10-Day Kimberley Expedition: Waterfalls
& Wanjinas

Darwin, Northern Territory

The city of Darwin, capital of the Northern Territory, presides
loftily over the top end of Australia. Set on a rocky peninsula
that stretches into one of the most beautiful natural harbours on
the north Australian coast, the city is surrounded by water on
three sides, which allows it to be fanned by cool breezes that
temper the tropical heat and humidity of its climate.

Darwin has survived destruction three times: the city was hit by
a cyclone in 1893; it was then bombed by the Japanese in 1942
during World War II; and more recently, in 1974, Cyclone Tracy
levelled the city on Christmas Eve. It is a tribute to the
pioneering spirit of its cosmopolitan population of 87,000 that it
has not only overcome these calamities, but gone on to thrive.

The city is compact, and the areas of most interest to tourists
are easy to explore on foot. The tropical climate encourages
outdoor living and simply strolling through the leafy streets,
browsing art galleries and enjoying refreshments at sidewalk cafes,
is a pleasure for visitors. Shady parks can be found behind busy
shopping streets and are a delight with exotic flowering trees like
frangipani, banyan and tamarind.

Darwin is a youthful, tropical city, small enough to feel
friendly and relaxed, and a great travel hub for exploring the
incredible natural wonders on the city's doorstep.

King George River - WA Australia

Vansittart Bay, Western Australia

Vansittart Bay is a beautifully protected large bay with several islands and coves. Jar Island contains ancient rock art galleries depicting the Gwion Gwion style unique to the Kimberley region. Mainly neglected by, or unknown to, the early European researchers of Aboriginal culture in the Kimberley in favour of the dominant & more dramatic Wandjina art, Gwion Gwion art has in recent years gained world prominence. Join your Expedition Team ashore for a short walk, past some fascinating rock formations, to the site of the Gwion Gwion art galleries.

Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Ashmore Reef is a sanctuary for seabirds, shorebirds, marine turtles, dugongs, and many other marine species. Each year around 100,000 seabirds breed on Ashmore Reef including great knots, crested terns and white-tailed tropicbirds. The sanctuary zone provides the highest level of protection for wildlife.

Hunter River & Mitchell Falls, Western Australia

Kuri Bay, Western Australia

While modern-day Australia might have started life as a British prison colony, it has evolved into one of the world's premier tourist destinations. Visitors to Australia will delight in its exciting, cosmopolitan cities, fantastic weather and famously beautiful coastline, as well as the friendly nature of the locals who they encounter.

Australia - a country and continent in one - is the world's sixth-largest nation by land area, and has a wealth of natural attractions begging to be explored. The country is politically divided into six states and two territories, each one offering a different experience for the traveller. There is the drama of the remote 'Outback', the colourful spectacle of the Great Barrier Reef and its coral islands, the excitement of the big, efficient cities, the sun and surf at some of the best beaches in the world, and the tropical rainforests of Western Australia. The list is endless in this diverse land of adventure, which boasts about 2,000 national parks and 14 World Heritage-listed areas, along with more than 7,000 beaches.

For those who prefer to keep their holidays urban, Australia's cities will certainly not disappoint. Clean, cosmopolitan and youthful, Australia's urban centres (including Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne) are world class. Famous cultural attractions in Australia include the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the Australian Museum and the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). Australia also boasts an impressive and fast-moving restaurant culture, guaranteed to satisfy even the fussiest gastronomes.

Australia is a land of character too, with its melting pot of cultures. For more than 50,000 years the Aboriginal people lived and thrived in the continent's unique environment. It is believed the Aboriginals are one of the world's oldest surviving civilisations, and recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in keeping the Aboriginal culture alive and flourishing in Australia.

Whether you schedule a lot of sightseeing in Australia, or plan to spend most of your time relaxing on the great beaches and sampling some of the local beer, you are bound to have a splendid time in the Land Down Under.

Freshwater Cove

Montgomery Reef, Western Australia

Talbot Bay, Western Australia

Lacepede Islands, Western Australia

The Lacepedes are a group of four islands, perfectly nestled off the Kimberley coast. The islands are imperative to Australia’s rich wildlife as they are key breeding habitats for Green Turtles and are home to a wealth of birds such as Masked Boobies, Australian Pelicans, Lesser Frigatebirds and the largest colony of Brown Bobbies in the world. Join your expedition team for a guided zodiac tour to view the prolific wildlife. Due to the sensitive nature of the environment, landings are prohibited on the Lacepede Islands.

Broome, Western Australia

Situated in Western Australia, Broome is a vibrant and charming coastal town known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and unique cultural heritage. With its laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking natural beauty, it is no wonder that Broome has become a popular tourist destination.

One of the highlights of Broome is Cable Beach, a 22-kilometer stretch of pristine white sand that is renowned for its picturesque sunsets. Here, visitors can take leisurely strolls along the shore, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or even embark on a scenic camel ride at sunset. The beach is also a hotspot for various water activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing.

For those interested in history and culture, Broome has a fascinating past as a pearling town. The town's pearling industry dates back to the late 19th century when Japanese, Chinese, and Malay divers came here in search of the valuable mother-of-pearl. Visitors can explore the town's pearling heritage at the Pearl Luggers Museum and watch demonstrations of traditional pearl diving techniques. The stunning pearl showrooms are also great places to browse for unique souvenirs.

Another must-visit attraction in Broome is Gantheaume Point, which offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and the striking red cliffs. This area is also home to an ancient dinosaur trackway, where visitors can marvel at the preserved footprints of dinosaurs from millions of years ago. A visit to Gantheaume Point is best timed during low tide to fully appreciate the tracks.

For nature lovers, a trip to the nearby Horizontal Falls is a must. Located in the Kimberley region, Horizontal Falls is a natural phenomenon where the water rushes powerfully through narrow gorges, creating a horizontal waterfall effect. Visitors can take a thrilling boat tour through the falls to experience this incredible natural wonder up close.

In addition to its natural beauty, Broome is also known for its vibrant arts scene. The town hosts the famous Shinju Matsuri festival every year, celebrating its multicultural heritage with a variety of events including music, dance, food, and cultural performances. The festival also showcases the talents of local artists and provides an opportunity to purchase unique handmade crafts.

When it comes to dining, Broome offers a wide range of culinary delights. From fresh seafood straight from the Indian Ocean to mouthwatering Asian fusion dishes, the town's restaurants cater to every taste. Don't miss the chance to try the local specialty, the famous Broome mangoes, which are known for their juicy and sweet flavor.

In terms of accommodation, Broome offers a range of options to suit all budgets. From luxury beachfront resorts to budget-friendly backpacker hostels, there is something for everyone. Many of the accommodations also offer easy access to the town's main attractions and amenities.

Getting to Broome is relatively easy, with regular flights from major Australian cities like Perth and Darwin. Once in Broome, getting around can be done by public transport or hiring a car to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

In conclusion, Broome is a hidden gem in Western Australia that offers a perfect blend of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Whether you are looking for relaxation on the beach, a cultural experience, or an adventure in the Kimberley region, Broome has something to offer every traveler.