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The Kimberley
Quest II is a 25 metre fully air conditioned luxury cruise expedition
vessel with all private en-suite cabins and has its own helipad.
It was custom built for the remote Kimberley region and its
purpose built hull allows easy access to the remote untouched
places inaccessible to most other charter vessels. This will
enable you to explore the many inland waterways and untouched
places in the unique Kimberley region. .
Accommodating
just 18 passengers in a full range of cabins, all with their
own private en-suite facilities, separate air conditioning and
bar fridges.
All meals are prepared by our talented chef who offers a diverse
range of cuisine with an array of fresh fish, seafood, freshly
baked breads and some of the best local produce all prepared
in the fully equipped gourmet galley. We cater for all dietary
requirements and special needs. We have endless fresh drinking
water, tea, coffee (Cappuccino machine on the back deck) available
24 hours daily. Meals can be taken either in the alfresco area
on the main deck or in the air conditioned dinning/saloon area.
The
Kimberley Quest II has 4 surveyed custom built 5 metre Barra
punts - excursion tenders, equipped with depth sounders, 2 way
radios and 85hp outboard motors to explore the large river systems,
tidal creeks and waterways of the remote Kimberley region. Your
typical itinerary would be as follows:
DAY 1: Broome – Buccaneer Archipelago
From the historic pearling settlement of Broome, a courtesy
vehicle will pick you up from your accommodation at approximately
4.30pm and transfer you 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 the sun dips below the western horizon as you cruise past
world famous Cable Beach. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner as you cruise
overnight towards the Buccaneer Archipelago. Your Kimberley
adventure has begun!
DAY 2: Buccaneer Archipelago, Talbot Bay
This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast whilst cruising through
the spectacular surrounds of the thousand islands of the Buccaneer
Archipelago. We cruise into Yampi Sound, an area of spectacular
geology. Further exploration takes us past Cockatoo Island,
once mined for its rich reserves of iron ore. We stop to explore
Crocodile Creek where there is a pretty waterfall and a lovely
freshwater swimming hole (easy level walk). A perfect place
for a refreshing dip! We then head on towards Talbot Bay, home
to one of the many pearl farms that frequent the Kimberley.
The rich and protected waters provide ideal growing conditions
for the coveted south sea pearl. Talbot Bay is also home to
one of the icons of the Kimberley coast, the magnificent Horizontal
Waterfalls. The region’s massive up to 10 metre tides
create a spectacular scene, sending huge volumes of water pouring
through a narrow chasm in the land formation. Board one of the
tenders and head in for an up-close and an exhilarating ride
through this natural phenomenon.
Enjoy a well deserved rest this evening after an action packed
first day onboard the Kimberley Quest II. Relax on the spacious
sundeck and soak up the last of the sun’s rays before
the Kimberley night skies put on their own special display –
billions of stars of the Milky Way, and an assortment of constellations
that have guided seafarers for millennia.
DAY 3: Montgomery Reef
Today we cruise to another of the Kimberley’s icons, the
amazing Montgomery Reef. An immense reef system covering more
than 300km² it is Australia’s largest inshore reef
system. Watch as the tide falls right before your eyes, creating
a waterfall effect as the reef rises out of the water. A navigable
channel, running deep into the Eastern reef, provides a stunning
panorama of white water rapids on the ebb tide. Magical lagoons
are created as the tide drops, which are rich in marine life,
including dugongs, turtles, manta rays and many species of sea
birds.
Fascinating history surrounds High Cliffy Island, bordering
the eastern edge of Montgomery Reef. Home to a physically superior
tribe of Aborigines called the Yawijibaya tribe that disappeared
around 1929. Discover more from one of our experienced guides
onboard!
DAY 4: Doubtful Bay, Sale River
We cruise across Doubtful Bay to explore the first of the big
rivers, the Sale River. One of the most sublime and beautiful
estuaries, it winds its way through rugged narrow gorges with
towering sandstone cliffs. This magical but unforgiving wilderness
will captivate those who crave it; its secrets are not easily
revealed without some effort. Take a tender excursion upstream
and disembark to walk amid an ancient patch of rich rainforest
glades. Admire the cool surroundings and take a dip in the spring
fed rainforest pools before returning to the vessel (easy level
walk). Also on offer is another beautiful waterfall, Ruby Falls,
a picturesque freshwater swimming hole filled with water lilies
and smooth water-worn rocks to sit on and take in the tranquil
surrounds. Journey back to the vessel to enjoy more fine cuisine
prepared by our talented chef and relax on the sundeck as we
continue on our quest.
DAY 5: Kuri Bay, Camden Harbour
This morning we cruise between Augustus Island and the mainland,
passing the remote settlement of Kuri Bay, home to Australia’s
largest and wealthiest pearling operation. At nearby Camden
Harbour, we visit forlorn settlers’ graves on a picturesque
island and soak up the history of early European settlement
(easy walk to ruins). This was the setting for a disastrous
19th-century sheep farming venture by early Victorian settlers.
In this rugged setting and harsh climate, the settlement failed
miserably and was abandoned after less than two years and much
tragedy. Try your hand at Kimberley fishing in one of our secret
spots, take one of the tenders for a spot of exploration or
laze about the sundeck and take in the beautiful scenery.
DAY 6: St George Basin, Prince Regent River, King Cascade
This is another packed day of adventure, as we cruise through
St George Basin, the Kimberley’s largest inland sea. Leaving
the vista of mighty Mt Trafalgar, we cruise up the drowned fault-line
of the Prince Regent River. Arriving at the King Cascade waterfalls
you will marvel at the rush of water cascading in breathtaking
tiers, surrounded by lush ferns and a myriad of wildlife. It
is possible to climb above the falls for an unforgettable swim
in the multitude of crystal-clear rock pools (medium walk and
climb) and is well worth the effort. You will also be rewarded
with a breathtaking view over the magnificent Prince Regent
River in the distance – wilderness adventuring at its
best! But wait there’s more – Camp Creek, a delightful
walk up to the base of the falls for another swim. Options include
bird-watching along the tree-lined banks of this pretty watercourse.
DAY 7: Careening Bay, Bigge Island
Visit Careening
Bay, site of an ancient boab tree first visited in 1820 by Phillip
Parker King whilst on a hydrographic survey of the Australian
coastline. King and his crew careened the vessel HMC ‘Mermaid’
for repairs and subsequently carved the vessel’s name
into a boab (easy walk to the tree). Next we cruise north to
Bigge Island, one of the Kimberley's largest islands and home
to some amazing rock art galleries with a maritime theme. Relax
on a sandy beach, before heading back to the vessel to watch
as another spectacular sunset sinks below the Kimberley horizon.
DAY 8: Hunter River
In the morning explore the Hunter River, one of the Kimberley’s
most scenic rivers. The prominent ‘Indian Head’
stands as sentry to the entrance to the river and is a perfect
photographic opportunity with a backdrop of deep red sandstone
escarpments and sapphire blue skies. Last chance to catch a
barra here in these rich waters.
Depart the vessel by helicopter and enjoy a scenic flight over
the spectacular Mitchell Falls and then onto the Mitchell Plateau
airstrip. 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 known as
the Mitchell Plateau. The Mitchell River splashes over the sheer
sandstone cliffs of the falls known by the Wunambal people as
Punamii-unpuu. 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.
When travelling in a southerly direction you will fly from Broome
via light aircraft to the Mitchell Plateau. A helicopter will
then transfer you to the Kimberley Quest and the start of your
cruising adventure.
Bookings
Call 1300 880 835
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