Coral Expeditions - Outerknown Adventures of the Great Barrier Reef Itinerary

Join Heritage Adventurer this afternoon at Darwin Port, Australia’s ‘northern gateway’ famous for its glittering harbour, World War II history and enviable tropical lifestyle. The captain and expedition team will greet you on arrival and show you to your cabin. You will have time to settle in and familiarise yourself with the ship; we will also take the opportunity to introduce you to your expedition team and our voyage plans. You are invited to join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge and up on the Observation Deck as we set sail for the Kimberley. 

Accommodation: Heritage Adventurer - 10 Nights

Note: some voyages operate in reverse.

The approach to King George River Gorge is not to be missed and best experienced from the Observation Deck, where the towering 2,000-million-year-old Warton sandstone cliffs dwarf the vessel. Navigating this scenic stretch of water by Zodiac, there is much to take in as you cruise deeper into the gorge, passing ever-changing eroded rockfaces and marvelling at the untouched beauty of this iconic waterway. At the end of the gorge, witness the grand-scale spectacle of the Kimberley’s highest single-drop falls as the King George River plunges 80 metres over towering ancient red sandstone cliffs into the tidal waters below. Known as the male and female Rainbow Serpents, or Wunkurr, by the Balanggarra people, these awe-inspiring twin falls are fed by wet season rains and hold a special place in Indigenous lore. While here, you will learn how this natural wonder was created and enjoy a closer look.

Beautiful islands, pristine white beaches lapped by turquoise waters, secluded coves and stunning scenery abound in Vansittart Bay, home to a historical World War II site and incredible ancient Aboriginal rock art. Named after the Chancellor of the Exchequer by early explorer Rear Admiral Philip Parker King, this striking naturally protected bay is framed by scattered jagged sandstone monoliths and is the final resting place of the preserved skeleton of a WWII Douglas DC-3 aircraft, which crash landed onto the saltpan after running out of fuel during a mercy mission to evacuate four Dutch citizens from Java. On Jar Island, ancient outdoor Aboriginal Gwion Gwion art galleries are set among fascinating caves and rock formations, with much of the rock art tucked under ledges and featured on cave walls estimated to be up to 40,000 years old and remarkably preserved, protected from the elements. The island is also home to interesting flora and fauna including the Golden-backed Tree Rat, echidnas and birdlife. Discover a bounty of anthropological and historical wonders in Vansittart Bay.

Closer to Indonesia than mainland Australia, Ashmore Reef is Australia’s most remote marine park. Its three tropical islands are surrounded by coral reefs and are home to more than 500 fish species, 225 reef-building coral species and 100,000 nesting sea birds. A designated Important Bird Area (IBA) and mostly Sanctuary Zoned, access to Ashmore Reef is strictly controlled. The visit complies with Australian Government regulations, however, there may be an opportunity for a Zodiac cruise near West Island.

Today, you'll explore the sites of ancient Aboriginal rock art on Bigge Island and the historic Mermaid Boab Tree, which bears the name of the HMC Mermaid famously carved into it while the ship was beached there undergoing emergency repairs during Philip Parker King’s third voyage of discovery of the region in 1820. Now measuring some 3 metres wide and National Heritage listed, the tree offers a glimpse into Australian colonial history, while an old Makassan Islamic prayer alcove can be found behind the tree. Here, you'll also explore the jaw-slackening, otherworldly sandstone coastline of York Sound with its incredible sea caves and fascinating wildlife.

Your intrepid Kimberley voyage today sees you navigating the scattered islands of the Bonaparte Archipelago, which stretches almost 150 kilometres along the dramatic coastline. Our destination is the remote and unspoiled inlet of T-shaped Swift Bay with its sandy beaches, ominous sea-worn caves and mangroves. A Zodiac cruise allows a closer look at this incredible coastline where you will also likely observe salt-water crocodiles. On land, several rock art galleries display the unique Wandjina and Gwion Gwion styles on a large scale, denoting the region’s cultural importance.

During your explorations of the Hunter River today it will quickly become apparent why this winding, 30-kilometre stretch of water is widely considered to be one of the highlights of the Kimberley Coast. Tucked into the north-east corner of Prince Frederick Harbour, an enormous bay which puts Kimberley’s epic scale into perspective, this scenic wonderland is dotted with islands and flanked by wildlife-filled mangrove-lined rivers, savanna woodlands and patches of lush monsoon rainforest, courtesy of receiving the lion’s share of the region’s rainfall, and soaring red cliffs. 

At the river’s mouth, the unrestrained grandeur of the 200-metre-high sandstone escarpment Kampamantiya keeps silent sentry, welcoming you into this otherworldly realm that you will be exploring today. Fed by two 90-metre waterfalls, the Hunter and the Donkin, Hunter River is home to one of the largest and most pristine mangrove systems in the world. Zodiac cruising along the coastline could see us spotting diverse wildlife including White-bellied Sea Eagles, Osprey, Great-billed Heron, Eastern Reef Egret, Red-headed Honeyeater, Blue-spotted Mudskippers, Fiddler Crabs and more. 

While here you will also explore Naturaliste Island/Wunumpurramarra and its remarkable 300-metre-long beach strewn with marine snail shells. There is also the opportunity to experience the grandeur of the iconic Mitchell Falls on a thrilling scenic Heli-flight (optional extra). This is the only way to experience Kimberley’s famous four-tiered falls and includes a landing on the stunning Mitchell Plateau, one of the most scenic and biologically important areas in Australia. Here you will explore this incredible sandstone landscape carved by the Mitchell River.

Located at the eastern end of the Buccaneer Archipelago and only accessible by sea, you have two days to explore the ancient land- and seascapes of Collier Bay and its astounding natural attractions. At Talbot Bay, experience the power of the region’s massive tidal movements which have shaped the landscape, most famously at the world’s only Horizontal Falls. Here you will witness what David Attenborough described as “one of the greatest wonders of the natural world” as trapped water in an inland bay thunders between two narrow chasms while the tide drops more than 14 metres on the other side, creating spectacular falls, whirlpools and boiling white water. 

At nearby Cyclone Creek, explore the twisted geological folds of the ancient seabed and hope to see inquisitive Tawny Nurse Sharks among the incredible marine life on display, while another tidal spectacle awaits at Montgomery Reef at the bay’s centre. The world’s largest inshore reef system, it's hoped to capture the magic of observing this enormous reef ‘rise’ from the ocean as the tide falls, creating torrents and waterfalls up to 3 metres high and displacing marine life, igniting a feeding frenzy as predators above and below the water descend. At Freshwater Cove, shoreline explorations of the caves and grottos reveal a multitude of ancient rock art galleries.

Today, explore the incredible wildlife reserve and birding paradise of the Lacepede Islands. Designated a nature reserve in 1970 and rat free since 1986, this collection of four unassuming islands off the north-west coast of Western Australia are recognised as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International, with what is thought to be the largest breeding colony of Brown Boobies, up to 18,000 pairs, in the world. 

These small, low-lying spits of coarse sand and coral rubble atop a platform reef are also the state’s most important breeding grounds for Green Turtles. Other wildlife which calls these remarkable islands home include Roseate Terns, Masked Boobies, Australian Pelicans, Bridled, Greater and Lesser Crested Terns, Eastern Reef Egrets, Lesser Frigatebirds, and Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers, while Grey-tailed Tattlers, Whimbrels, Bar-Tailed Godwits, Ruddy Turnstones and Great Knots are among the visiting vagrant species. 

While landings are not permitted, it's planned to explore the island’s incredible shores by Zodiac and, if lucky, you may also see some Humpback Whales which frequent this coastline during their northern migration in winter and early spring.

This morning you will arrive in Broome, a former wild frontier now transformed into a relaxed tropical beach resort and gateway to the Kimberley. After breakfast, there will be a complimentary coach transfer to a central Broome location or Broome International Airport. 

To allow time for disembarkation procedures and travel from Broome, it's advised not to book flights departing before 1:00pm.

During the voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. This tour offers a variety of activities and excursions. Your personal interests will determine which of these you wish to join. Please note that some activities and excursions will run at similar times, and it will not be possible to participate in both. Accordingly, refunds for excursions and missed landings are not available. Voyages are planned and scheduled pending final regulatory approval.