There is no better way of exploring Western Australia than on an expedition cruise. This ten day itinerary dedicates six days to exploring the fascinating Kimberley region and sails aboard one of best ships based in Australasia, Silver Discoverer.
Your expedition starts with an evening departure from Darwin where you will head northbound towards Jaco Island. Situated on just off the eastern end of East Timor, Jaco Island is an uninhabited landmass that boats beautiful sandy beaches and lush vegetation surrounding by crystal clear waters.
After leaving Jaco Island in the late afternoon, Silver Discoverer will make an overnight crossing back to the Australian mainland where your expedition of The Kimberley will begin. Your first stop in the region will be Wyndham. Based in the northernmost part of the region, Wyndham is the oldest town in Western Australia and has a population of just 900 people. The arid landscape here is broken up by a meeting of five river mouths and as such offers excellent fishing opportunities as well as the chance to spot a giant crocodile.
You will then continue through The Kimberley towards the magnificent King George River region; home to one of the world’s breathtaking waterfalls, King George Falls, which is a towering 80 metres high. Owing to the deep lagoons and sheer rock faces, the King George River region is home to a variety of wildlife species including saltwater crocodiles, lizards and a myriad of birds.
The next two days will be spent in the Hunter River Region. Surrounded by redstone sandstone cliffs, the Hunter River is most famous for it’s mangroves, which provide the perfect ecosystem for crocs, crabs and mudskippers. Should the conditions be favourable, you may be permitted to take a dip in one of the deep pools of water created by numerous falls – an ideal remedy for the intense tropical heat.
The last part of your expedition will be spent in the Buccaneer Archipelago. Comprised of approximately eight hundred small islands, the archipelago has a long-standing aboriginal history which is illustrated by cave drawings and artwork as well as the rafts they use to move between islands.
On the final day of your expedition cruise you will arrive in Broome, where you will disembark. While this marks the end of your formal itinerary, Broome is well worth exploring; especially Cable Beach, a 22 kilometre stretch of white sand and clear seas shadowed by an inspiring backdrop of red cliffs.
