Boutique Cruises
NORTHERN ADVENTURE CRUISE DETAILED ITINERARY
Northern Adventure Cruise 11 Day/10 Night
- plus 2 nights at The Bush Camp, Faraway Bay
includes
- charter flight Kununurra - Mitchell Plateau
- helicopter from Mitchell Plateau - Hunter River
- 2 nights accommodation at The Bush Camp, Faraway Bay
- charter flight from Faraway Bay - Kununurra
This new cruise has been designed to provide an intimate exploration of the northern part of the Kimberley Coast, Western Australia. The tidal range is less here than further south but still has an enormous impact on the timing and content of the cruise. There are many beautiful sandy beaches to explore along with particularly good birdwatching. The rock art viewed is an important part of this cruise and whilst mainly the Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) there are also instances of Wandjina art.
The following itinerary may vary due to the time of year and prevailing weather conditions and the tides. It is a good indication of the content of the cruise, but may be in a different order. For special interest groups, eg birdwatching, nature cruises or anglers, we tailor the cruise specifically to suit. The cruise is also available in reverse order with a stay at Faraway Bay followed by the cruise and then the charter flights returning to Kununurra.
| Day 1 | After a charter flight from Kununurra to the Mitchell Plateau, board a helicopter for a scenic flight over the Mitchell Falls to land at a deserted island in Prince Frederick Harbour where you will transferred by tender to 'Red Sky at Night' for your warm welcome aboard. Cruise into the mouth of the majestic Hunter River to anchor in Porosus Creek. Enjoy a leisurely lunch followed by a scenic tour by tender through the gorges of the Hunter. Fishing at the rock bars before our complimentary Mango Daiquiris and our first gourmet dinner. |
| Day 2 | Early morning crocodile spotting and mudcrabbing before lunch. Depart the Hunter River to travel to a small inlet on the eastern side of the Harbour. Explore the fascinating weathered rock formations and the upper reaches. Fish on the rocks and reefs before our 'catch of the day' dinner aboard |
| Day 3 | Early departure to travel to the NW end of Bigge Island to view a significant aboriginal rock art gallery. Enjoy the beaches with a delightful cooling swim and explore coves in the tender. A scenic trip to anchor in a sheltered bay for the night. Excellent fishing on nearby rocks |
| Day 4 | Depart the sheltered bay to cruise through the islands of Montague Sound stopping to explore interesting beaches. View rock art rarely seen through an intricate array of islands where the fish just jump into the tender. Travel through a large pearl farm to another sheltered anchorage for the night. |
| Day 5 | Explore rock art and middens before travelling around Cape Voltaire and into the mighty Mitchell River. A short tender ride to the end of a side creek to climb to a beautiful freshwater swimming pool with many photo opportunities along the way. Barra fishing in the afternoon with a relaxing overnight stay. |
| Day 6 | Early morning barra fishing at the end of the saltwater reaches of the Mitchell. Another refreshing swim and onshore exploration at rock pools before departing on the outgoing tide to travel to Parry Harbour for the night |
| Day 7 | A short trip into Vansittart Bay, one of the most interesting in this cruise. Stop in a bay to visit a cove with freshwater falls and another swim before travelling to Jar Island to view amazing rock art in the hills behind the beach. Visit a rocky headland for walking and climbing to discover yet more ancient rock art and a beautiful whole shell beach. A short trip to another cove for the nights anchorage – maybe a champagne on a small beach to watch the sunset. |
| Day 8 | Cruise north in Vansittart Bay to stop at a beautiful beach for a trek to view the wreck of the DC3 (1942) in the bush surrounding a large salt pan. Travel across Napier Broome Bay to anchor in the Drysdale River. Our special fishing hole – just hang on!. |
| Day 9 | Travel in the tender to the far reaches of the Drysdale River. Interesting walk over large rocks to view the ongoing freshwater portion of the river with a refreshing swim along the way. Visit the locals and a short tour of the area before returning to Red Sky. Travel north around the treacherous reefs of Cape Londonderry, the most northern point of WA to anchor in a bay in Joseph Bonaparte Gulf. |
| Day 10 | Cruise the coast to Koolama Bay and enter the magnificent King George River. Anchor near the King George Falls and enjoy the spectacle of the falls at the best time of year. A trek to the top for a magical view of Red Sky and the falls. Swim and enjoy the surrounding environment. Interesting fishing before overnight with the sound of the falls and our last dinner aboard |
| Day 11 | After a relaxing breakfast and a scenic cruise of the King George River, travel to The Bush Camp, Faraway Bay and onto the next leg of the adventure. The Bush Camp, Faraway Bay Be welcomed on shore and taken to your bush style cabin to settle in. In one of the smaller boats, visit deserted beaches, maybe a little fishing and a picnic lunch before returning to Faraway Bay in time for a plunge in the freshwater pool with a beer or glass of champagne before dinner |
| Day 12 | Early risers can explore or walk along the beach before breakfast with the sea eagles and brahminy kites. Another boat excursion with aboriginal art, picnic lunch and fishing for Mangrove Jacks or the elusive Barramundi. A short bush walk to watch day's end and capture the sunset on film |
| Day 13 | The end of your adventure. After breakfast, you are taken to the aristrip for a scenic flight over the inland Kimberley to arrive in Kununurra about 10am. There you may be interested in the local art galleries or tours or perhaps relax and reflect on your perfect adventure holiday |
Getting back to nature has never been this civilised
