Trip Dossier Darwin -Broome 31 May - 10 June 2019 21 June - 1 July 2019 Highlights: Zodiac cruise breathtaking Horizontal Waterfalls, Wandjina/ Gwion Gwion rock paintings, Lacepede Islands impressive seabird rookeries, Explore Magnificent King George falls, Montgomery Reef's sharks, turtles and rays. Since 1998 Aurora Expeditions have delved deep into Australia s ancient Kimberley Coast, teasing out its hidden treasures and spectacular natural wonders. Led by Kimberley experts, our Kimberley Coast adventure allows you to discover one of the wildest and most unique natural wonders on Earth. With an incredible 2,500 offshore islands, the world s largest humpback whale nurseries, powerful Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock paintings, various seabird rookeries and the famous Horizontal Waterfalls, the Kimberley Coast continues to surprise explorers and take their sense of adventure to a new level! Our expedition ship, is the perfect launch pad to set off from and oh, so comfortable to return to. Join us on an unforgettable adventure to places that few are fortunate to visit.! 1
Itinerary Day 1 We meet in Darwin, Northern Territory and board Coral Expeditions I for a morning departure. Day 2 We start by crossing Joseph Bonaparte Gulf which was first sighted by Abel Tasman in 1644 and named by French explorer Nicolas Baudin in 1803. Located in the Timor Sea, the gulf consists of a shallow inlet. We also try to explore the serpentine creek system below Cox Peninsula. Day 3 Vansittart Bay has many inlets, islands and protected waters that let us search for Gwion Gwion figures and WWII relics. WA's tallest waterfall, 80-meter thundering King George Falls await us on the other side of the King George River. Day 4 Bigge Island is an important cultural landing site and is home to monjons (small rock wallabies) and ospreys. Our rock painting specialist will take you through the fascinating Wandjina and Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) figures. Day 5 Prince Regent Nature Reserve is where more than half of the region's bird life and mammal species thrive. The reserve boasts mangrove stands, towering red cliffs, impressive tidal currents and the famous saltwater crocodiles. In Careening Bay, a huge boab tree bears the 1820 blaze of Phillip Parker King's HMC Mermaid. Day 6-7 We hope to be lucky enough to see humpback whales and their young in Camden Sound Whale Sanctuary. We'll also cruise along Prince Regent River up to the cooling King Cascade. Days 8-9 Photographers will revel in the 800 iron-rich islands that make up the Buccaneer Archipelago, stretching across azure waters. We take the time to cool off in Crocodile Creek and the adventure seekers experience the thrill of a Zodiac cruise through the powerful Horizontal Waterfalls. The marine sanctuary of Montgomery Reef is home to friendly manta rays and sharks and tidal cascades. Day 10 Today we sail pass the Dampier Peninsula and head towards the Lacepede Islands in search of seabird and turtle nesting grounds. Day 11 On arrival in Broome, farewell shipboard friends and crew, before being transferred to the airport or continue on to explore Broome s beaches, its pearling industry and captivating history.! 2
Tour Costs Per Person Twin Share Cost: $8,690.00 Cabin $9,990.00 Stateroom $10,790.00 Upper Stateroom $10,990.00 Deluxe Stateroom Tour Payments Non-refundable deposit: At time of booking $3,000.00 Non-refundable final Payment: 90 Days prior to departure Included Accommodation during the voyage onboard Coral Expeditions I Transfer from the ship to your hotel or airport (post voyage) All meals, snacks, tea and coffee during the voyage All shore excursions and Zodiac (inflatable boat) cruises & landings with purpose-built craft The Explorer Educational lectures and guiding services from our expert team Artist workshops Daily cabin service Comprehensive pre-departure information and briefings Professionally-produced hard back voyage log Access to first aid service Port taxes and charges Not Included Air transport to and from the ship, unless specified Hotel or airport transfers to the ship, unless specified Meals and accommodation before and after the voyage in Broome or Darwin Optional helicopter flight to Mitchell Falls All items of a personal nature including but not limited to: alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, laundry services, personal clothing, medical expenses, gratuities, and email or phone charges Travel insurance or emergency evacuation charges! 3
Coral Princess - Beautifully refurbished in 2012, Coral Princess is a 35-metre, 44-passenger custom-fit catamaran, featuring a small convivial bar area, an open dining room and a lecture/lounge room. Coral Princess is well equipped for shore excursions with landing craft, the Explorer which is boarded at deck level. Zodiacs and a purpose-built Cabin: Located on Decks C and D, average 10sqm, have twin single beds, air-conditioning, ensuite and portholes or picture windows. Upper Stateroom: Located on Deck B, average 13sqm and provide a choice of fixed twin or double bed, desk and chair, air-conditioning, ensuite, ample storage space and picture windows. Stateroom: The same as Upper Stateroom, but located on Deck C, which also features the dining room and Explorer departure point for excursions. Deluxe Stateroom: On Decks A and B, are approximately 17sqm and offer a choice of fixed twin or double beds. They feature all the facilities of a Stateroom, along with a comfortable settee. Getting To and From Your Voyage This voyage departs Darwin, Northern Territory and ends in Broome, Western Australia. Most domestic airlines fly be-tween Darwin and Australia s capital cities, with flights also from South-East Asia. Flights from Broome are generally on regional airlines. It is best you book your flights early to avoid disappointment. Getting to Darwin Wharf Please note: Transfers TO Darwin wharf are NOT included in your expedition cost. You are required to make your own way to the ship when joining your cruise. Taxis are readily available between hotels and Darwin Wharf (Fort Hill). Weather: The cruises have been timed to coincide with the dry season. Days are usually dry and hot with temperatures around the low to mid 30 s (degrees Celsius).! 4
Fitness Requirements This voyage is suitable for people of most ages and physical abilities. We offer a variety of soft and harder walking options, some of which may be over uneven and/or slippery surfaces. You are free to choose which activities and outings you would like to participate in, and less nimble passengers are given the choice whether to land or not. To fully enjoy your expedition, we recommend that you are able to walk up and down the ships gangway (the equivalent to a steep set of stairs), and are able to get in and out of Zodiacs (inflatable rubber boats) with some assistance from the staff To make a booking or further information please contact Sylvia Grove at Coates Wildlife Tours P.O. Box 4502 Myaree BC, Myaree, WA 6960 Phone: 08 9330 6066 Free Call Country & Interstate: 1800 676 016 Email: coates@iinet.net.au Web: www.coateswildlifetours.com.au! 5