Day 1 - Darwin

Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia: Darwin is Australia's most colourful and exotic capital city. Bordered by the turquoise waters of the Timor Sea, the streets are adorned with tropical flowers and trees. In winter, it's warm and dry, while summer brings hot and steamy conditions, creating a relaxed and casual atmosphere that combines the allure of a tropical frontier outpost with Outback hardiness. With its close proximity to Southeast Asia and a diverse population, Darwin feels more akin to Asia than the rest of Australia. This city has fought for survival since 1824, facing numerous challenges such as failed European settlements, disastrous cyclones, and the devastation of Cyclone Tracy in 1974. Despite these adversities, modern-day Darwin thrives as an administrative and commercial hub for northern Australia, and it serves as the ideal launching point to explore the breathtaking wonders of the Top End, including Kakadu and the Kimberley region.

Day 2 - Open Sea

On Board: Spend a relaxing day at sea, enjoying the ship’s amenities and preparing for the thrilling adventures awaiting in the days to come while sailing through the vast and beautiful waters of Australia.

Day 3 - Vansittart Bay

Vansittart Bay, Western Australia, Australia: Vansittart Bay is a beautifully protected large bay with various islands and coves. Jar Island is home to ancient rock art galleries that depict the Gwion Gwion style, unique to the Kimberley region. Previously overlooked by European researchers in favour of the more dramatic Wandjina art, Gwion Gwion art has recently gained global recognition. Join your Expedition Team ashore for a short walk, past fascinating rock formations, to discover these extraordinary art galleries.

Day 4 - Ashmore and Cartier Islands

Ashmore and Cartier Islands, Australia: Ashmore Reef serves as a sanctuary for seabirds, shorebirds, marine turtles, dugongs, and many other marine species. Around 100,000 seabirds, including great knots, crested terns, and white-tailed tropicbirds, breed on Ashmore Reef each year. The sanctuary zone offers the highest level of protection for wildlife, preserving the rich biodiversity that thrives in these waters.

Day 5 - Careening Bay

Careening Bay, Western Australia, Australia: Named by Lieutenant Phillip Parker King when he careened HMC Mermaid during a 1820 voyage, Careening Bay became necessary due to leaking issues. The ship’s carpenter carved 'Mermaid' and the year into a conspicuous boab tree, now over 3 metres wide and Heritage listed. This landmark stands as a testament to historical voyages and the resilience of early explorers.

Day 6 - Swift Bay

Swift Bay, Western Australia, Australia: Situated in the rugged Bonaparte Archipelago on the remote Kimberley coast, Swift Bay remains relatively unspoilt and pristine. The landscape features heavily fractured sandstone that offers many rock shelters adorned with Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art. Join your expedition team ashore for a guided walk through these stunning rock art galleries.

Day 7 - Hunter River & Mitchell Falls

Hunter River & Mitchell Falls, Western Australia, Australia: Experience the stunning beauty of the Hunter River region, renowned for its dramatic sandstone cliffs and unique ecosystems. Marvel at the majestic Mitchell Falls, nestled in lush surroundings that make it a prime location for explorations and discovering the vibrant natural tapestry of the Kimberley.

Day 8 - Collier Bay

Collier Bay, Western Australia, Australia: Set in one of the most remote regions of the Kimberley, Collier Bay's rocky coast is accessible only by ship. Its tidal movements, among the largest in the world, create phenomena such as the 'Horizontal Waterfalls' and Montgomery Reef's mini-waterfalls. As you navigate these majestic landscapes, you'll enter an Aboriginal area featuring open-air painted cave galleries that narrate creation myths.

Day 9 - Collier Bay

Collier Bay, Western Australia, Australia: Revisit the captivating beauty of Collier Bay, with its impressive tidal features and rich indigenous history. Explore more of this extraordinary area and absorb the unique atmosphere shaped by both natural forces and the cultural heritage of the Aboriginal people.

Day 10 - Lacepede Islands

Lacepede Islands, Western Australia, Australia: The Lacepedes, a group of four islands off the Kimberley coast, play a vital role in Australia's wildlife as key breeding habitats for Green Turtles. The islands are also home to numerous birds including Masked Boobies and the world's largest colony of Brown Bobbies. Join your expedition team for a guided zodiac tour to witness this wildlife spectacle, as landings on the islands are prohibited due to environmental sensitivity.

Day 11 - Broome

Broome, Western Australia, Australia: Traffic in Broome Harbour, a busy working harbour, is restricted, requiring special permits for vehicles accessing the pier area. Consequently, guests are not permitted to wander individually. To facilitate smooth disembarkation, a group motorcoach transfer from the pier to the airport is provided by Silversea, departing shortly after the ship is cleared. For those not heading directly to the airport, a transfer to Pearl Luggers is available where taxi services can be hired.