Welcome to the Wet Season!

We hope you've enjoyed a great start to 2011, and we look forward to keeping you informed of all the fun and action taking place across the Kimberley during the new season now just upon us.

If you ask any long-time Broome or Kimberley local how this year’s Wet Season is faring, you will hear a resounding "it's been amazing!”

After one of the biggest Wet Season's on record, it promises to be an impressive year in the Kimberley and we are excited about what we'll discover on our Kimberley Classic Adventures beginning next Saturday.

From December onwards we have had constant heavy rain on most days, amidst some of the most spectacular storms. It has bucketed down in the streets of Broome, and the heavens have opened onto the Kimberley Coastline, with Kuri Bay receiving an incredible recorded 1300 mm! While sadly the East has suffered terrible flooding, over here in the North West we have welcomed the wet conditions, for to us it brings the intense power and action to our countless magical waterfalls, making the Kimberley Coast one of the most astounding and majestic places on earth.

Renowned professional Kimberley photographer Yane Sotiroski, had the very good fortune of viewing the coastline by helicopter recently, and came back with some stunning snaps taken from the air. You can view the gallery here. Yane has lived in Broome since the age of 5, experiencing a lot of Wet Seasons over the years, and on reflection Yane says "this year I'd have to say is one of the best. This truly is a beautiful part of the world. I think this year the Cascades, Mitchell Falls and the mighty King George will be flowing well into the Dry Season." Have a look at Kings Cascades thundering down in this very short video taken from the chopper. Taken from a phone camera!

Yane will be travelling on the 13 night Kimberley Classic Adventure departing April 2nd and welcomes budding photographers to join him for an unsurpassed photographic experience in the Kimberley due to the sensational conditions. Yane will be available for on-site photographic workshopping and advice. To view Yane's photographic work visit www.yane.com.au

For anyone considering cruising the Kimberley Coast, with time to travel this year, you would be absolutely mad not to take advantage of this year's phenomenal Wet Season follow-on.

If you're keen to join in this experience we have just 3 Horizon View Staterooms remaining on the 2nd April 2011 departure (the 2nd cruise for the season), and only 2 Horizon View Staterooms remaining on the 30th April departure for our 13 night Kimberley Classic Adventures. Email us or phone 08 9193 5983 for more information.

AdventureSmith Explorations Expands Australian Cruise Itineraries

Thanks to Fleet of Three Small Expedition Vessels

Cruise broker AdventureSmith Explorations, www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/, the active travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small, expedition ships, announces re-configured Australia cruise itineraries made possible by a fleet of three small ships carrying only 46 (Coral Princess), 50 (Coral Princess II) and 72 (Oceanic Discover) passengers. Their sizes mean that the ships can maneuver hard-to-reach points of interest such as the Great Barrier Reef that larger vessels can't.

For example, an 8-day Great Barrier Reef small ship cruise aboard Coral Princess is the "most popular and most comprehensive Great Barrier Reef cruise available in Australia," combining the lore of discoverer Captain Cook with the intrigue of the reef itself. Guests rub elbows with marine biologists and snorkel and dive nearly at whim. Rates are from AUD$2,883 per person double, representing "one of the best values in cruise vacations to be found anywhere in the world," according to AdventureSmith Explorations. Departures from Townsville and Cairns are weekly year-round. For details please see:

http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/324

"Smaller boats mean more activity for guests," said Todd Smith, founder and director of AdventureSmith Explorations. "It is a lot easier to get 46 snorkeling-bound passengers onto the reef than it is to get 100 there. Plus Coral Princess has more experience as a dive/snorkel operator, having pioneered reef cruising in the region."

Small ship cruising in Australia is up according to Smith and 2011 is promising to be a banner year.

"According to Tourism Australia, it continues to be one of the hottest destinations in the world with 2010 visitors increasing by 6% over 2009. One of the hottest trends seen, Australia small ship cruise business has increased an impressive 30% each year for the past two years. Tourism Australia anticipates an even larger increase in 2011," said Smith.

Smith said that the fleet makes available "Explorer," an awning-draped aluminum excursion vessel used for landings and extensive exploration of King George Falls and secluded rivers.

Another cruise adventure accesses the Kimberley, a region on the northwest side of Australia bordering the Indian Ocean. An 11-day cruise is from AUD$6,950 per person double. The cruise aboard Coral Princess II or Oceanic Discoverer begins from the frontier towns of either Darwin or Broome and makes extensive use of "Explorer" on forays along the Outback. For details please see:

http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/337

About Adventure Smith Explorations

AdventureSmith Explorations is the global leader in small ship, adventure cruise vacations. Company founder Todd Smith helped pioneer the concept of wilderness cruising that combines the comforts of a small cruise ship with the adventure of sea kayaking, hiking and exploring remote wilderness areas ashore. The company matches guests with the top names in small ship cruising as well with intimate, boutique ships that may not make the radar of most travelers.

In moving through exotic natural environments and exploring vibrant native cultures seldom associated with more mainstream cruise itineraries, AdventureSmith Explorations dedicates its efforts to small footprint, sustainable travel and has launched a carbon free cruising initiative. Its off-the-beaten-path destinations include Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Hawaii, Peru, the Arctic, Antarctica, and Australia.

The company's mission is to give back to the individuals, communities and environments touched by AdventureSmith Explorations trips by connecting travelers with a network of grassroots and global nonprofit partners worldwide including the Alaska Natural History Association, Neotropica Foundation and Galapagos Conservancy. The company was named by National Geographic Adventure as one of "The Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth" and is the recipient of Conde Nast Traveler's prestigious "World Savers Award."

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, California along the western shore of Lake Tahoe.  Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or 530-583-1775. Email: travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com or visit: www.AdventureSmithExplorations.com.

An Invitation to the Kimberley's Remote Coast from Aurora Expeditions

© Andrew Halsall

Discover this magical yet remote coastline with legendary Kimberley expeditioner, Mike Cusack on the Coral Princess. In 1987, Mike and his wife Susan were chosen to be the first Australian Geographic's Wilderness Couple. Mike will share his experiences with you of this once forbidding ancient and forgotten land.

Unlock her secrets in over one thousand miles of towering cliffs, plunging waterfalls, and beckoning white beaches which will touch your soul like no where else on Earth. After a remarkable wet season this year, Kimberley will be at its best for the start of Aurora Expeditions' thirteenth season.

Join Mike on the Kunmunya 'Wilderness' Walk, exclusive to Aurora Expeditions' passengers. The optional 9.5 km, or seven hour, rock-hopping journey is an inspirational and authentic bush experience, and one of the best ways to discover the true heart of the Kimberley.

With such an isolated coastline, many of the Kimberley Coast's most fascinating sites can only be accessed by sea. Passengers will visit islands with nesting boobies and frigate birds, revel in the amazing Montgomery Reef, uncover the ancient secrets of Aboriginal rock art galleries and participate in the excitement of spotlighting saltwater crocodiles. Carved by millions of years of extreme tidal patterns, complex river systems, waterfalls and freshwater swimming holes complete the Kimberley delights.

The voyages will also be joined by eminent indigenous art historian Garry Darby and the inimitable Chris Done, whose years of research as a naturalist bring the wonders of the Kimberley Coast to life.

As with all Aurora Expedition's voyages, emphasis is placed on a combination of interactive experiences with the environment and a strong educational element. Our onboard team of lecturers and naturalists are Kimberley experts who interpret history, plants and animals from Aboriginal and European perspectives.

Departures still available in May and June 2011.

Voyages 1 & 2 - Broome to Broome

Depart - 30th May & 10th June 2011 (11 days)

These unique expeditions travel from Broome to Bigge Island off the Kimberley's northwest coast and back again. Along the way travellers will see the Lacepede Islands, a prime breeding ground for green turtles and tens of thousands of breeding birds; the tidal pools of Montgomery Reef; and the secrets of the Wandjina spirit paintings.

Voyage 3 - Broome to Darwin

Departs - 20th June 2011 (11 days)

The third voyage explores from one end of the Kimberley Coast to the other, crossing Joseph Bonaparte Gulf and visiting the spectacular King George River on the north coast. Cruising north, expeditioners will explore the renowned Horizontal Waterfalls, the shark, turtle and whale rich waters of Montgomery Reef, Prince Regent National Park and the spectacular 90 metre plunge of the King George Falls.


Prices are from AU$6,950 per person twin-share, including all meals on board and Zodiac excursions. Solo travellers are welcome.

Special offer - Simply book on any of Aurora Expeditions' 2011 Kimberley voyages before 31 March 2011 to receive a FREE accommodation and Minyirr Park tour package valued at $300. Conditions apply.

For more details or to obtain a copy of the Kimberley Coast 2011 brochure, contact Aurora Expeditions on 1800 637 688 (Australia only) or +61 2 9252 1033, visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE!

With a record breaking wet season in progress, the True North crew are gearing up for the Ultimate 2011 Kimberley Waterfall season.

Andre, our onboard naturalist stated that, “last month Kuri Bay on the Kimberley coast recorded 1395mm – the highest monthly rainfall recorded in WA – EVER! The Bureau of Meteorology says the heavy rainfall is expected to continue as the water temperature is still so warm".

Any True North guest who has travelled in our early waterfall season, will tell you there’s nothing better than seeing the Kimberley coast in all its glory. Feel the force of the mighty waterfalls, swim in one of the many fresh water swimming holes and capture the beautiful lush green vegetation that surrounds you.

Come and join the crew on board the True North to experience the 2011 ground breaking waterfall season.

We can’t wait to share this with you.

Our waterfall season kicks off on the 12th March, please see below our cruising schedule for your perusal:

Kimberley Ultimate 1 Broome - Wyndham 12 March - 25 March

Kimberley Gorges 1 Wyndham - Hunter River/Broome 26 March - 02 April

Kimberley Islands 1 Broome/Hunter River - Broome 02 April - 08 April

Kimberley Ultimate 2 Broome - Wyndham 09 April - 22 April

Kimberley Gorges 2 Wyndham - Hunter River/Broome 23 April - 30 April

Kimberley Islands 2 Broome/Hunter River - Broome 30 April - 06 May

For up to date Kimberley cruise availability, please click on the following link http://www.northstarcruises.com.au/sailingschedule.asp?Date=2011

or call us on 08 9192 1829.

Secrets of the Kimberley

The relative cool of autumn is a fine time of year to take in one of the world's last great wilderness areas, the Kimberley.

Its coastline is a craggy land of deep gorges, coral reefs and mangroves, and World Expeditions (www.worldexpeditions.com or 1300 720 000) gives travellers a window on this wild land from their expedition cruise boat Odyssey on a nine-day cruise, accessing the Kimberley coastline without the need for weeks of punishing bush-bashing in a 4WD.

The cruise leaves Broome and heads north into this unforgiving place, where you'll encounter such remote gems as the thousand-island Buccaneer Archipelago with its horizontal waterfalls, white sandy beaches and Aboriginal sites.

The accent is on day walks and shore exploration, including visits to the Lacepede Islands, Montgomery Reef, Sale River, Prince Regent River, King Cascade and Camp Creek.

From Naturaliste Island passengers will have the chance to take a stunning helicopter flight over the Mitchell Falls before flying back to Broome.

All meals are included, as are Zodiac excursions and helicopter transfers.

The trip departs continually from the beginning of April, also operating in reverse, and costs $7200 for a standard cabin.

“Awesome” wet season bodes well for Kimberley coastal cruising

A very wet, yet “awesome” wet season will mean spectacular waterfalls for the March-May start of the Kimberley cruise season, according to Pearl Sea Coastal Cruises which has been operating cruises there for 17 years.

PSCC Director Jeff Ralston said Broome had 400mm of rain in January alone, compared to 140mm last year, “so there is already plenty of water across the region to sustain the spectacular nature of our waterfalls and rock pools”.

“While we are mindful of the damage and heartache brought by big summer rains in the eastern states, for our tourist industry the rains here are awesome and that will mean great conditions for seeing the Kimberley coast at its very natural best,” he said.

Kimberley cruise discounts for 2011 and 2012
Pearl Sea Coastal Cruises is offering discounts on its seven and 13-day Kimberley coast cruises this year and next year -- a five percent discount for two or three cabins booked together or a 10 per cent discount for four-plus cabins booked together.

PSCC operates the boutique Kimberley Quest II, a nine-cabin/18-passenger cruiser, on seven-day cruises between Broome and Mitchell Falls and Wyndham and the Mitchell Falls plus 13-day cruises between Broome and Wyndham.

PSCC Director Jeff Ralston said there was still availability across the March-May start to the season which continues until October.

The seven-day cruises are from $8345 per person twin share and the 13-day itineraries are from $12,095. There are four cabin styles.

The prices include private cabin with ensuite bathroom, all chef-prepared meals served on the shady stern deck or in the air-conditioned lounge, full use of the vessel and guided land and water excursions. The seven-day cruise price also includes a light aircraft and helicopter flight between Broome and the Mitchell Plateau.

On 12 of 25 departures, naturalist and researcher Tim Willing is on board to provide expert commentary on this region’s stunning flora and fauna.

Excursions to waterfalls, rock pools, rock art, for bush walking, bird watching, nature viewing, and fishing (to eat) and scenic tender rides to the must-see Horizontal Falls and Montgomery Reef are on the itinerary. So too is time out to relax in the spa on the forward deck, or to help yourself to the caffe latte machine day and night on the stern deck.

Contact: Tel 08 9193 6131, or see www.kimberleyquest.com.au

Orion's Inland Sea of Japan - Samurai, Sake and Soba

Orion Expedition Cruises' new ship Orion II will be making her inaugural voyages to Japan in June and July 2011. The ten night Inland Sea of Japan voyages live up the promise of a path less travelled, with the specialist expedition team introducing guests to insider experiences, many exclusive to Orion.

Orion II will visit Kanazawa, one of the few places in Japan where geisha culture is still alive, its 100 year old former geisha house retaining the look and feel of 19th century Japan. Guests will enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at Kenrokuen Garden, considered to be one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. Ponds, fountains, waterfalls, pagodas and bridges harmonise within landscaped gardens first established in the 17th century by the feudal lords of Kaga as their private garden.

Cruise the moat surrounding imposing Matsue Castle; learn to make Soba noodles; stroll the main street of Sakaiminato with hundreds of bronze statues depicting animated cartoon monsters and enjoy a visit to Sakai's Sake brewery to sample their fine rice wine.

The path less travelled varies according to each voyage, including an introduction to the strict code of the samurai when guests meet a direct descendent of the Shoguns. Or guests may witness an extraordinary special event, the Sumo of the Bulls. Far from the barbaric Spanish bull rings, and in keeping with the respect shown to Ushioni, the great bull demon, participating bulls are treated with great respect. Two massive bulls pit their intuition against each other, locking horns until one of the bulls is brought to its knees, the other declared the victor.

Other experiences include traditional drumming with Japan's best Taiko drum troupe, Kodo, and a trip in a Taraibune - round barrel boats traditionally used to collect abalone and other molluscs from narrow coves.

An added attraction on these voyages is a side-trip to Busan (South Korea) with its world renowned Jalgachi Fish Market, arguably the best of its kind in the world, where every kind of edible sea creature is on sale.

With Orion even traditional Japanese highlights have an unexpected twist. A visit to one of the most recognisable images of Japan, the large vermillion coloured O-Torii symbolic entrance gate to the Miyajima (Shrine Island) is itself visually spectacular, yet when Orion II visits guests will be treated to an exclusive Kagura performance, with sacred music and dance of traditional ceremonies held in Japanese shrines.

The visit to Hiroshima revolves around the Peace Park, Peace Museum and the A-Bomb Dome and includes meeting one of the few remaining survivors of the actual bombing who will relate personal experiences of that day and life since the bombing in Hiroshima (the lecture will be translated into English).

Art lovers will be excited when, in Kurashiki with its cobblestone streets and boutique shops lining the river, guests visit the Ōhara Museum of Art. Established in 1930 by Magosaburō Ōhara, the museum houses works by El Greco, Monet, Matisse, Gauguin, and Renoir.

Mixing traditional highlights with the unexpected - providing fascinating insights into the culture, history and geography of a region - is part of Orion's DNA, revealed this time during inaugural expeditions to Japan.


PLEASE NOTE: some aspects of these itineraries may change as arrangements are finalised and not all shore experiences are included on each voyage - refer to Orion Expedition Cruises or your travel agent for detailed itineraries. Check for latest updates on www.orionexpeditions.com

Orion's voyages to the Inland Sea of Japan all start and finish in places with international flight access. Kobe and Aomori are the points of embarkation or disembarkation.

Fares Guide: Pricing onboard all Orion and Orion II voyages is in Australian dollars.

Early booking savings currently available

2011 Inland Sea of Japan - Discovery of an Ancient Culture 10 night fares begin from $8,150 per person for an Ocean View Suite/Category B. Junior Suites from $11,300 per person and Penthouse Suites with balcony are $16,400 per person

Expedition fares per person twin occupancy include accommodation, all meals, landings, port charges, gratuities and selected activities ashore.

Additional information:

Orion Expedition Cruises' itineraries for 2011 will include 49 voyages to 17 countries and more than 170 remote and exotic destinations stretching from Antarctica to the Russian Far East including Borneo, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and the Inland Sea of Japan (onboard Orion II) and Australia's Kimberley coast and Arnhem Land, New Zealand and the Sub Antarctic islands and Papua New Guinea (onboard Orion).

Akin to a private mega-yacht, accommodating just 50 couples, Orion II's staff of 70 professionally caters for the needs of everyone in an unobtrusive yet attentive way.

All 50 suites and staterooms have ocean views, marble bathrooms, flat screen TV and DVD/CD player, internet accessibility and choice of queen or twin bed configuration.

Elegant throughout, Orion's features include a sauna, health spa and gym, boutique, library with internet access, a wide range of water sport activities, plus a choice of dining areas and innovative menus created by multi-award winning chef, Serge Dansereau.

Further information on Orion Expedition Cruises can be obtained by visiting the website www.orionexpeditions.com
For reservations or to obtain a brochure of 2011 voyages call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) / 0800 444 462 (New Zealand) or see your travel agent.

Email: info@orionexpeditions.com