THE KIMBERLEY CAPE YORK & ARNHEM LAND - SMALL SHIP EXPEDITIONS - THE TRAVELLERS HUT
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The Kimberley
Cape york & ArNhem Land
SMALL SHIP EXPEDITIONS
10, 11 & 12 NIGHT EXPEDITION VOYAGES
MAXIMUM OF 72 GUESTS
2018 DEPARTURES FROM MARCH TO OCTOBER
Ancient ochres
& thundering
waterfalls
Over 20 years ago, the founders of “I would have to say that my favourite
Coral Expeditions were the first to introduce highlight is Tranquil Bay near the King
guests to extended cruising of the rugged George Falls. It is usually one of the first
Kimberley coastline. The pioneering itinerary, sites passengers visit on the Darwin to
conducted on the Coral Expeditions I, was Broome leg and it is wonderful to see how
they react as they get off the Xplorer onto
created to share the ancient beauty, dramatic
the beautiful beach that is surrounded by
landscapes and rich cultures of the Kimberley.
80 metre high ancient red sandstone cliffs.
Today both the Coral Expeditions I and the There is a lagoon between the beach and the
Coral Discoverer continue to sail this revered red cliffs and a small waterfall tumbles into
coast, explored best by small ship. the lagoon. Passengers are told not to go
into the water as crocodiles have been seen
there and we usually see crocodile tracks on
THE KIMBERLEY the beach too. The 45 minutes we spend on
A dramatic area of plunging waterfalls, rushing rivers and this beach go quickly as passengers soak in
changing tides, the ancient Kimberley is one of the world’s the beauty of the place”.
last true wilderness areas. Experience the magnificent
Tom Collis, Guest Lecturer | The Kimberley
Horizontal Falls, effortlessly appearing with the tide, as well
the great Kimberley rivers of Mitchell, King George and
Prince Regent. Retrace the footsteps of the early pioneers –
William Dampier, Abel Tasman, Matthew Flinders and of course
Phillip Parker King. To experience the Kimberley firsthand is to
be captivated by its remote ambience and natural wonder.
CAPE YORK & ARNHEM LAND
Become immersed in the ancient Indigenous cultures of Cape
York and Arnhem Land on this enriching expedition. Across
the Northern Australian coastline, you’ll experience cultures
unchanged for centuries, traditional rock art and some of the
continent’s most remote islands. Coral Expeditions has had the
privilege of introducing guests to this remarkable culture for
over 30 years, so you can rest assured of personal experiences
conducted with the utmost respect and cultural sensitivity.
your
expedition
experience
Enriching your experience in this vast wilderness are your expert Expedition Team. On our voyages
through the Kimberley, Cape York and Arnhem Land, our Expedition Team will provide specialist
commentary immersing you into the culture of the area, and introducing you to its unique flora
and fauna. Our outdoor activities are designed to suit a variety of physical fitness levels - whether
zipping through the Horizontal Falls via Zodiac, or standing on Australia’s Tip at Cape York.
EXPERT EXPEDITION TEAM ALL-INCLUSIVE EXCURSIONS
On each voyage, our Expedition Team bring guests Taking you into the very heart of Australia’s wildly
the depth of experience required to put together daily beautiful areas, our shore excursions are designed to
programmes given prevailing weather and local conditions. promote local interaction and in-depth experiences. Our
They are complemented by a Guest Lecturer who is an small group size ensures that our shore excursions are
expert in the geology, history and ecology of the Kimberley. comfortable and enjoyable, but also have minimal impact
on the environments we visit.
FEATURED EXPEDITION STAFF
Mark Steadman Terry Done Sandy Scott Ian Morris
Expedition Leader Guest Lecturer, The Kimberley Guest Lecturer, The Kimberley Guest Lecturer, Arnhem Land
Mark has been with Coral Terry has been a Guest Holding a BA, MLitt and Zoologist, educator,
Expeditions since 2011. Lecturer for 18 years. With PhD, Sandy has been conservationist, and author,
Holding a Bachelor of a PhD in Zoology, he is working with us since 1998. Ian has worked with us since
Science in Zoology, he passionate about marine He is passionate about 2001 and with the Aboriginal
loves sharing stories with science and landforms, understanding the geology traditional owners of Arnhem
people about how incredibly Terry names his favourite of the Kimberley coast. In Land region for decades.
interesting animals are. His destination as “King George the Kimberley, Sandy loves Incredibly, Ian speaks
best memory “Watching the Falls from Explorer with visiting Prince Frederick Djambarrpuynu, Warramirri
hunting strategy of Snub-fin morning sun coming into Harbour for natural history, & Gupapuynu – all local
Dolphins in the Kimberley”. the gorge”. and Swift Bay for Indigenous languages visited
Aboriginal painting. on our itineraries.
THE KIMBERLEY
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
› EXPERIENCE THE UNIQUE TIDAL PHENOMENON OF THE HORIZONTAL WATERFALLS OF TALBOT BAY
› CRUISE ALONG THE KING GEORGE RIVER AND MARVEL AT THE 80 METRE HIGH FALLS AND RED ROCK CLIFFS
› VIEW THE MYSTERIOUS GWION GWION (BRADSHAW) ROCK ART
› TRAVEL ASHORE TO IMPOSING RAFT POINT AND ENJOY EXPERT INTERPRETATION OF THE REVERED
WANDJINA ROCK ART
› POSSIBLE SIGHTINGS OF CROCODILES, SEA TURTLES, HUMPBACK WHALES AND ROCK WALLABIES
› WITNESS MONTGOMERY REEF RISE OUT OF THE WATER WITH THE FALLING TIDE
› OPTIONAL SCENIC FLIGHT TO MITCHELL FALLS (ADDITIONAL COST)
› VISIT THE NATURE RESERVE OF LACEPEDE ISLANDS, SIGNIFICANT BREEDING GROUNDS FOR BROWN
BOOBIES, ROSEATE TERNS AND GREEN TURTLES (CONDITIONS PERMITTING)
THE HORIZONTAL FALLS
David Attenborough called it “one of the greatest natural
wonders of the world”. The world’s only Horizontal Falls
are a pair of stunning breaks in the McLarty Range, sitting
approximately 300 metres apart. Here, water pours through
natural openings in the range, causing a horizontal waterfall
with a height of approximately five metres on a King Tide.
This natural phenomenon is created when seawater builds
up faster on one side of the gaps than the other. Located
in the Buccaneer Archipelago, the Horizontal Falls are only
accessible by boat. Guests of Coral Expeditions will board a
Zodiac to traverse through the falls on a thrilling exploration.
KING GEORGE FALLS
Western Australia’s highest twin waterfalls. The King
George River plunges over an ancient sandstone cliff,
over a 80 metre drop, into tidal waters, discharging into
Koolama Bay and the Timor Sea.
GWION GWION ROCK ART
Found in the north-west of the Kimberley region of Western
Australia, locally named Gwion Gwion or Bradshaw rock art,
it consists primarily of finely painted human figures adorned
with bags, tassels, armbands, headdresses and boomerangs.
Gwion Gwion rock art examples decorate sandstone
escarpments and shelters with paintings on the vertical
rock surfaces.
Artistically, this art form showed advanced technique and
style. With fine line detail depicting graceful figures and
intense colour usage, this style of rock art is thought to
have been painted some 15,000 to 25,000 years ago.
Tuam Island
THE KIMBERLEY DAY DESTINATION
1 DARWIN
EXAMPLE ITINERARY 2 TRANQUIL BAY & KING GEORGE FALLS
3 VANSITTART BAY PLANE WRECK &
JAR ISLAND
4 WINYALKAN ISLAND & MITCHELL FALLS
Timor Sea
rch
ipel
ago
Darwin 5 SWIFT BAY & BIGGE ISLAND
eA Vansittart
6 CAREENING
ar
t
Bigge
Prince Island
Bay
BAY, PRINCE REGENT RIVER
p
& KING CASCADE
na
Regent
Bo
River
Cambridge
o Careening Gulf
lag
7 FRESHWATER
hipe Bay
Montgomery Reef
King George
River
COVE, STEEP ISLAND
& RAFT POINT
c
Ar
Mitchell Falls
NORTHERN
er
Raft Point
ane
THE KIMBERLEY TERRITORY
Lacepede 8 MONTGOMERY REEF & TALBOT BAY
Bucc
Islands Horizontal Falls
9 HORIZONTAL
Broome
FALLS & BUCCANEER
WESTERN AUSTRALIA ARCHIPELAGO
10 LACEPEDES ISLANDS
10 BROOME
INCLUSIONS FARES & SAILING SCHEDULE
› 10-night Expedition Voyage aboard Coral Discoverer or
CORAL DISCOVERER TWIN SHARE SOLE USE
Coral Expeditions I
Bridge Deck Balcony $12,860 n/a
› Expert Expedition Team, including a Guest Lecturer to
Promenade Deck A $11,590 n/a
provide insightful commentary and interpretation
Promenade Deck B $11,190 16,785*
› Daily guided excursions on the Xplorer and Zodiac
Main Deck A $10,690 n/a
tender vessels
Main Deck B $10,290 n/a
› Small batch local dining, prepared fresh on board:
CORAL EXPEDITIONS I TWIN SHARE SOLE USE
10 buffet breakfasts, 10 buffet lunches and 10 table d’hote
or buffet dinners Deluxe Stateroom $10,490 n/a
› Showcase wines, selected beers and soft drinks with lunch Upper Deck Stateroom $9,990 n/a
and dinner service Stateroom $9,490 n/a
› 24 hour speciality coffee and selection of teas Cabin $8,290 12,435*
Prices are listed in Australian Dollars (AUD). *Limited sole use
› Master’s Welcome and Farewell Events, and Open Bridge
occupancy available.
Access with the Master
› Comprehensive and fully guided sightseeing in each
DEPARTURE DATES AND EMBARK/DISEMBARK PORT
destination
› All entrance fees to National Parks and Ports CORAL DISCOVERER CORAL EXPEDITIONS I
06 Apr Darwin to Broome 30 Mar Darwin to Broome
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED 16 Apr Broome to Darwin 09 Apr Broome to Darwin
27 Apr Darwin to Broome 20 Apr Darwin to Broome
› Optional Helicopter flights to Mitchell Falls
08 Jun Darwin to Broome 30 Apr Broome to Darwin
› Pre and post flights, accommodation & travel insurance
18 Jun Broome to Darwin 21 May Broome to Darwin
› Entry visas to Australia 29 Jun Darwin to Broome 02 Jul Broome to Darwin
› Personal sundries such as souvenirs 09 Jul Broome to Darwin 13 July Darwin to Broome
› Alcoholic drinks including beer and wine outside of 20 Jul Darwin to Broome 23 Jul Broome to Darwin
lunch and dinner service 30 Jul Broome to Darwin 13 Aug Broome to Darwin
10 Aug Darwin to Broome 3 Sep Broome to Darwin
› Telephone, fax and internet services (available at a cost)
31 Aug Darwin to Broome 14 Sep Darwin to Broome
› Laundry service (available at a cost) 10 Sep Broome to Darwin 24 Sep Broome to Darwin
Note on fitness levels: this trip is suitable for passengers of all fitness levels, though DEPARTURE TIMES
reasonable mobility is required to enjoy all it has to offer. Our Xplorer tender permits easy
boarding without climbing any stairs. Hikes vary in intensity and where possible we split Boarding commences at 8.00am for 9.00am departure.
groups to suit easy and moderate walkers. Guests are welcome to opt out of any excursion Darwin
Disembarks in Broome at 8.00am.
and relax on board. The ship has no elevator/lift. As the itinerary covers remote regions, it
is not suitable for passengers with serious medical conditions. There will be a daily briefing Boarding commences at 4.30pm for 6.00pm departure.
on board to advise guests on the upcoming day’s activities. Time of departure and return Broome
are fixed – the rest is an adventure!
Disembarks in Darwin at 8.00am.
Cape york & Arnhem land
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
› BE IMMERSED IN THE WORLD’S OLDEST SURVIVING CULTURE IN ARNHEM LAND
› SPEND A FULL DAY EXPLORING THE RUGGED AND BEAUTIFUL COBOURG PENINSULA
AND HER HUGE VARIETY OF SEA AND BIRD LIFE
› EXPERIENCE THE VIBRANT CULTURE OF THE TIWI PEOPLE AT BATHURST ISLAND
› LEARN ABOUT INDIGENOUS ART AT ELCHO ISLAND AND MANINGRIDA ART CENTRES
› STAND ON THE VERY TIP OF AUSTRALIA AT CAPE YORK FOR A CHAMPAGNE SUNRISE
› SNORKEL THE CLAM GARDENS AT WATSON’S BAY ON LIZARD ISLAND AND TAKE A PRIVATE TOUR
THROUGH THE INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED LIZARD ISLAND RESEARCH STATION
› VISIT THURSDAY ISLAND AND LEARN ABOUT THE CULTURES OF THE TORRES STRAIT
TIWI ISLANDS – BATHURST AND MELVILLE
Once a part of the Northern Territory mainland and now
isolated since the last sea-level rise by the Beagle Gulf, the
famous Tiwi Islands sit in splendid isolation north of Darwin
in the Arafura Sea. The Tiwi Islanders are very proud of the
unique cultural seclusion from their mainland countrymen
and always enjoy highlighting these special differences to
our passengers. They have developed a unique art style
exhibited in paintings, carvings, ceramics and screen-printed
fabrics, and never miss an opportunity to remind us of their
national contribution to Australian rules football.
CAPE YORK
The most northerly tip of the Australian continent has
turned out to be a great vantage point to toast a sunrise or
sunset for Coral Expeditions passengers. Formerly part of a
land bridge between Australia and New Guinea, it is now the
gateway to the Torres Strait. The Cape supports rainforests
and eucalypt woodland with highly specialized tropical
wildlife. It is around this scenic, rocky peninsula that the
powerful currents of the Pacific Ocean mix with the waters
of the Gulf of Carpentaria.
COBOURG PENINSULA
The remote Cobourg Peninsula in Arnhem Land was once the
site of the third attempt at settlement by early Europeans
in 1839. The scattered remains of stone buildings, some wild
Timor ponies and banteng cattle are all that remains of the
once proud Victoria Settlement. The local Aboriginal people
have joined forces with the Northern Territory government to
oversee Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, and today we can
walk through maintained pathways to inspect this extensive
and well-managed historic site. Red cliffs, beaches and
mangrove-lined tidal creeks add to the scenery of this area,
focused on the huge natural harbour of Port Essington.
Cape york & DAY DESTINATION
1 DARWIN
Arnhem land 2
3
TIWI ISLANDS
COBOURG PENINSULA
EXAMPLE ITINERARY 4 ARNHEM LAND COAST & MANINGRIDA ART CENTRE
5 ELCHO ISLAND
6 WESSEL ISLANDS, GUGARI RIP & GOVE
ARAFURA SEA
Port
Tiwi Essington
Elcho
Island
TORRES STRAIT
Thursday Island
Cape York
7 GOVE & HORN ISLAND
Islands Raffles
Victoria
Settlement
Cobourg
Bay Magra
Island 8 THURSDAY ISLAND
Peninsula Nhulunbuy Cape Forbes
Darwin
9 FORBES ISLAND & REEF
(Gove) Arnhem Island
Arnhem
Land Stanley Island
NORTHERN
TERRITORY
GULF OF
CARPENTARIA
Lizard Island
10 DAVEY REEF & FLINDERS GROUP
QUEENSLAND
Cairns
10 LIZARD ISLAND
11 RIBBON REEFS
12 CAIRNS
INCLUSIONS FARES & SAILING SCHEDULE
› 11/12-night Expedition Voyage aboard Coral Discoverer
or Coral Expeditions I CORAL DISCOVERER TWIN SHARE SOLE USE
› Expert Expedition Team, including a Guest Lecturer to Bridge Deck Balcony $12,860 n/a
provide insightful commentary and interpretation Promenade Deck A $11,590 n/a
› Daily guided excursions on the Xplorer and Zodiac tender Promenade Deck B $11,190 $16,785*
vessels, and kayaks where conditions allow Main Deck A $10,690 n/a
› Small batch local dining, prepared fresh on board: Main Deck B $10,290 n/a
10/11 buffet breakfasts, 10/11 buffet lunches and 10/11 table CORAL EXPEDITIONS I TWIN SHARE SOLE USE
d’hote and buffet dinners Deluxe Stateroom $10,490 n/a
› Showcase wines, selected beers and soft drinks with lunch Upper Deck Stateroom $9,990 n/a
and dinner service Stateroom $9,490 n/a
› 24 hour specialty coffee and selection of teas Cabin $8,290 12,435*
› Master’s Welcome and Farewell Events, and Open Bridge
Prices are listed in Australian Dollars (AUD). *Limited sole use
Access with the Master occupancy available.
› Comprehensive and fully guided sightseeing in each
destination
DEPARTURE DATES AND EMBARK/DISEMBARK PORT
› All entrance fees to National Parks and Ports
CORAL DISCOVERER (12 NIGHT EXPEDITION)
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED 24 Mar Cairns to Darwin
› Pre and post flights, accommodation & travel insurance
CORAL DISCOVERER (11 NIGHT EXPEDITION)
› Entry visas to Australia
12 Oct Darwin to Cairns
› Alcoholic drinks including beer and wine outside of CORAL EXPEDITIONS I (11 NIGHT EXPEDITION)
lunch and dinner service 18 Mar Cairns to Darwin
› Telephone, fax and internet services (available at a cost) CORAL EXPEDITIONS I (11 NIGHT EXPEDITION)
› Laundry service (available at a cost) 05 Oct Darwin to Cairns
Note on fitness levels: this trip is suitable for passengers of all fitness levels, though reasonable mobility is required to enjoy all it has to offer. Our Xplorer tender permits easy boarding
without climbing any stairs. Hikes vary in intensity and where possible we split groups to suit easy and moderate walkers. Guests are welcome to opt out of any excursion and relax on
board. The ship has no elevator/lift. As the itinerary covers remote regions, it is not suitable for passengers with serious medical conditions. There will be a daily briefing on board to
advise guests on the upcoming day’s activities. Time of departure and return are fixed – the rest is an adventure!
Coral
Discoverer
Returning to the Kimberley in 2018, DECK PLAN
the recently refurbished Coral Discoverer.
Coral Discoverer underwent a major refurbishment in
November 2016 and now boasts a brand new Sun Deck
Explorer Bar as well as Bridge Deck Balcony Staterooms with
private balconies. All Staterooms and public areas aboard the
ship have received upgraded soft furnishings.
Active Stabilisers
A purpose-built expedition ship, Coral Discoverer will take 72
guests to the very tip of continent, and into the small bays,
inlets and tidal waters of the wild West Coast of Australia. SUN
Explorer
Her shallow draught and manoeuvrability are ideal for this Bar DECK
itinerary, and allow her an unmatched ability to charter
these waters. Balcony Staterooms
Bridge Deck Bar
Latest technology including active stabilisers, modern safety
A05 A03 A01
and navigation equipment ensure comfortable cruising in BRIDGE
Lounge
open waters. DECK
A06 A04 A02
On board Coral Discoverer, there are no queues, long waits WC
or assigned seatings. At mealtimes, you will return to the Balcony Staterooms
comfort of your ship to enjoy an outstanding menu of Master’s
B21 B19 B17 B15 Cabin B11 B09 B07 B05 B03 B01
Workout Area
Australian produce and local specialties.
PROMENADE
DECK
FACILITIES ON BOARD CORAL DISCOVERER
B22 B20 B18 B16 B14 B12 B10 B08 B06 B04 B02
› Wireless internet available* for laptops, mobile devices
or via onboard guest computer (additional costs apply). Main
Deck Galley
C09 C07 C05 C03 C01
Bar
› Three fully stocked cocktail bars Xplorer
Boarding
Dining Room MAIN
DECK
› Indoor/outdoor lounge areas Purser’s WC C08 C06 C04 C02
Office
› Outside communal workout area
› Reference library Stateroom Categories
› Small gift shop with souvenirs and personal items
Main Deck Category B
available for purchase
Main Deck Category A
› Limited laundry facilities available
Promenade Deck Category B
Promenade Deck Category A
*Internet access is available in public areas but not guaranteed in Bridge Deck Balcony
cabins due to the steel structure of the ship.
Your
stateroom
Accommodation
PROMENADE DECK CATEGORY A STATEROOM
FEATURED SUITE: BRIDGE DECK BALCONY STATEROOM
Located on the exclusive Bridge Deck close to the Lounge
and Bridge, our six elegantly furnished Bridge Deck Balcony
staterooms feature a private balcony, along with a
sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of junior king or
twin bedding. MAIN DECK CATEGORY A STATEROOM
These newly refurbished premier staterooms measure a
spacious 20sqm. Step out of the French windows to your
private balcony to admire the scenery.
All staterooms are serviced daily, and have private ensuites,
as well as a desk and telephone.
PRIVATE ENSUITE DESK WITH IPOD DOCK
Coral Expeditions I Coral Expeditions I is a twin-hulled classic DECK PLAN catamaran designed for maximum stability and guest comfort. Accommodating a maximum of just 46 guests, Coral Expeditions I offers an intimate expedition atmosphere. Coral Expeditions I is fully equipped for the ultimate expedition cruising experience in Australian coastal waters. Australian flagged, registered and staffed, the ship was purpose-built for cruising in our region and is the ideal size to access the very best parts of Western Australia’s remarkable Kimberley, the Northern coastlines of Cape York and Arnhem Land. The 23 onboard rooms are bathed in natural light, with a fresh and modern decor creating a breezy feel. You can choose between double and twin bedded rooms, each fully equipped with a spacious private ensuite, air conditioning and ample storage space. The ship’s forward lounge is a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery in air-conditioned comfort, and features a comprehensive reference library and plasma screens. The Sun Deck at the rear with a new bar outdoor area added in 2016 is another popular place to relax and take in the view.. FACILITIES ON BOARD CORAL EXPEDITIONS I › Sun Deck with outdoor furniture › Two fully stocked cocktail bars › Spacious, modern dining room › Forward Lounge with plasma screens › Reference library › Small gift shop with souvenirs and personal items available for purchase › Open Bridge › Limited laundry facilities available › Snorkelling equipment › Satellite wireless internet available Service quality may vary on location and weather
Your ONBOARD
EXPERIENCE
DELUXE STATEROOM
FEATURED AREA: DINING ROOM
In November 2016 as part of a refurbishment to
Coral Expeditions I, brand new furniture inside the
dining room, improving comfort and offering a refreshed
environment. With the advantage of no assigned seating
you are welcome to sit during meal times with new or old TWO FULLY STOCKED COCKTAIL BARS
friends each time you dine aboard.
*Internet access is available in public areas but not guaranteed in
cabins due to the steel structure of the ship. LOUNGE WITH PICTURE WINDOWSTHE GREAT OUTDOORS INSIDER KNOWLEDGE > THE KIMBERLEY: WHEN TO GO? “A lot of guests ask us when the “best” time is to visit the Kimberley, and I tell everyone the same – it’s always a great time to go. At the start of the season in April and May, the waterfalls are overflowing and thunder with water. June is terrific for spotting wildlife, and has milder temperatures. By August and September, the whales area migrating, and are often spotted on our trips. Many people return to the Kimberley more than once, to see nature at her best in each season”. Peggy Irving, Kimberley Reservations Specialist. THE HUMPBACK WHALE (MEGAPTERA NOVAEANGLIAE) MANINGRIDA ARTS & CULTURE CENTRE The enormous Humpback Whale is a type of baleen whale, One of the largest Indigenous arts centres, Maningrida is a growing up to a length of 18 metres and weight of 36 tonnes. favourite of our guests. Established in 1973, the centre is now Popular with whale watchers, the graceful Humpback an integral part of the community, and supports the regions is known for its distinctive surface behaviours such as emerging talent, as well as maintaining its role as a cultural breeching – throwing up to two-thirds of their body out of the keeping place. Common artwork themes at Maningrida water and splashing down on their backs. Migrating to and include the Fish Trap (An-gujechiya) and the Rainbow from their Antarctic home, they return to the Kimberley later Serpent (Ngalyod). in the season to breed or give birth. Contact us today or speak with your travel agent. Online www.coralexpeditions.com Email kimberleyreservations@coralexpeditions.com Freecall within Australia 1800 079 545 Outside Australia +61 7 4040 9999 Head office PO Box 2093 Cairns 4870 QLD Australia ABN 51 010 809 417 Issued May 2017
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