Swan Hellenic - The Kimberley - July & August 2023

The Kimberley Cultural Expedition Cruises

SWAN HELLENIC DIFFERENCE

See what others don’t

Some people see things as they are, others look further. Let us take you on a journey, that will change the way you see the world. Sail to some of the most incredible, remote destinations on the planet. When you travel with us, the wonders of the world take on a richer hue.

THE

Over 70 years of cruise expertise

That’s how long we’ve been navigating the world’s waters. Swan Hellenic is built on a passion for exploration, a reputation for safety and professionalism of the highest standard.

Boutique ships

Just you and nature, that’s how you’ll feel on our 5 star contemporary Scandinavian inspired ships. With open-plan design, panoramic views and a focus on wellness, they’re the perfect place to relax, recharge and explore.

Intuitive service

When it comes to anticipating your needs, no request is too big or too small. To us, personal and unobtrusive service means everything from making sure you’re fully equipped for an Arctic excursion to remembering your favourite gin serve when it comes to predinner drinks.

Enriching cultural expeditions

Once, we travelled to educate – professors, scientists, researchers. Over the years, we’ve developed a deep knowledge of the world. Today, we use this knowledge to create immersive cultural experiences that take you to the heart of a place.

Large crocodile slips into the river

CULTURAL CRUISING

Exploring with head and heart

Swan Hellenic pioneered cultural expedition cruising in 1954, when we took members of the Hellenic Society around the famous sites of ancient Greece in the company of eminent classicists.

So when you choose Swan Hellenic to see what others don’t – you can be sure you’ll do so with a full perspective and real insight into the history, cultures, wildlife, flora, geology and geography of the place. Briefings before each disembarkation and recaps afterwards supplement our lectures and talks, stimulating a relaxed social environment that encourages the sharing of experiences.

Every Swan Hellenic cruise is the same today, combining geographical exploration with cultural and scientific discovery. We don't just take you to explore the most extraordinary places on earth. We bring you the company of like-minded people and renowned experts, who offer eye-opening lectures and are on hand for informal questions and discussion throughout your cruise.

At the same time, every Swan Hellenic cruise is also full of opportunities for you to develop your creative passions, with professionals on board to support you in photography and more. A library completes the picture, with a multitude of books on every subject, for you to take your interests to another level.

It’s the depth of these other dimensions that’s unique to Swan Hellenic, making us the first choice of adventurous minds worldwide.

Endless ways to spend your day

Our cultural expedition cruises really are unique. So, we’d like to give you a brief idea of a typical day aboard. Except we can't. Because there’s no such thing as a typical day with Swan Hellenic. We can merely outline the possibilities that allow guests to tailor every moment to their interests and mood, even if that simply involves rising late to breakfast in bed, or standing over the prow in the Swan’s Nest late at night, musing out to sea.

So, here it is. A day of exceptional choices.

Breakfast with view

Waking comfortably refreshed to the natural textures and panoramic views of your stateroom, breakfast is just a short walk away. Choose anything from a light continental breakfast through to a substantial cooked meal that will fuel you up for an action-packed day. Then make your way down to Basecamp, a Conciergemanaged full-service changing room where you kit up for your expeditions.

Expedition expertise

Here, you’ll be briefed on any technical aspects before setting off in small groups - each with its own expert guide – for your choice from a wide range of options, extending from kayaking to expeditions in the best performing zodiacs, exploring the coast or landing ashore to hike inland and discover areas of outstanding interest and beauty.

Relax and unwind

The afternoon offers the opportunity of an expert lecture on the area, followed by further expeditions or excursions. Or, of course, you could lounge out on the extensive decks, observing the astounding seascapes and wildlife. Or you could grab a towel, sit back and sweat it out, admiring every aspect from inside the panoramic sauna - before or after a soothing massage. Or you could visit the gym or the hairdresser or shop for essentials.

Fine Dining

Back on board, changing and chatting over a coffee in Basecamp as the attendants take care of your kit, you’ll have time to compare impressions and share experiences before lunch, whether snacking in the Club Lounge or savouring something more substantial or even sumptuous in the Swan Restaurant.

Evening entertainment

Soon it will be time for the daily recap and any briefing for tomorrow’s expeditions. And then it’s on to the pleasures of elegant but informal dining, followed by a piano performance, board game, cards, outdoor wildlife observation or stargazing under crystal clear skies. And with all that to float your boat, you’ll ease happily into your supportive mattress at the end of the day, with a great night’s sleep assured.

What's included

When the details are taken care of, you can focus on making the most of your expedition. So we’ve included all the little details in the price of your cruise fare.

• Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port (via our included accommodation)

• One night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a 4/5-star hotel according to the port of embarkation

• All meals onboard

• Onboard accommodation in a stateroom selected category

• 24-hour room service

• Coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day

• Lecture programmes by our experienced expedition team and guest speakers

• Selected expedition activities led by our expedition team

• Standard WiFi

• Onboard gratuities & port taxes

Swan Hellenic’s exceptional on-board experience also extends to drinks with hot and cold beverages, soft drinks and wines served 24 hours a day.

If you fancy a drink in the middle of the nightno problem! You can relax in style with a drink at any time in our restaurants and club lounge without worrying about the bill.

Premium wines and spirits excluded

The Kimberley.

A place of unique experiences

Size 424.000 square km

Key wildlife Dugong, crocodiles, white-bellied sea eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Brahminny kite, egrets, tawny nurse sharks, green sea turtles, humpback whales and rock wallabies

When we sail July–August

Australia is a place of extremes and the dramatic Kimberley, in the country’s northwest, is no exception. One of Australia’s remotest regions it is home to some of the country’s most unsung natural attractions – many of them inaccessible by road. Exploring by Zodiac affords access to ochre-red gorges, thundering waterfalls, and an extraordinary tidal reef.

Gantheaume Point , Broome

Discover ancient landscapes on our exceptional 11-day voyage exploring Kimberley, Western Australia’s most sparsely settled northern region. Your journey around this precious coastal wilderness is defined by azure blue seas, tiny islands, fjordlands and extraordinary high tides. Inland, Aborignal art daubs towering sandstone cliffs and caves, while the scraggy eucalypt savannah is home to crocodiles and rock wallabies. Get your camera ready as we sail through humpback whale calving grounds, as boobies, egrets and Eastern ospreys take to the skies. With some areas only accessible by sea, cruising this revered land on our luxury, boutique ship will leave lasting memories.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture as you get up close to ancient Wandjina art figures on cliffs and in caves

• Keep an eye out at sea for breaching humpback whales and brown boobies overhead

• Spot crocodiles basking along mangrove-lined rivers and creeks

• Witness gushing waterfalls and the extraordinary tidal phenomenon of Horizontal Falls

• Learn more about this remote Western Australian region from our on board team of experts

Day Visiting

• 1 Darwin

• 2 At Sea

• 3 Wyndham

• 4 King George River

• 5 Hunter River & Mitchell Falls

• 6 Bigge Island & Low Rocks

• 7 Ashmore Reef

• 8 Montgomery Reef & Freshwater Cove

• 9 Kury Bay, Talbot Bay & Horizontal Falls

• 10 Lacedepe Islands

• 11 Broome

Ports, port order and itinerary duration may vary, for the most up-to-date details see swanhellenic.com 14 July & 3 August sailings operate in reverse order, from Broome to Darwin

KING GEORGE RIVER

HORIZONTAL FALLS

This natural phenomenon is caused by massive tidal movements.

Zipping across it by boat is huge fun.

Bigge Island & Low Rocks

On a river cruise to the twin falls watch for basking crocodiles or spot Eastern ospreys, oystercatchers and peregrine falcons.

Kury Bay, Talbot Bay & Horizontal Falls

Lacedepe Islands Broome

BIGGE ISLAND

We visit for ancient Aboriginal art. On the beach you might see the tracks of sea turtles who come to lay eggs in the dunes.

King George River

Darwin Hunter River & Mitchell Falls

Montgomery Reef & Freshwater Cove

AUSTRALIA

Purnululu National Park

THE

Wyndham

Ashmore Reef

Porosus Creek in Prince Frederick Harbor

• Day 1

Darwin

The coastal port and gateway to Australia's Northern Territory, Darwin is best known for its parks and gardens. Learn to identify regional flora, tropical plants and orchids at the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens. Discover Aboriginal Art at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, or take a stroll through Old Darwin, past buildings that chart the city’s history from the days when Charles Darwin’s HMS Beagle first visited Darwin harbour in 1839.

Purnululu National Park, Bungle Bungles

Wyndham

Wyndham is the most northerly town in the Kimberley and one of the most remote outback towns in Australia. As a significant port town for the region it services the cattle export industry, mining and tourism industries and the Ord River Irrigation Project. The population has fluctuated depending on the industries and now is about 1000 spread over the small settlement near the port and the main town a few kilometres away. The local population is considered ‘colourful’ given their rugged existence in this remote location. The ‘Aussie Outback’ at its finest.

Included Swan shore excursions

Ord River Cruise Cruise 55km up the Ord River/Lake Kununurra enjoying this amazing man-made waterway while observing wildlife along the way. Cruise in the heart of the Carlton Gorge and stunning red cliffs that the Kimberley is famous for.

Optional Swan shore excursions

Bungle Bungle Scenic flight Fly past the Diversion Dam, Lake Kununurra and over the Ord Irrigation Area before crossing the Carr Boyd Range. Enjoy aerial views of the Ord Dam and the full expanse of Lake Argyle. Fly past Lissadell Homestead, over the Osmand Range and on to Purnululu National Park and the Bungle Bungle massif.

King George River

After anchoring in the relative shelter of Koolama Bay, your expedition team will guide you up the King George River for an extensive zodiac cruise. The entrance appears concealed at first and as you enter the estuary and travel the many kilometres to the King George Falls you will experience some of the best the Kimberley has to offer including the 100-metre twin waterfalls that plunge over red sandstone cliffs. Initially the landscape is relatively gentle. You will pass low lying sandstone cliffs, shallow sand banks and wonderful ‘forests’ of mangroves as you weave your way through the soaring canyon to the falls. The towering sandstone cliffs become more and more spectacular as you proceed. The flow of the falls will vary depending on the time of year, and depending on what sort of ‘wet season’ occurs each year. It can even be quite dry in the winter months but still very spectacular. The landscape is rugged so it is dif ficult to make landfall, however there is the opportunity for a very strenuous hike to the top of the falls for the very fit, where the panoramic views back down the river are spectacular.

Included Swan expedition activities Zodiac Cruising

THE KIMBERLEYCULTURAL EXPEDITION

King George Falls

Hunter River & Mitchell Falls

Prince Frederick Harbour is one of the most scenic sections of the coast. Enjoy a magnificent Kimberley sunrise or sunset.

Hunter River

The Hunter River is home to a big population of estuarine crocodiles and makes for a wonderful zodiac cruise, especially if you follow the Porosus Creek, a narrow tributary flanked by mangroves. It is fascinating whatever the tidal state but great skill is demonstrated by your expedition guides at low tides as they weave their way through the mud flats and extensive mangroves.

Included Swan expedition activities

Zodiac Cruising

Mitchell Falls

The waters of the mighty Mitchell River cascade over four tiers of cliffs, with a total drop of over 80 metres. The Mitchell River below the falls is not navigable by expedition ship, meaning that you won’t be cruising directly to the base. Instead, you will need to ‘chopper in’.

Optional Swan shore excursions

Mitchell Falls Helicopter Tour

Experience the thrill of a helicopter beach take-off as you depart the Kimberley Coast to fly inland. Enjoy views of the untouched coastline, then follow the Hunter River upstream past Donkins Hill and over the Kimberley Plateau. Land above the Mitchell Falls on a natural rock platform where you will be shown the wondrous natural sights by the onboard Naturalist. The return flight follows the infamous JRC Creek and the boarder of the Admiralty Gulf Aboriginal Reserve, then as you approach Naturalists Island you will experience breathtaking views of Prince Frederick Harbour and Mt. Trafalgar in the distance.

Prince Frederick Harbour, Hunter River, Porosus Creek

Roebuck Bay

Included Swan expedition activities

Remote Wandjina rock art

An easy zodiac landing and coastal walk about half a kilometre on sand trails, rocky outcrops and through some mangroves. Those who are less mobile will find spectacular artwork near the landing beach.

• Day 6

Bigge Island & Low Rocks

Arriving at Bigge you will experience a beautiful beach landing next to a turquoise coloured sea surrounded by low lying sandstone outcrops. Once ashore you may see the tracks of sea turtles that come and go at dawn and dusk to lay their eggs in the low sand dunes. But the main attraction here is the ancient Wandjina art. With large, round eyes and halos around their heads, Wandjinas are associated with rain and seasonal regeneration. Their location, in such remote places, really makes you think about the amazing resourcefulness of the Indigenous people who have lived and thrived off this remote country for thousands of years.

• Day 7

Ashmore Reef

Ashmore Reef Marine Park is a protected aquatic sanctuary in the uninhabited, Australian External Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands of Australia some 630 km north of Broome. With the greatest number of species of reef coral in Western Australia, the intact Ashmore Reef is the ideal haven for us to take out the Zodiacs to snorkel, swim and spot 100,000 breeding seabirds, turtles and the unusual dugongs among the brightly coloured corals, sponges and seagrass.

Included Swan expedition activities

Snorkeling

Birdwatching

Coastline of Bigge Island

• Day 8

Montgomery Reef & Freshwater Cove

Montgomery Reef Home to the Southern Hemisphere’s most important humpback whale nursery, Montgomery Reef is a biologically diverse coral reef covering some 300 square kilometres. As the tide drops, this 400-kilometre square reef starts to emerge for its twice daily low tide exposure. The ship usually arrives in time for a falling tide and your expedition team will time your zodiac cruise so that you can navigate one of the deep channels where you will witness the gushing waterfalls coming off the reef as the tide keeps falling. During this brief exposure many egrets and other birds come in search of shellfish and you may see marine turtles and other intertidal life. At the end of the cruise, if the tide permits you may be able to land briefly on the sandbanks at the mouth of the channel.

Included Swan expedition activities

Zodiac Cruising

Freshwater Cove

Another great place to view the Wandjina Aboriginal Art. We are usually met by locals at the beach who do a welcoming ceremony before we proceed up to the caves. The Wandjinas spent most of their time catching fish in specially designed fish traps. Their stories are depicted in the artwork in the caves.

8Included Swan expedition activities

The art caves

This is an experience of a lifetime to visit a truly unique Rock Art site like nothing else in the world. We will share our story of Widjingarra Bard Bard before leading you on a bush walk through Worrorra country. On our way, we stop to admire the view across to Montgomery Reef and see the area where the story of the Cyclone cave unfolds. At this ancient cave you will be captivated by the art work and the fascinating story of the Eye of the Sea. This is truly a unique place. Take in the atmosphere, feel our Worrorra culture, our way of life, our history and our future. On your return to the beach, relax, share a cuppa and damper with the artists and peruse their paintings. These are available for purchase from the artists. We will farewell you with a traditional smoking ceremony on the beach.

Montgomery Reef

Cyclone Creek

The zodiac cruise is spectacular and the geology is exposed and very interesting from folded rock layers, examples of siltstone layers and then larger rock conglomerate. There is also good potential for wildlife viewing

Included Swan expedition activities

Zodiac Cruising

• Day 9

Kury Bay, Talbot Bay & Horizontal Falls

Located deep within Talbot Bay about 20 miles to the east of Cockatoo Island in the Buccaneer Archipelago are the Horizontal Waterfalls.

Horizontal Falls

Massive tidal movements of up to 10 metres difference between high and low tide create a waterfall effect as water banks up against one side of the narrow cliff passage. This is repeated with each turning tide. The water builds up in front of the two narrow rocky gaps faster than it can flow through and there can be a fourmetre-high waterfall between the bays during the biggest spring tides. The twin gaps are part of the McLarty Ranges which have 2 ridges running parallel about 300 metres apart. The first gap is only about 20 metres wide with sheer rock walls on either side, and the second is even narrower so more constricting. And at ‘slack water’ (the momentary timing as the tide turns) it is like a mill pond for about half an hour.

Optional Swan shore excursions

Horizontal Falls Fast Boat Ride

Local fast boat that zooms through the falls at the height of the tidal current to experience the water rushing in or out of the inner bays.

• Day 10

Lacepede Islands

After being amongst the spectacular arid sandstone geology, mangrove fringed estuaries and rivers, it’s a nice contrast to travel a little way out to sea to the sandy coastal Lacepede Islands where seabirds and marine life abound. At high tide your expedition guides will skillfully navigate into the lagoons to see many species of seabirds. Overhead you will notice hundreds of large seabirds called Boobies (part of the Gannett family) with their distinct brown and white colouring, as well as the unusually shaped black frigate birds. In the water from your zodiac you can marvel at the marine life including turtles and eagle rays. As you approach and depart the islands it is worth watching out for Humpback Whales from the ship.

Included Swan expedition activities

Zodiac Cruising

• Day 11

Broome

Sitting between the red desert and azure blue sea, the modern town of Broome is trimmed with white beaches. A draw for pearl fishing, divers once combed the coast for the riches of quality pearls. Visit Chinatown, established by early pearl traders, and shop for pearl jewellery. As well as soaking up the vibrant colours of the landscape, look out for osprey nesting on the pier or visit Gantheaume Point where, at low tide, the beach’s red rocks reveal dinosaur tracks.

Extraordinary encounters

The spectacular Indian Ocean coastline, reef systems, gorges and sandstone ranges of the Kimberley are home to several marine and terrestrial national parks. Keep an eye out Eastern ospreys, endangered Gouldian finches, humpback whales, saltwater and estuarine crocodiles and six of the world’s seven species of turtle.

Brahminy Kite

This medium-sized bird of prey has a white head and breast and chestnut coloured wings. They are often spotted on rock perches before swooping down onto prey in the water or on the ground, usually fish and insects.

HUNTER RIVER

Dugong

Dugongs look like a stocky shaped large brown slowmoving seal with small paddle like fore-flippers and a whalelike tale. They have been called sea cows given they feed on the seagrass of the ocean floor.

KING GEORGE RIVER

Eastern Ospreys

The Osprey is a medium-sized fish-eating bird of prey with dark brown upperparts contrasting with lighter underparts. They may be seen tending their large nests made of sticks up high in the trees.

KING GEORGE RIVER

Brown Boobies

Hundreds nest on the low sand atoll islands. They can be seen overhead as they dive for fish or coming and going from their low-lying nests in the sand. If you are lucky you may see their big white ‘big bird’ fl uffy chicks.

LACEPEDE ISLANDS

Eagle Rays

Feed on small shell fish, crushing their shells with their flattened teeth.

They are excellent swimmers and are able to breach the water up to several metres above the surface.

LACEPEDE ISLANDS

Gouldian Finches

These coloured birds can be seen around the town. They are an endangered species found across the Australian north with a stronghold in the Kimberley and in most places except Wyndham can be hard to see.

WHYNDAM

Green Sea Turtles

One of the largest sea turtles. Named for the greenish colour of their cartilage and fat, they eat seagrasses and algae, which in turn helps to keep the seagrass beds healthy where other small species can thrive.

MONTGOMERY REEF

King fishers

Common sight around the mangroves. They are pretty with their turquoise back, and tail and white/cream colour. The long black bill is used to hunt for insects, small crustaceans and small reptiles.

HUNTER RIVER

Mudskippers

These amphibious fish are usually seen on mud flats in the intertidal zone near mangroves at low tide. They are around 20 centimetres in length and feed on both plant material as well as small invertebrates.

HUNTER RIVER

Peregrine Falcon

These impressive birds, not common everywhere, swoop onto their prey at speeds of up to 300 km/h so are quite distinct with a black hood, blueblack upperparts and creamy white chin and throat.

HUNTER RIVER

Terns

These white, grey-winged and black-capped coastal birds are seen closer to the mouth of the river, identifiable by their bright coloured bills. This species breeds in colonies on lakes, marshes and coasts.

KING GEORGE RIVER

Humpback Whales

These magnificent baleen whales travel great distances migrating from Antarctica to the West Australian coast for the winter when they calve in the warm waters and feed on zooplankton.

LACEPEDE ISLANDS

Lesser Frigatebirds

Like pirates of the sky, these small sea bird harass other birds in the air to force them to regurgitate their food and with acrobatic skill the frigate eats this seafood soup midfl ight.

LACEPEDE ISLANDS

Oystercatchers

The species occurs around almost the entire coastline. Often seen on beaches in the intertidal zone looking for small crabs and fish. The name comes from the special bill used to pry open small shellfish.

KING GEORGE RIVER

Saltwater Crocodiles

These impressive carnivores are capable of reaching up to 7 m in length and weighing over 1,000 kilograms. They are often seen on the mangrove mud fl ats basking on the sanstone rocks.

WYNDHAM

White bellied Sea Eagle

Few Australian birds of prey are so spectacular. The sea-eagle is easily identified by its white and ashy-grey plumage. Skilled hunters, they feed mainly on aquatic animals, such as fish, turtles and sea snakes.

HUNTER RIVER