Discover the Kimberley Coastline: An Ancient Wilderness

Your voyage of discovery begins in Darwin. Sitting at the crossroads of Australia, Asia and the Pacific Islands, this tropical capital is rich in history, culture and natural wonders. Welcome aboard. Settle into your spacious suite on board Scenic Eclipse II. Your butler will assist with unpacking and guide you through the pillow menu. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the ultra-luxury amenities that include eight bars and lounges, up to 10 dining experiences from casual to fine dining, the expansive Senses Spa and the state-of-the-art theatre, just to name a few. Explore each deck of Scenic Eclipse II and visit the open bridge, where your Captain and navigational crew will welcome you in the operational centre throughout your voyage. Toast the beginning of your journey with a glass of champagne in the Scenic Lounge Bar or with a cocktail at the open-air Sky Bar on Deck 10. Please book your flight to arrive into Darwin prior to 02:00 PM.

Take a roundtrip on a Zodiac for a breathtaking close-up of the falls, weaving past spectacular 80-metre-high sandstone cliffs and mangroves where you might spot a sunning crocodile or birdlife such as ospreys, falcons, egrets and kingfishers. April and May are when the Falls are at their most thunderous. Weather and tides permitting, our Discovery Team may take you close enough for a natural shower. Discovery: Take a roundtrip on a Zodiac for a breathtaking close-up of the falls, weaving past spectacular 80-metre-high sandstone cliffs and mangroves where you might spot a sunning crocodile or birdlife such as ospreys, falcons, egrets, and kingfishers. April and May are when the falls are at their most thunderous and, weather and tides permitting, our Discovery Team could take you close enough for a natural shower. With two helicopters^ available, you may have the option for a scenic flight^ for an aerial appreciation of one of Western Australia’s most astounding spectacles.

After enjoying the morning on board your luxurious Discovery Yacht, you’ll stop at the sheltered and secluded Vansittart Bay, a place of significant indigenous cultural history. The remarkably preserved skeleton of a WWII Douglas C-53 awaits discovery. Fitted with state-of-the-art GPS Dynamic Positioning system, Scenic Eclipse II will be held in position close to Jar Island in the bay’s southwest pocket, negating the need to drop anchor on ecologically sensitive seabeds.  Discovery: Board a Zodiac for a transfer to a small sandy beach to explore the area with the expert Discovery Team.  Join a hike to see what’s regarded as some of the oldest rock paintings in Australia, dating back approx. 17,300 years. The ancient and mysterious Gwion-gwion is one of two primary art forms found in the Kimberley.

Ashmore Reef, Australias most remote marine park, consists of three tropical islands surrounded by a coral reef, covering 583 square kilometres. Its an Important Bird Area (IBA) and access is regulated, with most of the reef classified as a sanctuary zone. Scenic Eclipse II will be stopping at Ashmore Reef for technical clearance. There will be no opportunity for guests to go ashore. The morning is yours to enjoy as you wish. Book a Back of House tour, a Senses Spa treatment#, a Yoga or Pilates session, plunge into the Vitality Pool, or simply relax and indulge in 6-star ultra-luxury on board Scenic Eclipse II.   While your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht sails around Ashmore Reef, be ready to capture its breathtaking beauty with your cameras. Alternatively, you can join our experienced Discovery Team experts on the open decks for an informative birdwatching expedition~. Learn about the diverse seabirds and marine mammals inhabiting the area while taking in the stunning surroundings.  In the evening, settle in at one of the eight bars and lounges to enjoy a beverage of choice.  Indulge in over 130 varieties of aged whiskey at the Scenic Lounge Bar or book a wine tasting session to pair your day with the right drop. 

Today Swift Bay offers the opportunity to see both styles of Kimberley rock painting near each other. Gwion-gwion and Wandjina paintings are within a short Zodiac ride of the Discovery Yacht.   Discovery: Join the Discovery Team on a scenic helicopter flight^ to observe Mitchell Falls or stay grounded and take in the ancient rock art galleries Gwion-gwion (formerly known as ‘Bradshaw’ paintings) that depict enigmatic human figures in dynamic stances. Wandjina are spiritual creators and rain-providers which continue to feature strongly in the Kimberley’s Indigenous culture.

Today, Scenic Eclipse II glides through Prince Frederick Harbour to the mouth of the Hunter River. A true wilderness with jaw-dropping panoramas of wild escarpments, monsoon rainforests and the four-tiered Mitchell Falls, carved out over millennia. With cocktail in hand, watch nature’s magnificent show as the sun sets.  Discovery: Tides permitting, the Zodiacs can take you past towering sandstone cliffs, pristine mangrove forests and iconic landscapes such as Prince Frederick Harbour, Porosus Creek and Hunter River. Look out for ospreys and saltwater crocodiles within this prehistoric landscape.  For a fresh perspective, embark on a scenic helicopter flight^ for magnificent aerial views of the Hunter River or Mitchell Falls. Also known as Punamii-uunpuu, it’s an iconic Kimberley landmark and a place of cultural and spiritual significance for the Wunambal people. 

Wake to a completely new vista at Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest inshore reef that boasts some of the Earth’s biggest tidal changes, reaching up to 10 metres (33 feet). As the tides rise or fall, both soft and hard coral are exposed, falling below sea level to create a remarkable spectacle.    Enrich Smoking ceremony, welcome and guided walk to rock art   Go ashore at Freshwater Cove located on Worrora country and meet with traditional Dambimangari guides of the Arraluli clan and be immersed into the importance of their culture. Hear about the Traditional Owners and the story of how the Wijingarra, or native spotted Quoll, came into being and how the area’s freshwater was created.  Discovery: Join the Discovery Team to explore Montgomery Reef by Zodiac and if the timing is perfect, discover thousands of small waterfalls cascading down the reef and see incredible marine life including sea turtles, octopus, sharks, rays, dolphins and more.

Discover Careening Bay’s captivating history, where in 1820 Phillip Parker King was finally able to repair his vessel - HMC Mermaid. This event was marked by King having the ship’s carpenter carving its name in an enormous Boab.  Discovery: Join our Discovery Team as they take a Zodiac to a nearby isolated beach. Ease into the day with an early morning yoga class` on the sand or relax at the beach bar set up by the Scenic Eclipse II crew.   Later in the day, cruise by Zodiac around Glauert Island, where you’ll discover mangroves, pristine beaches, and if you’re lucky, one of the resident green turtles.  As you cruise around Port Nelson, prepare your cameras to capture the awe-inspiring beauty of the pristine waterways, meandering through sandstone and basalt cliffs. 

Sir David Attenborough named the Horizontal Falls at Talbot Bay “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.” Created by a unique combination of geology and massive tidal surges squeezed through two narrow cliff passages, this is the only place in the world where horizontal falls exist.  After a full day exploring this fascinating region, relax in the Vitality Pool located on the Sky Deck, and gaze out across the breathtaking panoramic views.   Discovery: Explore by Zodiac some of the planet’s most unique waterways. Conditions permitting, journey through the narrow Talbot Creek, locally known as Cyclone Creek, to reveal gorgeous sandstone folding where you may spot rock wallabies on outcrops and the 18 different species of birdlife including Australian Ibis, Brahminy Kite and Brown Honeyeater.

This morning, you’ll sail along the Kimberley Coast, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, steep cliffs, hidden bays and pristine beaches, to the remote Buccaneer Archipelago. A cluster of more than 1,000 islands, the archipelago is shaped by some of the world’s highest tidal ranges, creating natural phenomena such as whirlpools and the arresting Horizontal Falls.  Discover the untouched beauty of the Lacepede Islands, just 120 km north of Broome. As an A-class reserve, these islands are a haven for nature lovers, famed for their abundant wildlife and vibrant seabird colonies. It’s also Western Australia’s top breeding ground for green turtles and a prime spot to witness majestic humpback whales during their seasonal migration.  As this is your last evening on board, gather with new friends in one of the nine bars and lounges, or make a reservation for an intimate dinner with only up to 8 guests at the Night Market´` @ Koko’s.  Your Discovery Team will inform you of your exact location and planned activities, including Zodiac cruises or landings. 

Your Discovery Voyage concludes today. Enjoy your final morning and take the chance to reflect on the rare and incredible experiences and the remarkable places you’ve visited, some of which very few have been before. Bid farewell to your friendly crew and new friends as you disembark in Broome. Please book your flight to depart out of Broome after 10:00 AM. *Please be advised that the use of drones is strictly prohibited in this area.  ^^Subject to weather and operational conditions. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.  ^Specialty restaurants require a reservation, enquire on board.    ^Flights on board our two helicopters and submersible experiences are at additional cost, subject to regulatory approval, availability, weight restrictions, medical approval and weather, ice and tidal conditions.  #Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits.    The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.