The deluxe Oceanic Discoverer (previously known as the Oceanic Princess) offers all the comforts expected of larger ships, yet its design allows it to negotiate reefs, islands and intricate inlets inaccessible to other boats. Thirty-six spacious staterooms are complimented by delicious meals and friendly, helpful staff. Experienced leaders and informative lecturers cover all aspects of the expedition, including aboriginal history, geology, flora, fauna and marine biology.
In addition, a specially designed excursion boat, the Explorer, allows convenient access to otherwise inaccessible areas of the Kimberleys. Landings are made once or twice each day, stopping at waterfalls and billabongs, beautiful oases, aboriginal rock art galleries, coral reefs and past spectacular cliffs, gorges and islands. Optional helicopter flights to the Mitchell Falls and Mitchell Plateau give passengers an aerial perspective of the phenomenal landscape.
Visitors cannot fail to be impressed by the contrasting scenery and grandeur of the Kimberleys. The Kimberley was once a separate landmass to Australia and its landforms are instantly recognisable from the rest of the continent.
Along the coast, jumbled boulders and sheer escarpments line huge, drowned river valleys, fringed by mangrove forests. Torrential rains during the wet season create powerful rivers and waterfalls that cut gorges up to 200 metres deep into the ancient sandstone of the Kimberley plateau.
An enormous variety of wildlife can be seen including the mighty saltwater crocodile and bird colonies on the hundreds of islands in the Buccaneer Archipelago. Other highlights include the impressive tidal phenomena at Montgomery Reef and the extraordinary Horizontal Waterfalls in Talbot Bay.
Kimberley cruises are a once in a lifetime opportunity to see Australia’s most remarkable stretch of coastline.
The cruises include all meals, shore excursions, lectures, slide / film shows and group activities. Prices range from $6,990 to $8,290 per person twin share ( aboard Oceanic Discoverer ) and from AU$5,990 to AU$7,390 aboard Coral Princess. For Adventure Associates’ recently released brochure, further details and availability, phone (02) 8916 3000 or Toll Free 1 800 222 141 or by e-mail – [email protected]. Their website is www.adventureassociates.com
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