Tastes of Discovery Series: Uncover the Kimberley Coastline

Your journey of discovery begins in Broome, a charming outback town where red desert – Pindan collides with the turquoise Indian Ocean lapping onto pristine white sands.   Welcome aboard. Settle into your spacious ultra-luxury verandah suite on board Scenic Eclipse II. Butler service will assist with unpacking and guide you through the pillow menu. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the unsurpassed 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 the length of Scenic Eclipse II. The open-bridge policy means your Captain will welcome you in the operational centre anytime during 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 Broome prior to 02:00 PM.

Today, well visit a chain of four flat coral islands where tens of thousands of seabirds thrive, including over 50 bird species like  frigate birds, crested terns, pelicans, and speckled ruddy turnstones. Discovery: Join the Discovery Team on a Zodiac cruise and learn about the amazing flora and fauna, such as the successful eradication of rats in 1986 to rejuvenate these treeless islands into a wildlife haven. Notably, its home to around 18,000 pairs of brown boobies, possibly the worlds largest colony, and 20,000 roseate terns in the A-class Nature Reserve. Now, its Western Australias most important breeding habitat for green turtles and where thousands of humpback whales come to calve.

This morning we sail to remote and beautiful Oolin / Sunday Island, once home to the Jawi tribe that lived on the mission that was established in 1899. We meet local Jawi woman, Rosanna Angus, whose family lived on Sunday Island in the early days of the mission. Koolan Island and Cockatoo Islands are known as the Iron Islands; for enthusiasts of geology and geography they are of significant interest. Over thousands of years, powerful tides have forged rugged cliffs of deep orange ochre. Discovery: Our exploration by zodiacs and ashore will take in unique native flora and fauna, including sea turtles and nesting birds, that flourish in the wilds of this remote location.

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 18 different species of birdlife including Australian ibis, Brahminy kite and brown honeyeater.

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. Discovery: Join the Discovery Team to explore Freshwater Cove. 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.

Today, Scenic Eclipse II glides through York Sound to the mouth of the Hunter River.  A true wilderness with jaw-dropping panoramas of wild escarpments and monsoon rainforests. and the four-tiered Mitchell Falls, carved out over millennia. 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 and Roe Rivers. Look out for ospreys and saltwater crocodiles within this prehistoric landscape. Tides and timings permitting, a stop at Careening Bay in the Prince Regent National Park is where you may view the famous Mermaid Tree, an enormous bifurcated boab on which the ship’s crew of the HMC Mermaid carved the name of the ship and year, 1820.

Today Swift Bay offers the opportunity to see both styles of Kimberley rock painting in close proximity to each other. Gwion-gwion and Wandjina paintings are within a short Zodiac ride of our Discovery Yacht.   Discovery: Join the Discovery Team in viewing 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.

The morning is yours to enjoy as you wish. Book 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.  Discovery: Take a zodiac cruise with the Discovery Team around the reef where the afternoon is for exploring one of Australia’s most remote marine parks, Ashmore Reef. The three islands of the reef are uninhabited yet home to an abundance of bird and sea life. Internationally recognised, each year around 100,000 seabirds from 40 different species flock to the reef to breed. After the day’s exploration, settle in at one of the eight bars and lounges to enjoy a beverage of choice.  Indulge in over 100 varieties of aged whiskey at the Scenic Lounge Bar. 

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. 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.

At 112 kilometres long and 100-metre wide, the thundering King George River Falls is an unforgettable experience. The highest twin waterfalls in Western Australia, it is accessible only by water or air. With her sleek, yacht-shaped design, Scenic Eclipse II was custom-built to access such remote locations. Make your way along the river’s tranquil waters, through towering gorges – home to Brahminy kites, egrets and kingfishers. 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. Weather and tides permitting, our Discovery Team may take you close enough for a natural shower.

Your unforgettable voyage concludes today. Enjoy your final morning in the ultra-luxury of Scenic Eclipse II 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. Take comfort knowing you’ve created a bank of memories which will last a lifetime. Bid farewell to your friendly crew and new friends as you disembark in Darwin. Please book your flight to depart out of Darwin after 12:00 PM. The waterways of the Kimberly region are part of a tidal river system which results in changing water levels in the region. Every effort is made to keep to the itinerary stated above however based on tides and operational requirements the itinerary is a guide only and may be amended. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. ~Spa treatments at additional cost.