Eco Abrolhos Cruises: Kimberley Cruise

Welcome to the Kimberley – feel the whirlpool movements of tidal water beneath your feet as you set out on the tenders to discover one of the many smaller creek systems of the Buccaneer Archipelago, also known as the Bay of 1000 islands. Let the geological sequence of time unfold before your very eyes as you prepare to visit the renowned Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay. Finish the day with the first of your many magnificent Kimberley sunsets and take in the picturesque landscape as you reflect on the day’s activities coming to an end.

Today you will experience the natural phenomenon of the Montgomery Reef – terraced waterfalls of ocean water flowing off an exposed coral reef system. A tender ride ensures a closer look at this incredible seascape as we check out the abundant marine life that call this
place home. A Cruise into Doubtful Bay as we learn of our First Australians and their long-term connection to Raft Point. Lunchtime onboard the Eco Abrolhos, time to steam to your next destination - Red Cone Creek. Off for a quick splash exploring the Mangrove ecosystem by tender, finding your way to either Sapphire Creek or Ruby falls. 

We are now heading north to the ill-fated township of the Camden Harbour Settlement, an incredible story of resilience as you walk in time through the history and ruins that include a short beach landing to Sheep Island and the Camden Harbour Settlement. A late afternoon cruise through to the Rothsay Waters where you will venture into Marigui Promontory via the tenders to see remnant rainforest in Palm Valley. An art gallery can be viewed from the comfort of our tenders.

An early morning fishing session in the “Land of the Giants” for those that are interested. Soon after we will be back on-board the Eco Abrolhos cruising through the St George Basin and into the Mighty Prince Regent River National Park. Tender rides will place you beneath the amazing King’s Cascades. This location provides an adventurous trek and opportunity for a swim on top of the falls or
the option to continue further upstream to see the spectacular Cathedral Falls. Returning to the Eco Abrolhos for a well-deserved top deck sundowner with nibbles and entertainment.

Good morning again, it is time to head out on the tenders to discover Camp Creek. Another opportunity to see some of the larger marine reptiles that inhabit this place, and of course the birdlife of the mangrove lined river system. Breakfast back on-board the Eco Abrolhos whilst you steam to Port Nelson and visit the most northern reaches of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Here we will learn of the amazing voyages of Phillip Parker King as we tour Careening Bay and the famous “Mermaid Tree”. Its back on-board the Eco Abrolhos with a steam to your next destination Naturalist Island.

Wake up to a serene landscape that will take your breath away. During the morning, the Helicopter tours (Optional extra) will depart from Naturalist Island and encompass the spectacular Mitchell Falls and surrounds. An option for a scenic tender excursion of the Hunter River to experience some wildlife encounters of the Kimberley. Back on-board the Eco Abrolhos for a bite to eat as you begin your voyage further north through the Scott Strait to arrive at a secluded anchorage near Prudhoe Island.

An opportunity to try your hand at pelagic fishing, a session looking for some larger predators being mackerel, tuna and queen fish.
After fishing you will venture around the islands in search of turtle, dugong and crocodiles on the island outcrop. The local Wunambal Gaambera people would ask a great sea Wandjina Guyarra for a seasons blessing before foraging for food this far off the coastline. The geological make up of these islands is fascinating and breath taking as well. It’s time to pull the anchor as you head due east towards Swift Bay.

You will head out early to experience a Wandjina Rock Art Site, a place of great significance to the Wunambal Gaambera people of the North Kimberley. You'll now steam to Port Warrender and the picturesque Osborne Islands. On arrival to the Osborne Islands, you will take a tender tour of this area where you'll visit a Pearl Farm (subject to availability), a historical shipwreck and an ancient rock art site. So much to explore and learn here, time to rest up whilst you cruise through to Vansittart Bay.

It's early morning as you head out on the tenders to a not so well-known World War 2 historical site. After a short and easy stroll, you'll encounter what now remains of this historical event of time. You can be sure that the Eco-guides will point out the natural vegetation,
including patches of native grassland and wildflowers along the way. After a scrumptious breakfast, it is time to visit the mysterious Jar Island where you will will view an ancient art gallery lost in time. This is yet another place that clearly depicts the early
occupation of Indigenous Australia adding another form of rock art known locally as Gwion Gwion or (Bradshaw) to your visit to the Kimberley. After returning to the Eco Abrolhos for lunch, you are now heading to the southernmost point of the Vansittart Bay.

The tenders are all ready to go again, it’s a beach landing at Rocky Cove. Here, you will be taken on a hike along a winding rocky path to experience scattered rock art sites that without explanation can show clearly a connection to Indigenous Australia. Eco Abrolhos crew will weigh anchor to make way through to Broome Napier Bay and the amazing Drysdale River. The tenders will head off to the farther reaches of this river to explore a unique landscape where the freshwater meets the saltwater. Heading off once again through to Koolama Bay, put your feet up and enjoy the ride.

Welcome to Koolama Bay, a site named after the vessel SS Koolama. Take in an early account of the WW2 bombing that took place here. It’s now time to head out on the tenders to explore the overwhelming King George River, a river that boasts the highest waterfalls in Western Australia. This is not to be missed as these falls are not only a spectacular sight, but this is also an opportunity for a fresh waterfall shower from one of the comfortable tenders. It's time to soak in another amazing day in the Kimberley with a quiet beverage and relaxed conversation.

As you cross the mouth of the Berkeley River and head to its extremity to the anchorage, it is time for a scenic tender ride. Here, you will capture the Malcolm Douglas Falls whilst keeping a close lookout for the elusive short eared rock wallaby and the majestic birds of prey that frequent this place. On the way back to the Eco Abrolhos you can be sure to visit the Casuarina Falls. A natural amphitheatre carved out in time. On returning to the Eco Abrolhos, you will head out of the Berkeley River toward the Cambridge Gulf and the Lynne River.

Up nice and early to witness the incoming tidal movement into the Cambridge Gulf as you make your way to Wyndham. Here you will dock alongside the Wyndham wharf ready for the final goodbye and departure to shore. Transport will be provided to take you to your destination in Kununurra.