Australia's WEST COAST - 2021 & 2022 VOYAGES - Abrolhos Islands & the Coral Coast Ningaloo & the Blue Water Wonders of Australia's West ...
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AUSTRALIA’S COASTAL WILDERNESS SERIES 2021 & 2022 VOYAGES Australia’s WEST COAST Image: Captured on expedition at Shark Bay on 14 March 2021 > Abrolhos Islands & the Coral Coast > Ningaloo & the Blue Water Wonders of Australia’s West
Abrolhos islands & the coral coast 1 Expedition Highlights > Discover the fascinating history and natural wonders of the Abrolhos Islands, as you swim with friendly sea lions and snorkel over the fringing reefs > Explore World Heritage Shark Bay with visits to Francois Peron National Park & Dirk Hartog Island, to discover the history and abundant wildlife of this region > Discover World-Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef with scuba diving and snorkelling from the beach at Turquoise Bay > Discover sites of cultural significance to Indigenous Australians, including the Dampier Archipelago petroglyphs, with expert interpretation > Learn about the coast’s maritime history, with stories of the wrecks of the Barque Stefano off Northwest Cape, the Trial near the Montebellos, and Batavia at the Abrolhos > Birdwatch at the Muiron Islands and Montebello Islands, known for their large populations of nesting seabirds DEPARTURE & FARES 12 Nights - Departs: > 10 March 2021 from Fremantle aboard Coral Adventurer > 27 October 2021 from Broome aboard Coral Geographer > 1 March 2022 from Fremantle aboard Coral Adventurer > 7 February 2022 from Broome aboard Coral Adventurer Coral Bridge Deck Bridge Deck Explorer Promenade Coral 2 Adventurer Balcony Suite Stateroom Deck Deck Deck Twin Share $21,690 $16,490 $15,490 $12,390 $9,290 Sole Use n/a n/a $23,235 $18,585 $13,935 Coral Bridge Deck Explorer Promenade Coral Geographer Balcony Suite Deck Deck Deck Twin Share $20,490 $15,490 $12,390 $9,290 Sole Use n/a $23,235 $18,585 $13,935 MAKE A BOOKING ENQUIRY > Prices are per person, listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST. *Limited sole use occupancy available. IMAGES 1 Snorkelling at Ningaloo Reef | 2 Birdwatching from zodiacs 3 Sea lions on Abrolhos Islands on expedition 12/3/21 | 4 Coral life, Ningaloo 3 3
ITINERARY: 12 NIGHTS FREMANTLE TO BROOME DAY 1: DEPART FREMANTLE S Snorkel from the beach and relax at Board your ship at 8:00am for a 9:00am stunning Turquoise Bay, visit Yardie Creek departure. via a 1.2km Nature Walk, or visit Vlamingh Head lighthouse. There will also be free DAYS 2-12: time in Exmouth. Your Expedition Team may make changes to the itinerary in order to maximise your MUIRON ISLANDS expedition experience. Below are the key The secluded Muiron Islands are located destinations we visit. 10 nautical miles off North West Cape. Well known for an incredible reef, many THE ABROLHOS ISLANDS turtles, and even sightings of manta rays, Spend three days in the Houtman the islands offer a variety of dive sites. Abrolhos Islands, visiting historical sites, With fantastic bommies and protected birdwatching, diving or snorkelling with reef, snorkellers will appreciate the variety the inquisitive Australian sea lions. This of soft corals and gorgonians as well the archipelago consists of 122 islands, incredible fish life. Birdlife is abundant – clustered into three main groups. spot wedge-tail shearwaters, roseate terns, Enriched by the Leeuwin current, the osprey, and black-shouldered kites. marine environment is home to numerous species including Australian sea lions MONTEBELLO ISLANDS and bottlenose dolphins, and over 90 The Montebello Islands are an archipelago species of seabird have been identified. of more than 250 limestone islands and The treacherous reefs around these islets off the coast of the Pilbara. The islands have claimed many wrecks over islands are considered an Important Bird the centuries, the most famous being the Area, as they support over 1% of the world Batavia in 1629 – whose Dutch crew swam populations of fairy and roseate terns, as ashore only to experience a brutal mutiny. well as Sooty Oystercatchers. SHARK BAY REGION The islands have an ‘explosive’ past as the Spend two days exploring the Shark Bay site of three British atomic weapons tests Broome World Heritage Area, the first location in the 1950s. Visit the plinth which marks in Western Australia to receive UNESCO Ground Zero at Trimouille Island, where World Heritage status in 1991. This is a you will now find a haven for wildlife. region of colourful landscapes, rare flora Spend a full day exploring this island group, Dampier Archipelago and fauna, and home to a staggering 35% including wildlife spotting opportunities Montebello Islands of all of Australia’s bird species. and beautiful beaches to enjoy a swim. You On Dirk Hartog Island, visit Dampier’s might spot the rare rufous hare-wallaby Muiron Islands Landing, where William Dampier came and lagoon rays in the tidal pools. Ningaloo Reef ashore in 1699, making the first scientific DAMPIER ARCHIPELAGO collection of Australian plants. The 42 iron-red islands of the Dampier Later, snorkel over the coral reef from Archipelago stand in bright contrast to the Francois Peron the beach at Louisa Bay. Cabbage corals turquoise waters which surround them, NP Dirk Hartog dominate this area, but there are also offering exceptional natural beauty and Island staghorns and massive pocillopora. Spot significant historic sites, many of which coral trout, blue-lined emperor, scribbled are in National Heritage Listed Areas. The Shark Bay angelfish and potato cod. earliest inhabitants, the Yaburara people, The next day, explore Francois Peron left thousands of rock engravings, shell National Park, named after the naturalist middens and stone arrangements across Abrolhos Islands on explorer Nicholas Baudin’s expeditions. the islands. Go ashore by Xplorer to be met by local Here, search for ancient petroglyphs, swim Indigenous guides and park rangers. in the vibrant blue water or paddle out for a leisurely kayak from the remote island NINGALOO REEF & CAPE RANGE N.P. beaches. Take some time to enjoy bird Fremantle The World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef and wildlife spotting – bottlenose dolphins is the turquoise jewel in the crown of the are regularly seen in this area, and the Western Australian coastline. Spanning archipelago supports the largest hawksbill over 5,000 square kilometres, this is one turtle rookery in the Indo-Pacific region. of the largest fringing reefs in the world. Birdwatchers will have the opportunity to It’s inner and outer reefs create a diverse see several species of migratory waders range of habitats for vibrant corals and as well as sea eagles and ospreys. With more than 500 species of fish including some luck we may even see the elusive mega marine life such as humpback Rothschild’s rock wallaby. whales, manta rays, and whale sharks. It is also a coastline with a fascinating DAY 13: ARRIVE BROOME heritage, where lonely whalers battled it This morning, we arrive in Broome at out against the elements. 7:00am to disembark at 8:00am. 4
ningaloo & the bluewater wonders of Australia’s west Expedition Highlights > Snorkel or dive the pristine and rarely visited Rowley Shoals, accompanied by our onboard Marine Biologist > Scuba dive the remarkable reefs of Muiron Islands, or ‘dusk dive’ the Navy Pier at Exmouth (additional cost) to encounter a huge variety of marine life > Encounter the mega fauna of Ningaloo Reef - with the chance to swim with whale sharks and manta rays (this experience is subject to nature) > Swim out to coral gardens from the beach at Coral Bay > Discover sites of cultural significance to Indigenous Australians, including the Dampier Archipelago petroglyphs, with expert interpretation > Encounter a proliferation of wildlife, including rare birds and marine life on the remote islands and atolls > Relax on pristine white-sand beaches in the Muiron Islands, Dampier Archipelago, and Turquoise Bay DEPARTURES & FARES 10 nights aboard Coral Discoverer, departing Broome on the following dates: > 17 May 2021 > 28 May 2021 > 16 May 2022 > 27 May 2022 Bridge Deck Promenade Promenade Main Deck Main Deck Stateroom Deck Cat A Deck Cat B Cat A Cat B Twin Share $16,690 $14,290 n/a $12,550 $11,990 Sole Use n/a n/a $19,725* n/a n/a Prices are per person, listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST. *Limited sole use occupancy available. Join our 10-night voyage onboard Coral Discoverer and explore the extraordinary marine environment and historic islands of Western Australia’s Coral Coast. Departing Broome, we will visit the MAKE A BOOKING ENQUIRY > spectacular Rowley Shoals Marine Park, the Dampier Archipelago and the Montebello Islands. Our voyage will culminate with a visit to Ningaloo Reef, home to vibrant marine life both large and small. Our expert guides will lead our discovery of the untouched atolls, marine mega fauna and rare bird species that are found in this pristine coastal habitat.
ITINERARY: 10 NIGHTS BROOME TO BROOME DAY 1: DEPART BROOME Board in Broome at 4:00pm for a 5:00pm departure. DAYS 2-10: KEY DESTINATIONS OF YOUR EXPEDITION ROWLEY SHOALS At the edge of the continental shelf, 170 nautical miles offshore, lie the Rowley Shoals, a chain of three coral atolls including Clerke, Mermaid and Imperieuse Reefs. The shoals offer some of the best snorkelling and diving opportunities in the world. Their shallow lagoons are inhabited by myriad coral species and marine life, including giant potato cod, Maori wrasse, at least 233 species of coral and 688 species of fish. Water clarity here is unparalleled, making for superb underwater photography opportunities. Conditions permitting, we will spend 1-2 days here for snorkelling and diving opportunities. Guided by our marine biologist, snorkel away the day in the coral gardens of the Aquarium at Clerke Reef, try a drift snorkel in the channel, or beach comb on Bedwell Island. MONTEBELLO ISLANDS The Montebello Islands are an archipelago of more than 250 limestone islands and islets off the coast of the Pilbara. A Rowley twitcher’s delight, the islands are an Important Bird Area, as they Shoals Broome support over 1% of the world populations of fairy and roseate terns, as well as sooty oyster-catchers. The Montebellos have an Dampier Archipelago ‘explosive’ past – Alpha and Trimouille Islands were the site of British atomic weapons tests in the 1950s. Relics of the military Montebello Islands operation can still be found on the islands. Spend a full day exploring here, with wildlife spotting opportunities Muiron Islands including endangered rufous hare-wallabies and stingrays. There Exmouth are also opportunities to swim from the beautiful beaches. MUIRON ISLANDS Coral Bay WESTERN AUSTRALIA Located off North West Cape, the waters surrounding the Ningaloo Reef uninhabited Muiron Islands are teeming with marine life. A variety of dive sites are on offer, including swim-throughs and ledges where nudibranchs and angelfish hide. Snorkellers will appreciate many soft corals and gorgonians as well as colourful fish. After in- water activities, stretch your legs on a stroll down the beach. DAMPIER ARCHIPELAGO The forty-two iron-red islands of the Dampier Archipelago stand in bright contrast to the turquoise waters which surround them. The archipelago supports the largest Hawksbill turtle rookery in the Indo-Pacific, while birdwatchers may spot several species of migratory waders, as well as sea eagles and ospreys. With luck we may even see the elusive Rothschild’s rock wallaby. The archipelago not only offers exceptional natural beauty but significant National Heritage Listed Areas. The islands’ earliest inhabitants were the Yaburara people, as is evidenced by thousands of rock engravings, shell middens and stone arrangements scattered across the islands. During our time here, explore the pastoral, pearling and cultural history that remains in the form of ruins and petroglyphs. There will also be opportunities to enter the azure waters for snorkelling, kayaking and diving. INCLUSIONS NINGALOO REEF, EXMOUTH, & CORAL BAY • All shore excursions, including hiking, kayaking and The World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef spans over 5000 square birdwatching kilometres, with inner and outer reefs that create diverse habitats for vibrant corals and more than 500 species of fish. Mega marine • Presentations, briefings & workshops by our highly fauna feed here during their migrations, including humpback experienced Expedition Team whales, giant manta rays, and the majestic whale shark. • Snorkelling & introductory scuba session We will spend 2-3 days here exploring this stunning coastline from • All meals, with morning and afternoon tea Exmouth to Coral Bay. Snorkel and dive the outer reefs and relax • Selected beers, wines, juices & soft drinks with lunch on stunning beaches such as Turquoise Bay. With an experienced and dinner service, and 24 hour tea and coffee local operator, you may have the opportunity to swim with whale • Daily room service sharks and manta rays (these encounters are subject to nature). • Post-cruise transfers DAY 11: ARRIVE BROOME • Open bridge access and engine room tours Disembark in Broome at 8:00am • All fees & gratuities A post cruise transfer to the city or airport is included.
Birdwatching Walking Kayaking Wildlife UNESCO World Historical Maritime Local Food Snorkelling Workshops & Hiking Spotting Heritage sites landmarks History Experience & Lectures N 1 Australia’s coastal wilderness FOR TRUE EXPLORERS Our voyages are a retreat to the remote and varied attractions INCLUSIONS S of Australia’s coastline. 35 years ago, Coral Expeditions > All excursions and sightseeing pioneered extended expeditions in the Great Barrier Reef. We followed up with the first expedition cruises to the Kimberley > Use of Xplorer, Zodiacs and kayaks coast, Cape York and Arnhem Land, and then to Tasmania. In > Daily lectures and briefings 2021, we draw on our pioneering spirit to explore the outer > All meals, chef-prepared on board edges of the Australian continent including small islands > Selected wines, selected beers, selected spirits, and reefs, world heritage areas, national parks and rugged juices, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner shorelines. > Coffee and selection of teas These voyages offer true explorers the rare opportunity to visit natural destinations inaccessible to most. Enjoy intimate > All entrance fees to National Parks and Ports encounters with our endemic marine species, native animals, > Choice of local operator excursions at some locations and seabirds. Learn about the history and geology of the land > Tips and gratuities from our expert expedition guides and lecturers. And after a day exploring, enjoy warm Australian hospitality, and cuisine and wine inspired by regional Australia. EXPEDITION NOTE Find freedom in Australia’s coastal wilderness. These are expedition itineraries covering remote regions. Your Captain and Expedition Team will make changes to the daily schedule when necessary to maximise your experience. These itineraries are indicative - some variation may occur due to weather conditions, safety or local community requirements. We recommend that you do not arrive to the embarkation port on the day of boarding or depart on the day of disembarkation due to unexpected changes that may occur in scheduling. IMAGES 1 Western Australia beach, Tourism Australia | 2 Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, Tourism Western Australia | 3 Onboard canape service
Australian Hospitality at Sea On board, you will discover a personalised style of cruising. With a maximum of 100 guests, there is no need for queues, waiting, or assigned seating. Instead, an intimate, convivial atmosphere shared with other like- minded travellers makes you feel at home. Our Australian and New Zealand crew share their passion for our destinations and the explorer’s life. Join our engine room tours, watch our chefs at work in the open galley, and chat with our Captain or officers on the bridge – they will be delighted to have your company. Our chefs, inspired by destination flavours, prepare cuisine from fresh regional produce. Our wine cellars hold a curated selection of Australian wines, beers and spirits. Our guests love to mingle over drinks as the sun sets, enjoy daily educational presentations by our lecturers, participate in stargazing sessions after dark, or simply find a quiet corner on deck and enjoy the solitude. The Expedition Experience We explore remote locations that are hard to reach or not often touched by tourists, with shore excursions that promote environmental and cultural appreciation. Our small group sizes ensure that your experience is personal, with minimal impact on the communities and environments we visit. Enjoy excursions or activities each day, guided by expert Expedition Leaders and lecturers who provide commentary on culture, history, and the region’s unique geology, plants and wildlife to help you connect with these special places. Our ships are built for environmentally responsible small- ship cruising, with refined navigation and nimble Xplorer tenders to bring you close to remote coastlines. 2 Our SailSAFE Plan 3 It is our priority to keep our guests and crew safe while travelling with us, and our SailSAFE Plan will ensure we operate responsibly in the new environment that COVID-19 has created. Remote, nature-based expeditions with Australian and New Zealand crew, and small groups less than 100 guests provides a lower-risk environment. The addition of our approved SailSAFE COVID response plan, as well as our thorough pre-cruise testing model, create additional confidence when sailing with us. We have partnered with Respond Global, a specialist medical advisory agency, to assist us in developing these protocols that are among the most thorough in the world. With a focus on prevention, to target a 100% COVID free environment when we set sail, we have a three-tiered medical screening system in place before boarding. This prevention protocol is supported by onboard mitigation actions and a thorough and compassionate response plan. Read more: www.coralexpeditions.com/au/about-us/sailsafe-plan/
Coral Expeditions Best in Australia & New Zealand Coral Expeditions Best Cruise Line for Adventure 1 IMAGES 1 Yardie Creek, Cape Range National Park Contact us today or speak with your travel agent. Online www.coralexpeditions.com Email explore@coralexpeditions.com Free call (Australia) 1800 079 545 Outside Australia +61 7 4040 9999 Head office PO Box 2093 Cairns 4870 QLD Australia ABN 51 010 809 417 Issued December 2019
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