Day 1 - Thursday - Jul 18, 2024
Day 2 - Friday - Jul 19, 2024
Arrive in Perth and transfer to the InterContinental Perth Hotel (or similar) where you'll spend one night. On Day 2, fly to Darwin, board National Geographic Orion in the afternoon, and take to the waters of the Indian Ocean. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included on Day 2.
Day 3 - Saturday - Jul 20, 2024
Zodiac up the King George River with its almost vertical sheer canyon walls. Enjoy the opportunity to explore it at water level, and experience its towering red rock canyon walls. The river drains the Gardner Plateau here into spectacular King George Falls, the highest single-drop waterfalls in the Kimberley.
Day 4 - Sunday - Jul 21, 2024
| Jar Island, Australia, Australia |
|
|
Today, our naturalists lead us to an outdoor Gwion Gwion Aboriginal art gallery on Jar Island. Discovered by Joseph Bradshaw in 1891, the rock images are estimated to be up to 40,000 years old. Nearby there is a wreck of a DC-3 aircraft that became lost and crashed during World War II. If time allows, explore the crash site and the remains of the plane.
Day 5 - Monday - Jul 22, 2024
Onboard Zodiacs, visit this rocky island jutting out of aqua seas, famous for Wandjina rock art. Composed of weathered sandstones and dolerites forming a rugged terrain, Bigge Island is crisscrossed by many deep grooves in the rock, forming valleys and fissures which support the island's vegetation. Small monjon rock-wallabies and the northern quoll thrive here free of predators.
Day 6 - Tuesday - Jul 23, 2024
| Cruising Montgomery Reef, Australia |
|
|
Conditions permitting, the tide at Montgomery Reef may drop rapidly away and a raging torrent of water erupts, as miles of surrounding reef appear to slowly rise out of the ocean. A Zodiac maneuvers us into a channel in the reef as water cascades down on either side. It is the perfect spot to watch for cormorants, egrets, and sandpipers foraging for sea life trapped on the surface of the reef. Below the waterline, opportunistic sea turtles, reef sharks, and many larger fish also take advantage of this feast.
Day 7 - Wednesday - Jul 24, 2024
| Cruising Hunter River, Australia |
|
|
This is one of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast, lined with green rainforest, mangroves, and soaring red cliffs. National Geographic Orion drops anchor near Naturalists Island, also known by its indigenous name, Wunumpurramarra-a stunning backdrop to our day's explorations. The Hunter River has many crocodiles, and we keep an eye out for them on a Zodiac foray through the mangroves.
Day 8 - Thursday - Jul 25, 2024
Spend the day in exploring a series of islands that dot Swift Bay where we explore sandstone caves and archways home to both Wandjina and Gwion Gwion aboriginal rock art. For those wishing to explore some of the Kimberley's vast interior, today presents a wonderful opportunity. The distance from Swift Bay to the famous Mitchell Falls and Plateau is about 30 miles, and guests may choose to take an optional helicopter tour over some spectacular terrain.
Day 9 - Friday - Jul 26, 2024
Day 10 - Saturday - Jul 27, 2024
Spend time on deck with the onboard team of naturalists; listen to compelling presentations in the lounge; or enjoy one of the many onboard amenities. National Geographic Orion is required to make a quick technical stop in Darwin to clear the vessel and guests out of Australia before departing for Indonesia.
Day 11 - Sunday - Jul 28, 2024
Day 12 - Monday - Jul 29, 2024
Enjoy a day at sea before we arrive in Indonesia at the village of Kupang, where the locals provide us with a colorful and spirited welcome. Once arrival formalities are complete, we sail to the small islands off the coast where many species of fish and marine life flourish along the coral reefs. We explore the area both above and below the sea by snorkel, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard.
Day 13 - Tuesday - Jul 30, 2024
The ancient harbor of Waingapu on the east coast of Sumba Island is one of Indonesia's hidden gems, with a beautifully rugged coastline that beckons to be explored. Our arrival will be celebrated with music, bright costumes, and traditional dance. The quality, pattern, and motifs of the ikat of East Sumba make it one of the most unique textiles in Indonesia. We'll head inland to meet the locals and learn the history of these colorful pieces of woven art.
Day 14 - Wednesday - Jul 31, 2024
Explore Komodo National Park, home to the world's largest living lizard-the Komodo dragon. Learn about the conservation of these prehistoric giants from park rangers, who join us on a hike to spot the lizards in their natural habitat. Then, enjoy an afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, or beachcombing at Pink Beach, named for the soft pink hue that arises from the blending of red coral fragments and white sand.
Day 15 - Thursday - Aug 1, 2024
| Satonda Island, Indonesia |
|
|
| Kananga, Sumbawa, Indonesia, Indonesia |
|
|
Today, we visit the uninhabited Indonesian island of Satonda-a small circular island that is an ancient volcanic cone. Spend the morning snorkeling or diving the vibrant reefs or hike inland to the island's sacred lake. This afternoon, visit the island of Sumbawa, where villagers welcome us with a lively cultural display.
Day 16 - Friday - Aug 2, 2024
This morning we arrive in Denpasar on the lush island of Bali. Following disembarkation get a taste of this paradise, where life and art are interwoven. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight home.
