Day 1 Arrive Darwin
Welcome to Darwin! Known as the tropical capital of the Northern Territory, Darwin serves as the gateway to Australia’s largest national park, Kakadu. Enjoy a private transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Mix with locals and browse over 300 vendors at the Mindil Beach Sunset Market or try the unique seaside eateries of Stokes Hill Wharf. Visit Aboriginal art galleries and museums, explore the historic WWII tunnels, or watch a spectacular sunset over the harbor.
Day 2 Darwin to Bamurru Plains (scenic flight)
Set off for the unique wilderness of Australia’s Top End today with a scenic flight to your home for the next 3 nights, Bamurru Plains. This luxury bush camp sits just west of Kakadu National Park on the Mary River floodplains, making for an astonishing range of birds of wildlife right on your doorstep.
Day 3 – 4 Bamurru Plains
Spend the next 2 days exploring your surroundings, reminiscent of Crocodile Dundee and rugged Australian adventures. Your fabulous bush lodge serves as a luxurious retreat between adventures like 4WD safaris and airboat rides through the wetlands.
A day trip to Arnhem Land is included in your stay, perhaps the only area in Australia where Aboriginal culture is still dominant. Follow a local guide to see excellent examples of rock art on Injalak Hill (Long Tom Dreaming) and take a moment to soak up the breathtaking view of the floodplains from the top. This afternoon explore a remote valley and take in stunning scenery, billabongs, and the lifestyle of the Aboriginal people who have been at home here for over 50,000 years.
Day 5 Bamurru Plains to Darwin (scenic flight)
This morning after breakfast you’ll return on a scenic flight to Darwin. The rest of the day is yours to explore.
Day 6 Darwin to Broome
Today you’ll take a private transfer to the airport for your quick 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.
