Kimberley Cruise - Broome to Darwin
14 Days - Eco Abrolhos
Enjoy an unforgettable cruise from Broome, around the Kimberley’s to the very top end and disembark in Darwin. Take advantage of the tides to give the maximum “WOW” factor at places like the Horizontal Falls, Montgomery Reef and the Berkeley & King George River.
Home » 14 Day Eco Abrolhos: Kimberley Cruise – Broome to Darwin
Itinerary Highlights
- Experience the extraordinary sites of Montgomery Reef
- Catch a Barra in the Prince Regent River
- See some of the greatest natural wonders such as the King’s Cascade Falls, the mighty Mitchell Falls, King Georges River & Vansittart Bay
- Swim in amazing crystal clear waterholes and natural pools
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Embark from Broome
- Day 2: Buccaneer Archipelago
- Day 3: Raft Point - Montgomery Reef
- Day 4: Freshwater Cove
- Day 5: Camden Harbour
- Day 6: St George Basin - Kings Cascade Falls
- Day 7: Hunter River - Mitchell Falls
- Day 8: Mitchell River
- Day 9: Mighty Mitchell
- Day 10: Vansittart Bay
- Day 11: The King George River
- Day 12: The Berkeley
- Day 13: Heading to the Port of Darwin
- Day 14: Disembark in Darwin
Day 1: Embark from Broome
We recommend that you arrive in Broome the day before departure as the vessel’s departure time can vary on the day due to the tides. The hotel & airport transfer times will be confirmed a week before departure of your cruise.
Day 2: Buccaneer Archipelago
We wake this morning to a beautiful cooked breakfast as we cross the Buccaneer Archipelago, home of a thousand islands.Cruising past the last outposts of civilisation and prepare for our first swim in the aptly named Crocodile Creek! Don’t be concerned, there are no crocodiles! After a refreshing swim in a beautiful waterhole it’s time to set sail for one of the world’s greatest natural wonders – The Horizontal Waterfalls. Be amazed at the sheer immensity of the falls and we have an optional tour here to take a high speed boat ride through the falls and wonder at the power of nature’s force as millions of litres of water pours through each minute.
In the afternoon, we wander towards Raft Point and the opportunity to spot whales whilst enjoying the sunset from the top deck.
Day 3: Raft Point - Montgomery Reef
Wake up to the magnificent rock bluffs that is Raft Point. Whilst enjoying a sumptuous breakfast we head to Montgomery Reef, the largest single reef structure in the southern hemisphere at over 350 square kms. Here we will cruise through the channel in tenders and try to count the hundreds of turtles, rays, sharks and a chance sighting of a dugong.
Afterwards, it is back across Doubtful Bay for another great swim and the first of many chances to catch an elusive Barramundi or two.
Day 4: Freshwater Cove
For those keen enough this morning we trek up the side of Raft Point for a look at some great Wandjina art and learn a little history of the area. Then it’s onward towards Freshwater Cove and its exquisite art gallery run by the locals. Buy a lasting memento and an option is to go on a bush tucker tour to really feel the spirit of “Country”.
We spend the afternoon watching the sun dip in the west, looking for whales and wondering – does life get any better than this!
Day 5: Camden Harbour
History lesson this morning! Today we learn where not to try and establish a settlement in the Kimberley. We explore the ruins of Camden Harbour and hear the tragic tale of those who came and ultimately perished in trying to tame this harsh but beautiful country.
In the afternoon we again set out to try and catch the Golden Barra or for those who want to relax, let’s lie on the sun lounges on the top deck with a good book!
Day 6: St George Basin - Kings Cascade Falls
Into the void we go! Well into the Basin actually – St George’s Basin, the mouth of the Prince Regent River and onto the King’s Cascade Falls. Here we will enjoy a swim in a huge crystal clear pool at the top of the falls.
This afternoon sees us heading down the river into another glorious sunset and to our next destination.
Day 7: Hunter River - Mitchell Falls
The Hunter River – more sightseeing, fishing and for those who wish to see this great country from the air, today is your chance. There is an option to take a helicopter ride to the mighty Mitchell Falls and this is highly recommended.
Day 8: Mitchell River
Today sees us leave early in the morning and head towards the Mitchell River. Along the way we will call into Bigge Island for a swim and explore some beach front caves. Here we will view some more Wandjina Art, and a burial site of one of the Wunambal people. Once in the Mitchell River we will chase the elusive Big Barra to see who catches the biggest fish of a lifetime!
Day 9: Mighty Mitchell
The Mighty Mitchell! For those needing to stretch their legs we will walk to a fabulous waterhole and wash the heat of the day away after we have again tried our hand at mudcrabbing and fishing. In the afternoon, it is off to a very special part of the Kimberley.
Day 10: Vansittart Bay
Vansittart Bay – the place to gaze upon and wonder who left the incredible rock art known as Bradshaws. Over 20,000 years old and shrouded in mystery! Theorize as to how they came to be! We will also view more recent WWII history, hear about secret air bases and see the bomber which crashed during the war. Somewhere during the day we will have a refreshing swim and relax on a beach.
Day 11: The King George River
Having left behind the past in Vansittart Bay, this morning we wake to one of the great Kimberley icons, The King George River. We will marvel at the length and breadth of this great gorge as we meander our way to the highest single drop waterfall in Western Australia. Be sure to have your cameras ready as there will be photo opportunities around every bend. Those with fitness can try and climb to the top of the falls for a truly spectacular view. An afternoon fish, swim or beach walk before we set off to our last destination.
Day 12: The Berkeley
Perhaps the most beautiful river in the Kimberley – The Berkeley! Wonder as to how the great Eco Abrolhos can fit down this gorge. You can almost touch the sides. Once at its end we are off in the tenders for a sight see and then a swim and one last chance at that big Barra. After lunch we will cruise back down to the mouth and spend the afternoon looking at Casuarina Falls, beachcombing, swimming, fishing or just plain relaxing on the top deck watching our last Kimberley sunset.
Day 13: Heading to the Port of Darwin
Today we leave the Berkeley and set course for the Port of Darwin. Now is the time for swapping emails, exchanging photos and planning more adventures with all our new found friends. Games will be held in the lounge area.
Day 14: Disembark in Darwin
Well its 8 am and all too soon it’s time to say “Au Revoir” for surely we will meet again. Our once in a lifetime experience is over for now as we disembark at the Port of Darwin.
Cabin Details
Lower Deck Single Bunk
Porthole window, air conditioning, ensuite bathroom
King Single Bunk Cabin
Porthole window, air conditioning, ensuite bathroom
Double/Queen Bed Stateroom
Air conditioning, ensuite bathroom
King Bed Deluxe Stateroom
Porthole windows, air conditioning, ensuite bathroom
Eco Abrolhos Deckplan
Specifications
- Length Overall: 34.89 Metres
- Beam (width): 13.25 Metres
- Draft: 2.20 Metres
- Gross Tonnage: 220 Tonnes
- Service Speed: 9.00 Knots
- Engines: Dual 425 Kw MWM Diesels, 1 per hull
- Fuel Capacity: 36,000 Litres
- Fresh Water Capacity: 20,000 Litres (Supplemented by Desalination Plant producing 850 litres per hour, 20,000 litres per day.)
- “Grey” Water Capacity: 14,000 Litres
- “Black” Water Capacity: 2,000 Litres
Whats included?
- On-board accommodation
- Arrival transfer
- All tours & activities including snorkelling, glass bottom boating, craypot pulling (fresh crayfish on menu). fishing (not available 15/10 – 15/12), batavia & crayfishing history tours, pearl farm tours (seasonal), marine & wildlife spotting
- All meals during the cruise
- 24-hour instant coffee & tea station
What’s not included?
- International and domestic airfares
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks
- Scenic helicopter flights
- Fees imposed by traditional land owners to access the sites
- Departure transfer
- Any other items not listed as included
Notes
The itinerary is subject to change due to tidal movement.