Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia & Indonesia

Today fly to Broome, board the ship in the afternoon, and take to the waters of the Indian Ocean.

With abundant marine life and untouched corals, Rowley Shoals is comprised of atoll-like reefs and is one of the world’s most pristine marine environments. Enjoy time to snorkel, dive, and explore this remote and incredible place by Zodiac.

Conditions permitting, the tide may drop rapidly away and a raging torrent of water will erupt, as miles of surrounding reef appear to slowly rise out of the ocean. A Zodiac will maneuver everyone 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.

This is one of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast, lined with green rainforest, mangroves and soaring red cliffs. The ship will drop anchor near Naturalists Island, the proper name of which is “Wunumpurramarra”—a stunning backdrop to the day’s explorations. The Hunter River has many crocodiles, and you may be lucky enough to see them on a Zodiac foray through the mangroves. For those wishing to explore some of the Kimberley’s vast interior, today presents a wonderful opportunity. The distance from Naturalists Island to the famous Mitchell Falls and Plateau is about 30 miles, and you may choose to take an optional helicopter excursion over some spectacular terrain in the vast interior.

Aboard Zodiacs, visit this rocky island jutting out of aqua seas, famous for Wandjina rock art. Composed of weathered sandstones and dolerites forming a rugged terrain, Bigge Island is crisscrossed by many deep grooves in the rock, forming valleys and fissures which support the island’s vegetation. Small monjon rock wallabies and the northern quoll thrive here free of predators.

Take a Zodiac up the King George River with its almost vertical sheer canyon walls. Enjoy the opportunity to explore it at water level, and experience its towering red rock canyon walls. The river drains the Gardner Plateau here into spectacular King George Falls, the highest single-drop waterfalls in the Kimberley.

Set out via small boat up the Ord River to Lake Argyle. The Ord River is one of the most stunning river systems in Australia. You’ll navigate a massive stretch of river between Kununurra and Lake Argyle (Ord River Dam) and then view the Lake from a scenic lookout and have a visit to the historic Durack homestead. Alternatively, take an optional flight to discover Purnululu National Park, home of the breathtaking Bungle Bungle Range. These ancient hills resemble giant beehives forming deep chasms with palm trees and long gorges. This strange landscape is remarkable from the air.

Today, be led by the naturalists to an outdoor Gwion Gwion Aboriginal art gallery on Jar Island. Discovered by Joseph Bradshaw in 1891, the rock images are estimated to be up to 40,000 years old. Nearby there is a wreck of a DC-3 aircraft that became lost and crashed during WWII. If time allows, explore the crash site and the remains of the plane.

This morning, arrive in Indonesia at the small island of Sawu, located in the Sawu Sea. The deep trenches and strong current of the sea in this region make it an important corridor for migrating whales and sea turtles. Many species of fish can also be found in the vibrant coral reefs. Explore the area both above and below the sea while kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding or snorkeling in these rich waters.

In the 1600s, Flores was an important Portuguese trade center and as Dutch influence spread throughout the 17th century, Portuguese populations moved here. Today, Larantuka is a neat little seaside township with spectacular views. Meet the locals and learn their history and customs, and enjoy an opportunity to swim and snorkel off white-sand beaches.

Explore Komodo National Park, home to the world’s largest living lizard—the Komodo dragon. Park rangers will share details about the conservation of these prehistoric giants, then join on a hike to spot the lizards in their natural habitat. Then enjoy an afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, or beachcombing at Pink Beach, named for the coral fragments that lend their color to the sand.

Today, visit the uninhabited Indonesian island of Satonda—a small circular island that is an ancient volcanic cone. Spend the morning snorkeling or diving the vibrant reefs or hike inland to the island’s sacred lake. This afternoon visit the island of Sumbawa, where villagers welcome all with a lively cultural display. Witness a traditional wedding ceremony and a local boxing match.

This morning, arrive in Denpasar on the lush island of Bali. Following disembarkation, get a taste of this paradise where life and art are interwoven. Following lunch, transfer to the airport for the flight home.