Uncover the Kimberley Coastline: An Ancient Wilderness

A special visit awaits you today on this chain of four flat coral islands, home to tens of thousands of seabirds with over 50 bird species including red-chested frigate birds, crested terns, pelicans, and speckled ruddy turnstones. Having eradicated the rats in 1986, these treeless islands are once again a wildlife haven. It’s a significant nesting site for an estimated 18,000 pairs of brown footed boobies, possibly the largest colony in the world, and 20,000 roseate terns have been recorded on the A-class Nature Reserve. Further, it’s Western Australia’s most important breeding habitat for green turtles and where thousands of humpback whales come to calve. Frequent sightings are possible between July and September when an estimated 40,000 humpback whales migrate between Antarctica and Western Australia. Gather with new friends in one of the nine bars and lounges, or make a reservation for an intimate dinner with only up to 8 guests at the Night Market @ Koko’s. Discovery: The Discovery Team will transfer you on Zodiac ashore for a snorkel, swim or a beach walk following the trail of local crabs.

Cruise overnight to the mouth of King Sound and into the spectacular maze of the Buccaneer Archipelago. About 1,000 tiny islands make up this jaw-dropping paradise that’s a kaleidoscope of vivid colours from iron-rich red rock to verdant pockets of lush rainforest, bright turquoise tropical sea, and alabaster beaches. One highlight during this full day is the exploration of Whirlpool Passage; 8-metre tides (26-feet) swirl as they are pushed through a narrow channel between two islands, adding a thrill to your transit. Rest assured, the state-of-the-art Scenic Eclipse II is fitted with custom-built oversized zero speed stabilisers that are 50% larger than those of other ships, providing greater stability as it navigates through the roughest waters. Discovery: Surrounding creeks and inlets offer additional opportunities for Zodiac expeditions, including a possible visit to Koolan Island, the site of an open pit mine that produces some of the highest-grade iron ore in Australia, best viewed overhead on a potential helicopter^ flight. Within Yampi Sound, past the multi-coloured sandstone folding, beautiful beaches beckon for a refreshing dip. The entire region is teeming with marine and bird life.

Talbot Bay’s spectacular Horizontal Waterfalls is a natural wonder to tick off your Australian bucket list. This phenomenon is caused by a unique combination of geology and massive tidal surges. Discovery: If time and tides permit, you may have the opportunity to go through these fascinating falls and around the narrow waterways of Talbot Bay in a Zodiac. Later, choose to embark on a challenging 9.5 kilometre walk into the Kimberley’s remote wilderness.

Wake to completely new vista at Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest inshore reef that boasts some of the earth’s biggest tidal changes reaching up to 14 metres (46 feet). As the tides rise or fall, both soft and hard coral are exposed, falling below sea level to create a remarkable spectacle you’ll explore by Zodiac. If the timing is perfect, discover thousands of small waterfalls cascading down the reef and see incredible marine life including sea turtles, octopi, sharks, rays, dolphins and more. In the evening, share stories of croc-spotting with new friends over an aperitif or meal in one of Scenic Eclipse II’s 10 truly all-inclusive dining experiences Discovery: Join the Discovery Team on a Zodiac cruise to Montgomery Reef. Conditions permitting, the Zodiac will transfer you to a sand bank for a swim just off the reef. Scenic Eclipse II then sails into the calm waters of Doubtful Sound for mangrove forest exploration in search of saltwater crocodiles. An alternate stop is the scenic Raft Point where you’ll see two majestic bluffs, boab trees, and after a 45-minute uphill hike, some of the Wandjina Aboriginal rock art gallery.

After a leisurely overnight cruise, wake-up slowly. While Scenic Eclipse II sails toward Bigge Island, perhaps stretch in the expansive wellness facilities with a mindful Yoga or Pilates session or step it up with an invigorating session at the fully equipped POWER:Gym. Bigge Island, the second largest island in the Bonaparte Archipelago, is just 6km from the mainland. Being devoid of feral animals, it has allowed native wildlife to flourish. You may see a Monjon rock wallaby, the smallest of the kangaroo group, the northern quoll, sea turtles and crocodiles. Discovery: Take a hike along rocky and scenic paths and visit caves to see well-preserved rock art by the Wunambal people depicting first contact with Europeans. Tides and timings permitting, a stop at Careening Bay in the Prince Regent National Park is where you may view the famous Mermaid Tree, an enormous boab on which the ship’s crew of the HMC Mermaid carved the words of the ship and year, 1820. There are saltwater and freshwater crocodiles in the Kimberley area, so please exercise caution and heed all advice and warning signs from the expert Discovery Team and local guides.

Today, Scenic Eclipse II glides through York Sound to the mouth of the Hunter River, the staging point for an unforgettable helicopter excursion^ to Mitchell Falls. The thrilling flight^ is a true wilderness ride with jaw-dropping panoramas of wild escarpments, tropical rainforests and the thundering four-tiered Mitchell Falls carved out over millennia. Look out for ospreys and saltwater crocodiles as you soar over the prehistoric landscape akin to Jurassic Park. You have time to explore the area on foot, and, if you wish, take a refreshing swim in one of the freshwater pools formed by the falls. Back onboard, watch Mother Nature’s magnificent show as the sun sets, cocktail in hand. The sky awash with pastel colours blending shades of apricot, pink and dusty blue until finally dark, then linger longer underneath a blanket of a trillion sparkling stars. Discovery: Tides permitting, the Zodiacs can take you past towering sandstone cliffs, pristine mangrove forests and iconic landscapes such as Prince Frederick Sound, Porosus Creek and Hunter and Row Rivers

The morning is yours. Book a Senses Spa treatment, a Yoga or Pilates session, plunge into the vitality pools, or simply relax and enjoy 6-star ultra-luxury on board Scenic Eclipse II. The afternoon is for exploring one of Australia’s most remote marine parks, Ashmore Reef. The three islands of the reef are uninhabited yet home to an abundance of bird and sea life. Internationally recognised, each year around 100,000 seabirds from 40 different species flock to the reef to breed. Underwater, find hard and soft corals, giant clams, sea sponges, green turtles, dugongs, crabs and about 500 species of fish in the reef. After the day’s exploration, settle in at one of the nine bars and lounges to enjoy a beverage of choice. Relish France’s finest at Lumière Champagne Bar or indulge in over 100 varieties of aged whiskey at the Scenic Lounge Bar. Scenic’s truly all- inclusive philosophy means you can leave your wallet in your suite’s safe and simply relax and indulge. Discovery: The wealth of sea life coupled with underwater visibility make for wonderful snorkelling and swimming. Take a Zodiac cruise with the Discovery Team around the reef or talk to the expert team about a possible scenic helicopter^ flight for a bird’s eye view of the astonishing colours of land, sea, and reef.

After a morning journey on board your luxurious Discovery Yacht, you’ll stop at the sheltered and secluded Vansittart Bay, a place of significant indigenous cultural history. Fitted with state-of-the-art GPS Dynamic Positioning system, Scenic Eclipse II will be held in position close to Jar Island in the bay’s southwest pocket, negating the need to drop anchor on ecologically sensitive seabeds. Board a Zodiac for a transfer to a small sandy beach to explore the area with the expert Discovery Team Discovery: The Discovery Team will accompany you on a hike to see what’s regarded as the oldest art gallery on earth, dating back more than 20,000 years to the last ice age. The ancient and mysterious Gwion is the oldest rock art known to man and one of two primary art forms found in the Kimberley. “Tattooed’ into the rock rather than painted, the art depicts detailed, symmetrical, and mystical figures adorned with tassels, delicate jewellery, and elaborate headdresses.

At 112 kilometres long and with a sheer drop of 100 metres, the thundering twin falls of King George River is an unforgettable experience. Make your way along the river’s tranquil waters, through towering gorges – home to Brahminy kites, egrets, and kingfishers. As your zodiac weaves past the spectacular 80-meter-high sandstone cliffs and mangrove forests look out for crocodiles basking in the sun. The river is of high cultural significance to the Balangagarra people, with the falls representing the male and female Wunkurr rainbow serpent. Discovery: Take a roundtrip on a Zodiac for a breathtaking close-up of the falls, weaving past spectacular 80-metre-high sandstone cliffs and mangroves where you might spot a sunning crocodile or birdlife such as ospreys, falcons, egrets, and kingfishers. April and May are when the falls are at their most thunderous and, weather and tides permitting, our Discovery Team could take you close enough for a natural shower. With two helicopters^ available, you may have the option for a scenic flight^ for an aerial appreciation of one of Western Australia’s most astounding spectacles.

Your unforgettable Discovery Voyage comes to an end today; it is time to bid farewell to your friendly crew and new friends. Please book your flight to depart out of Darwin after 12:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.