Scenic
Scenic is what happens when experiential sailing meets luxury cruising. Scenic fleets are highly exclusive, matching the intimacy of a yacht with the indulgence of a larger cruise ship. And with a 1:3 guest to staff ratio, every guest is a VIP. Travel across Australia’s Kimberley Coast onboard the ultra-luxurious Scenic Eclipse II.
Discover Australia’s Kimberley Coast, one of the world’s most rugged, remote, and untouched wilderness regions. Enjoy three nights in Darwin before boarding your 10 night cruise which will end in Broome with a two night post cruise stay.
Day 1 - 4
Guests will arrive in Darwin and transfer to the Adina Apartment Hotel Darwin Waterfront for a three night pre cruise stay. Darwin is the Northern Territory’s tropical capital city and features an abundance of things for guests to do with everything from crocodile encounters to open-air movies. This city is the ideal place for nature lovers with Litchfield National Park, Mary River National Park and the Tiwi Islands just a short distance from the city. These attractions showcase Australia’s diverse landscape and animals in addition to ancient aboriginal culture. On day 4 guests will be picked up from their hotel and arrive at the cruise port where their cruise journey will begin.
Day 5
Today you will cruise along the spectacular King George River. The only way to access the magnificent 100-metre-wide King George Falls, the highest twin waterfalls in Western Australia is via the water or the air. Take advantage of the binoculars provided in your suite to get a closer look at the amazing wildlife who call this spectacular place home.
Day 6
Next your cruise will dock at Vansittart Bay, a beautiful and secluded bay located on Western Australia’s Northern Coast. Be sure to visit some of the numerous Aboriginal rock art galleries where you can see the mysterious Gwion, the oldest rock art known to man and one of two primary art forms found in the Kimberley. Alternatively, board a Zodiac and travel to one of the small sandy beaches where you can explore the area with the expert Discovery Team.
Day 7
Today your cruise will dock at Ashmore Reef, one of Australia’s most remote marine parks. This reef became a marine reserve in 1983 and has the highest level of protection from human activities. The three islands of the reef are uninhabited but are home to a wide variety of bird and sea life. Every year around 100,000 seabirds from 40 different species fly to the reef to breed.
Day 8
Today you will cruise along York Sound to the mouth of the Hunter River. This river is 30km in length and is home to the highest proportion of salt water crocodiles of any other river in the Kimberley. Guests will have time to explore this magnificent area on foot and those who wish to can take a dip in one of the freshwater pools formed by the falls. Once you board the ship again guests will experience the beautiful sunset where the sky will turn to pastel colours blending shades of apricot, pink and dusty blue.
Day 9
Next your cruise will dock at Bigge Island. Bigge Island is the second biggest island in the Bonaparte Archipelago and is just 6km from the mainland. This island is home to an abundance of wildlife including the northern quoll, sea turtles and the Monjon rock wallaby, the smallest of the kangaroo group. Guests can hike along the rocky paths and visit the caves where they will see the well-preserved rock art by the Wunambal people representing the first contact with Europeans.
Day 10
Today your cruise will travel to Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest inshore reef. This reef covers an area of approximately 300 square kilometres and is home to a diverse range of marine life including turtles, octopuses, reef sharks, dolphins and manta rays. As the tides rise or fall, both soft and hard coral are revealed, falling below sea level which creates a magnificent spectacle which guests will get to explore by Zodiac.
Day 11
Today your cruise will travel to Talbot Bay. This Bay is home to the magnificent Horizontal Waterfalls, a natural wonder that is a must see in Australia. This phenomenon is the result of a unique combination of geology and massive tidal surges.
Day 12
Next you will cruise into the stunning maze of the Buccaneer Archipelago. The Buccaneer Archipelago is made up of approximately 1,000 tiny islands which feature stunning landscapes from iron-rich red rock to lush rainforests and alabaster beaches. A highlight of the day is the exploration of the Whirlpool Passage; 8-metre tides spin as they are pushed through a narrow channel between two islands.
Day 13
Today you will travel to Lacepede Islands Nature Reserve. This chain of four flat coral islands is home to tens of thousands of seabirds with more than 50 bird species including crested terns, pelicans and red-chested frigate birds. This Nature Reserve is also a significant nesting site for approximately 18,000 pairs of brown footed boobies, which is thought to be the largest colony in the world. Additionally, the Lacepede Islands is Western Australia’s most important breeding habitat for green turtles and thousands of humpback whales come here to calve.
Day 14 - 16
Your cruise will end in Broome where you will then transfer to the Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa for a two night post cruise stay. Broome is a beautiful coastal town in Western Australia known for its pearling history, pristine beaches and diverse cultural heritage. Visit Australia’s most remote brewery, Matso’s Brewery, which have been making unique beers for over 20 years or head out on a sunset or sunrise cruise to try and catch a glimpse of the rare subfin dolphin.