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Day by Day Summary and Map
Cruise Segment of Itinerary
Thursday - Jul 11, 2024
Day 1
Darwin, Australia
Depart for Darwin, cross the International Date Line, and arrive on Day 3. The capital of Australia's remote Northern Territory, Darwin began as a frontier town of gold miners, and has developed into a thriving multicultural city. Spend a night at the Hilton Darwin (or similar). On Day 4, board National Geographic Orion and cast off in the afternoon. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on Day 4. ... Read More
Friday - Jul 12, 2024
Day 2
Wyndham, Australia
Bus Travel
Kununurra, Australia
Day Boat Travel
Cruising Lake Argyle, Australia
Bus Travel
Wyndham, Australia
Set out via small boat up the Ord River to Lake Argyle. The Ord River is one of the most stunning river systems in Australia. We navigate a massive stretch of river between Kununurra and Lake Argyle (Ord River Dam) to then view the lake from a scenic lookout and have a visit to the historic Durack Homestead. Alternatively, take an optional flight to discover Purnululu National Park, home of the breathtaking Bungle Bungle Range. These ancient hills resemble giant beehives forming deep chasms with palm trees and long gorges. This strange landscape is remarkable from the air. ... Read More
Saturday - Jul 13, 2024
Day 3
Koolama Bay, Australia
We drop anchor here and Zodiacs take us up the spectacular King George River, with its almost vertical sheer canyon walls. The river drains the Gardner Plateau here into the highest single-drop falls in the Kimberley. Conditions permitting, hang back and refresh in the thundering mist or get right up close, even under, the cool fresh waterfalls. ... Read More
Sunday - Jul 14, 2024
Day 4
Vansittart Bay, Australia
Today, our naturalists lead us to an outdoor Gwion Gwion Aboriginal art gallery. Discovered by Joseph Bradshaw in 1891, the rock images are estimated to be up to 40,000 years old. Nearby there is a wreck of a DC-3 aircraft that became lost and crashed during World War II. If time allows, explore the crash site and the remains of the plane. ... Read More
Monday - Jul 15, 2024
Day 5
Cruising Ashmore Reef, Australia
Onboard National Geographic Orion, experience amazing photographic opportunities in the majestic and rugged Kimberley with hands-on instruction by our Certified Photo Instructor. Enjoy talks by our naturalist staff; a large open foredeck with room to move about, dine, and view wildlife up close from outside vantage points; our observation lounge, providing panoramic vistas of the scenery; and our fitness center, spa, and sauna, staffed by wellness specialists. The ship makes a brief technical stop at Ashmore Reef Marine Park, an Australian External Territory and a birders' paradise. Be on the lookout for curlew sandpipers, bar-tailed godwits, and great knots to check off your list before continuing into the heart of the Kimberley. ... Read More
Tuesday - Jul 16, 2024
Day 6
Captain's Choice, United States
Wednesday - Jul 17, 2024
Day 7
Cruising Hunter River, Australia
This is one of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast, lined with green rainforest, mangroves, and soaring red cliffs. We drop anchor near Naturalists Island, also known by its indigenous name, Wunumpurramarra-a stunning backdrop to our day's explorations. The Hunter River has many crocodiles, and we keep an eye out for them on a Zodiac foray through the mangroves. For those wishing to explore some of the Kimberley's vast interior, today presents a wonderful opportunity. The distance from Naturalists Island to the famous Mitchell Falls and Plateau is about 30 miles, and guests may choose to take an optional helicopter tour over some spectacular terrain. ... Read More
Thursday - Jul 18, 2024
Day 8
Cruising Montgomery Reef, Australia
When we arrive at high tide, we see very little of Montgomery Reef. However, if conditions are right, the tide may drop rapidly away and a raging torrent of water erupts, as miles of surrounding reef appear to slowly rise out of the ocean. A Zodiac maneuvers us into a channel in the reef as water cascades down on either side. It is the perfect spot to watch for cormorants, egrets, and sandpipers foraging for sea life trapped on the surface of the reef. Below the waterline, opportunistic sea turtles, reef sharks, and many larger fish also take advantage of this feast. ... Read More
Friday - Jul 19, 2024
Day 9
Horizontal Waterfalls, Australia
Cyclone Bay, Australia
The Horizontal Waterfalls in the Buccaneer Archipelago are created by the rapid tidal fall on the ocean side of the cliffs. When conditions are right, a "waterfall" up to ten feet high may form as the trapped landward waters cascade out through the narrow gap to the ocean side. Enjoy an exhilarating trip by Zodiac to witness this extraordinary phenomenon. Later in the day, guests can join the naturalist guides on an excursion to Cyclone Bay to explore the twisted geological folds of the ancient seabed. ... Read More
Saturday - Jul 20, 2024
Day 10
Nares Point, Australia
Just off Koolan Island, this geological finger of sandstone protruding into the ocean provides great opportunities for Zodiac safaris.
Sunday - Jul 21, 2024
Day 11
Broome, Australia
Disembark in Broome and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Cruise and Land Value Offers that combine with this sailing.
Pricing Terms and Conditions
Unless otherwise indicated above, all cruise rates are per person, double occupancy, cruise-only without airfare, do not include government taxes and fees and quoted in in U.S. dollars. Ponant Cruises rates are based on foreign currencies that are converted to USD based on today's exchange rates. Rates are subject to availability, can vary by ship and sailing date, and for new bookings only. Fares are capacity controlled, and subject to change without notice. Port charges are included. Prices do not include additional service charges; Travel Insurance; and applicable government taxes & fees unless otherwise specified in the offer. Surcharges and fees implemented by a travel supplier, even after the reservation is made, will be the sole responsibility of each traveler and is due and payable in full prior to departure. Certain promotions which may include amenities like shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities, drink packages or other packages may be available by category, room type or fare code and may not be combinable with other promotions. For any questions, please consult one of our cruise specialists for applicability and verification. All prices, inclusions & promotions listed on the web-site are current at the time they we published and are subject to change without advance notice. Arrivia, Inc., its subsidiaries, and partners are not responsible for last minute changes to price or itinerary by cruise lines, or for any errors or omissions in the content of this website.