Expedition Cruise Specialists launches The Ghan & Coral Adventurer's Kimberley program

Australia’s Expedition Cruise Specialists have just released their 2020 The Ghan & Coral Adventurer’s Kimberley program, combining two of Australia’s most iconic journeys into one epic 16-day package.

The itinerary, which commences in Adelaide and concludes in Broome, includes two nights Gold Class travel through the Red Centre to Darwin aboard the legendary Ghan. Guests will be able to enjoy fine dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant carriage, accompanied by a curated list of Australian wines, beers and spirits. There’s also included off-train excursions in both Alice Springs and Katherine, with a cruise through stunning Nitmiluk Gorge a highlight.

On arrival in the Top End capital Darwin, there’s three nights of included four-star accommodation, allowing ample time to explore the sites and perhaps even experience some of the region’s National Parks.

The second half of the journey takes travellers on a voyage showcasing Western Australia’s outback Kimberley Coast aboard the stylish expedition ship Coral Adventurer. Launch in May 2019, the 120-passenger, 93-metre Coral Adventurer promises travellers the opportunity to experience all the icons of this remote coastline in total comfort and style.

Making use of the Kimberley’s most flexible range of excursion craft, expeditioners aboard Coral Adventurer will be able to get up close and personal with majestic waterfalls including King George and Mitchell Falls, explore the exposed corals of Montgomery Reef at low tide and ride zodiacs through the Horizontal Falls of Talbot Bay, considered by renowned documentary film-maker Sir David Attenborough to be ‘one of the greatest natural wonders of the world’.

Led by an experienced expedition team and knowledgeable guest lecturers, there will also be ample time to seek out the Kimberley’s ancient rock art, including the mysterious Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) Paintings. A further highlight will be travelling ashore in Careening Bay to witness the famed Mermaid Boab Tree, 2020 marks the 200th anniversary of the tree’s ‘HMS Mermaid 1820’ inscription, originally carved by a Mermaid crew member during Phillip Parker King’s coastal survey in 1820.

There are eight departures of The Ghan & Coral Adventurer’s Kimberley program being offered in 2020, with prices starting at just $11,990 per person, twin share for Gold Class travel aboard The Ghan, three nights 4-star accommodation in Darwin and a ten-night Kimberley cruise in a Coral Deck Stateroom aboard the new Coral Adventurer. Guests also have the option to upgrade their travel to Platinum service aboard the Ghan and Balcony Staterooms while cruising the coast.

The full schedule of 2020 departures from Adelaide is:

12 April 2020
03 May 2020
24 May 2020
14 June 2020
05 July 2020
26 July 2020
16 August 2020
06 September 2020

For bookings and information contact Expedition Cruise Specialists on 1800 90 20 80 or visit https://www.expeditioncruisespecialists.com/destinations/kimberley/ghan-coral-adventurer

Travelmarvel Kimberley Coast Cruising

Join premium tour operator Travelmarvel for a breathtaking adventure along Australia's most remote coastline. The online launch of Travelmarvel's four Kimberley Coast Cruising 2020 explorations showcases the iconic coastline of the Kimberley and Top End, and features 10-nights aboard the recently launched Coral Adventurer.

From humpback whales and sharks to dugongs, green turtles and crocodiles, there is plenty of marine life to see on a Kimberley Coast Cruise. And you'll be left in awe at the deep gorges of the Kimberley Coast where these creatures live. See the tumbling, 80 metre drop of the King George Falls and the terraced King Cascades. The tidal phenomenon of Horizontal Falls is one of the word's natural wonders, and the ideal place to take to a Zodiac for an up-close exploration.

NEW SHIP: All Aboard The Coral Adventurer

Launched in April 2019, the new expedition ship, the Coral Adventurer, is the best ticket to experiencing the unspoiled nature of the Kimberley in comfort and style. Get up close to the region's hidden beaches and towering waterfalls aboard the trademark Xplorer tenders which have been specially designed for ease of access.

On board, you can expect friendly and professional service from every staff member – no request is too big or small for your carefully chosen crew. The contemporary facilities including the Bridge Deck and Observation Lounge are great places to take in the inspiring red ochre rocks and glittering water. What's more, cuisine on board celebrates the region, and can be enjoyed indoors or out, depending on your mood and the weather. 

TRAVELMARVEL FAVOURITE: Kimberley Coast Cruise

Get down to the basics on this 12-day exploration of the Kimberley. Kicking off with a night in Darwin, board the Coral Adventurer and set off on a journey along the Top End. This thrilling adventure starts at $10,295 per person, twin share, including Earlybird and Early Payment discounts totaling $1,400 per couple.

Be whisked by a Zodiac to the base of King George Falls, and through Horizontal Falls. Indulge in a delicious range of canapes and drinks at sunset in Winyalken Bay. Discover the stunning terraced rock formations of King Cascades. These are just some of the major highlights of a Kimberley Coast Cruise. Take the chance to learn about the region's rich history and culture by exploring some of the Kimberley's most well-preserved Bradshaw (Gwion Gwion) rock art, and venture to the pristine beaches of the aptly-named Tranquil Bay.

Of course, if 12 days isn't quite enough, Travelmarvel also offers a range of more in-depth holidays across Kimberley and the Top End, where explorations of Kakadu National Park, El Questro, and the beautiful west coast are plenty.

For further information, please call 1300 196 420, or visit www.travelmarvel.com.au.

TRAVELMARVEL: Fun, exciting and hassle-free – Travelmarvel holidays are designed for those who seek premium organised travel on their own terms. Ensuring the best possible value, each holiday offers a high standard of service and comprehensive inclusions, as well as extras that cater to individual interests. www.travelmarvel.com.au

Last remaining staterooms for PONANT Kimberley 2019 voyages

Compelling reasons to visit the Kimberley with PONANT, world leader of luxury expedition cruising.

Explore one of the oldest of regions on earth aboard one of the newest of ships.
Act quickly to secure one of the final staterooms available on a PONANT Kimberley voyage and enjoy an immersive expedition from onboard Le Lapérouse - the youngest and most environmentally sustainable vessel in the Kimberley.

Captivating Kimberley: cruising Australia’s North West

Weathered by eons of rain, wind and sea spray, these cliffs are almost as old as the Earth itself.

Roderick Eime revisits Australia's amazing North West

As you cast your eyes on the golden hues of the savagely weathered stone edifices along the Hunter and Prince Regent Rivers, laid down by the same ancient waterways almost two billion years ago, you are seeing a snapshot of our planet so old, it predates the earliest forms of multicellular life by hundreds of millions of years.

Read the full story at:
https://www.vacationstravel.com/captivating-kimberly-cruising-australias-west-coast/

True North Cruises in the Kimberley

Words: Roderick Eime

The rugged and foreboding Kimberley region of north-western Australia has a fearsome reputation for both its unforgiving environment and ability to draw adventure travellers from all over the world!

The sheer cliffs, raging tides, carnivorous wildlife and inhospitable landscape effectively deterred the early 17th Century Dutch mariners from further exploration, but the region also holds what are possibly the world’s oldest known cave paintings – the Bradshaws or Gwion Gwion.

Save up to $7800 per couple on luxury Kimberley cruises

plus bonus helicopter flight over natural wonder of Horizontal Falls

Book by October 31, 2017



Cruise Express has an exclusive allocation of cabins on two luxury Kimberley cruises in 2018 that offer savings of up to $7800 per couple compared to original, full fares. And bookings made by October 31, 2017, will also receive a bonus helicopter flight over the spectacular, natural phenomenon of the Horizontal Falls at Talbot Bay.

The two 10-night sailings are aboard Ponant’s five-star, French mega-yacht, L’Austral, between Broome and Darwin in July and August, 2018.

The chic 264-guest L’Austral will sail from Broome to Darwin on July 29, 2018, while the southbound voyage from Darwin to Broome sails on August 8, 2018.

Twice the size of Victoria, the vast and pristine Kimberley wilderness boasts magnificent waterfalls, remote coves, indigenous rock art, abundant wildlife and majestic coastal cliffs that glow red at sunset. Coastal cruises offer the best way to experience the Kimberley, with L’Austral taking guests to the majestic King George Falls, Mitchell Falls and Montgomery Reef. The itinerary also features the world-famous Horizontal Falls where seawater thunders horizontally at high tide through a narrow break in the cliffs, forming huge rapids – a phenomenon described by David Attenborough as one of the greatest wonders of the natural world.

Each cruise includes complimentary expeditions ashore and onboard drinks, including a free minibar in every stateroom. A specialist expedition team aboard L’Austral including experts in history, botany, marine biology and photography, will offer lectures and guided shore trips during the cruise.

The luxurious L’Austral features two restaurants, three bars, a pool, theatre and library and is renowned for her gourmet cuisine, personalised service and intimate ambience.

Cruise Express has an exclusive allotment of cabins at discounted rates on each of the 10-night sailings. Fares for the sailing from Darwin to Broome on August 8, 2018, start at $8590 per person, twin-share – a saving of $3700 on the original, full fare. And the voyage from Broome to Darwin on July 29, 2018, is priced from $8990 per person, twin-share – a saving of $3900 on the original, full fare.

Each person booking by October 31, 2017, will also receive a complimentary helicopter flight over Horizontal Falls and the surrounding ranges.

Fares include a full beverage package, gratuities and five zodiac excursions. Connecting flights are additional. Fares are available until sold out and conditions apply.

Call Cruise Express on 1300 766 537 or visit www.cruiseexpress.com.au

Save up to 30% or $2990 pp on Kimberley 2018 expeditions

Now is the time to book...

The Kimberley is one of the last unspoiled regions with one of the most spectacular coastlines on the planet. With staggering waterfalls, rugged gorges, savannah woodlands, calm waters and desolate mountain ranges, the wild lands of the Kimberley offer the promise of an exceptional adventure.

Sailing on Ponant's L'Austral you'll encounter a chic and elegant yacht-like ambience, refined, personalised service, gastronomic cuisine and unique adventures ashore. 10 night expeditions sail from either Darwin or Broome and get you up close to the action like no other expedition.

And for a limited time we have suites available for Ponant's 2018 Kimberley season with massive fare savings up to 30% or $2990.00 per person!

L'Austral - 10 night expeditions
19 July 2018 - Darwin to Broome
29 July 2018 - Broome to Darwin
08 August 2018 - Darwin to Broome
18 August 2018 - Broome to Darwin

Elsewhere you'll pay up to $11,000 pp twin
SPECIAL CRUISE EXPRESS OFFER
from $8,010* pp twin share

More information here »