Boutique cruise Australia

Day 1: Darwin

Your cruise starts in Darwin, the tropical capital of Australia's Northern Territory. This vibrant city has a multicultural character, with influences from more than 50 nationalities. Discover its rich history as you walk past iconic buildings such as the Parliament House and Admiralty House, a historic heritage building. Embarkation is available between 3 and 4 p.m.

Day 2: King George river

Today you cruise along the King George River, where the imposing, 80-meter-high cliffs of the gorge reveal the various erosion stages of ancient Warton sandstone. As you travel deeper up the river, the colors and textures change with the light, making the landscape seem constantly changing. The highlight of the day is the impressive King George Twin Falls, the tallest single waterfalls in the Kimberley. Powered by rainwater, the amount of water cascading down varies each year. One will take you by dinghy to the base of the falls, sharing fascinating insights about the gorge's geological formations along the way.

Day 3: Vansittary Bay

On the third day, a visit to Jar Island is scheduled. This island houses ancient rock paintings, something unique to the Kimberley region. This unique art was created as much as 30,000 years ago by possibly the first wave of seafaring settlers. Here you will take a short walk past these fascinating rock formations.

Day 4: Ashmore reef

After a delicious breakfast in one of the two restaurants on board, the ship sets sail for Ashmore Reef, some 600 km north of Broome. This remote reef consists of three low-lying islands surrounded by a vast coral reef. Recognized as an important bird area, the islands are home to numerous seabirds. In favorable weather and sea conditions, you will have the opportunity to take a short trip by dinghy near West Island.

Day 5: Careening Bay

Today you will visit Careening Bay, a remote bay with historical significance. This is where the crew of the HMC Mermaid repaired their ship in 1820, and as a reminder, the carpenter carved the ship's name and year into a boab tree. This tree, now three meters wide and recognized as a National Heritage Site, represents a unique piece of maritime history in the midst of pristine nature.

Day 6: Swift bay

You will explore the Bonaparte Archipelago, a spectacular labyrinth of rugged islands stretching for 150 km along the remote Kimberley coast. This pristine and barely discovered area gives you the chance to experience nature in its purest form. Together with the guides, you will discover hidden rock paintings in the ancient Gwion Gwion style.

Day 7: Hunter River

After a delicious breakfast, set sail for Hunter river, probably one of the most cynical parts of the Kimberley coast. The river is surrounded by no less than 18 different types of pristine mangrove forests and mosaic sandstone cliffs. The steep sandstone slope at the river mouth, also known as "Kampamantiya," rises more than 200 meters before the landscape changes to vast mud banks and mangrove forests. These provide habitat for numerous bird species and the iconic saltwater crocodile. As you navigate by dinghy through this pristine mangrove area, you'll discover more about the unique environment. For a spectacular perspective, if you prefer, you can also opt for a helicopter ride to Mitchell Falls from the beach at Naturalist Island.

Day 8-9: Collier Bay

Today you will explore the east of the Buccaneer Archipelago, a region of ancient landscapes shaped by tidal movements - a photographer's paradise. The imposing Yule Inlet on the south side of the bay has tidal variations of up to 14 meters, creating spectacular natural phenomena. At the heart of the bay is Montgomery Reef, the largest onshore reef in the world. At low tide, seawater flows off the reef in raging rivers and mini-waterfalls. Further south is Talbot Bay, home to the unique "Horizontal Falls," described by Sir David Attenborough as "one of nature's greatest wonders." Hidden in caves and caverns, you will discover ancient rock paintings in both the Wandjina and Gwion Gwion styles.

Day 10: Lacepede Islands

On your penultimate day, visit the Lacepede Islands, Western Australia's most important nesting ground for green sea turtles. You can observe a host of bird species including the masked gannet, Australian pelicans, the lesser gregat bird, the Australian black oystercatcher and many more.

Day 11: Broome

In the early morning you will arrive in Broome, which once had the largest pearl port in the world, and it is time to disembark. After this, you will have the opportunity to briefly explore the city, including the historic Chinatown, the Japanese cemetery and the famous optical illusion "Staircase to the Moon." Would you rather feel like relaxing on your last day? You can do so on the beautiful, sprawling beach. You will leave with fond memories of Western Australia's breathtaking landscapes, rich culture and extraordinary marine life.