Tag: Kimberley

Coral Expeditions Launches 2024 Waterfall Season

Big rains, best deals and local expertise set up a bumper waterfall season commencing this April.

Image credit: Coral Expeditions.

Coral Expeditions, Australia’s pioneering cruise line, is ready to set sail on the Kimberley waterfall season 2024 with the first of our annual departures on the Coral Adventurer due to depart on 5Apr24. As record rains fall across northern Australia, the season is primed for a spectacular flow across the many waterfalls on our 10-night itinerary.

Along the way, guests will be amazed by the range and diversity of the unique waterfall experiences on offer which include.

The majestic and powerful twin falls plunging over 80 metres from the escarpment top at mighty King George Falls where we take guests in zodiacs up to the face of the falls for an exhilarating “Kimberley Shower”.

Take in the pristine pools and carpet of colourful wildflowers at the aptly named Tranquil Falls.

Enjoy a bird’s eye view from a Heli tour and walk to stunning vantage points to witness the Mitchell River Falls where guests can even take a swim in the pools atop the plateau.

Follow the Prince Regent River system in our Xplorer tenders to discover the hidden beauty of King Cascade.

Take a small climb to Ruby Falls where guests can escape the tropical heat with a refreshing freshwater swim.

Enjoy the thrill of zodiac rides to experience the tidal phenomenon of the renowned Horizontal Waterfalls and discover the emerging reef rising out of the ocean at Montgomery Reef.

Image credit: Coral Expeditions.

Coral Expeditions Kicks Off 2022 Kimberley Season

This week, two Coral Expeditions ships embarked on the inaugural voyages of their 27th annual Kimberley season

Image Credit: Coral Expeditions

Coral Expeditions, set sail on their first Western Australian voyages of the 2022 season. The occasion was marked with much excitement for guests and crew on both Coral Adventurer which departed Fremantle for Broome on a 12-night exploration of the Abrolhos and Coral Coast, and Coral Geographer which departed Broome on a 10-night Kimberley cruise. The fleet will be joined by Coral Discoverer in mid-April. This year, there are 50 planned expeditions in the Kimberley and Western Australia, hosting over 3000 guests between March and October, the highest number in the history of the company.
 
Coral Expeditions pioneered small ship expeditions in the region and are renowned as the Kimberley experts with strong local roots, Australian-flagged ships specifically designed for the Kimberley environment and expedition crew with years of local experience.
 
Through the pandemic, Coral Expeditions have operated over 105 successful domestic voyages and paved the way for the Australian cruise industry with their SailSAFE health protocols. Now, with the opening of the Western Australian borders and the entry of the company’s cruise ships into the state, sustainable cruise tourism is poised to come back to the Kimberley. The classic Kimberley Cruise is a rite of passage for many who seek to connect with the unique landscapes and rich Indigenous heritage of this remote part of Australia.

With the opening of Western Australia’s borders and greater confidence in the travel industry, there has been unprecedented demand from Australian travellers for the Kimberley region in recent weeks. In response, Coral Expeditions have added additional capacity to their 2022 season, giving a rare opportunity for guests to secure last-minute berths. This week they have also published their refreshed 2023 rates and launched their full 2024 Kimberley season sailing schedule which is now open for bookings.

Ponant opens Kimberley 2023 Season!

Australia’s Iconic Kimberley

Image Credit: Ponant, Kimberly, Philip Chubert

Ponant has released sales for the highly anticipated 2023 Kimberley Expedition season for one of the company’s most popular expeditions for both adventure and beauty. 

Offering multiple departures between April and October 2023, the enormously popular 10-night ‘Australia’s Iconic Kimberley’ itinerary journeys between Broome and Darwin showcasing the wild and grandiose landscapes of the Kimberley on board Ponant’s Le Lapérouse or Le Soléal, both of which will be sailing throughout the season. 

Highlights on the itinerary include visiting the Hunter River inhabited estuarine crocodiles; discovering the King George River on a Zodiac® excursion and reaching the majestic Twin Falls, the highest in Western Australia; and a visit to Collier Bay to explore Montgomery reef. Sailing along one of the most spectacular coasts in Australia, the Kimberley’s falls, savannah, and tidal phenomena promise never to disappoint.

Environmentally friendly, fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and complete with lounges designed to be largely open to the exterior, Ponant’s modern, purpose-built, intimately sized ships offer a unique sailing experience, offering unparalleled comfort and luxury for exploring the region. Le Soléal provides 95% balcony accommodation while Le Lapérouse offers a balcony or private deck area for all accommodation. Both offer a selection of world-class dining options, open bar*, a spa and an outdoor swimming pool.

Both purpose-built ships offer the perfect base camp to relax after spending days on immersive expedition experiences on Zodiac® outings and shore excursions with PONANT’s knowledgeable expedition team.