$21,519

Per person, twin share

15 Nights | Ultimate Uluru & Kimberley Wilderness Journey

This deal is no longer available

Highlights

Australia is an ancient land of stark and vivid contrasts. Cruiseco has created the ultimate Australian adventure, combining the spiritual heart of the country with an ultraluxury voyage to the remote Kimberley on Scenic Eclipse II.

Start your adventure with an exclusive discovery of the red centre of Australia on a four-day Ultimate Uluru adventure. See majestic Uluru and the magnificent domes of Kata Tjuta. Marvel at the changing colours of these sacred sites from sunrise to sunset. Wander through the stunning art installation, Field of Light, and experience fine dining under a canopy of stars. Hear the stories of the Anangu people and learn about their culture.

From here, fly to Darwin to board the ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse II. Combining world-class design and unrivalled discovery, Scenic Eclipse II sets the benchmark in ultra-luxury cruising in Australia. Embark on a voyage to one of the world’s most remarkable and precious environments, the vast wilderness of Australia’s Kimberley Coast. Marvel at the vivid contrasting colours and vast pristine wilderness boasting deep gorges, rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. You’ll learn from the traditional owners of the land; a rare and unique cultural encounter that you will remember for a lifetime.

Scenic’s expert Discovery Team will take you on a journey into the Northern Territory’s Top End and remote Kimberley region to reveal the exotic natural wonders of Australia. On this unforgettable voyage, marvel at ancient landscapes unchanged for millennia, navigate gushing waterfalls on a Zodiac, spot saltwater crocodiles and endangered green sea turtles, walk among an incredible variety of native flora, and get to know the traditional owners of this ancient land. After a day of discovery, unwind in ultra-luxury and enjoy truly all-inclusive indulgence on board Scenic Eclipse II, The World’s First Discovery Yachts TM.

What's Included

Package Inclusions:

  • 3 nights at Sails in the Desert
  • Welcome drinks with your Tour Leader and fellow travellers
  • Tali Wiru Dinner Experience, including 4-course dinner, canapes, premium Australian wine, didgeridoo performance and Indigenous storytelling
  • Field of Light Dinner, including 3-course busy dinner, wine and beer, non-alcoholic soft drinks and a self-guided walk through the illuminated Field of Light
  • Ilkari Restaurant 3-course set menu dinner at Sails in the Desert
  • Guided morning Uluru Highlights Tour including breakfast
  • Morning Kata Tjuta Tour including breakfast
  • Private dot painting workshop with a local Anangu artist
  • Private guided tour of the Gallery of Central Australia with a glass of sparkling wine
  • Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Pass
  • Services of a Tour Leader and expert driver-guides in Uluru and Darwin
  • Flight from Alice Springs to Darwin
  • 1 night at Mindil Beach Casino Resort in Darwin including breakfast
  • 1 night at Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa in Broome including breakfast
  • Farewell Dinner with your Tour Leader and fellow travellers
  • Transfers between Airport, Hotel, & Port in Uluru, Alice Springs, Darwin & Broome
Cruise Inclusions:
  • 10 night cruise from Darwin to Broome on board the luxurious Scenic Eclipse II
  • Up to 228 guests on board for a truly exclusive Discovery Voyage
  • Spacious all verandah suites
  • Butler service for every suite 
  • Up to ten onboard dining experiences, from casual to fine dining
  • Complimentary beverages all day, every day
  • 15 member Specialist Discovery Team
  • Scenic Discovery excursions and shore side expedition program
  • Exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences
  • Personalised Scenic Freechoice experiences
  • Engaging lecture and education program on board
 

ITINERARY 

Day 1: Welcome to Uluru

Welcome to Uluru – the spiritual heart of Australia. On arrival at Ayers Rock Airport transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax poolside or participate in one of the complimentary resort activities. Later, meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink in Walpa Lobby Bar. Over the course of the next three nights at Uluru, you will enjoy a number of dining experiences^. On one of the evenings, you will enjoy an exclusive dining experience you will remember forever. Tali Wiru, meaning ‘beautiful dune’ in local Anangu language, encapsulates the magic of fine dining under the Southern Desert sky. The stillness of the desert at night creates a unique ambience, while views of Uluru and the distant domes of Kata Tjuta provide a stunning backdrop. Sip champagne and nibble on canapés while watching a spectacular sunset to the haunting sounds of a didgeridoo performance. Every course of this exclusive four-course dinner is infused with ancient native herbs and spices, constructed to respect, and put a spotlight on the quality and attributes of each ingredient, bringing them together in harmony. Dinner is accompanied by premium Australian wines while an indigenous storyteller shares the culture, history and spirituality of this beautiful land.
Overnight: Sails in the Desert
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Uluru

Experience the tranquillity of the outback pre-dawn and watch the stunning metamorphosis of colour as the desert slowly comes alive. Travel in the comfort of your coach to the Uluru sunrise viewing platform in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park with your driver guide who will provide insight into the history and geology of this ancient land. Enjoy a warming cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate as the dawn creeps across the desert plain and lights up Uluru. Afterwards, take a short walk at the base of Uluru, view some Ancient Aboriginal Rock Art and hear the creation stories of traditional Anangu life and the Tjukurpa (story) of Kuniya and Liru. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre to read about the history, and flora and fauna of the park before returning to the resort. Prior to dinner, enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you undertake a private guided tour of the Gallery of Central Australia, featuring around 80 works of Indigenous art. Your guide will impart their in-depth knowledge of the
region and the artwork of existing and emerging artists from the Central Australia region. This evening you may enjoy a relaxed dining experience in Ilkari Restaurant^.
Overnight: Sails in the Desert
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 

Day 3: Uluru

An early start this morning to experience the magnificent Kata Tjuta. Travel to the Kata Tjuta Viewing Area in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park with your driver guide who will provide details on its incredible history. From here enjoy a panoramic view of the southern side of Kata Tjuta and see Uluru on the distant horizon whilst sipping on a warming cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate as the dawn creeps across the desert plains and lights up the Domes of Kata Tjuta. After sunrise, arrive at the 36 steep-sided domes, the other icon of Kata-Tjuta National Park and set along the walk through Walpa Gorge, meaning ‘wind’ in the local Aboriginal language. Follow the path between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta, to a lush oasis in the desert and admire mulla mulla plants
and spearwood trees at the end of the gorge before returning back to the resort. 

Next stop is the Uluru Cultural Centre for a private dot painting workshop. Learn about traditional art, symbols, and tools from a local Anangu artist. Be inspired by the ancient ways of the desert and create your very own work of art to treasure. Throughout the workshop, the artist will share a part of their culture with you and help you to better understand Aboriginal paintings and culture. 

Late afternoon, you’ll be transferred to a remote desert location with majestic views of Uluru. As the sun sets on the horizon, enjoy gourmet canapes and chilled sparkling wine, and soak up the ambience of your last evening in the Red Centre. As darkness falls, watch in awe from the top of your private dune as the coloured lights of 50,000 glass spheres gently come to life, then join fellow travellers for an exceptional threecourse menu infused with bush tucker flavours^. As the night ignites with countless stars, settle back and listen to the resident star talker decode the southern night sky. After dinner, immerse yourself in the stunning art installation, Field of Light, its pathways glistening softly with rhythms of coloured light, beckoning you to explore at your own pace. Return to the
hotel and reflect on a truly magical evening. 
Overnight: Sails in the Desert
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4: Uluru – Darwin

A very early start this morning. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Alice Springs for your flight to Darwin. Upon arrival in Darwin, you’ll be transferred to the Mindil Beach Casino Resort for your overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. 
Overnight: Mindil Beach Casino Resort (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Depart Darwin

After breakfast, your morning is at leisure until you are transferred to the port and welcomed aboard the ultra-luxurious Scenic Eclipse II, The World’s First Discovery Yachts™. Settle into your spacious suite. Butler service will assist with unpacking and guide you through the pillow menu. Take some time to familiarise yourself with the unsurpassed amenities that include nine bars and lounges, up to 10 dining experiences from casual to fine dining, the expansive Senses Spa and the state-of-the-art theatre, just to name a few.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 6: King George River

Scenic Eclipse II sails from the Timor Sea to north of the King George River. The only way to access the 100-metre-wide King George Falls, the highest twin waterfalls in Western Australia, is on water or by air. With her sleek, yacht-shaped design, Scenic Eclipse II was custom-built to access such remote locations. Binoculars are provided in every suite to take with you on your Discovery excursions so you can get a closer look at the amazing wildlife.

Discovery - Take a roundtrip Zodiac for a breathtaking close-up of the falls, weaving past spectacular 80-metre-high sandstone cliffs and mangroves where you might spot a sunning crocodile or birdlife such as ospreys, falcons, egrets and kingfishers. Weather and tides permitting, Scenic’s Discovery Team could take you close enough to the falls for a natural shower. With two helicopters available, you may have the option for a scenic flight for an aerial appreciation of one of Western Australia’s most astounding spectacles.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Vansittart Bay

After an overnight journey on board your luxurious Discovery Yacht, you’ll stop at the sheltered and secluded Vansittart Bay, a place of significant indigenous cultural history. Fitted with state-of-the-art GPS Dynamic Positioning system, Scenic Eclipse II will be held in position close to Jar Island in the bay’s southwest pocket, negating the need to drop anchor on ecologically sensitive seabeds. Board a Zodiac for a transfer to a small sandy beach to explore the area with the expert Discovery Team.

Discovery - The Discovery Team will accompany you on a hike to see what’s regarded as the oldest art gallery on Earth, dating back more than 20,000 years to the last ice age. The ancient and mysterious Gwion is the oldest rock art known to man and one of two primary art forms found in the Kimberley. ‘Tattooed’ in to the rock rather than painted, the art depicts detailed, symmetrical and mystical figures adorned with tassels, delicate jewellery, and elaborate headdresses.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Ashmore Reef

The morning is at your leisure. You may choose to book a Senses Spa treatment, a Yoga or Pilates session, plunge into the vitality pools or simply relax and enjoy the 6-star luxury. The afternoon is for exploring one of Australia’s most remote marine parks, Ashmore Reef. The three islands of the reef are uninhabited yet home to an abundance of bird and sea life. Internationally recognised, each year around 100,000 seabirds from 40 different species flock to the reef to breed. Underwater, find hard and soft corals, giant clams, sea sponges, green turtles, dugongs, crabs and about 500 species of fish in the reef. After the day’s exploration, settle in at one of the nine bars and lounges to enjoy a beverage of choice.

Discovery - The wealth of sea life coupled with underwater visibility make for wonderful snorkelling and swimming. Take a Zodiac cruise with the Discovery Team around the reef or talk to the expert team about a possible Scenic helicopter flight for a bird’s eye view of the astonishing colours of land, sea and reef.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Hunter River

Today, Scenic Eclipse II glides through York Sound to the mouth of the Hunter River, the staging point for an unforgettable helicopter excursion to Mitchell Falls. The thrilling 15-20 minute flight is a true wilderness ride with jaw-dropping panoramas of wild escarpments, tropical rainforests and the thundering four-tiered Mitchell Falls carved out over millennia. Look out for ospreys and saltwater crocodiles as you soar over the prehistoric landscape akin to Jurassic Park. You have time to explore the area on foot and, if you wish, take a refreshing swim in one of the freshwater pools formed by the falls. Back on board, watch Mother Nature’s magnificent show as the sun sets, cocktail in hand. The sky awash with pastel colours blending shades of apricot, pink and dusty blue until finally dark, then linger longer underneath a blanket of a trillion sparkling stars.

Discovery - Tides permitting, the Zodiacs can take you past towering sandstone cliffs, pristine mangrove forests and iconic landscapes such as Prince Frederick Sound, Porosus Creek, and Hunter and Row Rivers. While Scenic Eclipse II sails to Montgomery Reef, you may spot humpback whales and other wildlife in Camden Sound from your private verandah or on deck.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Bigge Island – Low Rocks

Bigge Island, the second largest island in the Bonaparte Archipelago, is just 6km from the mainland. Being devoid of feral animals, it has allowed native wildlife to flourish. You may see a Monjon rock wallaby, the smallest of the kangaroo group, the northern quoll, sea turtles, and crocodiles.

Discovery - Take a hike along rocky and scenic paths, and visit caves to see well-preserved rock art by the Wunambal people depicting first contact with the Europeans.

Tides and time permitting, a stop at Careening Bay in the Prince Regent National Park is where you may view the famous Mermaid Tree, a enormous boab on which the ship’s crew of the HMC Mermaid carved the words of the ship and year, 1820. 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: Montgomery Reef – Raft Point

Wake to a completely new vista at Montgomery Reef, the world’s largest inshore reef that boasts some of the world’s biggest tidal changes reaching up to 14 metres (46 feet). As the tides rise and fall, both soft and hard coral are exposed, falling below sea level to create a remarkable spectacle you’ll explore by Zodiac. If the timing is perfect, discover thousands of small waterfalls cascading down the reef and see incredible marine life including sea turtles, octopi, sharks, rays, dolphins, and more. In the evening, share stories of croc-spotting with new friends over an aperitif or meal in one of Scenic Eclipse II’s 10 truly all-inclusive dining experiences.

Discovery - Join the Discovery Team on a Zodiac cruise to Montgomery Reef. Conditions permitting, the Zodiac will transfer you to a sand bank for a swim just off the reef.

Scenic Eclipse II then sails into the calm waters of Doubtful Sound for mangrove forest exploration in search of saltwater crocodiles. An alternative stop is the scenic Raft Point where you’ll see two majestic bluffs, boab trees, and after a 45-minute uphill hike, some of the Wandjina Aboriginal rock art gallery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12: Talbot Bay

Talbot Bay’s spectacular Horizontal Waterfalls is a natural wonder to tick off your Australian bucket list. This phenomenon is caused by a unique combination of geology and massive tidal surges.

Discovery – If time and tides permit, you may have the opportunity to go through these fascinating falls and around the narrow waterways of Talbot Bay in a Zodiac. Later, choose to embark on a challenging 9.5 kilometre walk into the Kimberley’s remote wilderness.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13: Buccaneer Archipelago

Cruise overnight to the mouth of King Sound and into the spectacular maze of the Buccaneer Archipelago. About 1000 tiny islands make up this jaw-dropping paradise that’s a kaleidoscope of vivid colours from iron-rich red rock to verdant pockets of lush rainforest, bright turquoise tropical sea and alabaster beaches. One highlight during this full day is the exploration of Whirlpool Passage; 8-metre tides swirl as they are pushed through a narrow channel between two islands, adding a thrill to your transit. Rest assured, the state-of-the-art Scenic Eclipse II is fitted with custom-built oversized zero speed stabilisers that are 50% larger than those of other ships, providing greater stability as it navigates through the roughest waters.

Discovery - Surrounding creeks and inlets offer additional opportunities for Zodiac expeditions, including a possible visit to Koolan Island, the site of an open pit mine that produces some of the highest-grade iron ore in Australia, best viewed overhead on a potential helicopter flight. Within Yampi Sound, past the multi-coloured sandstone folding, beautiful beaches beckon for a refreshing dip. The entire region is teeming with marine and bird life.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 14: Lacepede Islands Nature Reserve

A special visit awaits you today on this chain of four flat coral islands, home to tens of thousands of seabirds with over 50 bird species including red-chested frigate birds, crested terns pelicans and speckled ruddy turnstones. Having eradicated the rats in 1986, these treeless islands are once again a wildlife haven. It’s a significant nesting site for an estimated 18,000 pairs of brown footed boobies, possibly the largest colony in the world, and 20,000 roseate terns have been recorded on the A-class Nature Reserve. Further, it’s Western Australia’s most important breeding habitat
for green turtles and where thousands of humpback whales coe to calve.

Discovery - The Discovery Team will transfer you on Zodiac ashore for a snorkel, swim or beach walk following the trail of local crabs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 15: Broome

Your unforgettable voyage on Scenic Eclipse II comes to an end today. Bid farewell to your friendly crew as you disembark the yacht. You will be transferred to Cable Beach Club Resort for your overnight stay. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers as the sun sets over iconic Cable Beach.
Overnight: Cable Beach Club Resort (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 16: Broome

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Broome Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast

^NOTE: Included dinners over the three nights at Uluru may operate on different nights than those specified in the day-by-day itinerary due to limitation of numbers at some venues.

Extra/Bonus:

 

Offer Ends:

30/11/2023

 

Room/Cabin Information:

Category: Deluxe Verandah Suite (DB)

Travel Dates:

26 May 2024 – 10 Jun 2024.

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Terms & Conditions

 

CruiseCo and balgownietravel.com.au booking terms and conditions apply. see in-store for details