Itinerary
In collaboration with National Geographic Expeditions. Set sail for the wild and grandiose landscapes of the Kimberley coast, home to ancient rock art galleries and extraordinary artistic traditions on this exceptional PONANT itinerary From Broome to Darwin, embark aboard Le Lapérouse for a 14-day expedition cruise to one of the last unspoiled regions on the planet. Discover spectacular examples of the regions massive tides, including the cascading mini-waterfalls of Montgomery Reef and the unique phenomenon of the "Horizontal Falls" in Talbot Bay. Experience the pristine mangrove forests of the Hunter river, where saltwater crocodiles live alongside many species of birds. Marvel at the 90 m high sandstone gorge of the King George River culminating in the majestic Twin Falls, the highest single drop waterfall in Western Australia. This wild area is home to the oldest continual culture on earth, whose ancient stories and traditions can be found on the walls of the many rock art galleries across the region. The Gwion Gwion are regarded as the oldest depictions of the human form on the planet and the magnificent Wandjina represent the creator spirits of the dreamtime. On the Tiwi islands, thousand-year-old artistic traditions continue thanks to art centres dedicated to local artists and craftsmen. You will admire ochre paintings on canvas and bark, ironwood carvings, screen printed fabrics, ceramics, bronze and glass sculptures and discover the daily life in the remote communities. We are privileged guests in these extreme lands where we are at the mercy of weather and tide conditions. Landings on certain sites and the observation of certain wildlife cannot be guaranteed. They vary from day to day, making each PONANT cruise a unique experience. The Captain and the Expedition Leader will make every effort to ensure that your experience is as rich as possible, whilst complying with the necessary safety rules and precautions.
