The Ghan and Coral Expeditions Kimberly Cruise

Day 1 - UK to Sydney

Arrive in Sydney and transfer to your chosen hotel spending the remainder of your day at leisure.

Day 2 - Blue Mountains Experience

Enjoy a full day sightseeing in the Blue Mountains, this small group tour showcases the rugged beauty of the blue mountains and provides an opportunity to observe some of the local wildlife, including Kangaroos and Koala’s.

Day 3 - Explore Sydney

Spend today at leisure exploring the sights of Sydney including the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Speak to your consultant if you wish to add on one of our Sydney Experiences.

Day 4 - Sydney to Adelaide

Today check out of your Sydney hotel and transfer to Sydney Airport for your onward flight to Adelaide. Upon arrival in Adelaide transfer to your hotel spending the remainder of your day at leisure before beginning your journey on The Ghan.

Day 5 - The Ghan – Board in Adelaide

Board The Ghan in Adelaide for an incredible showcase journey of inland Australia. As the train leaves the city heading for the Flinders Ranges and beyond, the dramatic changes in landscape from pastoral land to arid outback scenes will ignite your imagination.

Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - The Ghan – Alice Springs

After your first night indulging in the fine dining and relaxed luxury aboard this iconic train, you’ll awaken to a breathtaking outback sunrise at Marla a remote settlement 160 kilometres from the Northern Territory border and the gateway to the Oodnadatta Track.

As the journey continues toward Alice Springs, soak in the ever-changing desert landscapes before arriving for a choice of immersive Off Train Experiences. Whether it’s an off-road mountain bike adventure, the informative Alice Explorer tour, a cultural visit to Standley Chasm, wildlife encounters at the Desert Park, or the striking beauty of Simpson’s Gap, there’s something for every guest. For a truly elevated perspective, you can opt for a scenic helicopter flight upgrade.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - The Ghan – Katherine & Darwin

As the scenery shifts to rugged gorges and swift-flowing canyon streams, get ready to witness one of the Top End’s most spectacular natural wonders with a boat cruise through the majestic Nitmiluk Gorge. Alternatively, gain a deeper insight into outback life with the Katherine Outback Experience. For a breathtaking aerial view of Nitmiluk, a helicopter flight upgrade is also available. Your journey then continues to Darwin, where you'll be transferred to your overnight accommodation. Once checked in, take the opportunity to explore the vibrant Waterfront Precinct, home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and stunning harbour views.

Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 8 - Board the Coral Adventure in Darwin

This morning, you’ll be transferred from your accommodation to the Port of Darwin to board the Coral Adventurer for the start of your unforgettable Kimberley cruise. Settle in and familiarise yourself with the ship’s facilities, then join the expedition team in the Bridge Deck Lounge for an insightful introduction to the wonders of the Kimberley region. As evening approaches, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Drinks a perfect opportunity to meet your fellow travellers, along with the Captain and crew.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 - King George River and Falls

Please note: The order of expeditionary experiences may vary

Carved into the ancient landscape of the Gardner Plateau, the mighty King George River feeds the awe-inspiring King George Falls Western Australia’s highest twin waterfalls, plunging an incredible 80 metres. Before reaching the base of the falls, where mist rises like a veil from the cascading water, we cruise through towering, steep-sided gorges shaped by a powerful river system that swept through the Kimberley some 400 million years ago. Early in the season, we may cruise right up to the base of the falls, while later in the year we take time to admire the intricate honeycomb weathering of the sandstone cliffs up close.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 - Vansittart Bay (Banjal)

Vansittart Bay is rich in cultural and historical significance, featuring extraordinary sites such as the ancient Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) Aboriginal rock art galleries, believed to be up to 20,000 years old. Nearby Jar Island named after the pottery fragments left behind by Makassan fishermen who once came here in search of sea cucumbers (trepang) offers further insight into the region’s layered history. On the nearby Anjo Peninsula, you’ll find the remarkably well-preserved wreck of a US Airforce C-53 Skytrooper, which crash-landed on a salt pan in 1942 after the pilot lost his bearings while flying from Perth to Broome, near what is now Truscott Airbase.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 - Mitchell Falls, Winyalkan & Swift Bay

Cascading down the rugged Mitchell Plateau in a stunning series of tiered waterfalls and emerald-green rock pools, Mitchell Falls is the iconic centrepiece of Mitchell River National Park. For a breathtaking perspective, take a scenic helicopter flight (additional cost) to witness the falls from above, where crystal-clear pools tumble over the escarpment and ancient rock art hides within caves veiled by waterfalls. The park is a haven for wildlife, supporting a diverse array of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and bird species drawn to its reliable water sources. The sandstone terraces beside the pools offer the perfect vantage point to soak in the timeless tranquillity of this extraordinary landscape.

For those seeking an alternative experience, explore the intricate sandstone caves of Wollaston Bay or Wollaston Creek—a natural labyrinth of arches, tunnels, and columns that once served as an Aboriginal midden. Another rewarding option while anchored at Winyalkan Bay is a visit to the remarkable Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art galleries of Swift Bay. As evening descends, unwind with a gourmet BBQ and watch the sun set over the vast, shimmering expanse of the Indian Ocean.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12 - Prince Frederick Harbour and Bigge Island (Wuuyuru)

Prince Frederick Harbour, nestled at the southern end of York Sound, is one of the Kimberley’s most breathtaking natural settings. This stunning harbour is scattered with islands fringed by lush mangroves and monsoon rainforest, all set beneath dramatic, ochre-toned escarpments. It’s a haven for birdlife, with white-bellied sea eagles and other birds of prey frequently spotted overhead. At low tide, vast mudflats emerge, teeming with mudskippers and mangrove crabs.

We’ll explore this remarkable area aboard our Xplorer tender vessels, cruising up Porosus Creek to admire the striking rock formations along its course. Nearby Bigge Island, known to its Traditional Owners as Wuuyuru, lies within the ancestral lands of the Wunambal people, adding rich cultural depth to this spectacular coastal landscape.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13 - The Kimberley with Coral Expeditions, Prince Regent River and Careening Bay (Wunbug-Gu)

King Cascade is one of the Kimberley’s most iconic and photographed waterfalls—a stunning, terraced cascade that flows dramatically over Kimberley sandstone from a considerable height, spreading nearly 50 metres across. Water tumbles gracefully down staggered rock ledges, each one cloaked in a lush tapestry of grasses, mosses, and ferns, creating a natural hanging garden against layers of ochre and darkened stone.

To reach this breathtaking sight, we’ll cruise along the remarkable Prince Regent River in our Xplorer tender vessels. This river is a geological marvel, flowing in an unusually straight line along a natural fault. Nearby, Careening Bay carries a fascinating piece of Australian maritime history. It was here that Lt. Phillip Parker King beached his vessel, HMC Mermaid, for repairs in 1820. During the 17 days ashore, the ship’s carpenter carved “HMC Mermaid 1820” into the distinctive, bottle-shaped trunk of a nearby boab tree. Now known as the Mermaid Boab Tree, it has since split into two massive trunks and grown to an impressive 12-metre girth. Listed on the National Register of Big Trees, the historic carving remains clearly visible standing nearly as tall as a person, a lasting tribute to this early voyage.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14 - Montgomery Reef

Montgomery Reef, a vast and ecologically rich marine wonder spanning over 300 square kilometres, was named by explorer Phillip Parker King. This extraordinary reef is brought to life twice daily by the region’s enormous 11-metre tides. As the sea dramatically retreats, Montgomery Reef appears to rise from the Indian Ocean in a spectacular display of cascading water, revealing a flat-topped reef etched with rock pools, channels, and rivulets.

We’ll venture close to the action in our Xplorer and Zodiac inflatable tenders, guided by our expert Expedition Team, who will share fascinating insights into the reef’s formation and the incredible biodiversity it supports. As the reef emerges, opportunistic birdlife gathers to feed on exposed marine creatures, while turtles, dolphins, dugongs, and even elusive sawfish are drawn to the feeding frenzy.

All around, the ocean churns with swirling eddies and whirlpools, a mesmerising dance powered by the gravitational pull of the moon. Just a few hours later, the tides reverse, and the reef is once again swallowed by the sea, completing one of nature’s most awe-inspiring cycles.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 15 - Doubtful Bay and Raft Point

Raft Point stands sentinel at the entrance to Doubtful Bay a vast, sheltered expanse rich in cultural and natural significance. Among its most treasured sites are the ancient Wandjina rock art galleries, located just a short walk inland from the beach. These remarkable artworks are considered some of the finest examples in the Kimberley and are visited with the guidance of Traditional Owners when available. Doubtful Bay lies within the ancestral lands of the Worrora people, who honour the Wandjina creator beings, lawmakers, and spiritual custodians of their culture. Wandjina images are found throughout the region, preserving the stories, knowledge, and deep spiritual heritage of the land.

Within the bay, Red Cone Creek winds its way through striking rock formations, where layers of stone are stacked like giant building blocks. The creek flows toward the charming Ruby Falls, a small but picturesque cascade named by local mariner Captain Chris Trucker in honour of his daughter. Depending on the season, the falls may be a gentle trickle or a lively cascade. Adventurous travellers can scramble over the surrounding rocks to discover freshwater swimming holes and tranquil waterfalls hidden beyond.

We also aim to explore several other sites within Doubtful Bay, including the dramatic and imposing Steep Island, adding even more depth to this incredible coastal experience.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16 - Horizontal Falls and Buccaneer Archipelago

The Horizontal Falls are one of the Kimberley’s most iconic natural wonders, created by the region’s dramatic 11-metre tides. Described by naturalist Sir David Attenborough as "one of the greatest natural wonders of the world," this spectacular phenomenon occurs as seawater is forced through a narrow gorge in the McLarty Ranges. The powerful tidal surges create a horizontal waterfall effect, with water rushing through the bottleneck at incredible speed.

Experiencing the thrill of riding these tidal rapids aboard our Zodiac inflatable tenders is a true highlight of any Kimberley expedition. This unforgettable adventure unfolds in Talbot Bay, at the heart of the Buccaneer Archipelago—a region of around 800 islands, where the ancient rocks are estimated to be more than two billion years old.

At Cyclone Creek, you’ll witness dramatic geological formations that reveal the immense forces that have shaped this land. We’ll also cruise through the rugged Iron Islands and past Koolan Island, before unwinding with sunset drinks at the scenic Nares Point—an ideal way to close a day of awe and exploration.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17 - The Lacepede Islands

The Lacepede Islands, a protected Class-A nature reserve, are a vital sanctuary for seabirds and marine life. These four low-lying islands serve as an important nesting rookery for brown boobies and roseate terns, with frequent sightings of Australian pelicans, frigate birds, egrets, and gulls. The islands also provide a key breeding ground for green turtles, making them a haven of biodiversity.

If conditions permit, we’ll venture out by Xplorer and Zodiac tender vessels to explore the surrounding lagoons and observe this thriving ecosystem up close. As your unforgettable Kimberley journey comes to an end, spend your final evening on board celebrating with the Captain’s Farewell Drinks an opportunity to reflect on your adventure and toast to the friendships formed along the way.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 18 - Disembark the Coral Adventure in Broome, fly to Perth

Your adventure along the Kimberley Coast concludes this morning. Bid farewell to fellow travellers, the Captain and crew as Coral Adventurer docks in the Port of Broome. Here you will disembark, transferring to Broome Airport for your onward flight to Perth.

Upon arrival in Perth transfer to your chosen hotel spending the remainder of your day at leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 19 - Rottnest Island

Visit spectacular Rottnest Island, the “Emerald Isle in a Sea of Sapphire”, only 19 kilometres off the mainland coast. Join the most comprehensive guided tour of the island allowing you to explore the stunning beauty of this A-Class natural reserve in air-conditioned comfort, taking in the amazing fauna and flora of the island, stunning beaches, woodlands and incredible salt lakes - commencing with a unique historic train ride.

This 4-hour all-inclusive island tour takes in all of Rottnest's must-see locations featuring the Wadjemup Lighthouse, Henrietta Rocks, Oliver Hill Gun Fortification and Tunnels and the majestic look-out point at the rugged Cathedral Rocks and Cape Vlamingh.

All major habitats are covered on this amazing tour, including Rottnest's cultural and historical heritage ranging from maritime and military history right up to future developments. Finish the day by exploring the island settlement or enjoy a drink at the Rottnest Quokka Arms Pub.

Day 20 - Perth to UK

Transfer to Perth Airport for your onward flight back to the UK. Speak to your consultant about adding a stop over on the way home.