Savings PLUS a complimentary helicopter flight - Orion Kimberley

Explore Australia's great Kimberley wilderness – and save!

Book now, save up to 15% and receive a bonus helicopter flight

Enjoy the Kimberley highlights including pre-history Gwion Gwion and Wandjina rock art, land on remote islands and beaches, explore gorges, venture into waterways in search of saltwater crocodiles PLUS enjoy complimentary helicopter sightseeing over King George Falls OR Mitchell Falls in addition to an inclusive (and exclusive) 2 hour fixed wing Bungle Bungle Ranges flight.

Savings of 10% to 15% now available on new Orion 2011 season Kimberley bookings made before 30 November 2010

Fares begin from $8,190 (including savings) per person twin share for an ocean view Category B Stateroom.

Thirteen 10-night Orion voyages between late April and early September 2011

Darwin/Broome and v.v. including King George River and Falls, Vansittart Bay, Hunter River (for Mitchell Falls), Montgomery Reef and Raft Point, Talbot Bay/Horizontal Waterfalls, Cape Leveque, the Lacepedes – refer to specific itineraries for details.

There is no better way to experience the Kimberley in 2011 than onboard Orion - the only expedition cruise ship to hold internationally-recognised EarthCheck EC3 marine tourism accreditation acknowledging world-leading sustainable and environmentally sound operating practices.

Orion Expedition Cruises' environmental responsibility is recognised both domestically and internationally, including an Honorable Mention, Education, in the 4th Annual Conde Nast Traveler Save the World Awards.

Orion's passion for expedition cruising invariably exceeds expectation, providing important differences no other cruise operator in the Kimberley can offer. Combine a relaxed onboard ambiance, the highest staff to guest ratio of any ship based in Australian waters, and unmatched facilities and services (including spa, hairdresser, elevator and gym) on a ship of international standards and you will discover it's not just what we do, it's the way we do it that sets the benchmark for expedition cruising in Australia and Asia.

Further information on Orion Expedition Cruises can be obtained by visiting the website www.orionexpeditions.com

For reservations or to obtain a brochure call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) or your travel agent. Email: info@orionexpeditions.com  

New Qantas Brisbane-Broome Service a Boon for Kimberley Cruisers

Qantas 737-800 arriving in Broome (BME). Photo: Simon Wilson/airliners.net

Qantas announced it will commence direct Brisbane-Broome services next year (2011), resulting in Broome becoming the third destination behind Perth and Karratha that Queensland passengers can fly to direct from Brisbane. The new services will be seasonal, operating from April-October, to coincide with the Broome dry season.

This new service will join Broome-Melbourne and Broome-Sydney services, resulting in passengers from the popular tourist destination being able to fly direct from Broome to three east-coast destinations, as well as Perth.

Coral Princess Releases 2011 Kimberley Programme – with Early Bird Discounts!

Oceanic Discoverer at Raft Point

Coral Princess Cruises is offering an Early Bird Special of 15 per cent off selected departures of its just-released 2011 Kimberley cruise programme. The 10-night exploratory cruise along the wild and beautiful Kimberley coast of Western Australia – much of it only accessible by sea – is Coral Princess Cruises' most popular voyage. 

In the new 2011 Kimberley & Across the Top brochure, Coral Princess is offering 36 departures, cruising between Darwin and Broome. For bookings on voyages departing between April 8 and May 6, 2011, a 15 per cent discount off the cruise-only cost applies to all cabin categories. These departures coincide with the early stages of the Top End dry season, when the many waterfalls that plummet directly into the sea or into dramatic gorges are at their most spectacular.

The Kimberley wilderness of Western Australia is three times larger than England with a population of just 30 000. Coral Princess's 10-night voyages cruise through one of the planet's oldest and most awe-inspiring sea and landscapes. Rivers carve their way through ancient, eroded mountains that were once the height of the Himalaya, dropping in champagne waterfalls such as the 80-metre King George Falls. Excursions ashore visit rock art galleries where Bradshaw (Gwion) paintings - the world's oldest known art - record a human history stretching back 50,000 years.

"It's a diverse and vast landscape that takes time to explore," explained Tony Briggs, Founder and Managing Director of Coral Princess. "The advantage of a Coral Princess cruise is that our ships are Australian-owned and flagged. This enables us to spend up to 30 per cent more time exploring the Kimberley during a 10-night cruise than the foreign-flagged vessels that must, by law, include an international port in an itinerary of the same length."

Having the extra time means that shore excursions are more frequent and more leisurely. On the Coral Princess cruise, there is an optional helicopter flight over the Mitchell Plateau for views of the impressive four-tiered Mitchell Falls, and bushwalks to idyllic swimming holes. The cruise explores the 800-odd islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, including an exhilarating Zodiac ride through the Horizontal Waterfalls, where the largest tides in the southern hemisphere force their way between rocky cliffs in a formidable display of the forces of nature.

Coral Princess – which pioneered small-ship cruising in the Kimberley 15 years ago, offers guests a choice of two purpose-built vessels: the 48-passenger Coral Princess or the luxurious 72-passenger Oceanic Discoverer.

"Our all-Australian crew and team of guest lecturers delivers an unmatched level of experience, knowledge and service that has seen our clients returning year after year," said Briggs.

Earlybird prices for the 10-night Kimberley cruise start at $5,908 per person, twin share, aboard the Coral Princess and $7,183 aboard Oceanic Discoverer, including all meals, lectures and services of expedition staff on board, excursions and group transfers. There are regular departures from both Darwin and Broome between April and October 2011.

The 15 per cent discount applies to all new bookings on departures between April 8 and May 6. The offer is for the cruise only, and is available until November 30 or until sold out.

At the beginning and end of the season, the Kimberley cruise can be combined with an 11-night voyage, Across The Top of Australia, between Cairns and Darwin, exploring the remote reaches of the Great Barrier Reef, Cape York, Torres Strait, Arnhem Land and the Cobourg Peninsula – visiting places of exquisite beauty and cultural significance so remote that they can't be reached any other way. Departing in March, April and October, prices for this 11-night cruise start at $6950 per person. There is a 10 per cent discount when booking the two cruises together.   

For further information and reservations contact Coral Princess Cruises on 1800 079 545 or visit http://www.coralprincess.com.au/.

Orion 2010 limited offer - No single supplement for sole occupancy

In response to enquiries from potential solo travellers, Orion Expedition Cruises has announced that they will waive the single supplement surcharge applied on all Orion sailings from 16th September to 21st December 2010 inclusive. 5 cabins will be reserved for sole occupancy on each voyage in order that single travellers will be able to pay the per person fare with no added supplement.

This offer applies to a range of destinations including the Kimberley, Forgotten Islands, Papua New Guinea, Great Barrier Reef, Australian East Coast, Tasmania, New Zealand Sub-Antarctic and New Zealand Fiordland itineraries.

Voyage duration varies from 7 to 13 nights with fares from $5,200 (7 nights) for a Category B Ocean view Stateroom. Fare includes accommodation, meals, onboard lectures, inclusive shore expeditions, port taxes and gratuities.

Note: No sole occupancy surcharge for new bookings on all sailings from 16th September to 21st December 2010 inclusive. Subject to availability. Not combinable with any other promotion or other savings other than Pathways (past guest) savings.

Further information on all Orion Expedition Cruises can be obtained by visiting the website www.orionexpeditions.com

To discuss your travel needs or to obtain a brochure please call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) or see your travel agent. Email: info@orionexpeditions.com.au

Coral Princess Offers 20 Per Cent Off Selected Kimberley Cruises

Exploring the ruggedly beautiful Kimberley coastline aboard Coral Princess Cruises' exclusive small ships is even more appealing this spring with a 20 per cent discount on cruise prices and an offer for singles to cruise at twin share prices.

The offer is available on selected 10-night journeys departing during October 2010 aboard Oceanic Discoverer.

Coral Princess's 10-night voyages cruise between Darwin and Broome through one of the planet's oldest and most awe-inspiring sea and landscapes. Rivers carve their way through ancient, eroded mountains that were once the height of the Himalaya, dropping in champagne waterfalls such as the 80-metre King George Falls. Excursions ashore visit rock art galleries where Bradshaw (Gwion) paintings - the world's oldest known art - record a human history stretching back 50,000 years.

The cruises explore the 800-odd islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, including an exhilarating Zodiac ride through the Horizontal Waterfalls, and there is an optional helicopter flight over the Mitchell Plateau for views of the impressive four-tiered Mitchell Falls.

The voyages also coincide with the annual humpback whale migration along the Western Australia coastline, providing guests with exhilarating whale watching opportunities.

The offer is valid for new bookings made from July 1 to August 31, 2010 or until sold out on selected October 2010 departures of the Kimberley expedition cruise program.

The discounted prices for the 10-night Kimberley cruise start at $6600 aboard the 72-passenger Oceanic Discoverer. Prices are per person, twin share and include the cruise, all meals, lectures and services of expedition staff on board and group transfers.

Single travellers cruise at the twin share rate aboard selected October 2010 departures of the Oceanic Discoverer. Prices start at $8250.

For further information and reservations contact Coral Princess Cruises on 1800 079 545 or www.coralprincess.com.au.

Coral Princess Offers 20 Per Cent Off Selected Kimberley Cruises

Exploring the ruggedly beautiful Kimberley coastline aboard Coral Princess Cruises' exclusive small ships is even more appealing this spring with a 20 per cent discount on cruise prices and an offer for singles to cruise at twin share prices.

The offer is available on selected 10-night journeys departing during October 2010 aboard Oceanic Discoverer.

Coral Princess's 10-night voyages cruise between Darwin and Broome through one of the planet's oldest and most awe-inspiring sea and landscapes. Rivers carve their way through ancient, eroded mountains that were once the height of the Himalaya, dropping in champagne waterfalls such as the 80-metre King George Falls. Excursions ashore visit rock art galleries where Bradshaw (Gwion) paintings - the world's oldest known art - record a human history stretching back 50,000 years.

The cruises explore the 800-odd islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago, including an exhilarating Zodiac ride through the Horizontal Waterfalls, and there is an optional helicopter flight over the Mitchell Plateau for views of the impressive four-tiered Mitchell Falls.

The voyages also coincide with the annual humpback whale migration along the Western Australia coastline, providing guests with exhilarating whale watching opportunities.

The offer is valid for new bookings made from July 1 to August 31, 2010 or until sold out on selected October 2010 departures of the Kimberley expedition cruise program.

The discounted prices for the 10-night Kimberley cruise start at $6600 aboard the 72-passenger Oceanic Discoverer. Prices are per person, twin share and include the cruise, all meals, lectures and services of expedition staff on board and group transfers.

Single travellers cruise at the twin share rate aboard selected October 2010 departures of the Oceanic Discoverer. Prices start at $8250.

Helicopter Voucher included on Great Escape Cruises

The Great Escape Charter Company is celebrating 10 years of Kimberley adventure and to mark the end of this special year, the adventure cruise specialists have just released a fantastic offer of a complimentary helicopter voucher for all new reservations on the remaining 2010 August and September cruises.

“Given the late rains that the region has experienced recently it is a great time to be cruising the Kimberley coast and enjoying the fantastic waterfalls” says Chris Tucker, Captain of MV Great Escape, who has been exploring the region for nearly 25 years. “This is also the best time of year to witness the Humpback Whales as they migrate along the Kimberley coast to the calving grounds.”

If people opt for the 13 nights Kimberley Classic Adventure from Broome to Wyndham or vice versa, the complimentary chopper voucher affords guests the opportunity to experience the

‘BEST OF THE BIG FOUR’

This encompasses flights over the Horizontal Waterfalls, Montgomery Reef, Prince Regent Nature Reserve & the Mitchell Falls – what way to enjoy the Kimberley!! Offer valid until 14th August 2010.

If people do not have two weeks to spare, the 7 nights Southern Kimberley Experience is a great choice for exploring Broome to the Mitchell Plateau and the voucher is for

‘BEST OF THE BIG THREE’

This includes flights over the Horizontal Waterfalls, Montgomery Reef, & Prince Regent Nature Reserve. Guests still have the opportunity to enjoy the Mitchell Falls anyway, as the transfer flights to/from the vessel fly over this area and this helicopter flight is included in the cruise price. Offer valid until 17th September 2010.

For more information or availability, call Liz or Lisa at the office of The Great Escape Charter Company 08 9193 5983


*(conditions apply, not to be used on conjunction with any other offer).

The helicopter vouchers will be issued upon receipt of the final cruise payment.