The Kimberley with Silversea

Day 0 – Arrive Broome

Gateway to the oldest and most elusive of all Australia’s nine regions, Broome is where your Kimberley adventure begins. The ancient landscape has long held travellers spellbound: The Kimberley is three time larger than England but has a population of just 35,000, is over 65,000 years old and is home to 2,000 km of coastline. Almost impenetrable, incredibly remote, the red baked earth, prolific wildlife, majestic canyons and swimming holes are the stuff of Australian wilderness dreams.

Broome itself has over 84 Aboriginal communities affiliated to it, 78 of which are considered remote. The city grew from its nascent pearling industry of the late 19th century. Pearl diving was dangerous in the waters surrounding Broome and for many years divers were limited to Aboriginal slaves, skin divers who faced cyclones, sharks, crocodiles, ear and chest infections in order to bring up as many pearl shells as possible for their masters. Natural pearls were rare and extremely valuable, and when found, were placed in a locked box. At the peak of its industry, around 1914, Broome was responsible for 80% of the world’s pearl trade.

Day 1 – 4th July 2022
Broome
Departure 16:30

After lunch, board Silver Explorer for your Expedition Voyage.

Day 2 – 5th July 2022
Talbot Bay
10:30 – 21:00

Talbot Bay is famous for the Horizontal Falls which have been described as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world“. The region’s tides of close to 36 feet create an amazing spectacle when the water tries to enter or leave Poulton Creek through two very narrow openings located one behind the other in the McLarty Ranges. Water builds up faster on one side than it can flow through the gaps, leaving or entering depending on the tide. This incredible tidal power can be experienced firsthand by boarding a local 900hp fast boat and taking an exhilarating ride through the Horizontal Waterfalls.
2 Included Excursions :
Horizontal Falls Fast Boat Ride
Zodiac Cruise with Silversea Expedition Team

Day 3 –  6th July 2022
Montgomery Reef
6:30 – 10:00

Montgomery Reef, which is some 300 square kilometres in size, can show an amazing tidal change of up to 4 metres. When the tide drops, the reef seems to rise out of the water. At low tide a river is exposed that allows access to an amazing semi-submerged world. When the tide continues to ebb, Zodiacs will be used to make the way to the edge of the reef where one is surrounded by cascading waterfalls up to 3 metres high. Continuing up the river one is able to look at the abundance of reef birds and sea creatures including turtles and manta rays. A visit to Montgomery Reef is very much tide-depending, but truly a once in a lifetime experience.
1 Included Excursion – Zodiac Cruise with Silverseas Expedition Team

Day 3- 6th July
Freshwater Cove
12:30 – 17:30

Adjacent to Montgomery Reef, but on the mainland, Freshwater Cove –locally known as Wijingarra Butt Butt- will offer an opportunity to see and purchase Aboriginal art. Aboriginal guides will welcome guests with a traditional ochre welcome on the beach. The rock formations that can be seen along the shore represent spiritual ancestors relating to the great Wandjina battle. Caves with rock art are found in the vicinity, but can only be visited with local guides. On the beach, Aboriginal artists have set up a shelter where one can relax, share a cup of tea and damper with them and peruse their paintings. These paintings based on Dreamtime stories and motives are available for purchase from the artists.
Included Excursion – Hiking with Silversea Expedition Team

Day 4 – 7th July
Hunter River Region
6:00 – 17:00

The Hunter River is home to an immense mangrove system surrounded by soaring red sandstone cliffs. Narrow mangrove channels shelter numerous bird species, mudskippers, fiddler crabs and the infamous saltwater crocodile; the most aggressive crocodile species known to man. Naturalist Island at the mouth of the river has a stunning stretch of sandy beach that makes a perfect landing site for small helicopters that can pick up visitors wishing to explore some of the Kimberley’s vast interior.
1 Included Excursion – Hiking with Silversea Expedition Team

Day 5 – 8th July
Vansittart Bay (Jar Island)
6:30 – 17:30

Vansittart Bay is located near the northern tip of Western Australia. The bay was named by Phillip Parker King during one of his four surveys of Northern Australia during the early 19th century. Interesting parts of the bay include Jar Island and the opportunity to view Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) and Wandjina styles of rock art. For these two different rock art styles there are two sites in close proximity.An area with an example of a more recent history is the Anjo Peninsula. A beach landing and a short hike across a lagoon or -depending on tides- a walk around the lagoon will lead to a World War II site. An almost intact wreck of an old airplane, a C-53, can be seen there.
1 Included Excursion – Hiking with Silversea Expedition Team

Day 6 – 9th July
Koolama Bay
6:00 – 17:30

King George Falls is one of the Kimberley’s most magnificent natural wonders. At 80 meters, the thundering spectacle of twin cascades are among the highest in Australia. The river weaves through an amazing landscape of near vertical red rock formations and a parade of wildlife — carnivorous saltwater crocodiles and amazing birdlife, including giant raptors and the Brahminy Kite.
2 Included Excursions – Zodiac Cruise with Silversea Expedition Team
Hiking with Silversea Expedition Team

Day 7 –  10th July
Wyndham
6:30 – 18:00

Wyndham is a small settlement with the spirit of a Kimberley outback township. It was established in 1886 with the Halls Creek gold rush and sits on the Cambridge Gulf where several rivers converge. Today Wyndham has a population of roughly 900 people and operates largely as a port exporting cattle, servicing the mining industry and hosting a few small ships. For these vessels Wyndham is a gateway to the breathtaking Bungle Bungle mountain range and the nearby Ord River. The Bungle Bungle Mountains in Purnululu National Park are now a World Heritage Site.
2 Included Excursions – Bungle Bungles Scenic Flight with Lunch
Ord River Cruise with Lunch

Day 8 – 11th July
Day at Sea

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. Work out in the gym, read a book, or treat yourself to a treatment in the Spa.

Day 9 – 12th July
Matakus Island, Indonesia
12:00 – 16:30

The eastern part of Indonesia is a true paradise on Earth. Home to countless beautiful, unexplored destinations that have not enjoyed the tourism boom that many other parts of the country have. This makes it a perfect place for those who have a sense of adventure and truly want to explore off the beaten path. Matakus is a small island and part of the Tanimbar archipelago. At just over two miles in length and less than a mile across, it is one of the smaller islands but, despite its small size, its proximity to the regional capital city of Saumlaki just to the north ensures that the island is inhabited (current population 100).
1 Included Excursion – Martakus Island Exploration

Day 10 – 13th July
Darwin
Arrival 20:00

Arrive in Darwin and transfer to your post-cruise accommodation or the airport for your flight home.

When travelling in remote regions tide, wind, ice and weather conditions determine the details of our itinerary. While Silversea will do their best to maintain all suggested activities, some of these may be subject to change.