DAY 1: Wyndham Port Departure will be from the pioneering settlement of Wyndham. A courtesy coach will transfer you from the town site of Kununurra 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 you cruise down Cambridge Gulf. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner as you cruise overnight towards the Berkeley River. Your Kimberley odyssey has begun!

DAY 3: King George Falls
At high tide, we cross the sandbars of the King George River for a breathtaking cruise along this beautiful waterway. Incredible scenery unfolds as we approach the King George Falls through vertically-sided sandstone canyons, ending at the highest waterfall in Western Australia. The Kimberley Quest II cruises to the base of the twin falls for a refreshing ‘Kimberley shower!’ For those intrepid adventurers it is well worth a climb to the top for a breathtaking vista of the river below - a truly humbling experience as you appreciate the immensity of this ancient untamed landscape. Enjoy a well deserved swim in one of the cool upper pools (strenuous level walk). Overnight we anchor just metres away from the falls and are lulled to sleep by water cascading over the cliff face!

DAY 4: Drysdale River
Today we encounter one of the Kimberley’s longest rivers (432km), the Drysdale. We spend the day exploring in dinghies the spectacular palm-studded landscape and rapids of the Drysdale area and marvel at its unique flora and fauna. The Drysdale is renowned for its saltwater crocodiles, flying foxes and many species of bird life, which thrive in its delta islands. Walk on a deserted beach or try to catch the elusive Kimberley barramundi, with many great "snags" to fish around. Our expert guides will endeavour to put you on the ‘spot’ and bring home a couple of "barra". Enjoy a sumptuous dinner and revel in this ancient paradise.

DAY 5: Vansittart Bay, WWII DC3 Crash Site
Today we explore various coves within Vansittart Bay, visiting sites rich in the fascinating Bradshaw or Gwion Gwion art. Named after Joseph Bradshaw, he was the first European to record these amazing paintings in 1891. Some Bradshaw art has been dated at over 17,000 years old, said to predate the Wandjina figures. Find out more from one of our knowledgeable guides and delve into our comprehensive onboard library. There is also the opportunity today to visit the crash site of a DC3 aircraft located on the eastern side of Vansittart Bay. Explore the remains of this aircraft which crashed during World War II. After running low on fuel, the pilot was forced to land on the beach, crashing into the scrub. The remains are quite intact and make for a great photographic opportunity.

DAY 6: Admiralty Gulf, Mitchell River

We are now entering the incredible assortment of islands that form the Bonaparte Archipelago. Cruise across Admiralty Gulf to the Mitchell River, another of the Kimberley’s big rivers and the source of the magnificent Mitchell Falls. Charter a helicopter and take an exhilarating ride over the falls, known by the Wunambal people as Punamii-Unpuu. 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 know as the Mitchell Plateau.

A not to be missed experience, departing from the Kimberley Quest’s helipad the flight gives you a unique ‘birds-eye’ view of this awesome landscape. Drop a lure in later and perfect your fishing skills, go crocodile spotting at low tide or simply relax on the sun deck with a book from the comprehensive onboard library. Enjoy an appetizing gourmet lunch, with time for a swim in the cool waters of Surveyors Creek.

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: 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 9: Camden Harbour, Kuri Bay
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. Dine on freshly caught barramundi, served with crisp greens and a lovely chilled beverage!

DAY 10: 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 11: Montgomery Reef
Today we cruise to another of the Kimberley’s icons, the amazing Montgomery Reef. An immense reef system covering more than 300km, 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.

DAY 12: Buccaneer Archipelago, 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 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 13: Buccaneer Archipelago sheltered Yampi Sound. We stop to explore Crocodile Creek, where visiting yachties have left a remarkable display of memorabilia under a shade-shelter. There is a pretty waterfall with a lovely freshwater swimming hole above (easy walk). A perfect place for that last refreshing dip! Further exploration takes us past Cockatoo Island, once mined by BHP for its rich reserves of iron ore. Cruise across King Sound, passing the cliff-top lighthouse of Cape Leveque around sunset, as we journey overnight to the historic pearling settlement of Broome.

DAY 14: Broome
Arrive into the Port of Broome at approximately 7.00am. Enjoy your last sumptuous breakfast onboard then wave goodbye to the crew of the Kimberley Quest II. A courtesy vehicle will transfer you to your accommodation or airport. Ultimate Kimberley Experience.

*Scenic Helicopter flights available on request
*This is only a suggested itinerary. Due to the vast tidal movements and remote terrain of the Kimberley region, we cannot guarantee that the itinerary will remain the same. However, during the time you spend with us you will experience many more spectacular places not listed on the itinerary. There will be plenty of opportunities to catch fresh fish for the table as well as land and sight seeing excursions to many untouched places.

2012 Cruise Schedule

Ultimate 2

Wyndham - Broome

10-23 April

2013 Cruise Schedule

Ultimate 2

Wyndham - Broome

09-22 April

Home ~ Western Australia ~ Luxury Cruising ~ Kimberley Quest II ~ 14 Day Ultimate Kimberley Cruise