26 Day Kimberley and Grand Kimberley Coast AGKKCD26

Itinerary

• 1 Arrive Darwin, Embark Ship (D)

  Today, we’ll meet you at the airport before welcoming you aboard your expedition ship. The Seabourn Pursuit is the newest and most luxurious ship on the Kimberley Coast, boasting incredible facilities, delectable dining options and personalised service.

  You might like to admire the views from the panoramic balcony of your spacious suite, sip champagne on the outdoor deck, take a dip in the infinity pool or share stories of your adventures with your newfound friends in one of the luxurious shared spaces. A relaxed dinner this evening gives you the chance to meet your fellow travellers and sets the tone for the next nine nights on board.

  Stay: Nine Nights, Seabourn Pursuit

• 2 King George River and Falls (B L D)

  Today, your ship cruises into Koolama Bay. Hear how this harbour was renamed following the Japanese bombing of the MV Koolama in 1942. Join your Expedition Team aboard a Zodiac to meander through King George River’s gorge system, passing mangrove-fringed coves and sheer red cliffs.

  Anticipation builds as your Zodiac approaches King George Falls, which plunge 80 metres over a soaring sandstone cliff. Edge closer to this epic cascade and learn how it turns to a raging torrent during the monsoonal wet season.

  This evening, enjoy a Captain’s welcome dinner.

   

• 3 Ashmore Reef (B L D)

  Enjoy a relaxed morning aboard your luxurious ship. This afternoon, pay a special visit to Ashmore Reef Marine Park. Located in the Timor Sea and spanning 583 square kilometres, the reef is a sanctuary for many marine species. Every year, more than 100,000 seabirds breed here, including crested terns, white-tailed tropicbirds and great frigatebirds.

  In addition to the prolific birdlife, beneath the clear tropical waters, the coral reefs, seagrass meadows, sandflats and lagoons of Ashmore Reef are home to a colourful array of marine life. 255 species of reef-building coral dwell here – the greatest number of any reef on the West Australian coast.

  Our visit to Ashmore Reef is required to ensure we comply with Australian government regulations. Pending favourable weather and sea conditions, you’ll explore this sanctuary via Zodiac with your Expedition Team.

• 4 Vansittart Bay (B L D)

  This morning, join your Expedition Team on an intriguing discovery. Walk across salt flats to view the wreckage of a US Air Force DC-3 which crash-landed near Vansittart Bay during World War II.

  Later, we reposition in the bay to visit Jar Island and discover the island’s outstanding rock art gallery. During your exploration here, you’ll see fascinating examples of Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, dating back more than 20,000 years.

• 5 Bigge Island (B L D)

  Approximately six kilometres from the mainland, Bigge Island is ripe for discovery today. It’s well known for its Aboriginal rock art, created by the Wunambal people, and you’ll explore a network of caves throughout the island. Here, discover paintings that display fascinating examples of first-contact art and Wandjina figures.

• 6 Hunter River, Mitchell Falls (B L D)

  You are transported to Prince Frederick Harbour today, home to the towering red cliffs and tangled mangroves of Hunter River and Porosus Creek. With its extreme tides and pristine ecosystems, the harbour and its waterways are rich in wildlife including mudskippers and saltwater crocodiles. Porosus Creek takes its name from the scientific name for saltwater crocodile, a good indication of what we’re looking for today.

  Keen birdwatchers should keep a careful eye out for kingfishers, egrets, herons and white-bellied sea eagles.

  To enhance your day, you might choose to set out on a thrilling helicopter flight to see the Mitchell Falls in all its splendour from above (flight at own expense).

• 7 Montgomery Reef, Freshwater Cove (B L D)

  Experience a welcome to country and an immersive smoking ceremony conducted by the Arraluli people, the traditional custodians of the land. Then, embark on a guided hike led by the Expedition Team to explore a mesmerising rock art site where your Aboriginal guide will offer an interpretation of the rock  art. This experience offers a profound connection to the rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions of the Arraluli people.

  At Montgomery Reef, depart with your Expedition Team to discover the reef by Zodiac. The reef ‘rises’ out of the ocean as tidal waters cascade into surrounding channels.

• 8 Horizontal Falls (B L D)

  Today your ship cruises through to Talbot Bay, known for its massive 12-metre tides that create the unique Horizontal Falls. Subject to tidal conditions, board a zodiac with your Expedition Team to view this natural phenomenon.

  Explore Talbot Bay and Cyclone Creek. Accompanied by your Expedition Team Leader, you’ll weave nimbly past the dramatic folds of rock formations, keeping a lookout for local wildlife.

• 9 Buccaneer Archipelago, Adele Island (B L D)

  There’s promise of turquoise waters today as your ship arrives in the Buccaneer Archipelago, home to more than 800 islands. Cruise to Adele Island and join your Expedition Team member for an exploration of this remote coastal area by Zodiac. The island is surrounded by Adele Reef, teeming with an array of coral and marine life, including reef sharks and stingrays.

• 10 Disembark Ship, Broome (B D)

  Arriving into Broome this morning means it’s time to say goodbye to your expedition ship. Be transferred to the iconic Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa, where you’ll enjoy dinner.

  Stay: Broome, Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa

• 11 Gibb River Road, Windjana Gorge (B L D)

  In Derby, visit a local art gallery to view indigenous art from across the Kimberley before joining the Gibb River Road to Windjana Gorge, where sheer cliffs tower above pristine white sands and fossils lie embedded in the gorge walls.

  Stay: Two Nights, Bell Gorge Wilderness Lodge

• 12 Bell Gorge (B L D)

  Back on the Gibb River Road, travel to Bell Gorge, where stunning cliffs surround a series of tiered waterholes. You might like to hike to the lower pool of the gorge and enjoy a dip in the waterfall below. Alternatively, relax in the shade and enjoy a spot of birdwatching.

• 13 Galvans Gorge, Manning Creek, Drysdale River Station (B L D)

  Travel through the heart of Kimberley cattle country to Galvans Gorge, where a refreshing swim awaits. Then, continue to the beautiful Manning Creek, where you’ll enjoy lunch before arriving at the historic cattle station of Drysdale River Station.

  Stay: Drysdale River Station

• 14 Mitchell Plateau, King Edward River (B L D)

  Explore the Wandjina and Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) rock art galleries of the Mitchell Plateau before a swim in the clear waters of the King Edward River.

  Stay: Two Nights, Exclusive Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge

• 15 Mitchell Falls ( B L D)

  A world of waterfalls awaits your discovery today. Begin with a guided hike to Little Mertens Falls and view rarely seen rock art. See Big Mertens Falls, then enjoy an included helicopter flight over Mitchell Falls.

• 16 Gibb River Road, El Questro (B L D)

  Bidding the Mitchell Plateau goodbye, rejoin the Gibb River Road and ford the Durack and Pentecost rivers on the way to El Questro.

  Stay: Two Nights, El Questro – Emma Gorge

• 17 El Questro (B L D)

  Hike to Emma Gorge where you’ll be rewarded with a swim beneath a towering droplet waterfall. Head to Zebedee Springs, a permanent natural thermal spring tucked away in a secluded pocket of rainforest. Relax as you soak in the hot springs and leave feeling revitalised.

• 18 Purnululu National Park, Echidna Chasm (B L D)

  Journey into Purnululu National Park, home to the famed black and orange striped domes of the Bungle Bungle Range. Travel the Spring Creek Track before hiking to Echidna Chasm, a natural cleft in the rock. Later, arrive at your lodge in the heart of the national park.

  Stay: Two Nights, Bungle Bungle Wilderness Lodge

• 19 Purnululu National Park, Piccaninny Creek, Cathedral Gorge (B L D)

  Explore the magic of Purnululu for yourself and discover the depth of the Bungle Bungle Range. Created by the constant erosion of river movements over 20 million years, the range has both geological and Indigenous cultural significance. Start with a walk along Piccaninny Creek, before stopping at Cathedral Gorge. You might like to take a helicopter flight over the Bungle Bungle Range (own expense).

  Toast the day with a glass of bubbly as the sun sets over the Bungle Bungle Range.

• 20 Kununurra (B L D)

  Travel along the Spring Creek Track to Kununurra, known as the gateway to eastern Kimberley.

  Stay: Two Nights, Kununurra Country Club Resort

• 21 Lake Argyle, Ord River Cruise (B L D)

  Travel to Lake Argyle today, the largest man-made lake in the Southern Hemisphere. From here, set out on a wildlife cruise along the mighty Ord River. Explore this ecological system, which has developed from the damming of the river to create an area rich in native wildlife and flora.

• 22 Nitmiluk National Park (B L D)

  Cross the border into the Northern Territory on the way to Nitmiluk National Park. This evening, be treated to canapes and drinks on arrival at Cicada Lodge, followed by a three-course dinner showcasing local produce.

  Stay: Katherine, Cicada Lodge

• 23 Nitmiluk Gorge, Kakadu National Park, yellow Water Billabong Cruise (B L D)

  After breakfast, set out on a cruise through Nitmiluk Gorge. Next, it’s on to Kakadu, Australia’s largest national park. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on Yellow Water Billabong, then journey to Nourlangie Rock. See its ancient rock art, dating back some 20,000 years.

  Stay: Two Nights, Hawk Dreaming Wilderness Lodge

• 24 Arnhem Land, Hawk Dreaming, Cannon Hill (B L D)

  A local guide will join you today as you cross the East Alligator River into spiritual Arnhem Land. Experience the ancient art and natural beauty of this special place. This afternoon, return to Kakadu to discover the rock art and billabongs of Cannon Hill and Hawk Dreaming (please note Arnhem Land may be inaccessible for cultural reasons or when tides prevent the crossing of the East Alligator River).

• 25 Ubirr Rock, Darwin (B L D)

  Located within Kakadu National Park, visit the sacred site of Ubirr and explore its galleries of ancient Indigenous rock art. There are some works that have been continuously painted and repainted since around 40,000 BC. Later, travel to Darwin, where the time has come to look back on the journey as you enjoy a farewell dinner.

  Stay: Darwin, Vibe Hotel

• 26 Depart Darwin (B)

  Your epic adventure draws to a close today as you are transferred to Darwin Airport for your onward flight.

• First Day – Flights to arrive in the morning, or the day prior to departure.
• Last Day – Flights are recommended to depart late in the day or the next day.

• Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
• Price includes airport transfers, port charges and park fees
• High Zodiac Activity – This expedition cruise uses Zodiacs for most excursions
• Cruising itineraries are subject to change due to tidal conditions and may be modified on board your ship
• Weather may cause disruptions to itinerary, especially in remote locations and at the start of the season
• Valid passports are mandatory on all Kimberley Coast cruises
• Prices are for land/cruise only. Flights not included unless specified

Additional Information

Climate Winter in the tropical north is the dry season and temperatures will be mild with low humidity. Through the months of September and October, the temperatures become increasingly warmer.

Fitness to Travel A good level of fitness and health is required to participate on holiday packages. In some destinations there are extensive sightseeing excursions by foot which includes the climbing of stairs and walking on uneven surfaces. Mobility is needed boarding or alighting coaches and trains. We recommend a visit to the doctor before travelling to overseas destinations and consulting with them regarding any vaccinations which may be required. It is your responsibility to advise operators of any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect the normal conduct of a holiday package and the enjoyment of other passengers. A Health, Fitness & Mobility Questionnaire will be provided and requested to be completed at the time of booking if you advise of any health, fitness or mobility issues. The operator is not liable for any injury, illness, or loss of enjoyment which could have been reasonably prevented had we been made aware of a pre-existing condition and been provided an opportunity to review it. We will not be responsible for any costs associated with cancellation penalties or the return of passengers from a tour, and a refund for lost touring cannot be claimed.

Single Travellers A limited number of single rooms may be available at time of booking. Single rooms may be smaller than twin or double bedded rooms and may have a single bed. Single supplements apply

Children under 12 years are not recommended to participate on a coach tour. Children under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult.

Extras Airfares (unless stated), airport taxes, laundry, food not on the regular table d’hôte menu, drinks may or may not be included as indicated in your itinerary, excess baggage, Wi-Fi (unless stated), fuel surcharges and optional excursions not specified in the itinerary. Extra overnight accommodation is not included at the start or end of the tour if not specified in the itinerary. Airport Transfers Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the tour as indicated by the itinerary or when booking pre or post tour accommodation with your tour.

Luggage Limits Land touring is conducted in 4WD vehicles with limited luggage capacity. Each passenger is requested to limit their luggage to one small/medium soft bag or suitcase weighing no more than 16kg (35 lb approx) and with dimensions of no more than 66cm length x 35cm width x 32cm height. Cameras, make-up bags etc should be carried separately. Should you have excess luggage, it is your responsibility to organise for this to be forwarded to your final destination.

Clothing and What to Bring Clothing and footwear should be casual, comfortable and suited to tropical conditions.

• Clothing – shorts, trousers, shirts, swimwear, hat, sunglasses, a jacket and a change of warm clothes in case of inclement weather are advisable.
• Footwear – some form of fast-drying wet-shoe would prove useful.
• Personal – sun protection, insect repellent, medications, toiletries, (overseas travellers should bring a suitable adapter). Don’t forget to bring your video or camera along with plenty of film & spare batteries (recharge facilities are available).
• Money and/or credit card for personal expenses such as drinks, souvenirs and optional extras.

Prepare Your Medication If you have a food allergy or medical condition which needs to be managed on tour, please advise your Booking Agent before departure, and inform your Tour Director on arrival. It is also worth packing a small medical kit, as even though there will be pharmacies along your tour, they can be difficult to access, and a prescription may be required for some medications.
Suggested Packing List:

• A general-purpose antibiotic (e.g. azithromycin)
• Cold and flu medication
• Your preferred pain medication
• Medicine for gastronomic upsets
• Band aids and blister pads

Transfers Airport transfers are included on the first and last day of the holiday package at designated times. No refund will be given for unused transfers. Transfers cannot be re-routed to other pick-up points or destinations. Passengers who miss the pre-booked transfers must make their own way to/from the hotel at their own expense. A group transfer is generally a shared transfer and the type of vehicle used will normally be dependent upon the size of the group.

Smoking Government regulations forbid smoking in tourist coaches, however frequent stops are made for those wishing to smoke. Smoking is not permitted in hotel rooms. Requests for smoking/non-smoking rooms will be passed on to hotels but cannot be guaranteed.

Travel Documents After booking you will receive an invoice with all important information relevant to your holiday package. We strongly recommend you check the details carefully and read the included information. Please ensure that you check your flight timings carefully on your tickets, particularly early morning departures. Approximately 21 days before departure you will receive your e-ticket together with your final itinerary. However, in the case of late bookings, charges or late payment, tickets may be emailed to you.

Travel Insurance Travel Insurance is not included in your holiday package. For your protection, you are required to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes (without limitation) coverage for the full cost of your holiday package, medical expenses, loss of luggage, land content and airfare charges that may occur due to cancellation, impossibility of performance or other frustration, disruption, loss of deposit or strikes. Recieve a free no obligation quote online or talk to our staff.

Seat Allocation on Land Touring  To ensure all passengers enjoy forward and window facing seats, on longer tours a daily seat rotation system may apply at the discretion of the tour director/driver-guide. We do not warrant that the seat rotation will be adjusted to suit personal preference.

Disruption to Itinerary Arrangements Itineraries are intended as a guide only and are subject to alteration without notice. Alterations may be necessary for various reasons including, without limitation, road or weather conditions, strikes or other reasons beyond reasonable control. If conditions render any routes unsafe for navigation, the operator reserves the right to provide alternative services including but not limited to accommodation. Under normal conditions, itineraries will operate as far as possible as detailed in this publication. However, sometimes for reasons beyond our control, it may be necessary to make alterations to your itinerary. For example, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by coach and alternative sightseeing may be included. Operators will not be liable for any direct or indirect costs that you incur as a result of any event or other factor beyond our control which necessitates a change in your itinerary. Operators cannot guarantee exact arrival and departure times for carriers and operators used will not be liable for failure to make connections with any other services or attractions beyond its control.

Noise and Vibration Reasonable steps are taken to minimise noise and vibration on cruise vessels. You acknowledge and accept that some noise and vibration may be experienced on vessels and that operator is not liable to you for any such noise and vibration.

Passengers Needing Special Assistance We welcomes passengers with disabilities or special needs however, please note the following:
1. Any disability or medical condition requiring special attention must be reported to the operator at the time of booking including all important information relating to your health, mobility and fitness which may affect your partial or total participation in the cruise or tour. This information is also crucial to allow the operator to ensure the tour you have chosen is suitable and meets your needs. Any changes to health, mobility and fitness must also be reported to the operator as soon as possible and prior to departure. Where possible the operator will make reasonable adjustments to the tour to accommodate your special needs however, it cannot do so if the adjustment required would be unreasonable in all of the circumstances, including if such adjustments would affect your safety and/or the safety and/or enjoyment of other passengers.
2. If you require special assistance or care (such as pushing a wheelchair, assistance with dressing or assistance with walking or hearing emergency alarms unaided), you must travel with a companion capable of providing the required assistance or care. Please be aware that the operator does not provide personal assistance. The operator is unable to assist any passenger with walking, dining, boarding or disembarking any transportation vehicles (including river and ocean cruise ships and trains). To safely participate in embarkation and disembarkation you must be able to do so without the need for special assistance. You must also be able to do so without unreasonably impacting other passengers’ safety and/or enjoyment.
3. While the operator will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of disabled passengers, it is not responsible for any denial of services by any third party entities it has travel arrangements with, such as carriers, hotels, trains, restaurants or other independent suppliers, or for any additional associated expenses charges by those parties.
4. Please note coaches and minibuses are not equipped with wheelchair ramps. Most river and ocean ships have elevators, however not all the operator ships have elevators. Many ships require the use of stairs to go between decks. Further, side by side docking may require passengers to climb and descent stairs to cross over vessels to disembark and embark at times. The operator ships often sail through remote areas that do not have convenient docking facilities. In such circumstances it will be necessary for passengers to negotiate temporary gangplanks and uneven surfaces. If the crew decide that it is not safe for a passenger to negotiate such operations they may require passengers to stay on board. Cabin doors and restrooms may not be wide enough to allow access by standard wheelchairs. Wheelchairs and walkers cannot be carried on coaches, due to space limitations. For safety reasons, passengers in wheelchairs cannot be carried on ramps in ports where the river or ocean cruise ship is at anchor. The operator is unable to provide individual assistance to any passenger for walking, dining, disembarking or embarking cruise ships and/or coaches or other transportation vehicles or other personal needs.

Booking Terms and Conditions

Be aware that some confirmed bookings are not refundable if cancelled, and also may not be transferable to another date or otherwise changed. Alternatively, a change may only be permissible subject to payment of an additional fee or charge. Your entitlement to a refund for cancelled bookings is subject to the relevant Supplier’s terms and conditions. Please note that if we are entitled to a service fee for placing a booking, we will remain entitled to this fee if you cancel the booking or the Supplier fails to provide you with the Product for any reason (other than our default), including in an event of Force Majeure. We will be entitled to deduct our service fee from any refund we receive on your behalf before remitting the balance to you. Suppliers’ fees are outlined in their relevant terms and conditions.

Please review the full Terms and Conditions and Schedule of Fees prior to making a booking.

Supplier Terms and Conditions Summary:

• 100 days or more prior to departure will incur a loss of deposit.
• 99-61 days prior to departure will incur a fee of 50% of holiday package price.
• 60 days or less prior to departure will incur a fee of 100% holiday package price.

Changes to the Itinerary Not all attractions, excursions and/or optional tours are provided by the tour operator. Accordingly, tour operators may, where it is required to do so, suspend or cancel any tour inclusion where that tour inclusion is not available or in the opinion of tour operators, unadvisable, unsafe or unsuitable. During local or national holidays, certain facilities such as museums and restaurants, sightseeing tours and shopping may be limited or not available. Tour operators reserves the right to alter or change the accommodation, carriers or vessels at any time for any reason; and cancel or alter the itinerary and/or tour at any time without notice as Outback Aussie Tours considers necessary for any reason whatsoever including road, weather or traffic conditions, non-performance of suppliers, industrial action, operational conditions and requirements.

FAQs

• Are there concession discounts?
  Pensioners (Australia or New Zealand) and Seniors Card holders (Australia) save with our concession discounts on selected tours. Ask our friendly team which tours you can get a discount on.
• Are your tours suitable for pensioners aged 76 and 84 ?

  Yes, Kimberley Tours have a wide range of passengers from children to adult who are 90 years of age. You need to read the itinerary and review the fitness levels required prior to deciding if the tours is suitable. Each tour is different.

• Do you have any tours on offer during November, December, January or February?

  The Kimberley region offer tours from May through to September generally, but there are always unique offerings outside of these dates. However you can visit different locations such as Perth, Central Australia or the Wildflowers and Margaret River at different times of the year. As one of our help Travel Advisors to help you find something that suits your interests, budget and the dates you would like to travel.

• Is accommodation the night after the tour ends included in the price ?

  No, this accommodation will be an cost extra, but we can assist you to book this at great rates and we will ensure you are staying at either the same accommodation of somewhere near by.

• Is accommodation the night prior to the tour departure included in the price ?
  No, accommodation at the start of end of your tour is an additional costs unless specifically listed in the itinerary.
• Where is the meeting point for the start of tours ?
  Generally, tours will start at the hotel listed as the pre tour accommodation options. This will be listed in yore final travel documents.
• Do I need to arrive before Day 1 of my tour ?

  Please refer to your specific tour, in most cases you will need to arrive the night before your tour departs. Please check flight details listed for each individual tour. If this is the case we can arrange pre tour accommodation on your behalf, this will be an extra cost.

  Day tours or Short Breaks may start later in the day on Day 1 so you can arrive that morning which will avoid the extra nights accommodation cost. We can help you plan some extra activities pre or post tour to extend you holiday and make the most of your trip.

• How do you calculate the number of days for Kimberley tours ?
  If you are doing a 4 day tour commencing on April 8th, the first day of the tour is and includes the 8th, plus 9th, plus 10th plus 11th and the tour ends on April 11. This would be 3 nights and 4 days on tour.
• Do your tours operate over Christmas and New Year?
  There are generally not as many extended tours in the Top End or Broome Region due to the weather at this time of the year. There may be day trips or short breaks for the holiday season. Explore Perth or Central Australia. Tasmania or a Murray River Cruise are popular in the Australian Summer months.
• Are airfares from my home town included in the cost of the tours ?
  Airfares to and from Northern Territory or Western Australia at the start and finish of your tours are extra.
• Payment Options

  Credit Card Payments
  Credit Card Customer Payment Link copy and paste this link into your browser: pay.travelpay.com.au/AUSTC

  If paying via the Customer Payment Link, please ensure you complete all fields and ensure you enter the correct Trip Reference Number, so we can identify your payment.

  Credit card surcharges will apply when paying by credit card. We accept all credit cards and relevant credit card fee is applied when processing: Mastercard – 1.30%, Visa – 1.50%, American Express – 2.20%, Diners Card – 2.75%, International Credit Cards – 3.25%

  Direct Deposit
  Direct Deposit payments take up to 3 business days to process. Please notify your consultant of your payment once it has been processed.

  Commonwealth Bank: Australian Tours and Cruises
  Reference: Your Trip Number
  BSB: 062-504 Account: 1066 1268
  Branch Address: Shop 1/80-84 William St, Bathurst NSW 2795
  In Bank Payment of Cash Or Cheque: Add $5 for bank fees
  International Direct Deposit: Add $25 for bank fees
  SWIFT or BIC CODE: CTBAAU2S

• Should I buy travel insurance?
  Travel Insurance

   It is HIGHLY recommended that passengers take out travel insurance. As a valued customer we are pleased to offer you the opportunity to purchase discounted travel insurance.  Travel Insurance Quote with CoverMore.