NZ & Australia, Kimberley
Kimberley Expedition: Australia's Wild Northwest
Stretching along Australia’s northwest coast, the Kimberley plateau is a vast landscape of plunging waterfalls, wild sandstone formations, emerald rainforest and deep gorges. Explore this immense and complex landscape: examine Aboriginal rock art, see otherworldly geological formations, and witness fascinating phenomena from “horizontal” waterfalls to the spectacular—and remote—King George Falls.
• Zodiacs take you up the spectacular King George River, where you’ll feel dwarfed by the towering red rock canyon walls, then cooled by the mist of King George Falls.
• View an outdoor Aboriginal art gallery, portraying images of the Wandjina spirits.
• Take a scenic flight over the famous Bungle Bungle Ranges, a natural wonder.
• Visit Montgomery Reef, where the tide drops so rapidly that waters trapped atop the reef create a raging torrent as they escape.
Highlights
• Zodiacs take you up the spectacular King George River, where you’ll feel dwarfed by the towering red rock canyon walls, then cooled by the mist of King George Falls.
• View an outdoor Aboriginal art gallery, portraying images of the Wandjina spirits.
• Take a scenic flight over the famous Bungle Bungle Ranges, a natural wonder.
• Visit Montgomery Reef, where the tide drops so rapidly that waters trapped atop the reef create a raging torrent as they escape.
Arrive in Darwin. The capital of Australia’s remote Northern Territory, Darwin began as a frontier town
of gold miners, and has developed into a thriving multicultural city. Spend a night at our group hotel and on Day 2, board the ship and cast off in the afternoon. National Geographic Orion for the entire voyage. (B,L,D)
Settle into your cabin and prepare for the amazing photographic opportunities ahead with talks and hands-on instruction by our certified photo instructor. The ship makes a brief technical stop at Com, before continuing into the heart of the Kimberley. (B,L,D)
Wyndham is our base for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Purnululu National Park, home of the breathtaking Bungle Bungle Range. These ancient hills resemble giant beehives,surrounded by deep chasms filled with vegetation. Enjoy incredible views of this otherworldly karst landscape during a chartered flightseeing excursion. Alternatively, cruise the Ord River to Lake Argyle, keeping an eye out for crocodiles, wallabies, jabirus (black-necked storks), and kookaburras in the remarkably lush ecosystem
that has developed above the Ord River Dam. Take in views of the lake from a scenic lookout, and learn about the area’s pioneers on a visit to the Durack homestead and museum. (B,L,D)
Enjoy the unique opportunity to ride Zodiacs up the King George River today, passing between nearly vertical canyon walls. Our destination is the dramatic and remote King George Falls, where water drains off the plateau in twin cascades, dropping some 260 feet. Depending on the conditions, we’ll hang back in the refreshing mist to watch the thundering water, or get right up close —and even behind—the falls.
Enter Vansittart Bay and go ashore at Jar Island to experience the mystical culture of Kimberley’s Aboriginal people at an outdoor gallery of prehistoric Gwion Gwion rock art. The elegant images were recorded by Joseph Bradshaw in 1891, and date back tens of thousands of years. If time allows, visit the wreck of a DC-3 aircraft that crashed nearby during World War II. (B,L,D)
With crimson cliffs jutting toward the sky and thick mangroves along the water’s edge, Hunter River
boasts some of the most spectacular scenery on the Kimberley coast. Drop anchor near Naturalist Island and set off to explore Hunter River by Zodiac. Navigate the mangroves, on the lookout for crocodiles and numerous bird species. Or choose to embark on an optional helicopter ride to Mitchell Falls, and enjoy a unique perspective on the Kimberley’s vast, rugged, and hard-to-reach interior. (B,L,D)
The Kimberley coast is known for its dramatic tides. Conditions permitting, we’ll arrive at Montgomery Reef at the turn of the tide and position ourselves to watch the water drop rapidly and miles of reef appear suddenly, as if rising from the sea. This is a fantastic opportunity to spot wildlife such as egrets, sea turtles, and reef sharks as they forage for creatures trapped on the reef. (B,L,D)
Sail into the Buccaneer Archipelago to witness an extraordinary phenomenon: the Horizontal Falls of
Talbot Bay. The rapid rise and fall of the tide unleashes a surge of up to 36 feet as trapped water pushes through two narrow gorges. We’ll ride Zodiacs to experience this exhilarating event firsthand. Later in the day, join our naturalists on an excursion to Cyclone Bay to explore the twisted geological folds of the ancient seabed. (B,L,D)
Just south of Koolan Island, Nares Point is a long finger of sandstone that protrudes from the mainland, providing great opportunities for Zodiac outings and guided beach walks. In nearby Crocodile Creek—which despite its name, is free of crocodiles—take a refreshing swim in cool natural pools. (B,L,D)
Disembark in Broome and make your way to the airport for flights home. (B)
Itineraries are subject to change
| 09 July, 2023 to 20 July, 2023 | Book now |
Category 1
$13,940 AUD pp
These cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 2
$16,920 AUD pp
These roomy cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 3
$19,620 AUD pp
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419 These suites have a comfortable sofa in the sitting area with a large window and plenty of storage. They have a variety of bed configurations (call for details) plus a writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 1 Solo
$20,920 AUD pp
These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall
Category 4
$21,640 AUD pp
Cat 4 Deluxe suite with Window #511, 515 - These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a two-seater sofa that looks out a large rectangular window. Beds are configurable. You'll find storage, climate controls, reading lamps, a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 5
$26,090 AUD pp
Cat 5 Suite with Balcony #501, 503-506, 508 - These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors that open to a private French balcony. Beds are configurable, and you'll find sitting chairs or a couch, a writing desk, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 3 Solo
$29,420 AUD pp
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512 - This solo suite features two beds and a large window, plus a bucket chair and small table, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 6
$30,300 AUD pp
Cat 6 Owner’s suite with Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510 - These large, owner's suites feature a balcony (Cabin 509 does not have a balcony), a spacious bathroom with a large shower and separate soaking tub with a window, and a large separate living area with a couch and two bucket chairs, plus climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
| 19 July, 2023 to 30 July, 2023 (reverse) | Book now |
Category 1
$13,940 AUD pp
These cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 2
$16,920 AUD pp
These roomy cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 3
$19,620 AUD pp
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419 These suites have a comfortable sofa in the sitting area with a large window and plenty of storage. They have a variety of bed configurations (call for details) plus a writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 1 Solo
$20,920 AUD pp
These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall
Category 4
$21,640 AUD pp
Cat 4 Deluxe suite with Window #511, 515 - These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a two-seater sofa that looks out a large rectangular window. Beds are configurable. You'll find storage, climate controls, reading lamps, a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 5
$26,090 AUD pp
Cat 5 Suite with Balcony #501, 503-506, 508 - These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors that open to a private French balcony. Beds are configurable, and you'll find sitting chairs or a couch, a writing desk, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 3 Solo
$29,420 AUD pp
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512 - This solo suite features two beds and a large window, plus a bucket chair and small table, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 6
$30,300 AUD pp
Cat 6 Owner’s suite with Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510 - These large, owner's suites feature a balcony (Cabin 509 does not have a balcony), a spacious bathroom with a large shower and separate soaking tub with a window, and a large separate living area with a couch and two bucket chairs, plus climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
| 29 July, 2023 to 09 August, 2023 | Book now |
Category 1
$13,940 AUD pp
These cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 2
$16,920 AUD pp
These roomy cabins feature an oval window and two single beds, two beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed (call for details). You'll find an armchair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 3
$19,620 AUD pp
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419 These suites have a comfortable sofa in the sitting area with a large window and plenty of storage. They have a variety of bed configurations (call for details) plus a writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 1 Solo
$20,920 AUD pp
These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall
Category 4
$21,640 AUD pp
Cat 4 Deluxe suite with Window #511, 515 - These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a two-seater sofa that looks out a large rectangular window. Beds are configurable. You'll find storage, climate controls, reading lamps, a TV. Modern bathrooms are generously sized with roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 5
$26,090 AUD pp
Cat 5 Suite with Balcony #501, 503-506, 508 - These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors that open to a private French balcony. Beds are configurable, and you'll find sitting chairs or a couch, a writing desk, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 3 Solo
$29,420 AUD pp
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512 - This solo suite features two beds and a large window, plus a bucket chair and small table, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. The bathroom is spacious and has a glass-walled shower.
Category 6
$30,300 AUD pp
Cat 6 Owner’s suite with Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510 - These large, owner's suites feature a balcony (Cabin 509 does not have a balcony), a spacious bathroom with a large shower and separate soaking tub with a window, and a large separate living area with a couch and two bucket chairs, plus climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV.
National Geographic Orion
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 103 metres
Passenger Capacity: 102 (in 53 cabins)
Built: 2003 / Refurbished 2014
Engineered for maximum comfort and safety, Orion is equipped with the latest technology including large retractable stabilizers, sonar, radar, and an ice-strengthened hull. A shallow draft plus bow and stern thrusters provide the convenience of being able to maneuver close to shore. 14 Zodiacs ensure quick disembarkation and offer the ideal transport for up-close exploration.
National Geographic Orion meets strict specifications for environmental protection and the on board waste management systems meet the stringent Antarctic operational standards enabling us to travel to the most pristine environments. A host of advanced design features and technology ensures sustainable marine environmental practices.
National Geographic Orion accommodates 102 guests in 53 cabins, including several with balconies. She is spacious and modern, with a variety of public rooms that offer panoramic views of the passing landscape. Friendly and informal, Orion fosters a welcoming atmosphere where like-minded guests share in exceptional experiences and enrichment.
Her public rooms include a dramatic window-lined main lounge, as well as an observation lounge and library perched at the very top of the ship, with plentiful observation decks. The spacious lounge is the heart of our expedition community, and is suited for spirited cocktail hours, informative presentations and our nightly tradition of Recap. In addition, a dedicated theater provides a unique setting for specialist presentations or films and slideshows. Both the main dining room and outside buffet easily accommodate all guests at once for open seating dining. On selected nights, weather permitting, our dining room menu is also available on the outside deck.
While Orion interiors are elegant, life aboard is always casual, with no need for formal clothing. And you’ll find shipboard services like laundry, in-room cabled internet, and public-area wifi.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• Non alcoholic beverages
• Experienced expedition team and leader
• All excursions
• Zodiac and kayak exploration
• Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
• Lectures and presentations on board
• Chartered flightseeing over Bungle Bungle Range
Exclusions
• International and domestic flights unless otherwise stated
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Alcoholic beverages on board unless otherwise stated
• Gratuities unless otherwise stated
• Wifi on board
• Any items of a personal nature including laundry
• Optional helicopter excursion to Mitchell Falls
Luxury Expedition
12 Days from
$13,940 AUD pp
Our Associates Include
