THE KIMBERLEY COAST 5-STAR EXPEDITIONS

4 DEPARTURES: JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2017 THE KIMBERLEY, Western Australia.

This wild land of spectacular scenery is one of the world’s last great Wilderness areas. At 424,517km², it is twice the size of Victoria, two-thirds the size of France, yet there is only one sealed road traversing the region… It is an ancient land built on 1.8 billion year old sandstone that has been uplifted, contorted and eroded to form spectacular gorges, desolate mountains and magnificent waterfalls. Here is a living indigenous culture dating back more than 40,000 years, and Australia’s oldest rock art galleries contained within the rocky outcrops. The isolated coastline boasts more than 2,633 islands, extensive mangrove forests, wild rivers and important seabird breeding colonies. It is a national biodiversity hotspot listed in the top 3.7% of least impacted marine environments worldwide.

YOUR COMPLETE KIMBERLEY EXPEDITION WITH PONANT • Experience a refined adventure on board L’Austral, 132 staterooms & suites, 95% with private balcony: French lifestyle, unique comfort & service, Open Bar, Sophisticated Cuisine & Fine Wines, and the facilities of a 5-star yacht including a pool • Join our highly qualified local expedition team • Enjoy regular Zodiac® outings & shore visits to get close to Kimberley nature • Discover billions of years-old landscapes & ancient rock art • Listen to stories of the dreamtime from the oldest continuous culture on the planet • Explore pristine mangrove environments, home to the world’s largest living reptile • Witness unique tidal phenomena such as the • Encounter the world’s largest population of migrating humpback whales • Travel on the most environmentally sustainable vessel in the region, certified “Green ship” YOUR EXPEDITION TEAM MICK FOGG, DARRIN Each voyage is accompanied by 12 EXPEDITION BENNETT Expedition Guides. Travelling with a LEADER team of renowned anthropologists, marine biologists, historians, As an award-winning Darrin has spent over botanists, geologists, naturalists wildlife photographer 15 years working in and ornithologists, enables you to and adventurer, Mick has spent the Lands, Parks & Wildlife Management gain a greater understanding of the past 17 years leading expeditions and in NT. He worked as an Ecotourism destination, for a rewarding and photographing some of the world’s Officer & Guide at the famous El Questro memorable experience. Selected for most remote destinations from Wilderness Park in WA and and as a key their knowledge and expertise, they Antarctica to South East Asia. He has Expedition team member, leading groups enhance your experience on board contributed to articles on the Kimberley throughout many tropical and temperate and in the field, providing fascinating to newspapers and magazines around regions but nowhere draws him back lectures and valuable insight into the the world. His photographs have been like the Kimberley. He says “There is no Kimberley culture, history and wildlife. published in a long list of travel and place like it. The isolation of this ancient Each journey is different, planned daily natural history publications. Mick landscape re-energizes the mind, by the Expedition team and ship’s joined PONANT in 2014 as Expedition body and soul. Incredible geological Captain to take advantage of the local Manager Asia Pacific, bringing his years landscapes, beautiful turquoise waters, conditions. Accompanied by our regional of experience in itinerary design and iron stained sandstone, tidal movement, experts, enjoy regular commentated operation. Having led more than 120 amazing flora and fauna, incredible rock Zodiac outings and discover the expeditions through the Kimberley, he art… That is what the Kimberley means Kimberley hidden treasures. will be the perfect Expedition Leader. to me.”

MARK MARK BRAD “HARRY” WATSON SIVIOUR CHRISTENSEN

Harry is a Marine Mark has been Brad gained degrees in Biologist with extensive working as a Naturalist both Marine Biology and experience in educating people about & Field Guide for more than 20 years. Ecotourism and has since been working Indo-Pacific Coral Reef biodiversity. After watching a Malcom Douglass as a naturalist, guiding people through For over 25 years, he has provided documentary on the Kimberley, he some of the most remote regions on the educational programs to visitors in packed his bags, landing a job as a planet. 4 years ago, he joined the world of many regions including the Kimberley, Ranger at El Questro Wilderness Park. Expedition cruising as a naturalist, lecturer and also led several Expeditions in this He immediately loved the rugged rusty and marine biologist in many regions area. His passion is based on watching ranges and the wildlife the Kimberley including the Kimberley. Brad enjoys Malcolm Douglas adventures throughout offers. He also worked on the pearl passing on his extensive knowledge to this rugged & remote coastline. He says farms along the Kimberley coast and as guests about the Kimberley’s abundant “I love the contrast of the red colour of an Adventure Guide, leading exclusive wildlife, dramatic landscape and ancient Kimberley sandstone, the greens tours to inland gorges looking for extraordinary tidal changes. He says “The of the woodlands & mangroves, all set ancient rock art. Mark looks forward diversity there is incredible, every voyage upon cloudless blue skies. It gets into to sharing his experience, passion and brings something new. My favourite place: your blood. When I am in the Kimberley, I knowledge of this vast land, with all of King George River, its ruby sunsets, rugged am at home; when not, I crave to return.” PONANT guests. cliffs and unique wildlife.” L’Austral : 132 staterooms & suites

RA DIT Arafura Sea TU LIS PE IO A T X N CHAIRMAN N E

DARWIN CRUISE - August 12th

Vansittart Bay Koolama Bay and King George River & Falls Scouting the Kimberley by Timor Sea Swift Bay helicopter and sea plane in Hunter River & Mitchell Falls 2004 is as vivid as the memory of operating Freshwater Cove the first Luxury Expedition Cruise into this Buccaneer archipelago Montgomery Reef magnificent part of Australia in 2005. I am AUSTRALIA The Lacepede Islands excited to be travelling back to one of the Talbot Bay and Horizontal Falls most pristine wilderness areas on this BROOME planet, with many new ports to explore and discover. Doing this with friends makes it just that more exciting. We have specifically Iconic Kimberley Jewels of the Kimberley included new destinations like Freshwater DARWIN • BROOME DARWIN • DARWIN Cove, Swift Bay, and Koolama Bay along

3 DEPARTURES: JULY 3RD AND 23RD - AUGUST 12TH 2017 DEPARTURE: SEPTEMBER 1ST 2017 with our favourites - Vansittart, Hunter River, Lacepedes, Montgomery Reef, Horizontal EXPEDITION CRUISE: 11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS EXPEDITION CRUISE: 11 DAYS / 10 NIGHTS Falls, King George Falls. Naturally, we will DAY ITINERARY ARRIVAL DEPARTURE DAY ITINERARY ARRIVAL DEPARTURE have a few surprises along the way, and

1 Darwin 1 Darwin if time permits, I hope you can join us at a Embarkation from 16.00 to 17.00 18.00 Embarkation from 15.00 to 16.00 16.30 gala event in Darwin the night before we Koolama Bay and King George River 2 2-3 Vansittart Bay depart. As an Australian, I feel so proud of & Falls 3 Hunter River & Mitchell Falls 4 Vansittart Bay 4 Freshwater Cove the Kimberley region, and being able to 5 Hunter River & Mitchell Falls 5 The Lacepede Islands share this with as many people as possible, 6 Freshwater Cove 6 Montgomery Reef knowing that we do so responsibly, with 7 Montgomery Reef 7 Talbot Bay and Horizontal Falls the utmost of marine, environmental and 8 Talbot Bay and Horizontal Falls 8 Swift Bay technical capability and know how. Come 9 Buccaneer archipelago Koolama Bay and King George River 9-10 10 The Lacepede Islands & Falls join me and re-live, or experience for the 11 Broome Disembarkation. 08.00 11 Darwin Disembarkation. 08.00 first time, this ancient land.

Our Kimberley voyages are true expeditions, where each day’s stops and activities will be determined by the Expedition Leader Sarina Bratton AM and Captain taking into account the tide, weather and sea conditions. Chairman Asia Pacific

T BO T BO AN N AN N N U N U

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Up to Up to PRICE LIST IN AUD PP* -30% PRICE LIST IN AUD PP* -30% CRUISE (10 nights on board) CRUISE (10 nights on board)

Superior Stateroom 8 550 5 980 Superior Stateroom 8 550 5 980 Deluxe Stateroom 9 230 6 460 Deluxe Stateroom 9 230 6 460 Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4 9 970 6 980 Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4 9 970 6 980 Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5 10 270 7 180 Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5 10 270 7 180 Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6 10 580 7 400 Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6 10 580 7 400 Deluxe Suite 14 810 10 370 Deluxe Suite 14 810 10 370 Prestige Suite - Deck 5 20 540 14 370 Prestige Suite - Deck 5 20 540 14 370 Prestige Suite - Deck 6 21 160 14 810 Prestige Suite - Deck 6 21 160 14 810 Owner Suite 22 640 22 640 Owner Suite 22 640 22 640 3rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom 4 270 2 990 3rd adult Passenger in a Superior Stateroom 4 270 2 990 3rd and 4th adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite 10 270 7 180 3rd and 4th adult Passenger in a Prestige Suite 10 270 7 180 One Child (8-11 years old) (1) - One Child (8-11 years old) (1) - Individual stateroom rate Consult us Individual stateroom rate Consult us Additional safety and port taxes 780 Additional safety and port taxes 780 * The Ponant Bonus is subject to availability and can change without notice. Details on pricing and conditions available on www.ponant.com. (1) One child sharing a cabin with 2 adults. VANSITTART BAY - JAR ISLAND SWIFT BAY, BONAPARTE ARCHIPELAGO Jar Island contains ancient rock art galleries depicting The Bonaparte Archipelago is a maze of islands, inlets, peninsulas and rivers. Its colour and scale the Gwion Gwion style unique to the Kimberley region. conspire to take ones breath away. Its distant location has meant it has remained an unspoilt These extremely ornamented naturalistic human figures and remarkably pristine location to explore and experience. The ‘T’ shaped bay is composed characteristically seem to float across the sandstone rock of heavily fractured sandstone providing an abundance of rock shelters. On the walls of these faces of innumerable galleries. Often a dark mulberry hue, shelters are examples of both Wandjina and Gwion Gwion style rock art. they are stained indelibly into the rock surface forming a Activities: Short walk to multiple caves and overhangs containing fine examples of both Gwion negative-like image devoid of pigment, indicating great age Gwion and Wandjina style art. which may extend back over 30,000 years. These are the oldest detailed depictions of human figures in the world, their array of ornaments, weapons & accruements provides a fascinating insight into a rich early culture. Activities: Short and relatively easy walk to overhangs and caves that display Gwion Gwion rock art.

PRINCE FREDERICK HARBOUR & THE HUNTER RIVER One of the most scenic parts of the Kimberley coast, Prince Frederick Harbour and Hunter River are lined with ancient rainforest pockets, pristine mangroves and mosaic sandstone cliffs. The sandstone escarpment at the river mouth, known as “kampamantiya”, rises over 200m before giving way to extensive mud banks and mangrove forests lining the Hunter River and tributaries. Guarding the entrance to the river is “Wunumpurramarra”, also known as Naturalists Island. From the beach, helicopters depart for the flight to the Mitchell Plateau. Activities: : Zodiac tours of the Hunter River and Porosus creek to discover their mangroves, geology, crocodiles and bird life • Optional helicopter tour to Mitchell Falls and the Mitchell River.

KING GEORGE RIVER & FALLS The 80m high sides of the gorge display varying degrees of weathering, the colours and textures of the gorge changing as you travel up the river. Reds, pinks and orange hues, together with weathering and erosion patterns, provide continually changing breathtaking scenery that culminates at the King George twin falls, the highest single drop falls in the Kimberley. For many, the highlight of their Kimberley experience. Activities: Tender or Zodiac tour to the falls to learn about the geological formations and wildlife of the gorge • For guests with very high levels of fitness, hiking to the top of the falls to enjoy views and a refreshing swim. THE LACEPEDE ISLANDS MITCHELL PLATEAU & FALLS - They are a group of four islands, all small, low spits of coarse sand and coral rubble, lying OPTIONAL TOUR on top of a 180ha platform reef. An A Class Nature Reserve, they are WA’s most important breeding habitat for Green Turtles and have been named by BirdLife International as an Mitchell River National Park lies in some of the most Important Bird Area because they support over 1% of the world populations of Brown inaccessible country in Australia. The river carves gorges Boobies and Roseate Terns. Other birds include Masked Boobies, Australian Pelicans, & waterfalls into the underlying sandstone, particularly Lesser Frigate birds, Eastern Reef Egrets, Silver Gulls, Crested, Bridled and Lesser Crested along the margins of the Mitchell Plateau, one of the Terns, Common Noddies, and Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers. most scenic & biologically important areas of the state. Activities: Zodiac expedition in and around the islands to view the prolific birdlife. Small patches of rainforest grow around and up to 50 mammal species, 220 bird species & 86 kinds of reptiles & amphibians occur in the area. The National Park is part of the traditional lands of the Worrora, Wunambal-Gaambera & Ngarinyin tribes. Activities: Helicopter 20min scenic flight to Mitchell Plateau, with local experienced pilots commentary, followed by 50min to explore the area or take a refreshing dip in Surveyor’s Pool.

KOOLAMA BAY Koolama Bay has historic significance as a WWII site, indicating the strategic significance of shipping and the north-west port of Wyndham. It is the site of the first aerial attack by Japanese forces in the Kimberley area. The MV Koolama stranding site and survivor camp at Koolama Bay and Pangali Cove is significant to the Kwini people who helped the 180 passengers and crew reach safety. Activities: Short walk in Pangali cove through mangroves and across a shallow creek to the site of the Koolama survivors’ camp • Wind, tides and time permitting, a short Zodiac tour will be proposed.

HORIZONTAL FALLS, TALBOT BAY

Talbot Bay is defined by stunning geological features including the “Horizontal Waterfalls” and the dramatic, vertiginous cliffs of Cyclone Creek: an iconic location, one of the premier attractions of the West Kimberley. The Horizontal Waterfalls are a pair of stunning breaks in the McLarty Range, with massive tidal differences of up to 10.8m. They are created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 4m high on a King tide and vast tidal whirlpools on the outgoing side. Activities: Zodiac expedition to view the Horizontal Falls and surrounding geological features • Optional “fast boat” ride through the falls. BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO The Buccaneer Archipelago is outstanding in the global context. Approximately 1,800 million years ago the Kimberley basin collided with the Australian land mass, causing massive heating and generating extensive folding and buckling of the sedimentary rocks. Approximately 550 million years ago a series of ‘wrench faults’ occurred. Such was the force of pressure the horizontal sandstone strata have been bent 45-90 degrees in some areas. activities: Zodiac expedition to view amazing geological features and maybe spot Australian humpbacked dolphins and the elusive snubfin dolphin. Silica Bay activities: Enjoy swimming crystal clear shallow waters

FRESHWATER COVE, COLLIER BAY Freshwater Cove lies in the heartland of country, a unique opportunity to hear the stories of the Lalai (creation). Worrorra are a proud people that have returned to their country after being displaced during WWII. Along with the Ngarinyin and Wunambal tribes, they are part of the shared Wandjina culture and belief system. Wijingarra Bard Bard is home to a number of significant rock art galleries. Activities: Traditional ochre “Welcome to Country”, introduction to the area and cultural history of Wijingarra Bard Bard • Guided bush walk to the various sites in the area, including cyclone cave.

MONTGOMERY REEF, COLLIER BAY The tidal movements here are the third largest tidal range on the planet. Montgomery Reef is a spectacular example of the impact of these tides as the entire reef appears to rise from the ocean on a falling tide, a torrent of water cascading off the top, due to the tide dropping faster than the waters trapped on top of the reef can escape. At just under 400km2 it is Australia’s largest inshore reef. To the east, are the High Cliffy Islands, once home to the Yawijibaya people, who lived there for almost 7,000 years yet disappeared without trace or explanation. Activities: Zodiac expedition to the exposed reef to witness the amazing tide-induced phenomena. a PONANTcruise. crew: come aboard ourfive-star yachts andenjoy theuniqueexperience of Exceptional destinations,refined luxury, gastronomic cuisineandaFrench YOUR CRUISEWITHPONANT CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT

Photographs, all rights reserved: PONANT - Mick Fogg - Michael Corbett - Eva Robert - Eric Laignel. Non contractual document and photos. The photos used in this brochure are only possible experiences and therefore can not be guaranteed. Pricing based on a double occupancy, and correct at the time of printing. The Ponant Bonus is subject to availability and can change without notice. Details on pricing and conditions available on www.ponant.com.