Day 1: Broome - Mitchell River, Surveyors Creek
Your Northern Quest begins in the morning when you depart for a scenic flight up the Kimberley coast to the Mitchell Plateau. Board a helicopter and enjoy an unforgettable flight over the spectacular Mitchell Falls before landing on the helipad of the Kimberley Quest II, followed by a buffet lunch at anchor. Late afternoon experience your first taste of fishing for Barramundi or take a scenic tender excursion to explore the magnificent Mitchell River. There will also be time for a swim in the cool waters of Surveyors Creek.
Day 2: Vansittart Bay, WWII DC3 Crash Site
This morning we cruise around the coastline of the Bougainville Peninsula, where dramatic black basalt cliffs contrast with lush green rainforests. We then explore various coves within Vansittart Bay, visiting sites rich in the fascinating Bradshaw or Gwion Gwion art, named after Joseph Bradshaw, who in 1891 became the first European to record these amazing paintings. Some Bradshaw art, which is unique to the Kimberley, has been dated at over 17,000 years old. There is also the opportunity to walk to the crash site of the DC3 aircraft – which crashed during World War II – located on the eastern side of Vansittart Bay.
Day 3: Napier Broome Bay
Relax on board as we cruise across Napier Broome Bay. Mid-morning there is an opportunity for a beach walk to a historic Indonesian Trepang site for an insight into the lives of the early Macassan fishermen. This site stems back to the first early contact between Aboriginal tribes and the Indonesian fishermen. Late afternoon we fish the inlets and estuaries for Barra and Mangrove Jack and we try our luck at mud crabbing.
Day 4: Drysdale River
Today we encounter one of the longest rivers in the Kimberley (432km), the Drysdale. Spend the day exploring the spectacular palm-studded landscape and the rapids of the Drysdale area. Join our guides on a scenic tender excursion to witness crocodiles, flying foxes and many species of bird life, which thrive in these delta islands. Then enjoy a swim in secluded rock pools. Late afternoon walk on a deserted beach or try to catch a Barramundi, with many great ‘snags’ to fish around.
Day 5: Glycosmis Falls, Pangali Cove, Koolama Bay
Early morning we cruise around Cape Londonderry, the most northerly point of Western Australia. We then visit Glycosmis Falls to view an unbelievable Kimberley waterfall before witnessingthe survivors’ camp at Pangali Cove where you can enjoy a freshwater dip beneath a waterfall. In the afternoon we visit Koolama Bay, where the vessel Koolama was beached in February 1942, following an attack by the Japanese in World War II. The passengers were taken ashore by order of the ship’s master and many had to walk overland on an epic cross-country trek.
Day 6: King George River
At high tide, we cross the sandbars of the King George River for a breathtaking cruise along this majestic cathedral-like gorge. This incredible scenery unfolds as we approach the King George Falls, a dual waterfall that has an uninterrupted vertical drop of over 80m, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Western Australia. The Kimberley Quest II is able to cruise to the base of the twin falls for a refreshing ‘shower’, Kimberley-style! For those intrepid adventurers, you may climb to the top for a breathtaking vista of the river below, a truly humbling experience as you appreciate the immensity of this untamed landscape, followed by a refreshing dip. Overnight we anchor just metres away from the falls, with tranquil sounds and an extraordinary view from the bow.
Day 7: Berkeley River, Cambridge Gulf
Early morning we cruise up the Berkeley River, taking in the numerous waterfalls and ancient sandstone escarpments. Take an excursion with our knowledgeable guides to go crocodile-spotting and bird watching or try your luck at fishing. Marvel at the Amphitheatre Falls and then cool off in beautiful freshwater pools. Late afternoon we take a tender excursion up to the back of the Berkeley River, where the salt water meets the fresh water. Fish off the flat rocks for Barramundi which are lurking in the rapids, or alternatively walk to a fresh water pool to enjoy a relaxing dip. Savour your last evening under the Kimberley skies as we cruise towards Cambridge Gulf and journey through the night towards the town site of Wyndham.
Day 8: Wyndham Port, Kununurra
Arrive into Wyndham Port early morning. Enjoy your last breakfast on board before saying goodbye to the crew of the Kimberley Quest II. Board a courtesy coach at 7.30am for transfer to Kununurra (100km), arriving at approximately 9.00am.
