kimberley waterfalls (10 nights)
BROOME – WYNDHAM / KUNUNURRA (OR REVERSE)
A Kimberley cruise with a difference. Experience the emotive beauty that accompanies the end of the wet season! Experience the Kimberley’s renowned summer storms and spectacular light shows! Experience thundering waterfalls and swollen billabongs. And, not forgetting unexplained rock-art, extraordinary wildlife and monster barramundi!
This itinerary is provided as example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. Helicopter flights can be purchased additional to the cruise tariff as a package or individually.
rates (aud) per person – 2020
- OCEAN CLASS $18,995
- RIVER CLASS $22,995
- EXPLORER CLASS $25,995
rates (aud) per person – 2021
- OCEAN CLASS $19,995
- RIVER CLASS $23,995
- EXPLORER CLASS $26,995
night one
Your “welcome aboard” the magnificent TRUE NORTH is in the pearling port of Broome. Embarkation is at 1700 – time for a cocktail with your fellow adventurers before departing at approximately 1830. Dinner is served shortly after leaving port for the overnight cruise to Yampi Sound.
day one
It’s time to ‘personally’ introduce you to a Kimberley icon – The Horizontal Falls. Experience the awesome power of the region’s huge tidal range in an exhilarating tender ride and then climb aboard your air conditioned helicopter for a view of the falls that very few experience! Enjoy a walk on Silica Beach.
day two
Start the day with some hot fishing action – this time at “Three Ways”. Then all aboard to the impressive silhouette of Raft Point. Here, join crew and guest alike for a moderate climb to an art gallery with a difference and, the well-preserved Raft Point Wandjina Paintings.
You will probably be enjoying lunch as we weigh anchor and set sail for Montgomery Reef! Montgomery is a unique eco-system that must been seen to be believed – and see it you will – as 140 square miles of coral reef rises out of the ocean right before your very eyes! Water cascades from the reef as the tide falls exposing a privileged glimpse of another world! Turtles, dugong, manta rays and every imaginable sea creature abound and the helicopter puts it all in perspective!
day three
The scenery will astound and there are some not to be missed fishing spots as the TRUE NORTH graces the majestic Prince Regent River. At King Cascades we manoeuvre the TRUE NORTH right under the falls. Then it’s time for more ‘adventure in the tender’ – a chance to stretch the laces on your hiking boots and an opportunity to swim in yet another picture perfect billabong. The helicopter will be popular again when the first group of intrepid explorers returns from Jurassic Park!
day four
Be amongst the first on deck and join an early morning fishing expedition, or see some stunning rock art or join the ship’s naturalist in one of the expedition boats – and all before another breathtaking helicopter flight to a picnic that you’ll never forget! The True North’s mouth-watering cuisine alongside a crystal clear billabong – in one of the most remote places on earth!
day five
Wake this morning in the magnificent Hunter River. The Hunter is about as far away as you can get in Australia – a stunning river system that is lined with dense mangrove forests, surrounded by rainforest encrusted mountains and home to man-eating crocodiles. And, the Hunter has it all – fishing, mud-crabbing, bird-watching and simply exploring “where few have been before!” Join one of our expedition boats for a closer look, it’s only a short hike to Jackson Falls, and, there’s even more splendour from the helicopter!
In the afternoon we will sail into Prince Frederick Harbour for another chance to catch a plump wet season barra, finishing the day with sunset drinks on your own secluded beach.
day six
No time to dally – after an early morning breakfast it’s time to join the ‘hunt for the black-lip oyster’. In fact – their much-talked about proportions render them not hard to find at all! Savour their unique taste direct from the rock – aside from the freshly squeezed lemon, you can’t get much more a la natural than that! There are also some excellent examples of both Wandjina and Bradshaw art nearby and the waters are alive with light game species such as queenfish, giant trevally and mackerel. In the afternoon we will explore Voltaire Passage and the many surrounding islands. Then join us for our pearl party! Enjoy a glass of bubbly whilst trying on exquisite pieces created by the artistes at Linneys, Jewels of the Kimberley and Kimberley Fine Diamonds.
day seven
The Mitchell River is renowned for big barra and even bigger crocs! The expedition boats will head upriver to the scenic Surveyors Creek – a great place for a swim (no crocs here!) The fishermen will again join the hunt for the elusive barramundi and, there will be more opportunities for helicopter flights over an ancient land including the spectacular Mitchell Falls! Then, join the crew for a cocktail hour before experiencing another unique dining experience.
day eight
Today you will have another opportunity to see the “Bradshaws” – ancient rock art that pre-dates other examples of Aboriginal culture. In fact, they are possibly the oldest ‘paintings’ known to man. The heli-picnic at Eagle Falls is always a ‘big hit’ – another breathtaking helicopter flight and, TRUE NORTH’s mouth-watering fare alongside a picture-perfect waterfall in remote far-north Western Australia! The tenders will be busy exploring local beaches and rivers and, we also visit an isolated site in the rainforest where a lone bomber crashed during WWII.
day nine
Yet another mighty Kimberley river – King George! As soon as the tide is high enough, we’ll cross the sand bar at the mouth to reveal even more breathtaking river vista. Then our journey upstream will take us to the very ‘jewel in the crown’ – King George Falls. Here we anchor at the base of the Twin Falls and you will find endless places to explore. Climb or take the helicopter to the top of the falls for a cruise highlight. In the afternoon learn the history of the wreck of the Koolama and take a stroll at Tranquil Bay before we continue onto the frontier port of Wyndham.
day ten
Your courtesy coach will arrive at approximately 0800 hours for the transfer to Kununurra and your crew will already be looking forward to the next opportunity to welcome you aboard the mighty TRUE NORTH!