Kimberley Highlights

Darwin to Darwin

Coastal Cruising | 10 Nights | Nature & Wildlife

Kimberley Expedition

Top▲Highlights

Our 10-night Kimberley Highlights showcase the breathtaking splendours of Australia’s wild and remote Kimberley Coast. Orion’s Expedition Team will lead your exploration of secluded beaches and river inlets – waters famous for an abundance of wildlife. From spectacular waterfalls and awe inspiring gorges, to ancient cultural history and indigenous rock art, the only way you can access the best of the Kimberley is from the sea onboard Orion. This voyage embarks and disembarks in Darwin, affording wonderful touring opportunities in the Top End and the most convenient air connections to northern Australia.

Top▲Itinerary

NOTE: All itineraries on the website are constantly being updated. This itinerary may not be the most current, so please check with one of the Specialty Cruise Advisors on the left to ensure that this is the most current one.

Top▲Dates & Prices

Seasonality

May to May

Fares are cruise only twin share per person in Australian Dollars.

This example may be available on other dates or with different itineraries. We will gladly research other options for you! Special savings may be available for groups of 6 or more. Prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy, for standard and/or inside stateroom unless stated otherwise, are capacity controlled and are subject to availability. Fare is shown in US dollars unless otherwise stated. Government Fees and Taxes are additional. Refer to appropriate supplier brochure for terms and conditions. Pricing for Singles, 3rd, 4th or 5th guests if available, will be provided upon request and is subject to stateroom category availability. Unless specified, airfare is not included. Full details of airfare offers will be provided upon request and may vary by departure location. Prices vary by date of travel, were available when written, but are subject to restrictions and availability when booked, and may be withdrawn at any time. Offer not combinable with other promotions or discount offers. FST #ST37451 / CST #2092247-50 / WST #602-708-936

Top▲What's Included

• Accommodations as booked
• Cruise transportation
• All meals on board
• 24-hour room service
• Entertainment and educational programmes
• Use of the ship's sporting equipment and facilities
• Port & handling charges
• Zodiac transfers
• Access to the ship's library of DVDs
• Government fees and taxes.
• Fares also include the services of an experienced cruise staff.

Shore Excursions and Activities (Included)   Show All Details    Hide All Details

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  Day 2 - Gwion Gwion art gallery. (Vansittart Bay)

  After arrival in Vansittart Bay we will go ashore via Zodiac to a beach landing on Jar Island. There, our Expedition Team will take you on a short walk, past some fascinating rock formations, to the site of the Gwion Gwion art gallery.

  The walk to the art site over uneven ground is relatively easy with only one small rock ledge to negotiate, however the access to the majority of the art is a little difficult and includes scrambling over large boulders and crawling under rock overhangs. The reward is a stunning gallery of this ancient and mystical art form.

  Truscott was the secret air base for Australia during World War II and as such is rich in Australian history. The site was chosen because it is the point on the Australian mainland closest to Java, where Japanese forces were concentrated. RAAF fighter squadrons were also based there. Today the history of this remote region will be illustrated through the aircraft relics, and narrated by the traditional owners.

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  Day 3 - Zodiac expeditions into the Mangrove environment (Hunter River)

  Orion will anchor just off Naturalist Island in Prince Frederick Harbour. From this location we will undertake Zodiac expeditions into the Mangrove environment of the Hunter River and its tributaries. Our expert Expedition Team will share their knowledge with you as you explore the area keeping a constant lookout for wildlife.

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  Day 4 - Horizontal Waterfalls (Horizontal Waterfalls)

  All Day:

  Today your Zodiac excursion will take you to witness the tidal phenomena of the Horizontal Waterfalls. You will also have the opportunity to view the stunning sandstone canyons of the nearby gorges. Your Zodiac excursion will be timed, where possible, to coincide with tidal movement through the gaps were the horizontal waterfalls are created. The amount of actual tide movement will vary depending on tide movement of the day.

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  Day 6 - Cocktail party at Paspaley Pearls Broome showroom. (Broome)

  As the wharf is approximately 20 minutes from China Town (the main town area) a regular shuttle service from the wharf will be available throughout the two days of our visit in Broome. This shuttle service will also include stops at world famous Cable Beach.

  On our overnight visit in Broome Orion guests are invited to a cocktail party at Paspaley Pearls Broome showroom. As well as viewing the fabulous pearl jewelry collection you will have the rare opportunity to taste pearl meat. Refreshments – including pearl meat tasting and transportation to and from Orion are provided.

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  Day 7 - Team will lead you on a challenging walk to the extensive rock art sites at Raft Point (Raft Point)

  After a Zodiac ride ashore to a beach near Raft Point, your Expedition Team will lead you on a challenging walk to the extensive rock art sites. The walk is approximately one hour uphill over rocky uneven ground with several locations that involve scrambling over rocks. One of the Wandjina galleries is easily accessed once you reach the top of the hill, another is a little more difficult to access. Sturdy footwear and good levels of fitness and mobility will be required to successfully undertake this walk.

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  Day 8 - The caves are home to Wandjina and ship art gallerie (Bigge Island)

  We will land ashore after a short Zodiac ride on a sandy beach close to a series of caves (landing time is dependant on tide to give clearance over a shallow reef). The caves are home to Wandjina and ship art galleries. Our Expedition Team will also keep an eye out for animal tracks in the sand around the caves often revealing the presence of small rock wallabies or large salt water crocodiles.

  The landing and walk to the caves is generally over sandy terrain and is of a fairly easy level of difficulty. The ancient Aboriginal rock meeting circle is close by, and involves walking over some rocky uneven terrain.

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  Day 9 - King George Falls (King George River)

  The Orion Zodiacs and tenders will cruise up the stunning sandstone canyon that culminates in the twin drops of King George Falls and convey guests back again to Orion. For guests looking for a bit more adventure, you will be able to take a walk to the top of the falls and have the opportunity to enjoy a swim. This is quite a steep, difficult walk with lots of loose uneven ground underfoot and all participants will need high levels of fitness and mobility.

Top▲What's NOT Included

• Fares DO NOT include items of a personal nature including, but not limited to, travel & medical insurance, laundry/pressing charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hairdressing and massage treatments, optional shoreside expeditions, medical treatments, telephone and internet charges.

Top▲Optional Add-ons

Shore Excursions and Activities (Optional)   Show All Details    Hide All Details

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: FAST BOAT THROUGH THE FALLS

  $60 (Australian Dollar)

  Duration: 15 minutes approximately

  Whilst our ship’s Zodiacs can show you the falls up close, to experience the thrill of the falls in full tidal movement you will need a larger, faster boat. Local operator Horizontal Falls Adventures has two fast rigid hulled inflatables based at the falls available to give you the ride of your life through the fast moving waters of the falls. Speed through the two gaps in the sandstone walls as the tidal action creates foaming rapids.

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: KING GEORGE FALLS HELICOPTER FLIGHT

  $460 (Australian Dollar)

  Duration: 15-20 minutes

  A fantastic way to see the stunning gorge of the King George River. Fly along the course of the dramatic sandstone lined canyon, orbit the twin drops of the falls with ample opportunity for photography before returning to our landing site near our anchorage in Koolama Bay.

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: MITCHELL FALLS BY HELICOPTER

  $460 (Australian Dollar)

  Duration: 2 hours
  After a short Zodiac ride to a wet landing on Naturalist Island, board your helicopter for a 20 minute flight to the stunning Mitchell Plateau. Your experienced pilots will keep you informed as you initially track up the Hunter River, with a chance to spot crocodiles from the air. Once you reach the plateau you may see wild cattle running loose below and even the odd pocket of rainforest hidden away in this inaccessible area. You will land next to the falls where you will have approximately one hour to explore the area before your return flight. You will have access to some great spots to photograph the triple drops of Mitchell Falls. You will even have a chance for a refreshing dip in the river well above the crocodile habitats the Kimberley is renowned for. Be aware you will be unaccompanied in a stunning yet rugged and very remote area, with uneven rocky surfaces and little shade from the sun.

  Please note – Helicopters used for your shoreside expedition do not have doors. Final flight times and guest sequence is determined by the operator. This shoreside option is predominately weight restricted therefore there is no guarantee guests will fly together and may be split into other groups. Our Expedition Team will endeavour to work the best options available on the day.

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: CAMEL SAFARI

  $80 (Australian Dollar)

  First Day Evening (timing will still allow for participation in the Paspaley Cocktail Party)
  Duration: 1 hour ride
  Enjoy the splendour of the famous Cable Beach riding a camel. Your friendly camel will slowly stroll along the sand enabling you to take in the local views. Orion guests may choose either the popular morning or sunset ride, at which time you will witness the magnificent sun over the Indian Ocean horizon. Along with an informative, interesting and fun walk you may view dolphins, whales and other marine life often seen close to shore.

  Long pants or trousers are recommended.

  Please note – There is a weight restriction of guests being no more than 120kg to participate in this excursion.

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: HOVERCRAFT SCENIC & HISTORIC EXPERIENCE

  $90 (Australian Dollar)

  Duration: 1 hour excluding transfers
  Your journey includes a scenic tour enjoying some of the magnificent and historic sights of the Broome town coastline. Enjoy the ride over very low water tidal flats and sand bars, inaccessible by other means. View old and perfectly preserved dinosaur tracks in rock on the beach that once was an ancient planal forest floor. The tracks near Broome are 115 to 120 million years old and belong to meat-eaters related to the famous Tyrannosaurus and possibly the largest dinosaur of all, an immense sauropod which left behind a print measuring 1.7 metres across. Marvel at the brightly coloured inhabitants that bask amongst the Mangrove trees lining the coast and be amazed by the history that hides on the ocean floor. An informative and interesting commentary will be provided. The hovercrafts will stop and allow Orion guests to walk around the dinosaur footprints.

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  Shore Excursion or Activity: BROOME DISCOVERY TOUR

  $95 (Australian Dollar)

  Duration: 3 ½ hours approximately
  This coach tour is an essential and enlightening orientation tour of Broome. Circumnavigate the town’s spectacular peninsula, visiting major icons and natural attractions. The rich multicultural and pearling history is revealed. Learn about cultured pearling, take in the spectacular Cable Beach, historic Gantheaume Point and ancient dinosaur footprints. Taste the local beer at Maso’s Brewery. Discover what makes Broome tick on this entertaining, informative and friendly tour.

Top▲Vessel Information

Orion

Mega Yacht | 106 Passengers | Operated by Orion Expedition Cruises,

Technically and aesthetically, Orion is arguably the most sophisticated vessel in its class. The Berlitz Ocean Cruising and Cruise Ships guide describes her as "the latest in the quest to build the ideal expedition cruise ship". Constructed by the world-leading Cassens Shipyard in Emden, and launched in November 2003, she boasts a host of advanced design features including technology that sets new standards in sustainable marine environmental practices.

Although custom-made for expedition cruising, Orion is the epitome of elegance. No expense has been spared when it comes to the quality of fittings and furnishings, and the range and calibre of onboard recreational facilities are nothing short of five-star. Orion's luxurious appointments means she is more mega-yacht than cruise ship and her guests are few; around just 50 couples, all cared for in 5-star comfort by a crew of 75. Chart your own path less travelled.

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