Exclusive yacht charters, helicopter flights over Mitchell Falls, luxury tented wilderness lodges, access to restricted indigenous sites, hiking the Bungle Bungle domes and 4WD adventures in the heart of the outback are just a handful of the highlights in the new Kimberley Coast Cruising Featuring Kimberley Wilderness 4WD Adventures 2014 brochure from APT.
The five itineraries for 2014 range from 12 to 28 days in length and all are led by the most experienced team in the Kimberley. Each itinerary combines small group touring for a maximum of 20 guests in custom built 4WD vehicles with luxury overnight accommodation and stays at APT Wilderness Lodges. They also feature coastal cruising on board an APT exclusive charter. According to APT’s General Manager, KWA & OWA, Rob Tandy, they offer exceptional value for Australiantravellers:
“Having operated in the Kimberley for some 40 years now, there’s not much that we at APT don’t know about the terrain, the wildlife or the region’s indigenous communities. We have the utmost respect for all three and, because of our depth of knowledge and strength of relationships, we are able to give our guests an exclusive insight into this region that we love so much.
“Through our Kimberley cruising component we are delighted to be able to offer our guests another dimension to this wild and beautiful frontier. We want Australians to be able to come and explore this breath taking region and so we’ve worked hard to put together itineraries that pack in as many of the highlights as possible, offering experiences of a lifetime at a price people can afford,” said Rob Tandy.
For the cruise component of its itineraries, APT has exclusively chartered the Coral Princess and Oceanic Discoverer, pioneers in Kimberley cruising and experts at navigating the secluded inlets of the local coastline. Australian owned and crewed, the boats don’t venture out of Australian waters so no passport checks are required.
The Coral Princess is a 35-metre purpose-built catamaran which was beautifully refurbished in 2012. Accommodating just 48 people, all of the 24 spacious cabins feature ensuite and climate control as standard.
The Oceanic Discoverer is the newest ship operating in the region and was purpose built to offer all the comforts of a larger cruiser, with the more intimate feel of a smaller style ship. Hosting just 72 guests, the ship features a Promenade Deck, range of elegant staterooms that each feature ocean views, an ensuite and air conditioning.
The brochure features a range of deals for bookings made by the 31st July 2012, including a saving of $2,400 per couple on the 26 day Kimberley Complete with Coastal Cruise itinerary.
Inclusions highlighted in the brochure range from APT ‘Signature Experiences’, all sightseeing, park and cruise fees, expert services of an Driver-Guard and an APT Tour and Cruise Director, helicopter ride over Mitchell Falls, one night stay at El Questro, exclusive drinks package with lunch and dinner, transfers to and from the luxury ship, expert guest lecturers, luxury accommodation and fine dining meals.
The lead in tour is the 12 day Kimberley Coast Cruise which travels from Broome to Darwin. Priced from $7,945 per person (or $7,445 if booked by 31 July), it comprises a night at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa in Broome followed by a ten night cruise taking in the Lacepede Islands, Buccaneer Archipelago, Ruby Falls, Montgomery Reef, King Cascades, Bigge Island, Mitchell Falls, Jar Island and King George River and Falls before disembarking at Darwin.
APT ‘Signature Experiences’ include viewing rare Green Turtle breeding grounds, a zodiac ride through Horizontal Falls, ancient Aboriginal art at Bigge Island and a gourmet sunset Australian beach BBQ. Also includes all sightseeing, 30 meals, drinks package with lunch and dinner, an APT cruise director, expert lectures and transfers to and from the ship.