“I am very excited about revisiting an old destination, in fact a very old destination,” enthuses award winning photographer and adventurer Mick Fogg, a veteran of 120 Kimberley expeditions. Mick will lead the experienced expedition team when specialist luxury and expedition cruise company PONANT explores Australia’s own Kimberley region in 2017 for the first time.
Four 10 night voyages between Darwin and Broome / Darwin Darwin are scheduled between July and September 2017.
“Returning with PONANT for the first time has allowed us to take a fresh look and include some fascinating, lesser known destinations, which provide these Kimberley voyages with added layers of interest.”
“Larger than 75% of the world’s countries, the Kimberley is a national biodiversity hotspot, listed in the top 3.7% of least impacted marine environments worldwide.” Comforting then to know PONANT guests will be exploring the region on an internationally recognised environmentally accredited ship, L’Austral, the youngest and most modern ship in the region.
Modern in design and construction, all four PONANT sister-ships, comprising the youngest fleet in the world, feature the very latest in maritime technology, including 3D sonar for seabed vision, a dynamic positioning system to avoid dropping anchor in sensitive maritime environments, and electric propulsion for reduced emissions.
“At 1.8 billion years old, much of the Kimberley pre-dates life as we know it; so old enormous areas exist where no fossils can be found. Yet much has happened here. The tortured landscapes, contorted under eons of enormous pressure, provide a geological clue to the age of the land, while numerous examples of indigenous Wandjina and Gwion Gwion rock art, the oldest known depictions of the human form on the planet, reveal a time capsule from man’s earliest occupation some 40,000 years ago, following arrival of the first migrations out of Africa.”
Mick continues: “Another time capsule, with an ancestral time-line back to the Gondwana era, exists here as well. For thousands of years the largest reptile in the world, primeval apex predator, the Saltwater crocodile, has made the Kimberley – and the Hunter River in particular – home.”
“An additional spectacle, our voyages coincide with prime time for observing the largest population of migrating Humpback whales in the world – estimated to be 36,000 individuals or more – and with a compact ship and 14 Zodiacs this is potentially another exciting experience.”
PONANT’s Kimberley itineraries include classic must-see Kimberley highlights – the Hunter River, King George Falls, Mitchell Falls, Montgomery Reef and Horizontal Falls, as well as a number of rarely visited other destinations.
Depending on tides and weather conditions it may also be possible to visit Langii, spiritual home of the Wandjina, and Freshwater Cove, where guests will spend a very special day with Kimberley Elder Donny Woolagoodja, whose giant Wandjina artwork featured at the opening ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.
“Visiting these mystical places is enhanced when in the company of the indigenous caretakers. Hearing age-old dreamtime stories, while in-situ, and having the opportunity to ask questions adds perspective, an important dimension to the experience”.
“In so many ways these are unforgettable voyages that will etch indelibly into your memory. A place all Australians should see; as captivating as Uluru, as spiritual as Kata Juta, this is the very essence of Australia” concludes Mick Fogg.
L’Austral’s compact size and manoeuvrability will allow the ship to get close to shore before launching her fleet of 14 Zodiacs. The perfect ‘search engine’ for expeditions, the Zodiacs will provide access for exploring bays, mudflats and mangroves, venturing beneath vertiginous waterfalls, probing rivers carving through sandstone walls of dizzying heights, and viewing heaving emergent tidal reefs.
Back onboard the mobile base camp, L’Austral, creature comforts prevail. Enjoy French luxury and ambiance, and experience the difference small ship cruising offers. Cool off in the swimming pool, enjoy spa therapy to ease tired muscles or simply as a pampering indulgence. An inclusive Open Bar provides guests the chance to relax with a beer, wines, champagne or, perhaps, a cocktail. Later, the choice of fine cuisine, the flavours complimented with world-class wines.
All in all a very civilised way to travel, imbued with PONANT’s trademark dash of panache.
SOURCE: Ponant