zThe Kimberley & Lesser Sundas

Embark the Silver Discoverer for this stunning Silversea Expedition – The Kimberley & Lesser Sundas. This afternoon, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team and attend a Zodiac briefing, and tonight we invite you to familiarise yourself with your new home away from home, meet some of your fellow travellers and enjoy the first of many memorable meals in The Restaurant. 

The Kimberley is famous for having the world’s second largest tidal range after the Bay of Fundy. A flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of this natural phenomenon. In the true spirit of expedition cruising, each day the Expedition Leader and Captain will determine our best course depending on tide, weather and sea conditions.

Here are some of the places we may visit during our time in this wondrous region:

Nares Point & Crocodile Creek, Kimberley, Western Australia
Nares Point is a long finger of sandstone protruding from the mainland alongside Koolan Island. With its convoluted photogenic rock formations, this is a superb location for Zodiac exploration and beach walks with our naturalists. In nearby Crocodile Creek—free of crocodiles despite its name—take a refreshing swim in the cool natural pool to relax and beat the Kimberley heat.

Talbot Bay (Horizontal Falls), Buccaneer Archipelago, Kimberley, Western Australia
The British naturalist David Attenborough described Horizontal Falls as "one of the greatest natural wonders of the world". This group of over 800 islands was created millions of years ago by the erosive tidal changes and the region’s 490-­‐foot tides (149 m) create an amazing spectacle. Depending on whether the tides are ebbing or flowing, we board our Zodiacs for an exhilarating ride through the falls. Then continue deeper into the sandstone gorge of Cyclone Creek, and explore geological formations that were created over the last two billion years.

Montgomery Reef, Kimberley, Western Australia
No Kimberley Expedition will be complete without a visit to Montgomery Reef, which is over 400 square miles (1035 km2) in size to observe the amazing tidal changes that take place here. Timing of the tides is everything today; low tide reveals up to 13 feet (4 m) of reef exposing a river that allows access to this amazing semi-­‐submerged world. As the tide continues to ebb, we use our Zodiacs to make our way to the edge of the reef where we are surrounded by cascading waterfalls up to 10 feet high (3 m), and continue up the river as we look at the abundance of reef birds and every imaginable sea creature including turtles, manta rays and if we are lucky the elusive dugong (manatee). A visit to Montgomery Reef is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Raft Point, Kimberley, Western Australia
At the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, the world saw an enormous Wandjina spirit rising out of the ground. It was a breath-taking moment, and for most people, their very first encounter with Aboriginal mythology. The image was actually that of a 114-foot sculpture (35 m) created by an artist who lives at Raft Point, home to indigenous Wandjina paintings. We will Zodiac ashore and set out towards the top of Raft Point. Our hike takes us through the abundant Kimberley Flora including the iconic Baobab Tree, also known by the local Aboriginals as the “upside down tree”. Upon reaching the top of Raft Point, enjoy the spectacular views of the bay in the shade of the overhanging cliff, which is home to the Wadjina Spirit and many other Dreamtime stories and images representing daily aboriginal life. Take a seat, or lie on your back and take in the Wadjina Spirit and listen to the dreamtime stories associated with this extremely important Aboriginal spirit.
 
Hunter River, Kimberley, Western Australia
The Hunter River is home to an immense mangrove system that dates back over 2 billion years. Be sure to look for the image of the Indian Head in the soaring red sandstone cliffs as we set out in Zodiacs to explore the narrow mangrove channels, watching for numerous bird species and keeping an eye out for the Crocodylus Porosous (saltwater crocodile), the most aggressive crocodile known to man. For those wishing to explore some of the Kimberley's vast interior; your on board Silversea Expeditions team can arrange an optional helicopter flightseeing excursion to the famous Mitchell Falls where four tiers of waterfalls plunge into deep pools that flow out into the Mitchell River.

Jar Island, Vansittart Bay, Kimberley, Western Australia
After landing on Jar Island by Zodiac we go for a walk to the outdoor gallery of Bradshaw Art a.k.a. Gwion Art, one of the three distinctive styles of rock art in the Kimberley region. Bradshaw Art has raised more questions than answers as to that who painted these figures and where they have come from, and we will listen to the theories and interpretations of our own experts as we admire these very delicate and intricate pictographs.

King George River & Falls, Kimberley, Western Australia
The King George Falls is one of the Kimberley's most magnificent natural wonders. At 260 feet (80 m), the twin cascades are among the highest in Australia. We drop anchor at the mouth of the river and ride Zodiacs up this waterway, weaving through an amazing landscape of near vertical red rock formations and a parade of wildlife — carnivorous saltwater crocodiles, amazing birdlife including giant raptors and the Brahminy Kite. Arriving at the falls, we can cruise quite close to the base to contemplate the immensity of this thundering spectacle. It is truly a humbling experience.

The Kimberley is famous for having the world’s second largest tidal range after the Bay of Fundy. A flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of this natural phenomenon. In the true spirit of expedition cruising, each day the Expedition Leader and Captain will determine our best course depending on tide, weather and sea conditions.

Here are some of the places we may visit during our time in this wondrous region:

Nares Point & Crocodile Creek, Kimberley, Western Australia
Nares Point is a long finger of sandstone protruding from the mainland alongside Koolan Island. With its convoluted photogenic rock formations, this is a superb location for Zodiac exploration and beach walks with our naturalists. In nearby Crocodile Creek—free of crocodiles despite its name—take a refreshing swim in the cool natural pool to relax and beat the Kimberley heat.

Talbot Bay (Horizontal Falls), Buccaneer Archipelago, Kimberley, Western Australia
The British naturalist David Attenborough described Horizontal Falls as "one of the greatest natural wonders of the world". This group of over 800 islands was created millions of years ago by the erosive tidal changes and the region’s 490-­‐foot tides (149 m) create an amazing spectacle. Depending on whether the tides are ebbing or flowing, we board our Zodiacs for an exhilarating ride through the falls. Then continue deeper into the sandstone gorge of Cyclone Creek, and explore geological formations that were created over the last two billion years.

Montgomery Reef, Kimberley, Western Australia
No Kimberley Expedition will be complete without a visit to Montgomery Reef, which is over 400 square miles (1035 km2) in size to observe the amazing tidal changes that take place here. Timing of the tides is everything today; low tide reveals up to 13 feet (4 m) of reef exposing a river that allows access to this amazing semi-­‐submerged world. As the tide continues to ebb, we use our Zodiacs to make our way to the edge of the reef where we are surrounded by cascading waterfalls up to 10 feet high (3 m), and continue up the river as we look at the abundance of reef birds and every imaginable sea creature including turtles, manta rays and if we are lucky the elusive dugong (manatee). A visit to Montgomery Reef is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Raft Point, Kimberley, Western Australia
At the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, the world saw an enormous Wandjina spirit rising out of the ground. It was a breath-taking moment, and for most people, their very first encounter with Aboriginal mythology. The image was actually that of a 114-foot sculpture (35 m) created by an artist who lives at Raft Point, home to indigenous Wandjina paintings. We will Zodiac ashore and set out towards the top of Raft Point. Our hike takes us through the abundant Kimberley Flora including the iconic Baobab Tree, also known by the local Aboriginals as the “upside down tree”. Upon reaching the top of Raft Point, enjoy the spectacular views of the bay in the shade of the overhanging cliff, which is home to the Wadjina Spirit and many other Dreamtime stories and images representing daily aboriginal life. Take a seat, or lie on your back and take in the Wadjina Spirit and listen to the dreamtime stories associated with this extremely important Aboriginal spirit.
 
Hunter River, Kimberley, Western Australia
The Hunter River is home to an immense mangrove system that dates back over 2 billion years. Be sure to look for the image of the Indian Head in the soaring red sandstone cliffs as we set out in Zodiacs to explore the narrow mangrove channels, watching for numerous bird species and keeping an eye out for the Crocodylus Porosous (saltwater crocodile), the most aggressive crocodile known to man. For those wishing to explore some of the Kimberley's vast interior; your on board Silversea Expeditions team can arrange an optional helicopter flightseeing excursion to the famous Mitchell Falls where four tiers of waterfalls plunge into deep pools that flow out into the Mitchell River.

Jar Island, Vansittart Bay, Kimberley, Western Australia
After landing on Jar Island by Zodiac we go for a walk to the outdoor gallery of Bradshaw Art a.k.a. Gwion Art, one of the three distinctive styles of rock art in the Kimberley region. Bradshaw Art has raised more questions than answers as to that who painted these figures and where they have come from, and we will listen to the theories and interpretations of our own experts as we admire these very delicate and intricate pictographs.

King George River & Falls, Kimberley, Western Australia
The King George Falls is one of the Kimberley's most magnificent natural wonders. At 260 feet (80 m), the twin cascades are among the highest in Australia. We drop anchor at the mouth of the river and ride Zodiacs up this waterway, weaving through an amazing landscape of near vertical red rock formations and a parade of wildlife — carnivorous saltwater crocodiles, amazing birdlife including giant raptors and the Brahminy Kite. Arriving at the falls, we can cruise quite close to the base to contemplate the immensity of this thundering spectacle. It is truly a humbling experience.

The Kimberley is famous for having the world’s second largest tidal range after the Bay of Fundy. A flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of this natural phenomenon. In the true spirit of expedition cruising, each day the Expedition Leader and Captain will determine our best course depending on tide, weather and sea conditions.

Here are some of the places we may visit during our time in this wondrous region:

Nares Point & Crocodile Creek, Kimberley, Western Australia
Nares Point is a long finger of sandstone protruding from the mainland alongside Koolan Island. With its convoluted photogenic rock formations, this is a superb location for Zodiac exploration and beach walks with our naturalists. In nearby Crocodile Creek—free of crocodiles despite its name—take a refreshing swim in the cool natural pool to relax and beat the Kimberley heat.

Talbot Bay (Horizontal Falls), Buccaneer Archipelago, Kimberley, Western Australia
The British naturalist David Attenborough described Horizontal Falls as "one of the greatest natural wonders of the world". This group of over 800 islands was created millions of years ago by the erosive tidal changes and the region’s 490-­‐foot tides (149 m) create an amazing spectacle. Depending on whether the tides are ebbing or flowing, we board our Zodiacs for an exhilarating ride through the falls. Then continue deeper into the sandstone gorge of Cyclone Creek, and explore geological formations that were created over the last two billion years.

Montgomery Reef, Kimberley, Western Australia
No Kimberley Expedition will be complete without a visit to Montgomery Reef, which is over 400 square miles (1035 km2) in size to observe the amazing tidal changes that take place here. Timing of the tides is everything today; low tide reveals up to 13 feet (4 m) of reef exposing a river that allows access to this amazing semi-­‐submerged world. As the tide continues to ebb, we use our Zodiacs to make our way to the edge of the reef where we are surrounded by cascading waterfalls up to 10 feet high (3 m), and continue up the river as we look at the abundance of reef birds and every imaginable sea creature including turtles, manta rays and if we are lucky the elusive dugong (manatee). A visit to Montgomery Reef is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Raft Point, Kimberley, Western Australia
At the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, the world saw an enormous Wandjina spirit rising out of the ground. It was a breath-taking moment, and for most people, their very first encounter with Aboriginal mythology. The image was actually that of a 114-foot sculpture (35 m) created by an artist who lives at Raft Point, home to indigenous Wandjina paintings. We will Zodiac ashore and set out towards the top of Raft Point. Our hike takes us through the abundant Kimberley Flora including the iconic Baobab Tree, also known by the local Aboriginals as the “upside down tree”. Upon reaching the top of Raft Point, enjoy the spectacular views of the bay in the shade of the overhanging cliff, which is home to the Wadjina Spirit and many other Dreamtime stories and images representing daily aboriginal life. Take a seat, or lie on your back and take in the Wadjina Spirit and listen to the dreamtime stories associated with this extremely important Aboriginal spirit.
 
Hunter River, Kimberley, Western Australia
The Hunter River is home to an immense mangrove system that dates back over 2 billion years. Be sure to look for the image of the Indian Head in the soaring red sandstone cliffs as we set out in Zodiacs to explore the narrow mangrove channels, watching for numerous bird species and keeping an eye out for the Crocodylus Porosous (saltwater crocodile), the most aggressive crocodile known to man. For those wishing to explore some of the Kimberley's vast interior; your on board Silversea Expeditions team can arrange an optional helicopter flightseeing excursion to the famous Mitchell Falls where four tiers of waterfalls plunge into deep pools that flow out into the Mitchell River.

Jar Island, Vansittart Bay, Kimberley, Western Australia
After landing on Jar Island by Zodiac we go for a walk to the outdoor gallery of Bradshaw Art a.k.a. Gwion Art, one of the three distinctive styles of rock art in the Kimberley region. Bradshaw Art has raised more questions than answers as to that who painted these figures and where they have come from, and we will listen to the theories and interpretations of our own experts as we admire these very delicate and intricate pictographs.

King George River & Falls, Kimberley, Western Australia
The King George Falls is one of the Kimberley's most magnificent natural wonders. At 260 feet (80 m), the twin cascades are among the highest in Australia. We drop anchor at the mouth of the river and ride Zodiacs up this waterway, weaving through an amazing landscape of near vertical red rock formations and a parade of wildlife — carnivorous saltwater crocodiles, amazing birdlife including giant raptors and the Brahminy Kite. Arriving at the falls, we can cruise quite close to the base to contemplate the immensity of this thundering spectacle. It is truly a humbling experience.

The Kimberley is famous for having the world’s second largest tidal range after the Bay of Fundy. A flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of this natural phenomenon. In the true spirit of expedition cruising, each day the Expedition Leader and Captain will determine our best course depending on tide, weather and sea conditions.

Here are some of the places we may visit during our time in this wondrous region:

Nares Point & Crocodile Creek, Kimberley, Western Australia
Nares Point is a long finger of sandstone protruding from the mainland alongside Koolan Island. With its convoluted photogenic rock formations, this is a superb location for Zodiac exploration and beach walks with our naturalists. In nearby Crocodile Creek—free of crocodiles despite its name—take a refreshing swim in the cool natural pool to relax and beat the Kimberley heat.

Talbot Bay (Horizontal Falls), Buccaneer Archipelago, Kimberley, Western Australia
The British naturalist David Attenborough described Horizontal Falls as "one of the greatest natural wonders of the world". This group of over 800 islands was created millions of years ago by the erosive tidal changes and the region’s 490-­‐foot tides (149 m) create an amazing spectacle. Depending on whether the tides are ebbing or flowing, we board our Zodiacs for an exhilarating ride through the falls. Then continue deeper into the sandstone gorge of Cyclone Creek, and explore geological formations that were created over the last two billion years.

Montgomery Reef, Kimberley, Western Australia
No Kimberley Expedition will be complete without a visit to Montgomery Reef, which is over 400 square miles (1035 km2) in size to observe the amazing tidal changes that take place here. Timing of the tides is everything today; low tide reveals up to 13 feet (4 m) of reef exposing a river that allows access to this amazing semi-­‐submerged world. As the tide continues to ebb, we use our Zodiacs to make our way to the edge of the reef where we are surrounded by cascading waterfalls up to 10 feet high (3 m), and continue up the river as we look at the abundance of reef birds and every imaginable sea creature including turtles, manta rays and if we are lucky the elusive dugong (manatee). A visit to Montgomery Reef is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Raft Point, Kimberley, Western Australia
At the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, the world saw an enormous Wandjina spirit rising out of the ground. It was a breath-taking moment, and for most people, their very first encounter with Aboriginal mythology. The image was actually that of a 114-foot sculpture (35 m) created by an artist who lives at Raft Point, home to indigenous Wandjina paintings. We will Zodiac ashore and set out towards the top of Raft Point. Our hike takes us through the abundant Kimberley Flora including the iconic Baobab Tree, also known by the local Aboriginals as the “upside down tree”. Upon reaching the top of Raft Point, enjoy the spectacular views of the bay in the shade of the overhanging cliff, which is home to the Wadjina Spirit and many other Dreamtime stories and images representing daily aboriginal life. Take a seat, or lie on your back and take in the Wadjina Spirit and listen to the dreamtime stories associated with this extremely important Aboriginal spirit.
 
Hunter River, Kimberley, Western Australia
The Hunter River is home to an immense mangrove system that dates back over 2 billion years. Be sure to look for the image of the Indian Head in the soaring red sandstone cliffs as we set out in Zodiacs to explore the narrow mangrove channels, watching for numerous bird species and keeping an eye out for the Crocodylus Porosous (saltwater crocodile), the most aggressive crocodile known to man. For those wishing to explore some of the Kimberley's vast interior; your on board Silversea Expeditions team can arrange an optional helicopter flightseeing excursion to the famous Mitchell Falls where four tiers of waterfalls plunge into deep pools that flow out into the Mitchell River.

Jar Island, Vansittart Bay, Kimberley, Western Australia
After landing on Jar Island by Zodiac we go for a walk to the outdoor gallery of Bradshaw Art a.k.a. Gwion Art, one of the three distinctive styles of rock art in the Kimberley region. Bradshaw Art has raised more questions than answers as to that who painted these figures and where they have come from, and we will listen to the theories and interpretations of our own experts as we admire these very delicate and intricate pictographs.

King George River & Falls, Kimberley, Western Australia
The King George Falls is one of the Kimberley's most magnificent natural wonders. At 260 feet (80 m), the twin cascades are among the highest in Australia. We drop anchor at the mouth of the river and ride Zodiacs up this waterway, weaving through an amazing landscape of near vertical red rock formations and a parade of wildlife — carnivorous saltwater crocodiles, amazing birdlife including giant raptors and the Brahminy Kite. Arriving at the falls, we can cruise quite close to the base to contemplate the immensity of this thundering spectacle. It is truly a humbling experience.

The Kimberley is famous for having the world’s second largest tidal range after the Bay of Fundy. A flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of this natural phenomenon. In the true spirit of expedition cruising, each day the Expedition Leader and Captain will determine our best course depending on tide, weather and sea conditions.

Here are some of the places we may visit during our time in this wondrous region:

Nares Point & Crocodile Creek, Kimberley, Western Australia
Nares Point is a long finger of sandstone protruding from the mainland alongside Koolan Island. With its convoluted photogenic rock formations, this is a superb location for Zodiac exploration and beach walks with our naturalists. In nearby Crocodile Creek—free of crocodiles despite its name—take a refreshing swim in the cool natural pool to relax and beat the Kimberley heat.

Talbot Bay (Horizontal Falls), Buccaneer Archipelago, Kimberley, Western Australia
The British naturalist David Attenborough described Horizontal Falls as "one of the greatest natural wonders of the world". This group of over 800 islands was created millions of years ago by the erosive tidal changes and the region’s 490-­‐foot tides (149 m) create an amazing spectacle. Depending on whether the tides are ebbing or flowing, we board our Zodiacs for an exhilarating ride through the falls. Then continue deeper into the sandstone gorge of Cyclone Creek, and explore geological formations that were created over the last two billion years.

Montgomery Reef, Kimberley, Western Australia
No Kimberley Expedition will be complete without a visit to Montgomery Reef, which is over 400 square miles (1035 km2) in size to observe the amazing tidal changes that take place here. Timing of the tides is everything today; low tide reveals up to 13 feet (4 m) of reef exposing a river that allows access to this amazing semi-­‐submerged world. As the tide continues to ebb, we use our Zodiacs to make our way to the edge of the reef where we are surrounded by cascading waterfalls up to 10 feet high (3 m), and continue up the river as we look at the abundance of reef birds and every imaginable sea creature including turtles, manta rays and if we are lucky the elusive dugong (manatee). A visit to Montgomery Reef is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Raft Point, Kimberley, Western Australia
At the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, the world saw an enormous Wandjina spirit rising out of the ground. It was a breath-taking moment, and for most people, their very first encounter with Aboriginal mythology. The image was actually that of a 114-foot sculpture (35 m) created by an artist who lives at Raft Point, home to indigenous Wandjina paintings. We will Zodiac ashore and set out towards the top of Raft Point. Our hike takes us through the abundant Kimberley Flora including the iconic Baobab Tree, also known by the local Aboriginals as the “upside down tree”. Upon reaching the top of Raft Point, enjoy the spectacular views of the bay in the shade of the overhanging cliff, which is home to the Wadjina Spirit and many other Dreamtime stories and images representing daily aboriginal life. Take a seat, or lie on your back and take in the Wadjina Spirit and listen to the dreamtime stories associated with this extremely important Aboriginal spirit.
 
Hunter River, Kimberley, Western Australia
The Hunter River is home to an immense mangrove system that dates back over 2 billion years. Be sure to look for the image of the Indian Head in the soaring red sandstone cliffs as we set out in Zodiacs to explore the narrow mangrove channels, watching for numerous bird species and keeping an eye out for the Crocodylus Porosous (saltwater crocodile), the most aggressive crocodile known to man. For those wishing to explore some of the Kimberley's vast interior; your on board Silversea Expeditions team can arrange an optional helicopter flightseeing excursion to the famous Mitchell Falls where four tiers of waterfalls plunge into deep pools that flow out into the Mitchell River.

Jar Island, Vansittart Bay, Kimberley, Western Australia
After landing on Jar Island by Zodiac we go for a walk to the outdoor gallery of Bradshaw Art a.k.a. Gwion Art, one of the three distinctive styles of rock art in the Kimberley region. Bradshaw Art has raised more questions than answers as to that who painted these figures and where they have come from, and we will listen to the theories and interpretations of our own experts as we admire these very delicate and intricate pictographs.

King George River & Falls, Kimberley, Western Australia
The King George Falls is one of the Kimberley's most magnificent natural wonders. At 260 feet (80 m), the twin cascades are among the highest in Australia. We drop anchor at the mouth of the river and ride Zodiacs up this waterway, weaving through an amazing landscape of near vertical red rock formations and a parade of wildlife — carnivorous saltwater crocodiles, amazing birdlife including giant raptors and the Brahminy Kite. Arriving at the falls, we can cruise quite close to the base to contemplate the immensity of this thundering spectacle. It is truly a humbling experience.

The Kimberley is famous for having the world’s second largest tidal range after the Bay of Fundy. A flexible itinerary allows us to take advantage of this natural phenomenon. In the true spirit of expedition cruising, each day the Expedition Leader and Captain will determine our best course depending on tide, weather and sea conditions.

Here are some of the places we may visit during our time in this wondrous region:

Nares Point & Crocodile Creek, Kimberley, Western Australia
Nares Point is a long finger of sandstone protruding from the mainland alongside Koolan Island. With its convoluted photogenic rock formations, this is a superb location for Zodiac exploration and beach walks with our naturalists. In nearby Crocodile Creek—free of crocodiles despite its name—take a refreshing swim in the cool natural pool to relax and beat the Kimberley heat.

Talbot Bay (Horizontal Falls), Buccaneer Archipelago, Kimberley, Western Australia
The British naturalist David Attenborough described Horizontal Falls as "one of the greatest natural wonders of the world". This group of over 800 islands was created millions of years ago by the erosive tidal changes and the region’s 490-­‐foot tides (149 m) create an amazing spectacle. Depending on whether the tides are ebbing or flowing, we board our Zodiacs for an exhilarating ride through the falls. Then continue deeper into the sandstone gorge of Cyclone Creek, and explore geological formations that were created over the last two billion years.

Montgomery Reef, Kimberley, Western Australia
No Kimberley Expedition will be complete without a visit to Montgomery Reef, which is over 400 square miles (1035 km2) in size to observe the amazing tidal changes that take place here. Timing of the tides is everything today; low tide reveals up to 13 feet (4 m) of reef exposing a river that allows access to this amazing semi-­‐submerged world. As the tide continues to ebb, we use our Zodiacs to make our way to the edge of the reef where we are surrounded by cascading waterfalls up to 10 feet high (3 m), and continue up the river as we look at the abundance of reef birds and every imaginable sea creature including turtles, manta rays and if we are lucky the elusive dugong (manatee). A visit to Montgomery Reef is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Raft Point, Kimberley, Western Australia
At the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, the world saw an enormous Wandjina spirit rising out of the ground. It was a breath-taking moment, and for most people, their very first encounter with Aboriginal mythology. The image was actually that of a 114-foot sculpture (35 m) created by an artist who lives at Raft Point, home to indigenous Wandjina paintings. We will Zodiac ashore and set out towards the top of Raft Point. Our hike takes us through the abundant Kimberley Flora including the iconic Baobab Tree, also known by the local Aboriginals as the “upside down tree”. Upon reaching the top of Raft Point, enjoy the spectacular views of the bay in the shade of the overhanging cliff, which is home to the Wadjina Spirit and many other Dreamtime stories and images representing daily aboriginal life. Take a seat, or lie on your back and take in the Wadjina Spirit and listen to the dreamtime stories associated with this extremely important Aboriginal spirit.
 
Hunter River, Kimberley, Western Australia
The Hunter River is home to an immense mangrove system that dates back over 2 billion years. Be sure to look for the image of the Indian Head in the soaring red sandstone cliffs as we set out in Zodiacs to explore the narrow mangrove channels, watching for numerous bird species and keeping an eye out for the Crocodylus Porosous (saltwater crocodile), the most aggressive crocodile known to man. For those wishing to explore some of the Kimberley's vast interior; your on board Silversea Expeditions team can arrange an optional helicopter flightseeing excursion to the famous Mitchell Falls where four tiers of waterfalls plunge into deep pools that flow out into the Mitchell River.

Jar Island, Vansittart Bay, Kimberley, Western Australia
After landing on Jar Island by Zodiac we go for a walk to the outdoor gallery of Bradshaw Art a.k.a. Gwion Art, one of the three distinctive styles of rock art in the Kimberley region. Bradshaw Art has raised more questions than answers as to that who painted these figures and where they have come from, and we will listen to the theories and interpretations of our own experts as we admire these very delicate and intricate pictographs.

King George River & Falls, Kimberley, Western Australia
The King George Falls is one of the Kimberley's most magnificent natural wonders. At 260 feet (80 m), the twin cascades are among the highest in Australia. We drop anchor at the mouth of the river and ride Zodiacs up this waterway, weaving through an amazing landscape of near vertical red rock formations and a parade of wildlife — carnivorous saltwater crocodiles, amazing birdlife including giant raptors and the Brahminy Kite. Arriving at the falls, we can cruise quite close to the base to contemplate the immensity of this thundering spectacle. It is truly a humbling experience.

Wyndham is our gateway to the breath-taking Bungle Bungle mountain range in Purnulul National Park, a World Heritage Site — and with good reason. For more than 350 million years, nature has shaped geological formations of giant orange and black striped domes rising out of the ground, a landscape unlike anything you have ever seen. Known to the local aborigines for hundreds of years, the Bungles were only discovered by the outside world in the mid 1980’s. Today take part in an inclusive over flight for an aerial view of these glorious panoramas, as well as the majestic, man-made Lake Argyle and Argyle Diamond Mine.

A leisurely day at sea to exchange notes with fellow travellers and take advantage of the luxurious amenities aboard Silver Discoverer. Attend a lecture, perhaps about the Indonesian cultures or to recap the fascinating Dreamtime mythology of the Aborigines. Or just relax in the comfort of your suite and watch a movie on the in-­‐suite interactive television.

Lamalera and Lamakera on nearby Solor Island are the last two traditional whaling villages in Eastern Indonesia. Although slowly dying out, the ancient tradition of whaling is still the principal economic activity here. Whaling boats are made entirely of wood with wooden pegs (there is not a nail to be found!) and sails are made of palm leaves. The patterns of the whale and the boats are often seen in Lamalera’s hand-woven, ikat textiles. We will be welcomed by the villagers and have the opportunity to actually go on a “mock” whale hunt in the boats. The women will give us a weaving/dying demonstration and ikat textile will be available for purchase.

Early risers may spot whales cruising the straits as we approach Komodo. Walk along a forested pathway to a viewing area for a close inspection of these enormous reptiles, which weigh up to 300 pounds. The surrounding forest is also home to elegant Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos, Friar Birds, Megapode Birds, and Sambar deer.

During lunch the Silver Discoverer will reposition to the spectacular Pink Beach for an afternoon of snorkelling or diving. From our glass bottom boat we spot shimmering tropical fish such as the striped clownfish nestled among the protective tentacles of its sea anemone host, or a spotted grouper lazily swimming by a flamboyant Coral Sea fan.

Known for its intricate ikat fabric, distinctive architecture and sculptured stone tombs, Sumba has resisted the advances of the modern age. It is therefore a fascinating island to explore, especially West Sumba where ancient tribal rites are best preserved. The Sumba culture revolves around fortified villages where ancestors are worshipped by extended families living in enormous clan houses with high-pitched thatch roofs. The Sumbanese honour the dead by dragging massive stone graves a great distance to construct mausoleums for the departed. On our visit to villages, we will witness a funereal rite ceremony as well as a fierce martial arts performance on horseback. We will also observe the process of making Indonesia’s famous ikat textiles, including the opportunity to purchase ikat directly from the weavers.

Following breakfast, disembark Silver Discoverer.