Download The Kimberley is famous for having the second largest tidal range in

The Kimberley is famous for having the second largest tidal range in the world after
the Bay of Fundy. A flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of this natural
phenomenon. In the true spirit of expedition cruising, each day the Expedition Leader
and Captain will determine our best course depending on tide, weather and sea
conditions.
PLEASE NOTE: Some dates operate in reverse
Day 1 - Nares Point & Crocodile Creek, Kimberley, Western Australia
Nares Point is a long finger of sandstone protruding from the mainland alongside
Koolan Island. With its convoluted photogenic rock formations, this is a superb
location for Zodiac exploration and beach walks with our naturalists. In nearby
Crocodile Creek—free of crocodiles despite its name—take a refreshing swim in the
cool natural pool to relax and beat the Kimberley heat.
Day 2 - Talbot Bay (Horizontal Falls), Buccaneer Archipelago, Kimberley, Western
Australia
The British naturalist David Attenborough described Horizontal Falls as "one of the
greatest natural wonders of the world". This group of over 800 islands was created
millions of years ago by the erosive tidal changes. The region’s tides of close to 36
feet (or nearly 11m) create an amazing spectacle. Depending on whether the tides
are ebbing or flowing, we board our
Zodiacs for an exhilarating ride through the falls. Then continue deeper into the
sandstone gorge of Cyclone Creek and explore geological formations that were
created over the last two billion years.
Day 3 - Montgomery Reef, Kimberley, Western Australia
No Kimberley Expedition will be complete without a visit to Montgomery Reef, which is
over 400 square miles (1035 km2) in size to observe the amazing tidal changes that
take place here. Timing of the tides is everything today; low tide reveals up to 13 feet
(4 m) of reef exposing a river that allows access to this amazing semi-submerged
world. As the tide continues to ebb, we use our Zodiacs to make our way to the edge
of the reef where we are surrounded by cascading waterfalls up to 10 feet high (3 m),
and continue up the river as we look at the abundance of reef birds and every
imaginable sea creature including turtles, manta rays and, if we are lucky, the elusive
dugong. A visit to Montgomery Reef is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Day 4 - Raft Point, Kimberley, Western Australia
At the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, the world saw an
enormous Wandjina spirit rising out of the ground. It was a breathtaking moment, and
for most people their very first encounter with Aboriginal mythology. The image was
actually that of a 114-foot sculpture (35 m) created by an artist who lives at Raft
Point, home to indigenous Wandjina paintings. We zodiac ashore and set out towards
the top of Raft Point. Our hike takes us through the abundant Kimberley Flora
including the iconic Baobab Tree, also known by the local Aboriginals as the “upside
down tree”. Upon reaching the top of Raft Point, enjoy the spectacular views of the
bay in the shade of the overhanging cliff, which is home to the Wandjina Spirit and
many other Dreamtime stories and images representing daily aboriginal life. Take a
seat, or lie on your back and take in the Wandjina Spirit and listen to the Dreamtime
stories associated with this extremely important Aboriginal spirit.
Day 5 - Hunter River, Kimberley, Western Australia
The Hunter River is home to an immense mangrove system. Be sure to look for the
image of the Indian Head in the soaring red sandstone cliffs as we set out in Zodiacs
to explore the narrow mangrove channels, watching for numerous bird species and
keeping an eye out for the Crocodylus Porosous (saltwater crocodile), the most
aggressive crocodile known to man. For those wishing to explore some of the
Kimberley's vast interior your onboard Silversea Expeditions team can arrange an
optional helicopter flightseeing excursion to the famous Mitchell Falls where four tiers
of waterfalls plunge into deep pools that flow out into the Mitchell River.
Day 6 - Jar Island, Vansittart Bay, Kimberley, Western Australia
After landing on Jar Island by Zodiac we go for a walk to the outdoor gallery of
Bradshaw Art, also known as Gwion Art, one of the three distinctive styles of rock art in
the Kimberley region. Bradshaw Art has raised more questions than answers as to who
painted these figures and where they have come from. Listen to the theories and
interpretations of our own experts as we admire these very delicate and intricate
paintings.
Day 7- King George River & Falls, Kimberley, Western Australia
The King George Falls is one of the Kimberley's most magnificent natural wonders. At
260 feet (80 m), the twin cascades are among the highest in Australia. We drop
anchor at the mouth of the river and ride Zodiacs up this waterway, weaving through
an amazing landscape of near vertical red rock formations and a parade of wildlife
— carnivorous saltwater crocodiles and amazing birdlife, including giant raptors and
the Brahminy Kite. Arriving at the falls, we can cruise quite close to the base to
contemplate the immensity of this thundering spectacle. A truly humbling
experience.
Day 8 — Wyndham (Bungle Bungle), Kimberley, Western Australia
Wyndham is our gateway to the breathtaking Bungle Bungle mountain range in
Purnululu National Park, a World Heritage Site — and with good reason. For more than
350 million years, nature has shaped geological formations of giant orange and black
striped domes rising out of the ground, a landscape unlike anything you have ever
seen. Known to the local aborigines for thousands of years, the Bungles were only
discovered by the outside world in the mid-1980’s. Today take part in an inclusive
overflight for an aerial view of these glorious panoramas, as well as seeing the
majestic man-made Lake Argyle and Argyle Diamond Mine area from the air.
Day 9 — Cruising Arafura Sea
A leisurely day at sea to exchange notes with fellow travellers and take advantage of
the luxurious amenities aboard Silver Discoverer. Attend a lecture about the
Indonesian craft of Ikat weaving or perhaps to recap the fascinating Dreamtime
mythology of the Aborigines. Or just relax in the comfort of your suite and watch a
movie on the in-suite interactive television.
Days 10 — Leti Island, Southern Maluku, Indonesia
The islands of Southern Maluku long managed to escape unwelcome attention from
the outside world. No spices were grown here, so the only trade was largely limited to
marine products. The three islands of Leti, Moa and Lakor have approximately 20,000
inhabitants and one of the few matrilineal cultures in Indonesia. Silver Discoverer will
make a short stop at Leti Island, weather and time permitting.
Day 11 — Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
Following breakfast, disembark Silver Discoverer.