Southern Quest - 8 Day Southern Kimberley Cruise

Your Southern Quest begins when a courtesy vehicle picks you up from your accommodation at approximately 4.30pm and transfers you to the Kimberley Quest II, where you will be welcomed on-board by your captain and crew. Enjoy a relaxing drink as you watch the sun dip below the horizon, while cruising past the famous Cable Beach.

This morning will find us crossing the vast King Sound, cruising through the thousand islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago; this is your first taste of the Kimberley. Cool off with a refreshing swim in Dugong Bay, followed by a scenic tender excursion. Around the corner lies Talbot Bay, home to one of the icons of the Kimberley coast, the spectacular Horizontal Waterfalls. Take a tender and head in for an up-close and exhilarating ride through this natural phenomenon. In the afternoon take a scenic excursion up the back of Cyclone Creek to marvel at the amazing rock formations.

Early morning we take you fishing in Collier Bay, your first chance to catch a barramundi. We then cruise to the amazing Montgomery Reef, which covers more than 300km², making it Australia's largest inshore reef. Watch as the tide falls right before your eyes, creating a spectacular waterfall effect. Take a tender ride to view many marine species, including turtles and sea birds. Enjoy an afternoon cruise to Red Cone Creek for a refreshing swim at Ruby Falls or try your luck at mud crabbing.

This morning we fish the inlets of Doubtful Bay for the elusive barramundi and threadfin salmon. We then explore the Sale River and take an excursion upstream for a dip in the spring-fed rainforest pools, on the journey home view ancient rock art from the tenders. In the afternoon we cruise towards Steep Island, anchor below Raft Point and walk to the caves perched on the hill. Here is some of the finest well-preserved Wandjina art in the Kimberley. From the top we have an amazing view of the Kimberley Coast as the sun begins to set, capturing this unique landscape at its best.

Relax on board as we cruise past Augustus Island and the remote pearling settlement of Kuri Bay. At nearby Camden Harbour, we visit the forlorn settler’s graves on Sheep Island and soak up the history of the first European settlement in the 1860s.In the afternoon take a tender excursion for a spot of exploration. Have a go at fishing or collect rock oysters, before unwinding on the sundeck to take in the beautiful scenery.

Early morning we cruise through St George Basin, a stunning inland sea. Leaving the vista of mighty Mt Trafalgar and Mt Waterloo, we cruise up the Prince Regent River, marvelling at the pristine waterway that cuts through sandstone cliffs and gorges. Arriving at King Cascade, which is spring fed, marvel at the rush of water cascading in breathtaking tiers, surrounded by lush ferns and a myriad of wildlife. Climb above the falls for an unforgettable swim in a massive crystal clear pool. Be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the magnificent Prince Regent River in the distance – wilderness adventuring at its best! Late afternoon join our guides for an excursion to Cathedral Falls, while spotting crocodiles and flying foxes. Alternatively fish the Prince Regent River which is renowned for big Barra and Threadfin Salmon.

Wake early morning for your last chance to catch a Barra in the rich waters of the Prince Regent River. Visit Camp Creek, a beautiful waterway lined with weeping paperbarks where you can enjoy a walk to the top of the falls for another memorable swim. In the afternoon we cruise out of the Prince Regent River and visit Careening Bay, site of an ancient boab tree first visited in 1820 by Phillip Parker King. Relax on board to another spectacular sunset as the sun sinks below the Kimberley horizon, while we cross Prince Frederick Harbour towards the Hunter River.

In the morning we explore the spectacular Hunter River, one of the most scenic rivers for a relaxing ride in the tenders as we spot ancient rock art, crocodiles and flying foxes, taking in the flora and fauna of the Kimberley for the last time.

Depart the Kimberley Quest II by helicopter where you will enjoy a scenic flight over the Mitchell Falls. At the Mitchell Plateau airstrip you will board a light aircraft and discover the immensity of the Kimberley.

Return to Broome by sunset where our team will transfer you to your accommodation or airport.

This is only a suggested itinerary. The remote Kimberley region experiences large tidal movements which can affect our itinerary. We may need to vary this from time to time, however, no matter the tides, we always visit the spectacular icons of this region. There will be plenty of land and sightseeing excursions to many untouched places, and opportunities to catch fresh fish for the table. Please note scenic helicopter flights are available on request.