Kimberley Coastal Expedition with West Coast Explorer

Today, we'll meet you at the airport before welcoming you aboard your expedition ship. The Seabourn Pursuit is the newest and most luxurious ship on the Kimberley Coast, boasting incredible facilities, delectable dining options and personalised service. You might like to admire the views from the panoramic balcony of your spacious suite, sip champagne on the outdoor deck, take a dip in the infinity pool or share stories of your adventures with your newfound friends in one of the luxurious shared spaces.

A relaxed dinner this evening gives you the chance to meet your fellow travellers and sets the tone for the next nine nights on board. Stay Nine Nights: Seabourn Pursuit (D)

• Anticipation builds as your Zodiac approaches King George Falls, which plunge 80 metres over a soaring sandstone cliff. Edge closer to this epic cascade and learn how it turns to a raging torrent during the monsoonal wet season.

Enjoy a relaxed morning aboard your luxurious ship. This afternoon, pay a special visit to Ashmore Reef Marine Park. Located in the Timor Sea and spanning 583 square kilometres, the reef is a sanctuary for many marine species. Every year, more than 100,000 seabirds breed here, including crested terns, white-tailed tropicbirds and great frigatebirds.

In addition to the prolific birdlife, beneath the clear tropical waters, the coral reefs, seagrass meadows, sandflats and lagoons of Ashmore Reef are home to a colourful array of marine life. 255 species of reef building coral dwell here - the greatest number of any reef on the West Australian coast.

Our visit to Ashmore reef is required to ensure we comply with Australian government regulations. Pending favourable weather and sea conditions, you'll explore this sanctuary via Zodiac with your Expedition Team. (B/L/D)

This morning, join your Expedition Team on an intriguing discovery. Walk across salt flats to view the wreckage of a US Air Force DC-3 which crash-landed near Vansittart Bay during World War II.

Later, we reposition in the bay to visit Jar Island and discover the island's outstanding rock art gallery. During your exploration here, you'll see fascinating examples of Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, dating back more than 20,000 years. (B/L/D)

• Approximately six kilometres from the mainland, Bigge Island is ripe for discovery today. It's well known for its Aboriginal rock art, created by the Wunambal people, and you'll explore a network of caves throughout the island. Here, discover paintings that display fascinating examples of first-contact art and Wandjina figures.

You are transported to Prince Frederick Harbour today, home to the towering red cliffs and tangled mangroves of Hunter River and Porosus Creek. With its extreme tides and pristine ecosystems, the harbour and its waterways are rich in wildlife including mudskippers and saltwater crocodiles. Porosus Creek takes its name from the scientific name for saltwater crocodile, a good indication of what we're looking for today.

Keen birdwatchers should keep a careful eye out for kingfishers, egrets, herons and white-bellied sea eagles. To enhance your day, you might choose to set out on a thrilling helicopter flight to see the Mitchell Falls in all its splendour from above (flight at own expense). (B/L/D)

• At Montgomery Reef, depart with your Expedition Team to discover the reef by Zodiac. The reef ‘rises' out of the ocean as tidal waters cascade into surrounding channels.
• Experience a welcome to country and immersive smoking ceremony conducted by the Arraluli people, the traditional custodians of the land. Then, embark on a guided hike led by the expedition team to explore the mesmerising rock art site where your Aboriginal guide will offer an interpretation the rock art. This signature experience offers a profound connection to the rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions of the Arraluli people.

• Today your ship cruises through to Talbot Bay, known for its massive 12-metre tides that create the unique Horizontal Falls. Subject to tidal conditions, board a zodiac with your Expedition Team to view this natural phenomenon.

There's promise of turquoise waters today as your ship arrives in the Buccaneer Archipelago, home to more than 800 islands. Cruise to Adele Island and join your Expedition Team member for an exploration of this remote coastal area by Zodiac. The island is surrounded by Adele Reef, teeming with an array of coral and marine life, including reef sharks and stingrays. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a day at leisure in Broome before meeting your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner this evening. Stay: Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa (B/D)

Travel from Broome to Eco Beach and check into your resort. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps stroll the white sand beach or immerse yourself in the local flaura and fauna of the Kimberley on a bush walk, or simply cool off in the pool before a relaxing dinner this evening. Stay: Eco Beach Resort (B/L/D)

Travel south, stopping at the famous Eighty Mile Beach, a stunning coastline that marks the end of the Great Sandy Desert. Keep an eye out for the migratory birds that call the wetland area home. Then, arrive at Port Hedland, a mining town renowned for its extensive exportation of iron ore. Stay: Port Hedland, The Esplanade Hotel (B/L/D)

Travel to Marble Bar, a town that takes its name from the local Indigenous name for the river that runs through its centre. Marble Bar is infamously known as the hottest town in Australia. The town received its name after a stunning formation of jasper which settlers mistook for a huge bar of marble. Later, continue to Newman. Stay: Seasons Newman Hotel (B/L/D)

Explore the Pilbara mining region as you take a tour of Mt Whaleback Mine and learn about the world's largest open cut iron ore mine. Afterwards, continue to your beautiful eco retreat in Karijini National Park, Western Australia's second largest national park. Stay Two Nights: Karijini Eco Retreat (B/L/D)

• Enjoy a full day to discover the impressive contrasting landscapes of Karijini National Park.

Today you will drive through the town of Tom Price and head to the Northwest Cape. Upon arrival in Exmouth, watch as the sun sets over the crystal-clear waters of Ningaloo Marine Park. Stay Two Nights: Exmouth, Mantarays Ningaloo Beach Resort (B/L/D)

Explore Cape Range National Park today as you board a cruise through the spectacular gorge walls of Yardie Creek. Afterwards, stop in Turquoise Bay, regularly voted as one of the best beaches in the world. Then, travel to see Vlamingh Head Lighthouse before returning for dinner at the resort. (B/L/D)

Sit back and relax on board a glass-bottom boat as you gaze out to the crystal-clear waters of beautiful Ningaloo Marine Park. You'll also have the opportunity to snorkel the World Heritage-listed reef, which is home to numerous marine species, including sea turtles. Later, continue to Carnarvon. Stay: Carnarvon, Best Western Hospitality Inn (B/L/D)

Head for Hamelin Pool to see the amazing stromatolites, which are considered the world's oldest living organisms. Continue to Shell Beach, then later, arrive at your resort, where you will enjoy a delicious dinner. Stay Two Nights: Shark Bay, Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort (B/L/D)

• See the famous wild dolphins of Monkey Mia. Watch as local rangers undertake a dolphin feeding demonstration subject to appearance.

Today will be spent travelling to Kalbarri National Park, which surrounds the lower reaches of the Murchison River. Arrive at your resort and settle in. Stay: Kalbarri Edge Resort (B/L/D)

Today we explore Kalbarri National Park, including red buff lookout and pink Hutt Lagoon, located alongside the Coral Coast; with its inland gorges and spectacular cliffs. Continue to Geraldton to explore this port town and visit the HMAS Sydney II memorial. Stay: The Gerald Apartment Hotel or Similar (B/L/D)

Perhaps join an optional breathtaking flight over the Abrolhos Islands, located 55km's off the coast, Marvel at the scenic beauty of the Pelaert and Wallabi Groups from above as you glide over the azure waters. Experience the rich history of the Batavia wreck site and keep an eye out for seasonal whale sightings (own expense). Travel to to Nambung National Park, a striking coastal desert region, home to the Pinnacles. Stop for lunch at the Lobster Shack before continuing to Perth where you'll enjoy a Farewell Dinner. Stay: Perth, The Ritz-Carlton (B/L/D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. (B)