Broome - Swift Bay (Cruise - Fly)

DAY 1: Broome – Cape Leveque

Your Exploration Quest begins in the late afternoon, with a courtesy vehicle collecting you from your accommodation at approximately 4:00pm for your transfer to Kimberley Quest II. Step aboard and meet your captain and crew as you settle in with a welcome drink. As we cruise past the iconic Cable Beach, enjoy your first Kimberley sunset from the deck, an unforgettable start to your adventure.

DAY 2: Buccaneer Archipelago

Wake early to witness the sunrise as we round Cape Leveque, keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales! Mid-morning we cross the expansive King Sound and begin weaving through the countless islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago. Join a tender excursion to explore hidden coves or cast a line in search of local fish species before unwinding on the sundeck, taking in the dramatic Kimberley coastline.

DAY 3: Dugong Bay, Talbot Bay and Horizontal Falls

Today, we explore the stunning inlets of Dugong Bay by tender, where a refreshing swim awaits in a secluded freshwater pool. Just around the headland lies Talbot Bay, home to the spectacular Garaanngaddim / Horizontal Falls located in The Lalang-garram / Horizontal Falls Marine Park. Experience this natural wonder up close with an exhilarating tender ride led by our guides, then cruise into Cyclone Creek for a scenic exploration of its towering, twisted rock formations.

DAY 4: Collier Bay, Montgomery Reef and Red Cone Creek

Start the day fishing in Collier Bay, where barramundi may be lurking. We then cruise to Montgomery Reef, also known locally as Yowjab by the Indigenous people. Australia’s largest inshore reef spanning more than 300km². As the tide recedes, watch the reef dramatically rise from the water, creating spectacular cascading waterfalls. Jump in a tender driven by one of our experienced guides to spot turtles, rays, and seabirds. In the afternoon, cruise past Raft Point and Steep Island to reach Red Cone Creek, where you can swim at Ruby Falls or try your luck at mud crabbing.

DAY 5: Kuri Bay and Camden Harbour

Relax this morning as we pass Augustus Island and the remote pearling community of Kuri Bay. At nearby Camden Harbour, explore the poignant settler graves on Sheep Island and hear the stories of early European attempts at settlement. Later, join a tender excursion to discover more of this rugged coastline or cast a line, all while soaking in the breathtaking surroundings from the sundeck.

DAY 6: Prince Regent River, King Cascade

Cruise through the tranquil St George Basin, framed by the commanding peaks of Mt Trafalgar and Mt Waterloo, before entering the striking Prince Regent River. This pristine waterway cuts through sheer sandstone cliffs, leading to the stunning King Cascade. Fed by a spring, these cascading falls are a Kimberley icon. Swim in a crystal-clear rock pool above the falls, surrounded by lush ferns and wildlife. In the afternoon, venture to Cathedral Falls by tender, or try your luck fishing for barramundi and threadfin salmon.

DAY 7: Careening Bay, Roe River

Visit historic Careening Bay, home to the famous carved boab tree from Phillip Parker King’s 1820 expedition. We then navigate the crocodile-rich waters of the Roe River, where towering cliffs line the banks. Later, cross Prince Frederick Harbour to visit a traditional Wandjina art site before enjoying another iconic Kimberley sunset as we cruise out to sea.

Day 8: Hunter River, York Sound

Begin the day at Porosus Creek, watching the sun rise over the wilderness. We explore the spectacular Hunter River by tender, one of the most scenic waterways in the region. Discover ancient rock art, spot crocodiles and flying foxes, and take in the rich flora and fauna. In the afternoon, continue to York Sound, known for its turquoise waters, dramatic geology, and intricate sea caves.

DAY 9: Bigge Island, Montague Sound

Today we head north to Bigge Island, one of the Kimberley’s largest sandstone islands and home to fascinating Wandjina and Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art with strong maritime themes. As we cruise into Montague Sound, witness the region’s rugged beauty, weathered cliffs, hidden beaches, and remote serenity.

DAY 10: Swift Bay

Anchor beneath the towering monolith of Palm Island and explore the maze of sandstone bays that make up Swift Bay. Keep an eye out for the elusive monjon, Australia’s smallest rock wallaby. Fish the tidal creeks or discover more Indigenous rock art styles across this culturally rich landscape. This evening, savour your final Kimberley sunset over dinner at anchor.

DAY 11: Swift Bay – Broome

After breakfast, visit one last Gwion Gwion rock art site before saying farewell to Kimberley Quest II. A scenic helicopter flight over the majestic Mitchell Falls brings your journey to a dramatic close. At the Mitchell Plateau airstrip, board a light aircraft for your flight back to Broome. Arrive by sunset, where a courtesy transfer will take you to your accommodation or the airport, concluding your unforgettable Kimberley experience.

Swift Bay - Broome (Fly - Cruise)

DAY 1: Broome – Swift Bay

Your Exploration Quest begins with a scenic flight from Broome along the dramatic Kimberley coastline to the Mitchell Plateau. From here, board a helicopter for an unforgettable aerial journey over the spectacular Mitchell Falls before landing directly on the helipad of the Kimberley Quest II. You’ll be welcomed aboard by your captain and crew before enjoying a buffet lunch at anchor. In the afternoon, join a tender excursion to explore the renowned rock art sites of Swift Bay, home to some of the region’s most impressive Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) and Wandjina art.

DAY 2: Mudge Bay, Winyalkin

Today we anchor beneath the striking monolith of Palm Island and explore a maze of sandstone inlets around Mudge Bay. Keep an eye out for the elusive monjon, Australia’s smallest rock wallaby, among the cliffs. The area is rich in Indigenous rock art, including intricate boat depictions and vibrant Wandjina figures, offering a deep cultural insight into this sacred landscape.

DAY 3: Montague Sound

It’s time to cast a line! Today we explore the island-dotted Montague Sound, a haven for pelagic fishing with opportunities to reel in tuna, mackerel and more. Visit West Montalivet Island, once a World War II radar base, where remnants of the old camp can still be seen, a glimpse into the region’s wartime history amid its natural beauty.

DAY 4: York Sound

Known for its turquoise waters, dramatic rock formations, and hidden sea caves, York Sound is a geological wonderland. Join a tender excursion to explore these caves and, on a spring tide, venture into a rainforest ravine for a shaded walk leading to a picturesque waterfall, your own Kimberley oasis. You might even spot a rare amblypygid, a mysterious spider-like creature of the cliffs.

DAY 5: Careening Bay, Prince Regent River

This morning we visit historic Careening Bay, where an ancient boab tree bears the inscription left by explorer Phillip Parker King in 1820. We then cruise through the expansive St George Basin, framed by the towering peaks of Mt Trafalgar and Mt Waterloo, before entering the Prince Regent River, a pristine waterway that carves through ancient sandstone gorges.

DAY 6: King Cascade and Cathedral Falls

An early start brings us to the majestic King Cascade. Fed by a natural spring, this stunning tiered waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and a variety of wildlife. Climb above the falls for an invigorating swim in a crystal-clear freshwater pool with sweeping views over the river below. In the afternoon, explore the serene Cathedral Falls on a tender excursion or try your luck fishing the Prince Regent River, renowned for its big barramundi and threadfin salmon.

DAY 7: Camden Harbour and Kuri Bay

This morning we step ashore at Sheep Island in Camden Harbour to visit the forlorn graves of early settlers who attempted to colonise this remote region in the 1860s. Later, explore nearby inlets by tender, gather fresh rock oysters, or cast a line. We continue cruising past Augustus Island, arriving at the remote pearling settlement of Kuri Bay in the afternoon.

DAY 8: Sale River, Doubtful Bay

Cruising past Steep Island, we enter the Sale River, a stunning waterway flanked by dramatic cliffs and unique flora. Join a tender excursion to explore ancient Indigenous rock art sites carved into the cliffs. As evening falls, we venture into Doubtful Bay for another chance to reel in a barramundi or threadfin salmon in one of the many tidal inlets.

DAY 9: Red Cone Creek, Montgomery Reef and Collier Bay

This morning we head to Red Cone Creek for a refreshing swim at the stunning Ruby Falls or join the crew for a mud crabbing adventure. Then we visit Yowjab/ Montgomery Reef Australia’s largest inshore reef, where the falling tide creates a spectacular waterfall effect as the reef seemingly rises from the ocean. Our tender excursions will observe turtles, rays, and marine birds up close. Late afternoon, relax as we cruise through the Kingfisher Islands, soaking in the serenity.

DAY 10: Talbot Bay, Dugong Bay, Buccaneer Archipelago

This morning we arrive at Talbot Bay, home of the iconic Garaanngaddim / Horizontal Falls located in The Lalang-garram / Horizontal Falls Marine Park. Join an exhilarating tender ride through this awe-inspiring natural wonder before exploring the twisted rock formations of Cyclone Creek. Cool off with a freshwater swim in nearby Dugong Bay before we set course across King Sound. Cruise through the thousands of islands that make up the Buccaneer Archipelago, passing Cape Leveque at sunset, keep watch for breaching humpback whales as we sail through the night towards Broome.

DAY 11: Cape Leveque – Broome

Arrive at Broome early morning. Enjoy your final breakfast on board before farewelling the captain and crew of the Kimberley Quest II. Disembarkation is at approximately 8:00am, followed by a courtesy transfer to your accommodation or the airport concluding your unforgettable Kimberley voyage.

This is only a suggested itinerary. The remote Kimberley region experiences large tidal movements which can affect our itinerary. We may need to vary this from time to time, however, no matter the tides, we always visit the spectacular icons of this region. There will be plenty of land and sightseeing excursions to many untouched places, and opportunities to catch fresh fish for the table. Please note scenic helicopter flights are available on request.

 

This is only a suggested itinerary. The remote Kimberley region experiences large tidal movements which can affect our itinerary. We may need to vary this from time to time, however, no matter the tides, we always visit the spectacular icons of this region. There will be plenty of land and sightseeing excursions to many untouched places, and opportunities to catch fresh fish for the table. Please note scenic helicopter flights are available on request.

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