Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls & Wandjinas

BONUS: Includes US$300 Onboard Spending Money per stateroom

Your Seabourn cruise includes:

10 nights in a stateroom of your choice onboard Seabourn Pursuit

Entertainment onboard

Gourmet Dining with complimentary beverages

Premium spirits & Fine Wines available onboard at all times

Complimentary Wi-Fi Packages

Gratuities are not required nor expected

Day 0: Broome, Western Australia
Broome, located on the northwest coast of Western Australia, was once a remote enclave accessible only by a rugged dirt road until the mid-1980s. Situated on a narrow peninsula between the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and the tranquil Roebuck Bay, Broome is a renowned haven for migratory birds. The town's history took off with the discovery of rich pearl shell deposits, sparking a gold rush-like frenzy. Despite a decline in the pearl industry, Broome's natural beauty and serene atmosphere continue to attract visitors. Its unique architectural landscape showcases a blend of colonial buildings, old mission houses, churches, and historic pearling huts, reflecting its diverse past.

Day 1: Lacepede Island, Western Australia 
The remote Lacepede Islands in the Kimberley region are celebrated for their pristine natural beauty and vibrant wildlife. With rugged coastlines, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters, the islands are a paradise for nature lovers and birdwatchers. They are especially known for their seabird populations, including the brown booby and roseate tern, and are home to rich marine life, such as coral reefs and diverse fish species. Lacepede Islands offer opportunities for snorkelling, wildlife observation, and exploring untouched wilderness.

Day 2: Talbot Bay, Western Australia
Talbot Bay is famous for the Horizontal Waterfalls, a natural phenomenon created by rapid tidal flows through gaps in sandstone cliffs. As water levels vary dramatically on either side of these gaps, it produces a striking horizontal waterfall effect. These gaps, once layers of siltstone, are shaped by the tidal forces, creating a unique and captivating sight in this remote part of the Buccaneer Archipelago.

Day 3: Montgomery Reef, Western Australia 
Montgomery Reef, located off the Kimberley coast, is the largest inshore reef in the world, covering 400 square kilometers. Named by explorer Philip Parker King in 1818, this reef becomes a spectacular sight during low tide, revealing lagoons, sandstone islets, and a central mangrove island. The outgoing tide creates cascading waterfalls and reveals over 4 meters of reef, attracting migratory birds, turtles, manta rays, black-tipped reef sharks, and dugongs.

Day 4: Freshwater Cove, Western Australia
Freshwater Cove, adjacent to Montgomery Reef, is known for its year-round fresh water springs and traditional camping grounds. Managed in partnership with the Damibmangari traditional owners, this area is integral to the Lalang-garram / Camden Sound Marine Park and Montgomery Islands, offering a glimpse into the cultural and natural significance of the region.

Day 5: Kuri Bay, Western Australia
Kuri Bay, located in the remote fjordlands of Australia's northwest Kimberley region, is notable for housing Australia’s first pearl farm, established in 1956 by Tokiuchi Kuribayashi. The bay, now operated by the Paspaley company, was once a major producer of large white South Sea pearls. The area is rich in marine life, including sharks, turtles, and saltwater crocodiles, and is part of the Prince Regent Nature Reserve and the Kumunya Aboriginal Reserve. The nearby Camden Sound Marine Reserve is renowned for its humpback whale calving grounds, attracting up to 1,000 whales annually.

Day 6: Hunter Valley, Western Australia 
Hunter Valley, named by explorer Philip Parker King in 1820, features a large mangrove estuary and is home to diverse bird species such as the Osprey and Brahminy Kite. The Mitchell River National Park, a remote expanse in the Kimberley, is renowned for its scenic beauty and biological importance. The Mitchell Plateau, with its rainforest patches and unique ecosystems, offers a glimpse into one of Western Australia’s most picturesque and ecologically rich areas.

Day 7: Ashmore Reef, Australia 
Ashmore Reef Marine Park, located about 630 km north of Broome, encompasses a variety of marine habitats, including seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and lagoons. It supports a rich diversity of species, including sea snakes, dugongs, and numerous turtles. The park is notable for its pristine environment and is a critical site for marine life and conservation.

Day 8: Vansittart Bay, Western Australia 
Vansittart Bay, a small and remote bay, is notable for its historical significance during World War II and its Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) rock art found on Jar Island. This ancient art, created by Aboriginal people, is believed to have been made by birds using their own blood. Jar Island, named for the clay jars used by early Indonesian traders, adds a unique cultural and historical dimension to the visit.

Day 9: King George River, Western Australia
King George River, a striking waterway in Western Australia, is known for its dramatic gorges and waterfalls. The river cuts through rugged terrain, creating breathtaking scenery and providing a haven for local wildlife.

Day 10: Darwin, Australia
Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, is a vibrant city with a population of about 150,000. It boasts a tropical climate and a rich multicultural heritage, blending Indigenous traditions with influences from various international communities. Founded by the HMS Beagle in 1839 and named after Charles Darwin, the city has been rebuilt multiple times following cyclones and WWII air raids, and offers a wealth of historical and cultural experiences.