Speciality Cruises

Day 1

Today your journey north to the port of Broome begins. Our crew are looking forward to meeting you. After a safety briefing and introduction we will depart from Sardine Wharf at 9.00am.
You may wish to stroll around the decks, enjoy the fresh sea air or just sit back and relax while observing our coastal beaches drift by as we start our journey north passing northern suburbs and towns of Lancelin and Dongara.

Day 2

This morning we will be passing the multi-coloured shacks that are home to the many fishermen that inhabit the Abrolhos Islands. As we journey through the island passages we will make our way to Anemone Lump, located within the marine sanctuary.
After breakfast it will be time to don the snorkelling gear for a refreshing swim amongst the myriad of fish that swim at close quarters. Around lunch time we will visit the site of the wreck of the Batavia and learn about the mutiny that occurred in 1629. Moving on past Traitors Island we will go ashore and visit the sites of the defence forts and well that sustained the soldiers until help arrived. We will depart early evening and head for Shark Bay.

Day 3

Today we will be passing Steep Point, the entrance to South Passage; we will anchor close to the beach as the tenders are sent out to fish for the many pelagics that are abundant in these waters.
Some of you may wish to enjoy a refreshing swim or explore the pristine beaches of Dirk Hartog Island.

Day 4

We have a long journey ahead of us today, destination Monte Bellos Island group, so time to relax and enjoy the sounds of the ocean as the miles role by.
Perhaps a few cold drinks before dinner is served by our chef and a beautiful west Australian sunset to put close to another pleasant day.

Day 5

Today we arrive at the Monte Bello Island group. We will fish, explore the islands and swim in the tranquil waters that these Islands protect.
We will also visit the site of Ground Zero where an atomic blast occurred in the 1950's. After lunch we will move to Aden Cove to anchor in the calm waters there.
There will be more time this afternoon to fish swim or relax as we all enjoy a splendid evening in the calm and tranquillity of the islands.

Day 6

A full day of exploring the Island group today, with more fishing or swimming for those that are keen.
A visit to Champagne Bay is also on our list.

Day 7

We will remain at the Monte's for another day and those keen can spend more time fishing. Alternatively we will go ashore on Trimoulle Island and survey the wreckage of the "Plim", a ship loaded with an atomic bomb, blown to bits during the atomic testing.
We will do some more exploring and see if we can locate some other items that are scattered around this island.
Later in the day we will anchor at Vodka Beach and survey the bunkers filled with the remains of electronic measuring equipment. We will depart the Monte's early evening.

Day 8

In the early hours we arrive in Dampier.
After breakfast we will head out to the islands surrounding Dampier Port.
After a beach visit and swim we head to the outer islands for a spot of fishing.
We depart Dampier late in the afternoon bound for Broome.

Day 9

Today is a day for relaxing onboard as we steam towards the gateway to the Kimberley, Broome, passing endless beaches and rock formations enjoying the company of our fellow travellers and crew.
Weather permitting there may be an opportunity to troll a line for a good size Tuna or Spanish Mackerel, this is good territory for Pelagics.
Tonight will be our last dinner on board Odyssey, so time to enjoy drinks together with new friends as we watch the sun set.

Day 10

After enjoying our last breakfast together on board Odyssey we should arrive at the Port of Broome mid morning. It’s time to say to exchange phone numbers and email addresses before saying goodbye to your crew and your new found friends.
A bus will be waiting at the port ready to take you to Broome town centre, for those of you that are flying out that day, or your accommodation in Broome.

Day 1

Today your journey north towards the port of Broome begins. Our crew are looking forward to meeting you. After a safety briefing and introduction we will depart from Sardine Wharf at 9.00am.
You may wish to stroll around the decks, enjoy the fresh sea air or just sit back and relax while observing our coastal beaches drift by as we start our journey north passing northern suburbs and towns of Lancelin and Dongara.

Day 2

This morning we will be passing the multi-coloured shacks that are home to the many fishermen that inhabit the Abrolhos Islands. As we journey through the island passages we will make our way to Anemone Lump, located within the marine sanctuary.
After breakfast it will be time to don the snorkelling gear for a refreshing swim amongst the myriad of fish that swim at close quarters. Around lunch time we will visit the site of the wreck of the Batavia and learn about the mutiny that occurred in 1629. Moving on past Traitors Island we will go ashore and visit the sites of the defence forts and well that sustained the soldiers until help arrived. We will depart early evening and head for Shark Bay.

Day 3

Today we will be passing Steep Point, the entrance to South Passage; we will anchor close to the beach as the tenders are sent out to fish for the many pelagics that are abundant in these waters.
Some of you may wish to enjoy a refreshing swim or explore the pristine beaches of Dirk Hartog Island.

Day 4

We have a long journey ahead of us today, destination Monte Bellos Island group, so time to relax and enjoy the sounds of the ocean as the miles role by.
Perhaps a few cold drinks before dinner is served by our chef and a beautiful west Australian sunset to put close to another pleasant day.

Day 5

Today we arrive at the Monte Bello Island group. We will fish, explore the islands and swim in the tranquil waters that these Islands protect.
We will also visit the site of Ground Zero where an atomic blast occurred in the 1950's. After lunch we will move to Aden Cove to anchor in the calm waters there.
There will be more time this afternoon to fish swim or relax as we all enjoy a splendid evening in the calm and tranquillity of the islands.

Day 6

A full day of exploring the Island group today, with more fishing or swimming for those that are keen.
A visit to Champagne Bay is also on our list.

Day 7

We will remain at the Monte's for another day and those keen can spend more time fishing. Alternatively we will go ashore on Trimoulle Island and survey the wreckage of the "Plim", a ship loaded with an atomic bomb, blown to bits during the atomic testing.
We will do some more exploring and see if we can locate some other items that are scattered around this island.
Later in the day we will anchor at Vodka Beach and survey the bunkers filled with the remains of electronic measuring equipment. We will depart the Monte's early evening.

Day 8

In the early hours we arrive in Dampier.
After breakfast we will head out to the islands surrounding Dampier Port.
After a beach visit and swim we head to the outer islands for a spot of fishing.
We depart Dampier late in the afternoon bound for Broome.

Day 9

Today is a day for relaxing onboard as we steam towards the gateway to the Kimberley, Broome, passing endless beaches and rock formations enjoying the company of our fellow travellers and crew.
Weather permitting there may be an opportunity to troll a line for a good size Tuna or Spanish Mackerel, this is good territory for Pelagics.
Tonight will be our last dinner on board Odyssey, so time to enjoy drinks together with new friends as we watch the sun set.

Day 10-13

After arrival at the Port of Broome a coach will be provided to transfer you to your Broome accommodation which is provided by Odyssey Expeditions.
Enjoy Broome at your leisure for four nights staying in quality accommodation prior to re-joining Odyssey for a 14 Day Broome to Wyndham Kimberley Cruise.

Day 14: Welcome back aboard

Our crew are looking forward to welcoming you back. Your charter bus will pick you up at around 9am & transport you to Gantheaume Point where our tender vessel, “Homer” will transfer you out to the Odyssey. After a safety briefing for the Kimberley environment and those guests just joining us, an introduction and a light brunch you can settle into your new home for the next 14 days.
You may wish to stroll around the decks, enjoy the fresh sea air or just sit back and relax while observing the amazing colours of our northern coastal beaches drift by as we head north passing Cape Leveque and King Sound.

Day 15: Buccaneer Archipelago, Talbot Bay - Horizontal Falls

Today we cruise past Cockatoo and Koolan Islands as we make our way into Dugong Bay, here we will anchor close to Turtle Falls. Our first expedition on Homer will be to explore Dugong Bay which, after the heavy rains of the Big Wet, has many waterfalls and excellent fishing holes.
After a scrumptious lunch we'll head to Talbot Bay and experience the Kimberley’s most amazing natural phenomenon, the Horizontal Falls, an intense tidal current that hurtles through two narrow coastal gorges, the massive tidal movement creates a waterfall effect as water squeezes through the narrow cliff passages. Tonight we will anchor in Talbot Bay and enjoy one of many spectacular Kimberley sunsets.

Day 16: Red Cone Creek – Ruby Falls – Raft Point

An early departure for Kingfisher Islands today, as we head west to Montgomery Reef. Once at Montgomery Reef MV Odyssey will anchor in turtle channel, a narrow channel that splits the reef, then it’s all on board Homer for a closer look at the reef and the marine life it supports.
After lunch we will head back towards the mainland, motor past Raft Point and make our way to Red Cone Creek. We may have an opportunity to catch some Mud Crabs before we head upstream to Ruby Falls for a fresh water swim. We will spend the evening anchored in Red Cone Creek.

Day 17: Montgomery Reef – Sale River

The Sale River is our first stop today. Another exploration in Homer will take us past fascinating rock formations and steep gorges to a hidden rainforest and freshwater swimming hole. After lunch we will head further north to Hall Point for a spot of fishing before we steam past Kuri Bay pearl farm and onto Camden Sound, here we will anchor the night before visiting the historical sites of W.A.’s early explorers.

Day 18: Camden Sound - Sheep Island

Today we will visit Sheep Island in Brecknock Harbour. In the 1850s Mary Jane Pascoe was laid here to rest, her gravesite now one of the loneliest on the planet.
As you survey the landscape our guide will tell of the hardships endured by these early settlers.
Heading out past Augustus Island we will make our way to Hanover Bay for a leisurely swim and beach walk before heading towards the Prince Regent River.

Day 19: Prince Regent River, King Cascades Bradshaw Art

For those that are keen there may be an opportunity for an early morning fish before catching the incoming tide that will carry us deep into the Prince Regent River to Kings Cascade. Kings Cascade is a magnificent, terraced waterfall discovered and named by Philip Parker King in his own honour as he was searching for fresh water.
For the adventurous there is an opportunity to climb to the top of the falls for a fresh water swim. After exploring Kings Cascade we will then travel a small way upstream to visit a Bradshaw art site situated high above the water on the northern bank of the river before making our way to safe anchorage and an overnight stay in the river.

Day 20: Prince Regent River - Camp Creek

Today we will board Homer and make our way 8km upstream from Kings Cascade to Cathedral Falls. Falling approximately 75metres from an amphitheatre shaped rock formation, these spectacular falls are rarely visited because of their remoteness and tidal dependency. With the tide on our side we should be able to sneak in with Homer for a fresh water shower before heading back to Odyssey for morning tea.
Another spot we will visit today is Camp Creek. A small trek across sand and rock will take us to a wide flowing water hole, no crocs to worry about here just fresh, clear water with small eddies and tumbling currents. After a refreshing swim we will make our way to St George Basin passing Mt Waterloo and Mt Trafalgar then heading north once again to Careening Bay where we will anchor overnight.

Day 21: Careening Bay

An early visit to the beach this morning to a very historical site know as the Mermaid Tree, a huge Boab tree bearing the name of Philip Parker King’s vessel “Mermaid” and the date it was careened on the beach to allow for urgent repairs.
After a cooked breakfast back on board Odyssey we will depart for Prince Frederick Harbour, the mouth of the Hunter and Roe Rivers. Once anchored at the mouth of the Roe River we will board Homer for a scenic cruise upstream to a secluded freshwater swimming hole. Here at the headwaters we will stop for a picnic lunch and spend some time swimming, exploring Bradshaw Art and perhaps some Barra fishing.

Day 22: Bigge Island and Mudge Bay

We leave Prince Frederick Harbour today and head north to Bigge Island. After breakfast we will go ashore to explore some ancient Wandjina art sites. Later in the morning we will head to Mudge Bay and our luck at fishing before heading to the Mitchell River.
This afternoon brings exploring on the beach walk on one of the remote beaches there. Anchored securely for the evening we can enjoy pre dinner drinks whist watching another spectacular Kimberley Sunset.

Day 23: Surveyors Pool

Fishing and mud crabbing at low tide this morning then as the tide rises it’s time for a refreshing swim at Surveyors pool. After lunch we will depart the Mitchell River and head to Vansittart Bay.
Beautiful cruising as we navigate our way through the many Islands to an anchorage close to Jar Island for the evening.

Day 24: East Vansittart Bay - DC3 wreckage - Drysdale River

We will rise early this morning to visit a Bradshaw Art site then a short journey on Homer to the eastern side of Vansittart Bay, here we will go ashore to view the wreckage of a DC3 that crash land here during World War II.
Before lunch we will depart Vansittart Bay our next destination, the Drysdale River in Napier Broome Bay. Once at the mouth of the river we will board Homer and explore further up this river system. We have a late steam to Glycosmis Bay, our anchorage for the night.

Day 25: Koolama Bay - King George Falls

It’s an early steam this morning to Koolama Bay, at the mouth of the King George River. After a short journey another of the many highlights of the Kimberley emerges, King George Falls.
The view from the top of these falls is spectacular to say the least. A visit to Batman Cave is next to follow on what has been a memorable day for us all before departing Koolama Bay for the Berkeley River.

Day 26: Berkeley River - Cambridge Gulf

There will be an opportunity for some fishing early this morning, for those that are keen, followed by an excursion to the Berkeley River.
At the Berkeley we will head upstream viewing magnificent waterfalls along the way before a refreshing swim.
We’ll have lunch back on board Odyssey before departing the Berkeley River and head towards Cambridge Gulf. It's a nonstop journey as we make our way south east towards Wyndham.

Day 27: Ord River - Wyndham

This day has come all too quickly. We will wake as we are cruising towards the Ord River and our destination, Wyndham, is not far away. It’s time to say goodbye to fellow guests and crew members, with whom you are now friends, as we prepare to end the lifetime experience that we have just shared. After breakfast our courtesy bus will arrive to transfer you to your Kununurra accommodation or air transfer.

Day 1: Mitchell Plateau

The Day has finally come your transport will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to Broome airport. From Broome airport you will take a scenic flight to the Mitchell Plateau airstrip, there your helicopter waits to take you over the majestic Mitchell Falls and further on sweeping round MV Odyssey to land on Naturalist Island.
There “Homer” our expedition tender vessel will be waiting to transport you to our eagerly awaiting crew on board Odyssey, your home for the next 9 Days. After a safety briefing and induction our chef will have a scrumptious lunch for you.
After lunch it’s time to explore the riches of the Hunter and Roe rivers and Porosis Creek. The Hunter presents perhaps the most spectacular river scenery in Western Australia, with grand red cliffs towering above mangrove fringed rivers.
Our expert guides will show you hidden wonders of this areas wildlife focusing on the bird life and crocodiles make sure you have your camera at the ready! The bird and animal life along this watercourse is prolific. You may spot an elusive Chestnut Rail on the mud banks, Giant Egrets or the huge Great Billed Heron within the tops of the mangroves or the ever present Saltwater Croc lurking below.

Day 2: Careening Bay and Prince Regent River

Today we leave Prince Frederick Harbour and travel southward towards the sight of the HMC Mermaid tree, a giant boab tree made famous by Philip Parker King when he careened his vessel HMC Mermaid for repairs in 1820.
Whilst the vessel’s Naturalist was recording & drawing many new & unusual Kimberley species of flora & fauna the vessel’s Carpenter took the opportunity to record their time in this area by engraving the ancient Boab tree with the letters ‘HMC Mermaid 1820’.
We'll go ashore & spend some time reliving history.
Then back on board Odyssey for a leisurely cruise through the St George basin.

Day 3: Prince Regent River – Camp Creek

Today we cruise into the St George Basin, the Kimberley’s largest inland sea. Standing tall on our arrival will be Mt. Trafalgar & Mt. Wellington, named by Philip Parker King in 1820.
After a scrumptious brekkie we will cruise up the Prince Regent River and head ashore where a short walk takes you to the waters of Camp Creek. Enjoy the scenic surrounds and immerse yourself in the refreshing water as we spend some time here at this idyllic location.
For the more agile in the group a 20 minute walk to the upper reaches will find two stunning waterfalls, the scene is breathtaking. The upper fall feeds a giant fresh water pool, ideal for swimming, then flows through and over rock to form another pristine pool of fresh water below.
After a swim it’s back down river to rejoin the rest of the group for a snack.
After spending some time at Camp Creek it's back to Odyssey, a spot of fishing may be on the agenda, the keen fishermen and women can try their hand at catching the elusive Barramundi.

Day 4: Prince Regent - King Cascade

Still within the Prince Regent there is a lots of exploring to do, we will cruise further up the magnificent watercourse and take you to, probably the Kimberley’s most famous icon, the magnificent King Cascades.
You will marvel at the sight of cascading water over the terraced rock that has formed over thousands of years.
Time to put your bathers on you're going to get wet. Further on up the Regent, if tide allows we'll visit the spectacular Cathedral Falls.
Then it’s ashore for a short climb to view the ancient aboriginal artwork know as Bradshaw Art, named after pastoralist Joseph Bradshaw who was the first European to discover it in 1891.

Day 5: Camden Harbour

Today we travel through Camden Sound. This region has worldwide recognition as a crucial breeding and calving area for the Humpback Whale and hosts the world largest Humpback Whale population.
Camden sound is rich other aquatic mammals such as Bottle and Snub-fin dolphins, Blue Whales, Pygmy Killer Whales and Pilot Whales.
This area is surrounded by fringing reefs with thousands of fish and marine invertebrates living amongst the hard and soft corals in the warm tropical waters of this truly unique environment.
As we travel south through Camden sound we'll stop for a walk on Sheep Island a short walk takes us to the headstone and grave of Mary Jane Pascoe.
We'll take time to reflect on the tragic events that took place in this region in the 1860’s as early settlers tried to make The Kimberley their home.

Day 6: Montgomery Reef – Sale River

Today we take an unforgettable passage through Turtle Alley to one of the Kimberly’s most spectacular sights’, Montgomery Reef, 400 square kilometres of reef that on a high spring tide is 4 metres underwater.
With the outgoing tide the reef is then exposed by more than 4 metres; a marvel not to be missed. Spot for Giant Turtles, Manta Rays, Dugongs & the many varieties of fish species that inhabit these waters.
Then we will cruise across the bay to the beautiful Sale River, "Homer" will take us up stream for a closer look at the stunning orange and red sandstone cliff’s as we wind our way through the narrow gorges toward the Sale River Rainforest.
We will take a leisurely walk in the lush rainforest environment and enjoy the crystal waters of the creeks that feed the Sale River. Then it’s time to relax on board Odyssey as we overnight at Hall Point.

Day 7: Red Cone Creek/Ruby Falls and Raft Point

After a scrumptious Brekkie this morning it’s into “Homer” and a leisurely cruise up Red Cone Creek for a refreshing swim in the water hole provided by the beautiful Ruby Falls, feel the power of the falls as you bathe beneath them.
Back to Odyssey and a short cruise to Raft Point, the site of perhaps the best Aboriginal rock art on the coast.
A short walk reveals spectacular scenery & endless views across Doubtful Bay to Steep Island.
At the Raft Point gallery we will learn about the local Aboriginal beliefs & cultures, the lifestyles they once enjoyed & the Wandjina that shaped their land.

Day 8: Buccaneer Archipelago, Talbot Bay - Silica Beach - Crocodile Creek - Horizontal Falls

Relax, sit back and enjoy a satisfying breakfast & take in the scenery as we cruise through to Talbot Bay the location of the magnificent Horizontal Falls, there we will experience the awesome power of the falls then spend some time exploring the spectacular geology and scenery of Cyclone Creek.
We will head on over to Crocodile Creek where we'll have a swim in a fresh water hole at the base of a waterfall, then continue south through the magnificent Buccaneer Archipelago, consisting of more than 800 islands and with a tidal range of over 10m, Named by Philip Parker King in 1820 in memory of William Dampier, a supposed Buccaneer for the king of the time.
We will go ashore for your last magnificent Kimberley sunset on the pure white sands of Silica Beach.

Day 9-11: Broome

After arrival at the Port of Broome a coach will be provided to transfer you to your Broome accommodation which is provided by Odyssey Expeditions.
Enjoy Broome at your leisure for three nights staying in quality accommodation prior to re-joining Odyssey for an 8 Day Rowley Shoals adventure.

Day 12

Check into our Broome depot and meet your Dive Master. Drop off luggage, check Dive Certifications and very importantly that you have all your dive equipment. At 12:00pm our transfer bus will take you to “Odyssey”, there you will meet the rest of the Odyssey crew. All your luggage will be transferred to Odyssey for you and stowed away until departure. Scrumptious nibbles and a light dinner will be served shortly after leaving Broome and then it's an overnight steam to the Rowley Shoals.

Day 13

We arrive at Clerke Reef or Mermaid Reef, 1 of three atolls approximately 300kms north west off the coast of Broome. After breakfast and morning tea you will be assigned buddy pairs and are welcome to organise your gear and set up your scuba unit on the back deck of Odyssey. On approach to the atoll, we will gather on the bow to view the spectacular reef emerge as we cruise through the channel into the lagoon.
We will then have a dive briefing on the back deck and transfer all scuba equipment to our tender vessel “Homer” where it will stay for the duration of the trip as most dives will be from “Homer”.
The first dive of the day will be an introduction dive inside the atoll, The Aquarium. This is a relatively easy dive inside the lagoon and is a good opportunity to sought out any gear problems before moving outside the atoll after lunch where the water is deeper and clearer. The tide changes and direction of tide depends on what sight we will visit each day.

Day 14

Into Homer at 6.30 for a 7.00am dive at Clerke Wall before tucking into a hearty cooked breakfast. After a short break its off to another of many dive sights, so much to see; Schools of hump headed Wrasse, Parrot Fish, Pelagic species, game fish like Trevally, Tuna, Wahoo, and not to forget the amazing colourful reef. Clerke atoll tends to have more hard corals but the Rowley Shoals itself is home to over 233 different species of coral and 688 different species of fish.

Our next dive is after lunch and possibly exploring some of the many caves and crevices that Clerke Reef has to offer or even Blue Lagoon depending on the tides. For those that are keen to get wet again we could snorkel through the narrow channels like superman, let the tide do the work for you. Late afternoon or evening dive at Eel Creek or the Mooring Bombie and maybe a chance to catch some fresh fish for those that are keen.

Day 15

Clerke Gutters will be our first dive of the day before a mid morning Rollercoaster ride through the Channel as you drift with the racing tide. You are suspended in turquoise waters surrounded by delicate lace coral fronds of vivid pink, orange and yellow and darting in and out is a metallic rainbow of attendants.
A roast lunch has been prepared for our return to Odyssey and after a surface break it is back into Homer to head for the North Tip of Clerke Reef for an afternoon dive at Blue Lagoon. The clarity of the water on the incoming tide will be talked about forever and you then appreciate just where in the world you are.
For those that are keen it will be back in the water at dusk for another look at the wonders of night on this amazing reef system.

Day 16

Last look at Bedwell Island as after our first dive today followed by another cooked breakfast we will head off to Mermaid Reef which is around 20 miles to our North. As we cruise up the western face of Mermaid Atoll on our way to the passage that allows us to enter the inner reef we will stop at V in the Wall for our first Mermaid dive. V in the Wall is a huge chunk of reef that has broken of the main atoll in the shape of a V which divers can circumnavigate.
We now enter the reef in Odyssey through Mermaid Channel and prepare for the channel dive. If you like to get up close and very personal with our finned friends then this is the place.
A night dive* has been scheduled close to where our mooring is and is called “Night Critters” and yes it is home to many different species of critters.

Day 17

Mermaid Wall has been voted number three in the top dives of the world and after you have dived here we are sure you will agree. Rising from 400meters deep the sheer wall is alive and there is good chance to see some large fish patrolling along the wall or perhaps a school of curious Dolphins or even Manta Rays and Turtles. Even mighty Humpback Whales are known to cruise past leaving divers awe inspired.
Coral Gardens is second up on the dive schedule and the name says it all, just like the Garden of Eden so they say and a pleasure to dive, lots of great photo opportunities for the avid photographers. Labyrinths are next and you will now be thinking that all these sites are aptly named.
To finish of this amazing day we will drift dive with the tide through the channel, good time to save energy as we are set for a three course meal this evening.

Day 18

By popular demand we are going back to the Mermaid Wall this morning and you will wish you still had a week left to continue diving this wonderland and we are sure that most will also want to return to Cod Hole for a farewell dive with “Cuddles” the curious Cod. These two dives are ones that nobody could ever get enough of so we will have our share too.
Mermaid Caves will be our afternoon dive at around 1.30pm and then it is time to stow our gear after a final wash as we depart Mermaid at around 3.00pm for an overnight cruise back to Broome.
It is time to reflect with fellow adventurers and talk about the week that was as we witness the last of those amazing sunsets. You are welcome to come and chat with the crew as they navigate our way through the night or watch a movie before you are succumbed by the motion and fall asleep.

Day 19

We arrive back in the pearling town of Broome and after breakfast we will transfer you to the shore where a waiting bus will take you to town or your accommodation.
It is time to say goodbye until we catch up with you again at the Rowley’s or the Kimberley.