Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia and Indonesia

Days 1-4

U.S. / Perth, Western Australia / Broome / Embark Ship

Depart for Perth, cross the International Date Line, and arrive on Day 3. Spend a night at the InterContinental Perth Hotel (or similar). On Day 4, fly to Broome to board National Geographic Orion and cast off in the afternoon. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on Day 4.

Day 5

Rowley Shoals

With abundant marine life and untouched corals, Rowley Shoals is comprised of atoll-like reefs and is one of the world’s most pristine marine environments. Enjoy time to snorkel, dive, and explore this remote and incredible place by Zodiac.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 6-7

At Sea / Montgomery Reef

Conditions permitting, the tide at Montgomery Reef may drop rapidly away and a raging torrent of water erupts, as miles of surrounding reef appear to slowly rise out of the ocean. A Zodiac maneuvers us into a channel in the reef as water cascades down on either side. It is the perfect spot to watch for cormorants, egrets, and sandpipers foraging for sea life trapped on the surface of the reef. Below the waterline, opportunistic sea turtles, reef sharks, and many larger fish also take advantage of this feast.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Hunter River (and optional helicopter to Mitchell Falls)

This is one of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast, lined with green rainforest, mangroves, and soaring red cliffs. National Geographic Orion drops anchor near Naturalists Island, also known by its indigenous name, Wunumpurramarra—a stunning backdrop to our day’s explorations. The Hunter River has many crocodiles, and we keep an eye out for them on a Zodiac foray through the mangroves. For those wishing to explore some of the Kimberley’s vast interior, today presents a wonderful opportunity. The distance from Naturalists Island to the famous Mitchell Falls and Plateau is about 30 miles, and guests may choose to take an optional helicopter tour over some spectacular terrain.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Bigge Island

Aboard Zodiacs, visit this rocky island jutting out of aqua seas, famous for Wandjina rock art. Composed of weathered sandstones and dolerites forming a rugged terrain, Bigge Island is crisscrossed by many deep grooves in the rock, forming valleys and fissures which support the island’s vegetation. Small monjon rock wallabies and the northern quoll thrive here free of predators.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

King George River and Falls

Zodiac up the King George River with its almost vertical sheer canyon walls. Enjoy the opportunity to explore it at water level, and experience its towering red rock canyon walls. The river drains the Gardner Plateau here into spectacular King George Falls, the highest single-drop waterfalls in the Kimberley.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

Wyndham and Ord River

Set out via small boat up the Ord River to Lake Argyle. The Ord River is one of the most stunning river systems in Australia. We navigate a massive stretch of river between Kununurra and Lake Argyle (Ord River Dam) to then view the lake from a scenic lookout and have a visit to the historic Durack homestead. Alternatively, take an optional flight to discover Purnululu National Park, home of the breathtaking Bungle Bungle Range. These ancient hills resemble giant beehives forming deep chasms with palm trees and long gorges. This strange landscape is remarkable from the air.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 12-13

Vansittart Bay / Jar Island / At Sea

Today our naturalists lead us to an outdoor Gwion Gwion Aboriginal art gallery on Jar Island. Discovered by Joseph Bradshaw in 1891, the rock images are estimated to be up to 40,000 years old. Nearby there is a wreck of a DC-3 aircraft that became lost and crashed during World War II. If time allows, explore the crash site and the remains of the plane.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14

Sawu Island, Indonesia

This morning we arrive in Indonesia at the small island of Sawu, located in the Sawu Sea. The deep trenches and strong current of the sea in this region make it an important corridor for migrating whales and sea turtles. Many species of fish can also be found in the vibrant coral reefs. Explore the area both above and below the sea by snorkel, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15

Larantuka, Flores Island

In the 1600s, Flores was an important Portuguese trade center and as Dutch influence spread throughout the 17th century, Portuguese populations moved here. Today, Larantuka is a neat little seaside township with spectacular views. Meet the locals and learn their history and customs, and enjoy an opportunity to swim and snorkel off white-sand beaches.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16

Komodo National Park

Explore Komodo National Park, home to the world’s largest living lizard—the Komodo dragon. Learn about the conservation of these prehistoric giants from park rangers, who join us on a hike to spot the lizards in their natural habitat. Then enjoy an afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, or beachcombing at Pink Beach, named for the soft pink hue that arises from the blending of red coral fragments and white sand.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17

Satonda / Sumbawa, Lesser Sunda Islands

Today we visit the uninhabited Indonesian island of Satonda—a small circular island that is an ancient volcanic cone. Spend the morning snorkeling or diving the vibrant reefs or hike inland to the island’s sacred lake. This afternoon visit the island of Sumbawa, where villagers welcome us with a lively cultural display.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18

Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia / Disembark Ship

This morning we arrive in Denpasar on the lush island of Bali. Following disembarkation get a taste of this paradise, where life and art are interwoven. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch