of the Kimberley Coast. See Montgomery Reef 'rise' out of the ocean as the tide ebbs, before joining a reef walk and marine life study. In Talbot Bay, the region's 12 metre tides create an amazing spectacle, the unique Horizontal Falls. Board the Zodiacs for an exhilarating, up-close view of this natural phenomenon.
Day 9: King Sound and Crocodile Creek
Cruising through King Sound we witness the effects of the iron ore mining operations on Koolan and
Cockatoo Islands. We visit Crocodile Creek to enjoy exploration and fresh water swimming then travel to Silica Beach on Hidden Island with its stunning white sands and crystal clear waters.
Day 10: Lacepede Islands
Cruising Yampi Sound we visit the Lacepede Islands. These islands are situated well off shore and are
known for turtle nestings and booby and frigate bird colonies. This evening we farewell new-found friends as we enjoy the Captain's Farewell Cocktails.
Day 11: Arrive in Broome
8:00am: Cruise past Broome’s world renowned Cable Beach before arriving into Broome at 8.00am.
Coral Princess
Onboard Accommodation
Resort style living at its best. Select from four types of accommodation - all spacious and elegantly appointed.
The discerning traveller has a choice of Standard, Deluxe, Upper Deck Staterooms, while the more budget conscious may select a Cabin. A number of Staterooms have extra divans or Pullman berths, and others have connecting doors. All accommodation is spacious and air-conditioned with private ensuites and the choice of single or double beds.
All rooms are serviced daily.
Onboard Facilities
Onboard amenities include what you would expect of a much larger cruise ship:
- Air-conditioned dining room
- Two modern air-conditioned lounges
- Sundeck and Spa Pool
- Comprehensive reference library featuring videos and books on the reef, islands and outback
- Phone and fax facilities
- Security Safe
- Fully stocked cocktail bar
- Comprehensive dive shop
- A range of souvenirs and personal items is available for purchase
Dining
All meals during the cruise are included. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are usually served the Dining Room located on the Main Deck and are buffet-style. Coffee and tea is available 24 hours. Standard hours are breakfast from 7:00-8:30am, lunch at 12:30pm and dinner at 7:30pm however meal times may vary according to the day's activities. Meal times will be advised in the onboard daily bulletins.
Excursion Boats And Zodiacs
The "Explorer" is a specially designed aluminium excursion vessel used for the majority of our excursions. This vessel has high horsepower engines and will accommodate all passengers at one time. The "Explorer" will be used for landings and for extensive exploration of rivers and tributaries. For your added convenience and comfort, the "Explorer" is equipped with an awning and toilet.
We also carry two inflatable landing craft (Zodiacs). Designed for expedition work, these large and heavy-duty infla tables are extremely safe. Separate air compartments retain a large reserve of buoyancy even if the boats damaged. The flat bottom design permits these crafts to land directly onto the beaches. Expect nonetheless to wade through shallow water to reach the shore.
