Wildlife & Wonders of Western Australia

Explore further

Itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 London to Perth, Australia.

   Fly by scheduled indirect flight.

2. 2

   Day 2 Perth.

   Arrive and transfer to our centrally located hotel for a two night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your journey or explore the city independently.

3. 3

   Day 3 Perth.

   After breakfast in the hotel we enjoy a tour of Perth which will include a guided walk around Kings Park, perched on Mount Eliza. Absorb impressive views of the city and the Swan River and see some of Western Australia's remarkable flora in the Botanical Gardens. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon before we meet tonight for our welcome dinner.

4. 4

   Day 4 Perth to Fremantle.

   After breakfast in the hotel we will transfer to the Coral Adventurer moored in Fremantle. We will sail later this morning and spend the remainder of the day cruising and settling in on board. The Abrolhos Islands consist of 122 islands, clustered into three main groups: the Wallabi, Easter and Pelsaert Groups. Lying in the stream of the southward flowing Leeuwin current, the marine environment here is a meeting place for tropical and temperate sea life. Common marine mammals include Australian sea lions and bottlenose dolphins, and over 90 species of seabird have been identified. The treacherous reefs around these islands have claimed many wrecks over the centuries, the most famous being the 'Batavia' in 1629 whose Dutch crew swam ashore only to experience a brutal mutiny. The Abrolhos Islands offer a near-pristine natural environment with a diverse range of marine and terrestrial fauna and flora and the area also has a rich history including shipwrecks and remnants of early colonial industries such as guano mining and commercial fishing. We will spend three days exploring the area, visiting all three main groups: Pelsaert (Southern), Easter Group and the Wallabi Group. A broad range of activities will be available across these three days including visiting historical sites, wildlife viewing and world-class snorkelling sites. We will enjoy the chance to snorkel off picturesque Turtle Bay and take a short walk along the beach where you may see tamar wallabies, skinks, and the endemic Abrolhos dwarf bearded dragons. We will cruise past the Pidgeon Islands, the wealthiest of the crayfishing islands. Birdwatch for ospreys, white-bellied sea eagles and caspian terns amongst other birdlife. Conditions permitting, we hope to visit Beacon Island, also known as the Island of Angry Ghosts, where 126 men, women and children were massacred by the blood thirsty mutineers of this area over 400 years ago. This island is home to fantastic birdlife, as well as the Batavia Memorial cairn and the coral pits that are still evident from where Jeronimus Cornelisz (the mutiny ringleader) was held prior to his trial and execution. At the Easter Group we will have the opportunity to visit the sea lion colony at Little Sandy Island, home to the largest colony of sea lions in the Abrolhos. There will be opportunities to snorkel in the vibrant coral reefs at locations such as Squid Hole, the Anemone Lump or Morley Island. Also enjoy the opportunity to bird watch at Wooded Island. At the Pelsaert (Southern) group we will have the opportunity to visit Liddon Pearl Farm and crayfishing operations on Post Office Island. Here we learn what is involved with growing the pearls, learning the different shells and pearl categories, and how the different types of pearls are set. We will also gain insights into the renowned cray fishing industry of the island, from the family who has been in the Abrolhos for four generations, and hope to have the chance to snorkel the blue holes from the jetty. Explore the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, the first location in Western Australia to receive UNESCO World Heritage status in 1991. This is a region of colourful landscapes, rare flora and fauna, and home to a staggering 35% of all of Australia's bird species. Explore Francois Peron National Park where red desert cliffs meet the turquoise sea. Cruise past historic Cape Inscription, the site of Dirk Hartog's landing in 1616, and time permitting enjoy a refreshing swim off the sandy remote beach.

5. 10

   Day 10 Cruising the Ningaloo Coast.

   The remote and well-hidden Bateman's Bay, just north of Coral Bay, is a remote and untouched landscape with beautiful sand beaches. Weather permitting we will make a short landing on a section of the Ningaloo coast between Northwest Cape and Shark Bay where we can enjoy a swim and beachcomb.

6. 11

   Day 11 Exmouth & Cape Range National Park.

   One of the longest and most pristine fringing reefs in the world, Ningaloo Reef has an unusually narrow continental shelf. The deep oceanic waters, reef and coastline communities are close in proximity, resulting in a huge array of significant and healthy marine life coexisting in one area. The Ningaloo Coast is also one of the most important turtle nesting rookeries in the Indian Ocean and has a significant maritime history from explorers, traders, pearl luggers, whaling and fishing. We will spend the day at Cape Range National Park with options to snorkel at Turquoise Bay, visit Yardie Creek on a nature walk, head up to the Vlamingh Head lighthouse or visit the Ningaloo Centre. There will also be some free time to explore Exmouth. It is also a coastline with a fascinating heritage, where lonely whalers battled it out against the elements.

7. 12

   Day 12 Muiron Islands & Serrurier Island.

   The Muiron Islands are located approximately ten nautical miles off the Northwest Cape. The islands are well known for their incredible reef, colourful soft corals, an abundance of turtles, schools of fish and even sightings of manta rays. With fantastic bommies and protected reef, snorkellers will appreciate the variety of soft corals and gorgonians as well as the incredible marine life. Birdlife is abundant onshore and we hope to spot wedge-tail shearwaters, roseate terns, osprey, and black-shouldered kites. Serrurier Island is located a further 20 nautical miles northeast of the Muirons. Here we will experience great coral competition and seagrass beds that feed the local dugongs. After some in-water activities, you can stretch your legs on a stroll down the beach on these untouched islands.

8. 13

   Day 13 Montebello Islands.

   The Montebello Islands or ‘Montes' are an archipelago of more than 250 limestone islands and islets off the coast of the Pilbara. The islands are considered an Important Bird Area, as they support over 1% of the world's population of fairy and roseate terns, as well as sooty oystercatchers. The Montes have an ‘explosive' past. Alpha and Trimouille Islands were the sites of three British atomic weapons tests in the 1950s. Relics of the military operation can still be found on the islands today. We will visit the plinth, which marks Ground Zero at Trimouille Island, where now you will find a haven for wildlife, including the rufous hare wallaby. A fascinating maritime history surrounds Montebello Islands. Survivors of the British East India ship ‘Tryall' swam here after their ship was wrecked in 1622, therefore being the first Europeans to land on the islands. We will spend a full day exploring this island group, including wildlife spotting opportunities and beautiful beach walks. Keep watch for the rare rufous hare wallaby and lagoon rays while exploring amazing vistas.

9. 14

   Day 14 Dampier Archipelago.

   Consisting of 42 islands and islets, 25 of which are nature reserves; the iron-red islands of the Dampier Archipelago stand in bright contrast to the turquoise waters which surround them. The archipelago not only offers exceptional natural beauty but significant sites for Aboriginal and European Heritage, many of which are in National Heritage Listed Areas. Named after English explorer William Dampier who first visited the islands aboard the ‘Cygnet' in 1699, the islands' earliest inhabitants were the Yaburara people, as is evidenced by the thousands of rock engravings, shell middens and stone arrangements scattered across the area. In the company of local indigenous rangers, there will be ample opportunity to explore the area's historical and cultural sites before taking to the azure waters for swimming. Birdwatchers will have the opportunity to see several species of migratory waders as well as sea eagles and ospreys. With luck, we may even see the elusive Rothschild's rock wallaby. Please note viewing of aboriginal petroglyphs is subject to approval and guidance by traditional owners of the area and cannot be guaranteed.

10. 15

    Day 15 At Sea.

    Relax on deck as we spend a day at sea, with presentations from the onboard Guest Lecturers, workshops, and demonstrations.

11. 16

    Day 16 Broome to London.

    Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London.

12. 17

    Day 17 London.

    Arrive today. Exploring Ashore: This voyage is expeditionary in nature, exploring remote regions only accessible by sea. The Captain and Expedition Team will make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximise your experience. We will be at anchor on most days and will utilise the Zodiacs or Xplorer tenders to go ashore. There will be a number of beach landings and the guided walks will be up to three kilometres in distance. An alternative excursion will always be offered in place of higher impact walks and the Expedition Team will advise walking conditions and requirements prior to each excursion. There will be multiple opportunities to swim and snorkel and this expedition will appeal to those who enjoy the natural world. If you have any queries pertaining to the use of Zodiacs or the level of fitness required for this voyage please do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced Travel Consultants.

The Ship

Coral Adventurer

Deck plan

Expand deck plan

Departures & pricing

Videos

Discover more about this voyage