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KIMBERLEY CRUISE ABOARD ORION |
Australia - NEW SOUTH WALES QUEENSLAND VICTORIA SOUTH AUSTRALIA NORTHERN TERRITORY WESTERN AUSTRALIA TASMANIA |
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DAY 1: |
DARWIN / KIMBERLEYS |
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Technically and aesthetically, Orion is arguably the most sophisticated vessel in its class. Although custom-made for expedition cruising, Orion is the epitome of elegance. No expense has been spared when it comes to the quality of fittings and furnishings, and the range and calibre of onboard recreational facilities are nothing short of five-star. You get underway in the late afternoon and spend the next 10 days relaxing onboard and exploring some of the most picturesque coastline in Australia. |
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DAY 2: |
KING GEORGE FALLS |
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Today is spent steaming towards King George Falls. This is the perfect opportunity to relax after your busy itinerary to date and get into the ‘ship life’ mode. |
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DAY 3: |
KOOLAMA BAY |
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Originally known as King George Bay, the area was renamed after the merchant ship Koolama was bombed near here by Japanese aircraft during WWII. The journey up river reveals some of the world's most spectacular scenery and a wealth of bird species. The almost vertical sheer canyon walls have been eroded over millions of years. The King George River drains the Gardner Plateau and the falls are the highest single-drop falls in the whole of the Kimberley (100m or 330ft). The Orion zodiacs and tenders cruise up the stunning sandstone canyon that culminates in the twin drops of King George Falls. For guests looking for a bit more adventure, take a walk to the top of the falls and enjoy a swim. Or, take the King George Falls helicopter flight (at additional cost). This is a fantastic way to see the stunning gorge of the King George River. Fly along the course of the dramatic sandstone lined canyon, orbit the twin drops of the falls with ample opportunity for photography before returning to our landing site near our anchorage in Koolama Bay. |
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DAY 4: |
VANSITTART BAY |
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The outdoor art gallery of Gwion Gwion (otherwise known as Bradshaw) Aboriginal art is named after Joseph Bradshaw, the first European person to record them in 1891. It is believed they were created at least 17,000 yrs ago with some theories indicating they could be even older, potentially up to over 50,000 years ago when humans first explored this continent. If this is the case, the images are possibly the oldest known to man. The Gwion Gwion is known for its symmetrical, mystical and graceful forms, depicting highly decorated figures adorned with tassels, delicate jewellery and elaborate headdresses. The Wandjina are instantly recognisable for the distinctive haloes around their heads. Go ashore via zodiac to a beach landing on Jar Island. There you take a short walk, past some fascinating rock formations, to the site of the Gwion Gwion art gallery. The walk to the art site over uneven ground is relatively easy with only one small rock ledge to negotiate, however the access to the majority of the art is a little difficult and includes scrambling over large boulders and crawling under rock overhangs. The reward is a stunning gallery of this ancient and mystical art form. |
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DAY 5: |
BIGGE ISLAND |
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Today you stop at the rugged and barren moonscape that is Bigge Island, famous as a rock art site, including "first-contact" art. Painted by the Wunambal people, you may see images of sailing ships and figures smoking pipes which have been interpreted as representing seafaring European visitors in the 19th century. |
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DAY 6: |
PRINCE FREDERICK HARBOUR / MONTGOMERY REEF |
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Arguably one of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast, Prince Frederick Harbour and the Hunter River are lined with green rainforest, mangroves and soaring red cliffs up to 480 metres high. Undertake zodiac expeditions into the mangrove environment, keeping a constant lookout for wildlife. Take a helicopter flight to the Mitchell Plateau and over the Mitchell Falls (at additional cost), with a chance to spot crocodiles from the air. Next stop is Montgomery Reef. As the tide drops away, watch as cormorants, egrets and sandpipers forage for sea life trapped on the surface of the reef. Below the waterline opportunistic sea turtles, reef sharks and many larger fish also take advantage of this feast. Take a zodiac ashore to Raft Point and climb to a spectacular outdoor Aboriginal art gallery. The art is an account of the mythical Wandjina clan on the 'Great Fish Chase'. There are images of the Wandjina spirits with their distinctive haloes and dugong, crocodiles, fish and snakes. |
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DAY 7: |
HORIZONTAL WATERFALLS |
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The Horizontal Waterfalls in the Buccaneer Archipelago are a product of the huge tides in the region, and the effect is created by the rapid tidal fall on the ocean-side of gaps in the cliffs. When conditions are right it is possible for a "waterfall" up to 3 metres high to form as the waters trapped on the landward side cascade out through the narrow gap to the ocean side. A flotilla of Orion's zodiacs will take you for an exhilarating trip to witness the phenomenon of the falls, as well as the opportunity to view the stunning sandstone canyons of the nearby gorges. Your zodiac excursion will be timed, where possible, to coincide with tidal movement through the gaps were the horizontal waterfalls are created. The amount of actual tide movement will vary depending on tide movement of the day. |
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DAY 8: |
CAPE LEVEQUE |
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Cape Leveque is situated 220kms north of Broome on the tip of the Dampier Peninsula - a remote oasis in the white sands, red earth and thick bush. During your visit to Cape Leveque enjoy beautiful swimming in rock pools with clear water and abundant tropical fish. You may choose to experience a guided beach walk with a member of the Lombadina community, go fishing, or just sit back and relax. |
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DAY 9: |
BROOME |
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Broome has a colourful history and a unique, cosmopolitan feel, which stems from its early pearling days. Stroll along kilometres of pristine white sand and swim in the clear water of Cable Beach, or skim across tidal flats aboard a hovercraft to Gantheaume Point, home of the 130 million year old Dinosaur Footprints. Orion guests are invited to a cocktail party at Paspaley Pearls Broome showroom. As well as viewing the fabulous pearl jewellery collection you have the rare opportunity to taste pearl meat. |
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DAY 10: |
BROOME |
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Today you disembark the Orion in Broome. You are transferred to your accommodation or to the airport to connect with your onward flight.
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