Kimberley Expedition: Australia’s Wild Northwest
Trip Overview
Trip Length: 14 Days
Price Point: $11,150/person
Seasons Available: Summer
This journey focuses on the ancient corner of the world’s oldest continent and its extensive cultural and natural wonders, then sails through Indonesia’s southern islands to Bali. Aboard the well-outfitted National Geographic Orion, you’ll have 14 days to explore the dramatic red cliffs of the Kimberley as well as pristine marine ecosystems. Highlights include snorkeling or diving in vibrant coral reefs, the misty waterfalls of King George River, and the beehive-shaped Bungle-Bungles. You’ll also discover Savu Sea Marine National Park and meet prehistoric giants in Komodo Dragon National Park.
Activities & Sites
- Embrace wild sandstone formations, emerald rainforest and deep gorges
- Zodiac up the spectacular King George River, where you’ll be cooled by the mist of King George Falls
- View an outdoor Aboriginal art gallery, portraying images of the Wandjina spirits
- Take a scenic flight over the famous Bungle Bungle Ranges, a natural wonder
- Visit Montgomery Reef, where the tide drops so rapidly that waters trapped atop the reef create a raging torrent as they escape
Day to Day Itinerary
- Day 1-3
Depart home for Darwin, cross the international date line, and arrive on Day 3 - Day 4
Embark National Geographic Orion and cast off in the afternoon - Day 5-6
Prepare for amazing photographic opportunities in the Kimberley with talks and hands-on instruction by our certified photo instructor - Day 7
Discover the Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park. Opt for a scenic flight or a cruise up the Ord River. - Day 8-10
Feel the mist of King George falls from a Zodiac. Be guided by naturalists to Vansittart Bay and the Hunter River. - Day 11-12
Explore Montgomery Reef and witness the Horizontal Waterfalls in the Buccaneer Archipelago - Day 13
Learn about Nares Point & Crocodile Creek. Take advantage of a cool freshwater natural swimming pool. - Day 14-15
Disembark in Broome and make your way to the airport for an overnight flight home
National Geographic Orion
National Geographic Orion is yacht-scale, yet rugged enough to venture far afield, making her a perfect addition to the Lindblad fleet, which she joined in 2013. Her size and nimbleness offer the perfect combination of safety and liberty to voyage untrammeled locations. In fact, Orion currently holds the distinction of having sailed further south than any other Lindblad vessel.
Orion is gracious and intimate, with a rewarding, almost clubby feeling. Of her many amenities and features, the most appealing is her outside deck space which beckons in the balmy reaches of the Pacific and offers a range of panoramic viewing options for up-close marine life encounters.
