Day 1 Arrive Perth
Welcome to Western Australia! Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in the heart of vibrant downtown Perth. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the city’s many parks, beaches, restaurants and bars.
Day 2 Perth & Freemantle Sightseeing (Private Tour)
Today’s private tour takes you to all the major attractions and hidden gems in Perth & Fremantle. Visit Elizabeth Quay on the Swan River, then continue onto Kings Park Botanical Gardens for a walk through the tree canopies on the Tree Top Walkway. Stunning views can also be enjoyed from the war memorial back over the city skyline. Follow this up with a swim at one of Perth’s best kept secrets, Cottesloe Beach, and dig into a classic fish & chip lunch with the locals in Fremantle. By day’s end, cruise back to the city along the beautiful Swan River and make your own way back to your accommodation.
Day 3 Perth to Margaret River with Sunset Kangaroo Safari
This morning we have included a private transfer of approximately 3 hours to Margaret River—the hidden gem of Australian wine country and home of luxurious Cape Lodge. Described as one of Australia’s finest gourmet establishments, this private estate and boutique hotel is your accommodation for the night, and it sits within 40 acres on its own vineyard amidst a backdrop of ocean and forest.
Sunset Kangaroo Safari
This evening Jump aboard a lovingly restored classic 1962 four-wheel drive Bedford Truck for a tour across the paddocks of the McLeod family farm and venture into natural bushland. The colors and scents are uniquely Australian and you are encouraged to have a close look at the grass trees and eucalypts. Have your camera ready as we’ll definitely see some kangaroos here. You’ll get up close to mobs of Western Grey Kangaroos in their natural surrounds, and there’s a good chance you will also encounter some of the McLeod’s friendly horses while exploring the family farm.
Day 4 Margaret River – Today you have the choice of one of two private tours
A. Private Tour – Margaret River Region with gourmet lunch
Visit one of two caves in the Margaret River region today – either Lake Cave or Mammoth Cave – with the choice dependent on your level of fitness. Marvel at the majestic Boranup Karri Forest and visit the beautiful Boranup Gallery, then head seaward to Hamelin Bay to see stingrays patrolling the shoreline. Visit famous Surfers Point where the best surfers in the world compete and see the stunning Margaret River river-mouth! Then, having worked up an appetite, enjoy a three-course lunch and a sit-down wine tasting at the iconic Vasse Felix Winery, Margaret River’s founding wine estate. Your three courses are selected from the a la carte menu, and lunch includes two glasses of wine plus tea and coffee. After lunch pay a visit to Canal Rocks (a stunning coastal rock formation carved out by the powerful forces of sea and wind) and enjoy a late afternoon swim at Smiths Beach. Finally, return to Cape Lodge.
B. Private Tour – Margaret River Gourmet Food and Wine
This tour is all about celebrating the Margaret River wineries, ranging from the boutique and family-owned to the iconic and well-known. Starting with the heroes of the region, enjoy a sit-down wine tasting at Voyager Estate, followed by a four-course Discovery Lunch at the restaurant. The kitchen showcases the best of local and South West produce, and a wine flight is matched to the first three courses. Heading onwards to some of the smaller boutique wineries, you’ll discover the hidden gems of Margaret River and enjoy samples of small goods produce at The Farm House, sweets at the Margaret River Chocolate Co and cheese at the Margaret River Dairy Co.
Day 5 Margaret River – Free Day
Horse riding, golfing, walking tracks, whale watching, and surfing lessons are just some of the activities available to you in this stunning region. For foodies, master chef cooking classes or truffle hunting (season depending) can be enjoyed, or you can indulge in some of Australia’s finest gourmet cuisine at the lodge restaurant. Wine lovers will adore Margaret River and will want to explore more of the region, which produces beautiful vintages and is considered the hidden gem of Australia’s wine country. All of today’s activities can be arranged prior to travel or at the Lodge upon arrival.
Day 6 Margaret River to Broome
Today you’ll take a private transfer to Perth Airport for your connecting flight to Broome. It’s from here that you’ll be transferred to your 7-night adventure cruise aboard the True North, and you’ll have time to enjoy a cocktail with your fellow adventurers before departure. Dinner is served shortly after you pull out from the port, and your destination of Yampi Sound lies ahead.
The True North has been designed to go where no other ship can go, accessing wilderness you otherwise wouldn’t see. Spacious cabins feature modern décor with en-suites, and the ship boasts numerous lavish vantage points like a sundeck, forward observation lounge and al fresco bar. While the True North is renowned for its comfort and style, this cruise is designed to get you off the ship and into remote wilderness as often as possible!
Day 7 Cruising Kimberley Coast (True North)
Awake to the majestic Kimberley and savor an irresistible True North breakfast as you glide past Cockatoo and Koolan Islands. After your meal, it’s time to take in a Kimberley icon—The Horizontal Falls! Experience the awesome power of the region’s huge tidal range in an exhilarating ride, then climb aboard your air-conditioned helicopter for a view of the falls that very few get a chance to experience.
Next up comes Leadline Creek, where you’ll have your first opportunity to land a barramundi fish! After some time (and hopefully some catches) your first day on the True North will come to an end, leaving you to enjoy fine wine and a leisurely meal as you cruise to Doubtful Bay.
Day 8 Cruising Kimberley Coast (True North)
This morning is devoted to exploring the Sale River. Fish the mouth for more barra, then join naturalists and adventurers as you ride the tide on a classic river expedition. Enjoy a swim in your very own billabong before returning to the ultimate comfort of the True North.
After, another Kimberley icon is in store: Montgomery Reef. Montgomery is a unique ecosystem that must be seen to be believed, and you’ll have the privilege of seeing it from the air on a scenic helicopter flight! As water cascades from the reef the tide falls, exposing a rare glimpse into what looks like a whole other world. Watch in awe as 140 square miles of coral reef rises from the ocean, revealing the turtles, dugongs, manta rays, and others sea creatures that live beneath.
Day 9 Cruising Kimberley Coast (True North)
Expect astounding scenery today as the True North graces the majestic Price Regent River. Explore some not-to-be-missed fishing spots, and at Kings Cascades prepare for the ship to maneuver right underneath the impressive falls. Then it’s time for more adventures, with a chance to go for a hike or swim in another picture-perfect billabong.
Day 10 Cruising Kimberley Coast (True North)
If you thought the Regent was good yesterday, wait until you see the Hunter River! With stunning red cliffs set behind rainforest and mangroves, the Hunter River is yet another awesome setting for fishing, mud crabbing, bird watching and exploring. From here it’s just a short hike to Jackson Falls, and there’s even more splendor to see yet again from the helicopter! Enjoy a sunset drink on Naturaliste Island before you embark on an overnight cruise to Vansittart Bay.
Day 11 Cruising Kimberley Coast (True North)
Today there will be an opportunity to see the famed Bradshaw rock paintings—possibly the oldest art known to man. After, fly in a helicopter to the top of Eagle Falls for a picnic and hop in one of the tenders to explore local beaches and creeks. This evening you’ll cruise to Koolama Bay.
Day 12 Cruising Kimberley Coast (True North)
You have yet another mighty Kimberley river to explore today: The King George! As soon as the tide is high enough, you’ll cross the sand bars at the mouth to reveal breathtaking vistas. Journey upstream to the jewel of the river –the King George Falls— and then anchor at the base of the Twin Falls for endless opportunities to explore. Climb or take the helicopter to the top of the falls for a definite cruise highlight, and later visit Koolama Bay to learn about the bombing of a state-ship during WWII. Finally, take a stroll at Tranquil Bay before you continue onto the frontier port of Wyndham.
Day 13 Wyndam to El Questro Homestead (scenic flight)
Say goodbye to the True North this morning as you take a coach transfer to Kununurra. From here, a scenic flight over the awe-inspiring Bungle Bungle Ranges takes you to your luxury accommodations at El Questro Homestead. Nestled within the Kimberley’s vast and ancient landscape and hidden among burnt-orange cliffs and lush green lawns, this lodge combines luxurious exclusivity with an inviting, welcoming vibe.
Day 14 – 15 El Questro Homestead
The next 2 days are yours to spend at leisure in the beautiful El Questro Wilderness Park. A range of activities are offered as part of your stay, including boating through the Chamberlain Gorge, learning about the bush on a culture, history and nature tour, taking a sunset guided gorge walk to Buddy’s Point and making exclusive use of Zebedee Springs (offered to Homestead guests every afternoon). There are also a selection of tours and experiences available for extra cost:
El Questro’s Big Day Out (circumnavigating the Cockburn Range while taking in the highlights of El Questro’s northern boundaries), Miri Miri Waterfall by Helicopter, The Lost City Cave Tour by Helicopter, Champagne Springs Walk by Helicopter, Amaroo Falls by Helicopter & 4WD Fishing Tour to the Pentecost River.
Day 16 El Questro Homestead to Kununurra
Today your incredible Australian adventure comes to an end. Enjoy a 4WD transfer through the ruggedly beautiful Kimberley scenery to Kununurra, where you’ll begin your journey home.
