2019 VOYAGES
The Kimberley Cape york & ArNhem Land SMALL SHIP EXPEDITIONS TO AUSTRALIA’S REMOTE NORTH THE KIMBERLEY
> 10 NIGHTS > MARCH TO OCTOBER 2019
CAPE YORK & ARNHEM LAND > 11 NIGHTS > MARCH & OCTOBER 2019
Voyages with Coral Expeditions SPOTLIGHT ON NATURE AND CULTURES
AN AUSTRALIAN ETHOS
We believe many remarkable parts of the Australasian region are best experienced from sea. Our ships, marine staff and expedition teams are dedicated to getting you up close and personal with nature’s wonders, and the cultural diversity of our world. In contrast to traditional cruising, we avoid long sea days and try to maximise time off the ship. Our ships are owned by us and designed specifically to enhance the expedition experience. We do not charter third-party vessels or outsource any part of our marine operations. Our trips are bespoke and sometimes not commercially justifiable, but we believe it results in unique guest experiences.
Coral Expeditions is unique in operating a fleet of Australianflagged and crewed vessels. We are the longest standing operator of Australia-based passenger ships. Our on-board atmosphere respects our heritage – we are proud of our professional service and produce-driven, modern Australian cuisine. We maintain the highest standards of marine and passenger safety; we follow Australian regulatory requirements in our staffing and operations. NO QUEUES, NO WAITING Our ships are small enough to allow us to board and disembark much quicker than larger vessels. There is minimal waiting. Their shallow draughts allow them to get to locations larger ships cannot. RESPECT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT We believe that tourism doesn’t have to come at a cost to the environment. We were one of the early pioneers of environmentally sensitive cruising, starting out on the Great Barrier Reef. We remain firmly committed to promoting sustainability and minimising environmental impact while sharing some of the world’s most incredible places with travellers from around the world.
PLEASE NOTE These are expedition itineraries covering remote regions. Your Captain and Expedition team will make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximise guest experience given the weather, local environment and safety considerations. The below itineraries are indicative - some variation may occur due to weather conditions or local community requirements (particularly in Cape York & Arnhem Land).
INCLUSIONS
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
› All excursions and sightseeing › Use of Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels
› Pre and post flights, accommodation & travel insurance
› Daily lectures and briefings
› Entry visas to Australia
› All meals, chef-prepared on board
› Alcoholic beverages outside of lunch and dinner service
› Showcase wines, selected beers, juices, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner service
› Telephone and internet services
› 24 hour coffee and selection of teas
› Laundry
› All entrance fees to National Parks and Ports*
› Optional Mitchell Falls helicopter flight * The Traditional Owners of the Kimberley and Cape York & Arnhem Land and their representatives are proposing the introduction of a new Visitor Pass for all guests accessing traditional lands when cruising these areas. If such a Pass is introduced prior to the commencement of your cruise, then this incremental cost will be added to the cost of the cruise.
YOUR DESTINATIONS: EXPLORATIONS OF NORTHERN AUSTRALIA Over twenty years ago, the founders of Coral Expeditions became captivated by the magnificence of the Australian Outback. In the knowledge that the vast expanse of Northern Australia’s coastline is best seen by small ship, we launched our Kimberley expeditions. Our well loved small ships are ideal to safely navigate the mighty rivers and scenic inlets of the Kimberley and Arnhem Land, assisted by our unique tender vessels. Over the years, our Australian expedition team and crew have built up an enormous knowledge of these regions, and love to share it with guests. It would be our delight to show you our backyard - the wild and beautiful areas of Northern Australia.
THE ANCIENT KIMBERLEY REGION The region known simply as the Kimberley takes its evocative name from its most imposing landmark; an ancient mountain range visible from the rugged sea coast. Covering more than 400,000 square kilometres, yet home to just 30,000 people, it is a place acknowledged as one of the world’s last, and most beautiful, wilderness areas. It is a place of magnificent vistas created by towering rock ridges, silent secluded gorges, wide savannah plains, and plunging waterfalls which defy both nature and belief. This is a land steeped in ancient Aboriginal culture and the legends of our pioneering past. Travel ashore to view natural wonders and some of the oldest known Indigenous art, the mysterious Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) paintings. Soak up the history and unique geology, view the wildlife - experience the wonder of the Kimberley.
ACROSS THE TOP OF AUSTRALIA Across the Northern Australian coastline, you’ll experience cultures unchanged for centuries, traditional rock art and some of the continent’s most remote islands. Your expedition voyage introduces you to the Great Barrier Reef and Cape York, including the Torres Strait and the coastal communities and cultures of the ‘Top End’ of the Northern Territory. Navigating these remote waters like the early explorers, you will be enchanted by the rugged beauty of these regions, and the unique ways of the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Tiwi people who call them home.
1. Rock Wallaby (Petrogale brachyotis), 2. Rarrakala Island, 3. Newly hatched Flatback Turtle (Natator depressus), 4. White-breasted Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), 5. Xplorer landing
2
the kimberley
Itinerary 10 nights between Darwin & Broome DAY 1: DEPART DARWIN Board your ship at 8:00am for a 9:00am departure. Sail across the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, and this afternoon join our expedition team for an informative introduction to the Kimberley. Meet and mingle with fellow guests and crew at the Captain’s Welcome Drinks. DAY 2: THE KING GEORGE RIVER AND FALLS The King George River has carved a gorge through towering weathered sandstone cliffs. Travel up the gorge and finally see the King George Falls. This magnificent falls, plunging 80 metres, is the highest waterfall in Western Australia. Visit and explore secluded Tranquil Bay. DAY 3: VANSITTART BAY, DC3, AND JAR ISLAND
“THE SHORES & HILLS WERE THICKLY SCATTERED WITH LARGE MASSES OF DARK RED-COLOURED SANDSTONE.“ - PHILIP PARKER KING - VANSITTART BAY
expedition highlights > Experience the unique tidal phenomenon of the Horizontal Waterfalls > Marvel at the plunging 80 metre high King George Falls > View the mysterious Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) and Wandjina rock art and learn about the ancient cultures of the Indigenous people > See crocodiles, humpback whales, rock wallabies, sea turtles, and birdlife > Witness Montgomery Reef rise out of the ocean with the falling tide > Visit Lacepede Island Nature Reserve, significant breeding grounds for the Brown Booby, Roseate Terns, and Green Turtles
Walk across the salt flats to view the wreckage of an US Air Force DC3 which crash landed on the beach during WWII. Visit Jar Island and discover the island’s stunning rock art. With our Guest lecturers, see fine examples of the Kimberley’s mysterious Bradshaw rock paintings, some 20,000 years old. DAY 4: HATHAWAY’S HIDEAWAY & MITCHELL FALLS Anchor in Winyalkin Bay, and go ashore in the Xplorer to explore the maze of sandstone caves known as Hathaway’s Hideaway. Consider an optional scenic helicopter flight over the Mitchell Plateau for close up views of the majestic Mitchell Falls (additional costs apply). DAY 5: BIGGE ISLAND & CAREENING BAY Visit fine examples of both Wandjina and Bradshaw rock art at Bigge Island, and hear about the ancient myths that inspired them. Explore Careening Bay, where Phillip Parker King repaired the HMC Mermaid in 1820, memorialised in the remarkable boab tree carved by his crew. DAY 6: PRINCE REGENT RIVER & KING CASCADES Cruise the Prince Regent River in the Xplorer to the King Cascades. Enjoy an afternoon tea alongside the Falls. DAY 7: MONTGOMERY REEF & DOUBTFUL BAY From aboard the Xplorer and Zodiacs, experience the natural phenomenon of the Montgomery Reef up close. Discover the diverse marine life, including turtles, manta rays, and reef sharks. DAY 8: RAFT POINT Cruise through Kuri Bay, and travel ashore at Raft Point, home to some of the Kimberley’s most secluded and well-preserved Wandjina and Bradshaw rock paintings. Visit Red Cone Creek. DAY 9: HORIZONTAL FALLS & BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO Meander through the almost 1,000 islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, and visit Talbot Bay. Here you will experience what David Attenborough names as “one of the greatest natural wonders in the world”, the Horizontal Falls. Ride the power of the tide as it rushes through the narrow cliff openings. Explore the stunning white sand of Silica Beach.
DAY 10: LACEPEDE ISLANDS Visiting the Lacepede Islands is dependant on weather and tides. This series of low islands consist of coarse sand and coral rubble lying atop a platform reef, and supports up to 18,000 breeding pairs of Brown Boobies and Roseate Terns. Explore the island’s lagoon, and you may observe the myriad other creatures often seen here, such as the frigate birds, egrets, and the nesting areas of the Green Turtle.
“Friday was Montgomery Reef day. This wonder of nature is over 400 square kilometres and rich in marine life. As the tide ebbs, seawater drains off the reef in tidal waterfalls. Hundreds of turtles could be seen popping up for air and quickly diving again when we approached. Fish and sharks, as well as Eastern Reef Egrets and a lone Brahminy Kite could be seen fishing on the reef.”
DAY 11: BROOME
- Expedition Leader Kristy King
Disembark in Broome this morning at 8:00am. BROOME TO DARWIN: REVERSE ITINERARY Board in Broome from 4:30pm for a 6:00pm departure. Arrive in Darwin for 8.30am disembarkation.
1. Nares Point, 2. Zodiac at Montgomery Reef, 3. Brown Boobies (Sula leucogaster) at Lacepede Islands
fares & sailing schedule
Mitchell Falls Helicopter Flight available at additional cost. Prices are listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST. *Limited sole use occupancy available. CORAL ADVENTURER
CORAL DISCOVERER
CORAL EXPEDITIONS I
CORAL ADVENTURER
TWIN SHARE SOLE USE $14,995
n/a
DATE
DEPARTS
DATE
DEPARTS
DATE
DEPARTS
Bridge Deck Suite
24 May
Darwin
26 Apr
Darwin
29 Mar
Darwin
Bridge Deck Stateroom
$12,995
n/a
3 June
Broome
27 May
Broome
08 Apr
Broome
14 June
Darwin
07 June
Darwin
19 Apr
Darwin
Explorer Deck
$12,595
$18,893*
24 June
Broome
17 June
Broome
29 Apr
Broome
Promenade Deck
$11,595
$17,393*
5 July
Darwin
28 June
Darwin
20 May
Broome
Coral Deck
$10,695
$16,043*
15 July
Broome
08 July
Broome
12 July
Darwin
CORAL DISCOVERER
26 July
Darwin
19 July
Darwin
22 Jul
Broome
5 Aug
Broome
29 July
Broome
02 Aug
Darwin
16 Aug
Darwin
09 Aug
Darwin
12 Aug
Broome
26 Aug
Broome
19 Aug
Broome
23 Aug
6 Sep
Darwin
30 Aug
Darwin
02 Sep
16 Sep
Broome
23 Sep
Broome
DEPARTURE TIMES DARWIN: Boarding commences at 8.00am for 9.00am departure. Disembarks in Broome at 8.00am. BROOME: Boarding commences at 4.30pm for 6.00pm departure. Disembarks in Darwin at 8.30am.
TWIN SHARE SOLE USE
Bridge Deck Balcony
$12,995
n/a
Promenade Deck A
$11,995
n/a
Darwin
Promenade Deck B
$11,595
$17,393*
Broome
Main Deck A
$10,995
n/a
Main Deck B
$10,695
n/a
CORAL EXPEDITIONS I TWIN SHARE SOLE USE Deluxe Stateroom
$10,790
n/a
Upper Deck Stateroom
$10,290
n/a
Stateroom
$9,890
n/a
Cabin
$8,690
13,035*
4
cape york & Arnhem land
Itinerary 11 nights between cairns & darwin
The below itinerary is indicative only - some variation may occur due to weather conditions or local community requirements
DAY 1: DEPART CAIRNS Board your ship at 4:00pm for a 5:00pm departure. Enjoy dinner on board and meet your fellow travellers as we set sail northwards. This evening meet and mingle with guests and the friendly crew as we enjoy the Captain’s welcome drinks. DAY 2: LIZARD ISLAND Explore secluded Lizard Island, one of the most beautiful islands on the Queensland coast. Venture into the crystal clear waters for swimming and snorkelling or take a walk along the sparkling white beach. An energetic guided walk leads to Cook’s Look - from this peak, Captain Cook was able to navigate a safe passage through the treacherous reef after repairing the HMS Endeavour. DAY 3: STANLEY ISLAND AND DAVIE REEF Visit Stanley Island in the Flinders Group, and view the isolated Endaen Aboriginal rock art depicting the first sailing ships to visit Queensland shores. At Davie Reef, enjoy swimming and snorkelling and observe the large seabird rookery. DAY 4: FORBES AND MAGRA ISLANDS
expedition highlights > Be immersed in the world’s oldest surviving culture in Arnhem Land > Spend a day exploring the beautiful Cobourg Peninsula and its huge variety of wildlife > Experience the vibrant culture of the Tiwi people at Bathurst Island > See Indigenous art being created at the remote art centres along the Arnhem Land coast > Stand on the very tip of Australia at Cape York for a Champagne Sunrise > Snorkel the clam gardens at Watson’s Bay, Lizard Island > Visit Thursday Island and see the culture of the Torres Strait
Enjoy a day exploring Forbes Island, an excellent spot for swimming or snorkelling from the pristine sandy beaches. Magra Islet is another tiny tropical island attached to a coral reef - the perfect place for beach-combing, birdwatching, and enjoying a tropical sunset. DAY 5: CAPE YORK & THURSDAY ISLAND Go ashore at the northenmost point of the Australian continent as the sun rises, and sip champagne to welcome the new day. Later, anchoring at Thursday Island, learn about the historic pearling fleet and the cultural differences between the Torres Strait and Aboriginal peoples. Visit the Gab Titui Cultural Centre to witness traditional dances. DAY 6: THE GULF OF CARPENTARIA For those on Coral Discoverer or Coral Adventurer, enjoy a relaxing day at sea. Guests aboard Coral Expeditions I will board a charter flight to cross the gulf. Hear about the fascinating history of the Macassan traders. DAY 7: GUGARI RIP (HOLE IN THE WALL) & WESSEL ISLANDS Guests aboard Coral Expeditions I rejoin their cruise. We travel through the narrow channel through the islands, known as the ‘Hole in the Wall’, and enjoy a gourmet Aussie beach BBQ as the sun sets spectacularly over the Arafura Sea. DAY 8: ELCHO ISLAND The friendly locals of Elcho Island proudly welcome us to their community. Gain insight into their culture, and meet some of the local artists who have exhibited at art galleries around the world. Consider attending the local church service to share in the local culture.
DAY 9: LIVERPOOL RIVER AND MANINGRIDA Anchor in the mighty Liverpool River and travel ashore to explore the Maningrida Art Centre, museum, and the local boutique, where hand-painted textiles are able to be purchased. Enjoy a guided tour of the river. DAY 10: COBOURG PENINSULA Discover the Cobourg Peninsula today and join local guides in Port Essington, famous for the failed Victoria Settlement. Explore the ruins while learning about the fascinating history of this early colonial outpost. DAY 11: BATHURST & MELVILLE ISLANDS Visit remote Bathurst and Melville Islands. With local Tiwi guides, we learn of the unique culture and visit the art centre. Be welcomed with a cultural performance and basket-weaving exhibition before enjoying a traditional Australian afternoon tea of damper and billy tea. DAY 12: DARWIN Arrive in Darwin, and disembark at 8:30am DARWIN TO CAIRNS: REVERSE ITINERARY Board in Darwin at 7:00am for a 8:00am departure. Arrive in Cairns at 8:00am for disembarkation.
“At Stanley Island, a massive sandstone overhang contained extensive shell middens, an occupation site, and several galleries of rock art. In addition to the Yindayin (Endean) style of painting of sea animals, moths, wading birds, and sorcery figures, we saw many (European-style) ships painted in the post-contact period.” - Guest Lecturer Ian Morris
1. Smoking Ceremony - Tiwi Islands, 2. Lizard Island
fares & sailing schedule
Prices are listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST. *Limited sole use occupancy available. CORAL EXPEDITIONS I
CORAL DISCOVERER
CORAL DISCOVERER
TWIN SHARE SOLE USE $12,995
n/a
DATE
DEPARTS
DATE
DEPARTS
Bridge Deck Balcony
17 March
Cairns
14 April
Cairns
Promenade Deck A
$11,995
n/a
13 September
Darwin
04 Oct
Darwin
Promenade Deck B
$11,595
$17,393*
DEPARTURE TIMES
Main Deck A
$10,995
n/a
DARWIN: Boarding commences at 7.00am for 8.00am departure. Disembarks in Cairns at 8.00am.
Main Deck B
$10,695
n/a
CAIRNS: Boarding commences at 4.00pm for 5.00pm departure. Disembarks in Darwin at 8.30am.
CORAL EXPEDITIONS I TWIN SHARE SOLE USE Deluxe Stateroom
$10,790
n/a
Upper Deck Stateroom
$10,290
n/a
Stateroom
$9,890
n/a
Cabin
$8,690
13,035*
6
the expedition experience
With a strong focus on visiting places not often touched by tourists, our shore excursions are designed to promote local interaction and cultural exchange. One of the great benefits of travelling on a small ship is our ability to make impromptu stops. Our small group size ensures that our shore excursions are comfortable and enjoyable, but also have minimal impact on the communities and environments that we visit. Most activities are suitable for all fitness levels; when a higher than normal level of fitness is required for an excursion, your Expedition Leader will advise you accordingly. You can expect one or two shore or in-sea activities each day, all included in your cruise price.
Your Expedition team
Expedition Leaders and Guest Lecturers who are experts in the region accompany every voyage. They provide specialist commentary on the culture, geology, conservation, and history of the area and introducing you to its unique plants and wildlife. Sandy Scott Guest Lecturer
David Keech Expedition Leader
Sandy is a scientist and former university lecturer who has spent many years studying the biology of plants and animals. Working with Coral Expeditions since 1998, Sandy is passionate about understanding the geology of the Kimberley coast. Seeing a pod of Pilot Whales in Prince Frederick Harbour, and visiting Aboriginal art sites are among his favourite Kimberley experiences.
With 20 years experience in Ecotourism and Hospitality, David has many stories to tell. An expert tour guide, snorkelling guide and Whale Shark spotter, David is passionate about getting in touch with nature and engaging with the history, geology, and biology of the Kimberley and Cape York. He enjoys making many new friends on each expedition.
Steve Cox Expedition Leader
Ian Morris Guest Lecturer
Steve brings a varied skill set to his job as Expedition Leader, having previously worked as a dive instructor, tour guide, and professional cricketer. Steve plans and manages all land and waterbased activities. Steve’s best experience with Coral Expeditions was swimming with the whale sharks in Indonesia.
Zoologist, educator, conservationist, and author, Ian has worked with us since 2001. He has worked with the Aboriginal traditional owners of Arnhem Land for decades, and speaks the indigenous Djambarrpuynu, Warramirri, & Gupapuynu languages. He has worked as a Ranger in Kakadu, Uluru and the Pilbara, and enjoys helping people experience nature.
coral ADVENTURER
Coral Adventurer is 93 metres long and accommodates 120 guests in 60 cabins. Designed and built to be the most modern tropical expedition ship afloat, Coral Adventurer will debut in April 2019. Now the largest ship in our fleet, she has the same Australian interiors, Xplorer tender mechanism and friendly crew that you have come to expect. Active stabilisers and an elevator enhance guest comfort.
BRIDGE DECK BALCONY SUITE • 55.8sqm • Private Balcony • Twin or junior king beds BRIDGE DECK BALCONY STATEROOM • 21.4sqm • Private Balcony • Twin or junior king beds EXPLORER DECK BALCONY STATEROOM • 21.4sqm • Private Balcony • Twin or junior king beds 601
Bridge Deck Bar Lounge
603 STATEROOM PROMENADE DECK Cairns Expedition Lift Room Suite W/Cs • 17sqm • Picture windows • Twin or Thejunior Bridge king beds Lobby Observation 602 Lounge CORAL DECK STATEROOM 604 Darwin Captain’s Cabin Suite • 17sqm • Porthole windows • Twin or Junior king beds
BRIDGE DECK 527
525
523
521
519
517
515
513
Gym
511
Lift
509
507
503 505 501
Lobby
528
526
524
522
520
518
516
514
512
510
502 506 504 508
EXPLORER DECK
Gift Shop Dining Room
Reception
Lift
415
W/Cs
411
413
409
407
405
403
Galley
416
414
412
410
408
406 402 404
FEATURES & SERVICES › Two fully stocked cocktail bars › Facilities to host scientific research or exhibitions › Indoor & outdoor lounge areas › Gym › Reference library › Gift shop › Open Bridge › Laundry services available (costs apply) › Suites: Spacious open-facing bathrooms
401
Lobby
PROMENADE DECK
Lift
Xplorer Boarding
311
309
307
305
303
301
Lobby
312
310
308
306
304
302
CORAL DECK
› All staterooms serviced daily › Wireless internet available (costs apply)
8
coral discoverer
Fresh from a complete interior refurbishment, Coral Discoverer is 63 metres long and accommodates 72 guests in 36 cabins. Many would say she is the most popular ship in the Kimberley today. Though she is a small ship, she sports active stabilisers and plenty of communal areas including over a thousand square metres of open deck space from where you can watch the spectacular colours of the Kimberley.
Active Stabilisers
BRIDGE DECK BALCONY STATEROOM • 20sqm • Private Balcony • Twin or junior king beds PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM (Cat A) • 18sqm • Picture windows • Twin or junior king beds PROMENADE DECK STATEROOM (Cat B) • 15sqm • Picture windows • Junior king beds MAIN DECK STATEROOM (Cat A) • 18sqm • Porthole windows • Twin or junior king beds MAIN DECK STATEROOM (Cat B) • 15sqm • Porthole windows • Twin or Junior king beds
Balcony Staterooms Bridge Deck Bar
A05 A03 A01
WC
Balcony Staterooms
› Wireless internet available (costs apply).
› Indoor & outdoor lounge areas
Workout Area
› Sun deck
BRIDGE DECK
Lounge
A06 A04 A02
FEATURES & SERVICES › Three fully stocked cocktail bars
SUN DECK
Explorer Bar
B21
B19 B17 B15
B22
Captain’s Cabin
B11
B20 B18 B16 B14 B12
B09 B07 B05 B03
B10 B08 B06 B04
B01
B02
PROMENADE DECK
› Outdoors communal workout area › Reference library › Gift shop › Open Bridge › All staterooms serviced daily › Limited laundry services available (costs apply)
Xplorer Boarding
Main Deck Bar
Galley
C09 C07 C05 C03 C01
MAIN DECK
Dining Room Purser’s WC Office
C08 C06 C04 C02
STATEROOM CATEGORIES
coral expeditions I
A classic twin-hulled expedition ship accommodating 44 passengers in 22 cabins and built for the coastal expeditions of the Kimberley, the Coral Expeditions I is a fixture of the region. She is much loved for her intimate feel, spacious cabins, and open terrace bar on the aft deck. Many successive refurbishments have kept her up to date and comfortable. She is usually fully booked right through our Kimberley season.
DELUXE STATEROOM • 17sqm • Picture windows • Twin or double beds (fixed) UPPER DECK STATEROOM • 14sqm • Picture windows • Twin or double beds (fixed) STATEROOM • 14sqm • Picture windows • Twin or double beds (fixed) CABIN • 10sqm • Porthole windows • Twin beds (fixed)
FEATURES & SERVICES › Wireless internet available (costs apply) › Two fully stocked cocktail bars › Sun deck › Indoor & outdoor lounge areas › Outdoors communal workout area › Reference library › Small gift shop › Open Bridge › All staterooms serviced daily › Limited laundry services available (costs apply)
10
King George Falls
other expeditions: > GREAT BARRIER REEF > TASMANIA > SYDNEY TO HOBART > PAPUA NEW GUINEA > SPICE ISLANDS & RAJA AMPAT > SEPIK RIVER
Contact us today or speak with your travel agent. Online
www.coralexpeditions.com
kimberleyreservations@coralexpeditions.com
Freecall within Australia
1800 079 545
Outside Australia
+61 7 4040 9999
Head office PO Box 2093 Cairns 4870 QLD Australia ABN 51 010 809 417 Issued October 2017