Michael Osborne retraces the ‘never to be forgotten’ time he explored the Kimberley Coast.
I am often asked what I consider one of the highlights of my 40-plus year as a publisher and travel writer/photographer. The one trip that always comes straight to mind is the Kimberley Coast.
It is an adventure I did in 2009, filming for our Foxtel show – Travel TV. So when the invitation from Christian Fellowship Tours (CFT) arrived to cover the same trip, I answered in a heart-beat.
CFT are Australian based family run tour operators. They offer faith based experiences and the chance to have fun with like-minded people. They quote: ‘Whatever holiday you choose you know that when you travel with other Christians you will find opportunities to really connect, form friendships and enjoy true fellowship’
Group photo time
The specially designed tour package had us arriving in Darwin to be met by the team and we enjoyed an excellent smorgasbord group dinner that night.
The first thing I noted was most of them already knew each other, having travelled together before. This was obviously going to be a good tour!
Darwin: My partner Pam and I explored Darwin before the cruise and it is amazing what there is to see.
Hathaway’s Hideaway
Probably the most informative is The Bombing of Darwin Experience at Stokes Hill Wharf. Learn what happened when the Japanese bombed Australia. http://rfdsdarwin.com.au/royal-flying-doctor-service
For shopping and restaurants The Mall is the place to wander. If it’s markets, go to Mindil Markets, a legend for locals and tourists.
Sailing Away: At the wharf the Coral Expeditions ship, Coral Explorer I was waiting. Our group of 42 is excited as we board and are shown to our comfortable cabins.
King Cascade
Once clear of the harbor, we set our course to the South-West and make for the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf. Sailing south, our first destination is Tranquil Bay and then King George River. Passengers are quickly on deck with cameras and binoculars front and centre for the first close-up of this ancient coast.
After lunch we boarded the Explorer, the wonderful tender which allows passengers to walk straight on board and then, like a giant forklift, is lowered into the ocean and sails away. A rapid trip along the river had us at the magnificent King George Falls, a towering 80m high, the highest in WA.
Manfred, our brilliant Purser. Beach BBQ
Next stop Vansittart Bay where we go ashore to look at a WWII reminder, a USAF DC3 that ran out of fuel and crash landed. All on board were eventually rescued.
After lunch, it’s Jar Island to view Bradshaw and Giyorn Giyorn artwork that was at least 20,000 years old.
Day 4 we sail to Swift Bay for the optional Helicopter ride to Mitchell Falls, a highlight of a fantastic trip.
After lunch it was the magic Hathaway’s Hideaway where the wind and erosion has created a scene out of an Indiana Jones movie. The size of the shell middens indicated how popular this had been for thousands of years.
Explorer and a dry landing
Day 5 and Prince Frederick Harbour. We navigated the mangroves and enjoy wildlife and the rock formations. Amazing!
Day 6 and we are at Prince Regent River and Careening Bay.
It gets better and better…. King Cascade, a spectacular fresh water display tumbling down from the escarpment. Many go ashore to climb the path to the top and swim in the crystal water. The rest sit back and enjoy as a croc swims past.
Careening Bay was where King beached the cutter HMS Mermaid in 1820 for urgent repairs and his crew left graffiti carved into a Boab tree.
Day 7. Raft Point and Steep Island.
After breakfast we meet the traditional owners, the Worrorra, to view the famous Wondjina Art site at Raft Point. At night we enjoy the famous Coral Expeditions Beach BBQ, as we watch the sunset.
Day 8.Red Cone Creek and Montgomery Reef.
Scooting along in the Explorer, Red Cone Creek takes us to Ruby Falls, where the agile scale the rocks and enjoy a refreshing swim in the pools above the falls.
Montgomery Reef is regarded as one of the natural wonders of the world. As the tide drops the reef appears to rise from the ocean. The zodiacs take us into these rushing cascades.
Montgomery Reef
Day 9. The Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay and Iron Island
The huge tide rushes through a small opening, creating a small waterfall for the zodiacs to enjoy.
Day 10 and a private visit to Beagle Bay and the Centenary celebrations of their Sacred Heart Church.
Day 11. And this wondrous trip is nearly over as we arrive in Broome.
After a tour of Broome and a wonderful farewell dinner, we are transferred to the airport next morning.
All up, I am so glad that I had the chance to return. Well done to all concerned.
The crew could not be faulted, ever attentive and not afraid to go that little extra.
The passengers, CFT have created a holiday opportunity for all travellers, the interaction between all was lovely to be a part of.
My partner Pam and I were guests of Christian Fellowship Tours and HeliSpirit.
To contact Christian Fellowship Tours, who run amazing group tours around the world: www.christianfellowshiptours.com and 1300 635 358 in Australia.
To see a wide and varying range of tours and services, when in the Kimberley: https://www.helispirit.com.au /
For expedition cruising: https://www.coralexpeditions.com /
Words: Michael Osborne
Images: Pam Latham and Michael Osborne
Feature supplied by: www.wtfmedia.com.au
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