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Nothing can fully prepare you for the dramatic contrasts of Australia's northwest, rich in Aboriginal culture and galleries of ancient artwork. Towards the west, in the historic pearling town of Broome, the colors of nature are vibrant and intense: rich red earth, azure blue seas and brilliant white sand beaches. North of Broome lays the ragged Kimberley Coast, a place you can only comprehend from the sea (and via an included scenic flight over the Bungle Bungle ranges). Rugged gorges, inlets, waterfalls plunging 100 meters all combine for an awe-inspiring experience you simply can't have by traveling overland, making Orion's small ship cruise perfect for this magical experience.

Day 1 - Darwin, Northern Territory

Darwin is Australia's closest city to the equator and the gateway to the Top End. The harbor foreshore area is a great place to discover the city's maritime links. Meet your expedition leader, board Orion and settle into your new home for the next 10 days.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Com, East Timor

On arrival at Com, Orion will clear Customs and Immigration, giving you an opportunity to go ashore, and then immediately depart for the next Australian port.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - At Sea

Relax and enjoy the hospitality extended by Orion's officers and crew as you settle into your home for the days ahead. The team of naturalist guides will punctuate this first day with presentations and lectures to prepare you for the days ahead.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 - Wyndham & Bungle Bungles Flight or Lake Argyle Cruise

Wyndham is the northernmost town in Western Australia and, for us, is the staging post for opportunities to discover the East Kimberley. The frontier township of Kununurra is about an hour’s drive inland and the green capital of the north, owing its verdant surrounds to the largest manmade lake on the Australian mainland; the nearby Lake Argyle and the smaller Lake Kununurra. The region is also famous for the Argyle Diamond mine, the world’s primary source of rare pink diamonds, which have become the company’s signature stone. Argyle Diamonds is the worlds' largest supplier of diamonds producing over 30 million carats, which accounts for around 25% of the world' natural diamond production.

Flightseeing over the World Heritage-listed Bungle Bungle Range in Purnululu National Park affords a breathtaking perspective of these unique formations. Incredibly these ranges were not "discovered" until the mid 1980s when a television crew happened upon the starkly beautiful range and its unique, beehive-shaped domes. The domes are bordered by great banded cliffs that glow fire-red in the late afternoon sun. Your exhilarating flight will take you over the Diversion Dam Wall and the Ord River/Packsaddle Irrigation Areas, showcasing our fertile Ord River Valley farming. Then follow Lake Kununurra and the Carr Boyd Ranges down to Lake Argyle, flying over Lake Argyle Spillway, Argyle Downs Homestead, Ord River Dam Wall and Lake Argyle Tourist Village. Follow the expanse of Lake Argyle down to the cattle country over flying Lissadell and Texas Downs and on to the ancient Bungle Bungle Ranges and Purnululu National Park (approximately 20 minutes orbit); fly past Argyle Diamond Mine and the Ragged Ranges with a panoramic view of Ivanhoe Irrigation Area on your return.

The flight duration is approximately 2 hours and 15 mintues. For those guests who would like an alternative to the Bungle Bungles flight you are offered the following cruise on hte Ord River to Lake Argyle:

The Ord River is one of the most stunning river systems in Australia. Your cruise will navigate a massive 55km stretch of river between Kununurra and Lake Argyle (Ord River Dam). From your modern and shaded vessel witness an ecological system that has developed from the damming of the Ord River at two locations. The first of these was the Diversion Dam, which formed Lake Kununurra in 1963, and the second was the construction of an enormous wall in 1972 much further upstream, which created Lake Argyle. What has resulted in between is an area rich in wildlife, flora and scenic beauty. Lunch will be provided either at the riverside camp or at Resort Lake Argyle, with refreshments provided along the way. Your tour includes a ground tour of Lake Argyle, including viewing the lake from a scenic lookout, and a visit to the Historical Durack Homestead.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 - King George River & Falls, Western Australia

Today Orion will drop anchor in Koolama Bay. Originally known as King George Bay, the area was renamed after the merchant ship Koolama was bombed near here by Japanese aircraft during World War II. The 12km journey up the King George River reveals some of the world's most spectacular scenery and a wealth of bird species. The Orion Zodiacs and tenders will cruise up the stunning sandstone canyon that culminates in the twin drops of King George Falls and convey guests back again to Orion. For guests looking for a bit more adventure, you will be able to take a walk to the top of the falls and have the opportunity to enjoy a swim. This is quite a steep, difficult walk with lots of loose uneven ground underfoot and all participants will need high levels of fitness and mobility.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Vansittart Bay, Western Australia

Vansittart Bay is our destination today, located at the southern end of Jar Bay. The island was so named by the explorer Phillip Parker King for the shards of pottery he found there, most likely left behind by Macassan traders. After arrival in Vansittart Bay we will go ashore via Zodiac to a beach landing on Jar Island. There, our Expedition Team will take you on 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.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Hunter River (for Mitchell Falls)

Arguably one of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast, Prince Frederick Harbor and the Hunter River are lined with green rainforest, mangroves and soaring red cliffs. Today Orion will anchor just off Naturalist Island, the proper name of which is "Wunumpurramarra", in Prince Frederick Harbor. From this location we will undertake Zodiac expeditions into the Mangrove environment of the Hunter River and its tributaries. For those taking the flightseeing excursion, Orion's Zodiacs will land you on the main beach, where an enormous number of shells can be found on the beach, many of which are home to hermit crabs who have taken possession of marine snail shells. This region has many crocodiles and you may be lucky enough to see them! For those wishing to explore some of the Kimberley's vast interior, today presents a wonderful opportunity. -Optional Expeditions Available for Additional Fees

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Montgomery Reef & Raft Point

Arriving at high tide, you'll see very little of Montgomery Reef. However as the tide drops rapidly away a raging torrent of water, cascading off the top of this 400ha reef, erupts as miles of surrounding reef appears to slowly rise out of the ocean. A Zodiac will maneuver you into a channel in the reef as water cascades down on either side. It's the perfect spot to watch 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. After landing ashore by Zodiac at Raft Point, your expedition leader will guide you on a climb up to a saddle of rock that forms nothing short of a spectacular outdoor Aboriginal art gallery.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 9 - Talbot Bay & Horizontal Waterfalls

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 meters 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. For a totally different perspective, see the falls from the air aboard our exclusively chartered seaplane. You'll gain a completely different appreciation of the massive tidal movement and the prehistoric geology that created it. Later in the day join expedition team members on a Zodiac excursion to Cyclone Bay where the tortured geological folds of what was once seabed will be explained.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 10 - Nares Point & Crocodile Creek

Located just off Koolan Island, and known for the BHP iron ore mine which operated for several decades on the island, this geological finger of sandstone protruding into the ocean provides great opportunities for Zodiac cruising and guided walks along the beach. The layered sandstone show its buckling and folding, evidence of millions of years of geological forces. Nearby Crocodile Creek defies its name, and due to several vertical embankments remains "crocodile free" allowing us to take advantage of the cool freshwater to relax and beat the Kimberley heat.

Accommodations: Orion
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 11 - Broome

The charismatic town of Broome has a colorful history and a unique, cosmopolitan feel, which stems from its early pearling days when over 400 luggers plied the coast. The town is our ending port. Say your farewells and spend some time exploring this fantastic city.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast



Itinerary Notes: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be flexible makes our style of cruising unique.

Included: Included in your cruise fare are accommodations as booked, cruise transportation, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programs, use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities, port & handling charges, Zodiac excursions and tender transfers, access to the ship's library, Govt. Fees & Taxes. Fares also include the services of 75 experienced crew.

Exclusions: Fares do not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to: travel and medical insurance, laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hair dressing and massage treatments, optional shore experiences, medical treatment, telephone and internet charges.

Room Configurations: Single travelers may reserve sole occupancy of a twin occupancy stateroom for 25% less than the regular stateroom (twin occupancy) fare in categories JS, A and B. Subject to availability. Some staterooms accommodate a third or fourth person. Adults age 16 years and over pay 50% (children ages 2-15 years pay 25%) of the applicable stateroom category fare when sharing the room with two full-fare guests.

Arrival & Departure: The Kimberley expedition begins in Darwin and ends in Broome. Embarkation time is between 3:00 – 4:00pm on day of departure. Disembarkation is after breakfast on final day between 9:00 – 10:30am.

Payment & Cancellation: To secure your reservation a deposit of 25% of the fare is required. The deposit must be accompanied by a completed and signed Guest Booking Form and is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment must be received no later than 90 days before sailing. Separate conditions apply to the Cancellation Protection Plan.

Cancellation Policy: The following cancellation fees will apply to all reservations. The day on which written notice is received will determine the applicable penalties. Day on Which Notice is received Penalty:
121 days and over - 50% of deposit
120 - 91 days prior 100% of deposit
90 days or less 100% of fare
No show - no written notice 100% of fare

Terms & Conditions: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance. Please note that you must purchase your travel insurance policy within 14 days of booking your trip for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions. Click the link below for a selection of policies from our partners at Travelex.



Activities: A number of complimentary shore experiences utilizing Zodiacs are included. In addition, an exciting and diverse selection of optional shore experiences can be either booked in advance or reserved onboard and charged to your onboard account. Due to limited numbers on some experiences we recommend you pre-register to avoid disappointment. Details will be provided with your ticket.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health and leads an active life. Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to AdventureSmith Explorations when a request for accommodation is made. On every Orion voyage extensive use of the ship’s Zodiacs will be made transporting guests between ship and shore. It is anticipated this travel may be physically demanding from time to time. In order for the crew to determine if safe passage can be offered, guests may be asked to provide additional information, such as a medical assessment of their fitness for expeditionary travel. All guests must sign a disclaimer onboard to participate in offship activities. Guests should be sure to bring onboard sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.


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