Ponant have released the dates for their jam-packed 2018 Kimberley season.
Four 10 night voyages during July and August 2018 include the must-see highlights as well as some lesser known destinations and experiences the expedition team have uncovered along this remarkable 13,000 kilometre coastline.
Guests will experience the unique combination of travelling onboard L’Austral, the youngest ship in the region, with the ‘best-in-the-business’ expedition team with over 50 years experience in the Kimberley.
Ponant’s 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.
If the ties and weather conditions are right, it may 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.
“Not only is this a true luxury expedition, reflective of our position as the world leader in luxury expeditions, but PONANT guests travel on the most environmentally sustainable vessel in the Kimberley” Vice President Australasia PONANT, Monique Ponfoort said.
All four Ponant sister-ships are modern in design and construction, and 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. Perfect for exploring this region, much still uncharted, with its dramatic tidal changes.
Onboard the mobile base camp, L’Austral, creature comforts prevail with French luxury and ambiance aboard a small cruise, and with each cabin featuring a private balcony during Kimberley voyages. Guests can 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.
The 2018 Expedition Team will be headed by award winning photographer and adventurer Mick Fogg, a veteran of over 120 Kimberley expeditions. He will be joined by a group of 12 experienced marine biologists, naturalists and conservationists including Harry Christensen, Mark Watson and Brad Siviour.
