ITINERARY
True North, Luxury Kimberley Cruise
13 Night Kimberley Ultimate Wyndham to Broome
For 26 years the Kimberley Ultimate Wilderness Cruise has been our flagship product, and we are justly proud of the fine blend of adventure, luxury and service we deliver to our guests on this thousand nautical mile voyage from Wyndham to Broome. Witness the might and power of the King George Falls only meters from the bow of the ship, and then marvel at ancient rock paintings in the caves of Jar Island the following day. Soar in our helicopter up to stunning Eagle Falls, and tussle with barramundi, mangrove jack, and giant gold-spot snapper on a daily basis. The Kimberley captivates the traveller with its rugged landscape and billion-year old sandstone gorges, while its delightful freshwater pools and streams offer many private oases. We are confident we can exceed your expectations on this trip-of-a-lifetime, our Ultimate Kimberley Wilderness cruise.
This itinerary is provided as example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. Helicopter flights can be purchased additional to the cruise tariff as a package or individually.
Night One
Join a coach transfer in Kununurra – your “welcome aboard” the magnificent TRUE NORTH will be in the frontier town of Wyndham. Embarkation is at 1700 – time for a cocktail with your fellow adventurers before departing at approximately 1830. Dinner is served shortly after leaving port and then it’s an overnight cruise to the Berkeley River.
Day One
If you’re onboard to ‘catch a barra’ you’ll be out of bed nice and early this morning! The Berkeley rarely disappoints! Take a walk to one of the Kimberley’s most beautiful waterholes before guests enjoy a leisurely lunch-time cruise to Koolama Bay. Learn about the wreck of the Koolama. You will find the delights of Tranquil Bay to be irresistible when you go ashore for sunset drinks! Anchorage is at the mouth of the King George River.
Day Two
As soon as the tide is high enough, you’ll cross the sand bars at the river mouth to reveal a breathtaking river vista. The journey upstream will take us to the very ‘jewel in the crown’ – The King George Falls! Here you’ll anchor at the base of the Twin Falls and you will find endless places to explore. Climb, or take the helicopter, to the top of the falls for a cruise highlight. Visit waterholes, swim at “The Crevice” or just relax with a drink whilst eating fresh oysters off the rocks.
Day Three
The morning will be spent calming the ‘mutineers’ – a morning bathed in the absolute splendour of The Falls before the vessel slips away for another mighty Kimberley river – the Drysdale! Explore the Drysdale and catch one of our favourite fish, the impressive mangrove jack! The tenders will head ‘up-river’ on a barra expedition complete with scones and billy tea! There will also be opportunities to indulge in some beachcombing and in the afternoon, join a scenic flight to Cape Londonderry.
Day Four
Today you will have an opportunity to see the “Bradshaws” – ancient rock art that pre-dates other examples of Aboriginal culture. In fact, they are possibly the oldest ‘paintings’ known to man. The heli-picnic at Eagle Falls is always a ‘big hit’ – another breathtaking helicopter flight and, TRUE NORTH’s mouth-watering fare alongside a picture-perfect waterfall in remote far-north Western Australia! Also visit an isolated site in the rainforest where a lone bomber crashed during WWII.
Day Five
The Mitchell River is renowned for big barra and even bigger crocs! The expedition boats will head up river to the scenic Surveyors Creek- a great place for a swim (no crocs here!) The fishermen will again join the hunt for the elusive barramundi, and there will be more opportunities for helicopter flights over the spectacular Mitchell Falls! Join the crew for cocktail hour before experiencing another unique dining experience.
Day Six
After an early morning breakfast it’s time to join the ‘hunt for the black-lip oyster’. Savour their unique taste direct from the rock. There are also some excellent examples of both Wandjina and Bradshaw art nearby and the waters are alive with such as queenfish, giant trevally and mackerel. In the afternoon you will explore Voltaire Passage and the many surrounding islands. Back on board, the crew will explain the intriguing process of pearl farming. Then join us for the pearl party! Enjoy a glass of bubbly and a taste of pearl meat, whilst trying on exquisite pieces created by the artistes at Linneys, Jodie Penfold and Kimberley Fine Diamonds.
Day Seven
Wake this morning in the magnificent Hunter River. The Hunter is about as far away as you can get in Australia – a stunning river system that is lined with dense mangrove forests, surrounded by rainforest encrusted mountains and home to man-eating crocodiles. And, the Hunter has it all – fishing, mud crabbing, bird-watching and simply exploring “where few have been before!” Join one of our expedition boats, it’s only a short hike to Jackson Falls and there’s even more splendour from the helicopter!
Day Eight
The first stop this morning is one of the Kimberley’s most historic sites – Phillip Parker King’s boab tree. And then it’s onto the mighty Prince Regent! The scenery will astound and there will be some ‘not to be missed’ fishing action as you enter this majestic river! At Kings Cascades staff manoeuvre the TRUE NORTH right under the falls before another breathtaking helicopter flight to a picnic that you’ll never forget, mouth-watering cuisine alongside a crystal clear billabong, in one of the most remote places on earth! Then you’ll rejoin the TRUE NORTH for an overnight anchorage off Camp Creek.
Day Nine
The early-risers will be treated to a heli-flight with a difference, champagne sunrise on the top of a mountain! Then it’s time for more ‘adventure in the tenders’ – a chance to stretch the laces on your hiking boots and an opportunity to swim in yet another picture perfect billabong. The more adventurous will use the helicopter to fish the most secret billabongs and everyone will find their own special place in the mighty Regent.
Day Ten
This morning is devoted to exploring the Sale River. Fish the mouth for barra and then join naturalists and adventurers alike as you ‘ride the tide’ on a classic river expedition! You will probably be enjoying lunch onboard as you weigh anchor and set sail for Montgomery Reef! Montgomery is a unique eco-system that must be seen to be believed, as 140 square miles of coral reef rises out of the ocean right before your very eyes! Water cascades from the reef as the tide falls exposing a privileged glimpse of another world! Turtles, dugong, manta rays and every imaginable sea creature abound and the helicopter puts all in perspective!
Day Eleven
Start the day with some more hot fishing action – this time at “Three Ways”. Then enjoy a refreshing swim at Ruby Falls – the ladies will not be able to resist the mud pack and day spa special! A short lunchtime cruise will deliver all aboard to the impressive silhouette of Raft Point. Here, join crew and guest alike for a moderate climb to an art gallery with a difference and, the well-preserved Raft Point Wandjina paintings.
Day Twelve
It’s time to ‘personally’ introduce you to another Kimberley icon – The Horizontal Falls. Experience the awesome power of the region’s huge tidal range in an exhilarating tender ride and then climb aboard your air conditioned helicopter for a view of the falls that very few experience! Enjoy a swim at Crocodile Creek and a walk on Silica Beach. All too soon your adventure is coming to an end – enjoy a farewell dinner to remember as the TRUE NORTH glides past Cockatoo & Koolan Islands, Cape Leveque and down the Dampier Peninsula to Broome!
Day Thirteen
Your arrival in Broome is in time for an early morning coach transfer to your accommodation or connecting flights – the crew are already looking forward to the next opportunity to welcome you aboard the TRUE NORTH!
The itinerary provided is an indication of what destinations are usually visited and activities are usually on offer. Throughout the expedition changes may be made to the itinerary as necessary to maximise your expeditionary experience. Allowances may be made for seasonal variations, weather, tidal conditions and any other event that may affect the operation of the vessel.