Monthly Archives: May 2024

 

 

Following recent news articles announcing the imminent ‘closure’ of the world-renowned Horizontal Falls in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, we’ve been receiving a number of enquiries from travellers asking if their Kimberley cruise will still offer the opportunity to ‘go through the falls’. So, we thought we’d produce a quick update to let you know the current situation.

The Horizontal Falls, or 'Horries', is a natural phenomenon located in Talbot Bay, roughly 250km north-east of Broome. This spectacle has garnered much international acclaim, not least from David Attenborough, who described the falls as 'one of the world’s great natural wonders'. The falls are not waterfalls in the traditional sense but are instead formed by intense tidal currents rushing through narrow coastal gorges. The Kimberley region experiences some of the largest tidal variations on the planet, often exceeding ten metres, and it is this tidal variation that creates this unique visual effect. The sight of water levels differing by up to five metres on either side of the gorges is quite incredible and the opportunity to traverse the falls on adventure boats (such as Zodiac inflatables) is always a highlight of any Kimberley cruise. This natural spectacle is not only a testament to the Kimberley's unique geological features but also an important cultural site, holding significance for the Traditional Owners of the land.

 

Will my Kimberley Cruise Still Include Horizontal Falls?

For those booking a Kimberley cruise before the end of the 2026 Kimberley Cruising season, the experience of navigating through the Horizontal Falls will remain an exhilarating highlight. Licensed operators, such as those Expedition Cruise Specialists work with, are equipped with inflatable zodiacs and other small excursion craft designed to take tourists on an unforgettable journey through the outer gap of the falls. Subject to the tides and current conditions, this adventure is carefully managed to ensure safety while providing an adrenaline-filled ride through the powerful rapids that have captivated visitors for years.

The time-sensitive nature of the Horizontal Falls experience adds an element of urgency for those wishing toundertake a ride through the falls, making early booking and planning essential.

 

 

 

 

What’s Changing at Horizontal Falls from 2026, and Why?

The reason for the change to operations at Horizontal Falls takes into account both safety for those taking part in the activity (following an accident at the falls in 2022) and also cultural concerns raised by Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation, the Traditional Owners of the area. Elders believe that traversing the rushing falls is both disrespectful and harmful to 'the Woongudd' (snake), a culturally significant entity believed to be damaged each time a vessel passes through the gaps. These issues have prompted changes aimed at prioritising safety and respecting cultural sensitivities.

The key change is the announcement that no new licenses will be issued for cruise operators wishing to navigate the Horizontal Falls. Existing licensed operators, such as Coral Expeditions, Reef Prince, True North and Ocean Dream are permitted to continue taking visitors through the outer gap until the conclusion of the 2026 Kimberley cruising season. Locally-based day tour operator Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures has been granted a further extension until the end of 2028. 

While you’ll no longer be able to pass through the falls themselves on a Kimberley cruise after 2026, it is expected that a range of new activities will be made available to allow travellers to experience the magnificence of Horizontal Falls in different ways. Tour operators and cruise companies are working with the traditional owners to devise a number of exciting options to allow guests to experience the beauty of the falls and learn about their cultural significance.

 

 

 

 

For more information about these changes, or to find out how you can see Horizontal Falls on a Kimberley Cruise call our expert team today on 1800 90 20 80 or fill in the form below and one of our team will call you back.

 

 

Scroll Down for Last Minute Deals on 2024 European Summer Cruises

 

Our polar expedition partner Swan Hellenic has just released their 2025/26 Antarctica season with 20% discounts off regular brochure fares on selected cruises when you book your expedition to the White Continent with Expedition Cruise Specialists.

With a name synonymous with luxury cruising dating back almost eighty years, Swan Hellenic now focuses on expedition and cultural cruising, with one of the newest fleets in the field. Launched in 2022 and 2023 respectively, Swan Hellenic’s newbuilds SH Vega and SH Diana are both rated to Polar Class 5 and have been specially designed to maximise the expedition experience while also providing 5-star luxury surrounds in a boutique environment.

 

 

While Swan Hellenic’s fleet is deployed on a year-round schedule to all corners of the globe, including the Arctic, Africa and the Mediterannean, Antarctica remains the drawcard for many travellers, and with great savings on offer now is the ideal time to secure your place.

 

Swan Hellenic 'In Shackleton's Footsteps' Expedition

 

Perhaps the highlight Antarctic cruise available as part of Swan Hellenic’s 2025/26 Earlybird Savings is the 18-day, all-encompassing ‘In Shackleton’s Footsteps’ expedition cruise which combines the three ‘jewels in the crown’; Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. There’s two departures on offer aboard the flagship SH Diana, 19 January 2026 (from $22,380pp) and the more intimate SH Vega on 06 February 2026 (from $25,180pp). 

Expeditioners joining this voyage will follow in the wake of one of history’s greatest explorers on this extraordinary cruise. They will be able to experience the incredible endless icy wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula, just as Ernest Shackleton and his crew would have done as they commenced their quest to cross the ice to the South Pole. 

See the 'In Shackleton's Footsteps' Itinerary and pricing

 

SH Diana - 19 January to 05 February 2026

SH Vega - 06 to 23 February 2026

 

 

There will also be the opportunity to step ashore on Elephant Island, where Shackleton’s men would survive two Antarctic winters. Along the way, there will be the chance to observe penguins, seals, whales and seabirds that, unlike Shackleton’s ship, Endurance, have no issues thriving in this formidable environment. 

Before crossing the infamous Drake Passage back to Ushuaia, SH Diana will stop at the Falkland Islands, allowing travellers to discover a haven for a host of endemic birdlife, and meet the proud, resilient locals.

 

 

 

 

Other Swan Hellenic 2025/26 Antarctica Earlybird Cruises

 

In addition to the ‘In Shackleton’s Footsteps’ expedition, Earlybird Savings are also available on the following cruises:

 

10 Day Antarctica Peninsula Discovery

Various dates from $11,880 per person, twin share

 

SH Diana - See Itinerary & Pricing

SH Vega - See Itinerary & Pricing

 

12 Day Weddell Sea Discovery

Two departure dates in January 2025 from $14,480 per person, twin share

 

SH Diana - See Itinerary & Pricing

SH Vega - See Itinerary & Pricing

 

All prices are in Australian Dollars in an Oceanview Stateroom. Please enquire with our team for 20% savings on other cabin and suite types.

 

 

Swan Hellenic’s Expedition Fleet

 

Swan Hellenic Cruises operates a fleet of two modern expedition ships, both launched since 2021. SH Vega accommodates just 152 expeditioners in a range of suites and cabins, will the slightly larger SH Diana maxes out at 192 travellers. Both boutique ships feature the same distinctive comfort and Scandi-design interiors, extensive deck space and dedicated expedition facilities, including a dedicated presentation and lecture theatre, and an expedition mud room. 

Both ships also offer three dining venues from which to choose – the Swan Restaurant, Club Lounge and Pool Bar & Grill, and there’s also a state-of-the-art gym, spa, panoramic sauna, club room and swimming pool.

 

 

To find out more about Swan Hellenic’s 2025/26 Antarctica Earlybirds and how you can save  20% off brochure fares, contact the knowledgeable team at Expedition Cruise Specialists today on 1800 90 20 80.

 

Please note that Earlybird prices are subject to availability and limited to new bookings only made after 01 May 2024 until withdrawn or sold out.

 

 

 

Last Minute European Cruise Deals 2024

 

If you're travelling to Europe this northern summer and would like to try out the Swan Hellenic experience for yourself, we've got a number of last minute cruise deals with incredible pricing. Call our team today on 1800 90 20 80 to discover the full list of dates and itineraries, here's just a selection of what we have on offer. Cabins are sure to sell quickly at these great prices so act fast!

 

High Arctic of Svalbard - 10 Nights - 10 to 20 July 2024

SH Diana - from $7,735 per person, twin share (normally $10,980pp)

Discover the rarely visited High Arctic. Sail from Tromsø through the wilderness of Bear Island, and explore the icy landscapes of the Svalbard archipelago. Marvel at the Monacobreen Glacier, listen to Alkefjellet’s bird cliff, and take in Svingeldalen’s vistas. Cruise around Cape Lee and Dolerittneset before venturing to Koefoedodden on Hopen Island. Then stop at the village of Skarsvåg before heading to Alta, 'the city of the Northern Lights'.

 

Iceland in Depth - 8 Nights - 10 to 18 August 2024

SH Vega - from $4,948 per person, twin share (normally $10,380pp)

Experience the wild and fantastic landscapes of Iceland. Circumnavigate the geologically active island and see the puffin capital of the world! Discover fjords, spectacular waterfalls and never-ending volcanic scenery. Visit Iceland’s oldest houses and meet locals who are proud of their traditional heritage. Hike to thundering waterfalls, duck under the spray of spouting hot geysers, and trek across remote locations where only arctic foxes live.

 

Canadian Arctic & Northern Lights - 15 Nights - 25 September to 10 October 2024

SH Vega - from $6,952 per person, twin share (normally $15,480pp)

Visit parts of the legendary ice-filled route that challenged great explorers on this epic Northern Canadian Discovery voyage. Sail from Greenland through the iceberg capital of the world, and gaze in awe at the straits and fjords crammed with huge icebergs. Watch out for caribou and polar bears on the northern Canadian coast, and you’ll get the chance to hear the stories of the indigenous Inuit people, and discover whaling sites in Newfoundland.

 

 

Ready to tick that that once in a lifetime Kimberley expedition cruise off your bucket list but unsure about the best time of year to experience Australia’s wilderness coast? Our guide outlines each of the Kimberley’s three distinct seasons to help you choose the time of year that is right for you.

As a starting point, cruises on the Kimberley Coast only operate between mid March and October each year, so you can put a line through October to February straight away as its simply too hot, humid and wet, not to mention the added danger of the cyclone season.

The Kimberley’s three seasons:

 

Waterfall Season (March to May)

One of the main drawcards of the Kimberley Coast is its iconic waterfalls - including the towering 80-metre King George and four-tiered Mitchell Falls. Most of the coast’s falls are fed by the Kimberley’s drenching wet season rains, so the earlier in the season you go the more spectacular the falls are. The landscape will also be covered in a brilliant green hue, as vegetation regenerates thanks to the downpour. It’s not uncommon for the occasional grey and rainy day during this period, and it can still be quite humid, which can make walks ashore a bit more taxing. In our view seeing (and hearing) the full force of the falls more than makes up for the extra humidity and an occasional wet day.

 

 

 

 

Peak Season (June to July)

The most popular time of year to travel to the Kimberley, probably because the ‘dry season’ weather is characterised by clear blue skies and balmy days, which makes for a welcome escape from the southern states’ winter chill. Depending on the amount of rain during the wet season, there might be some water still flowing over the big falls as late as August, but it will be a trickle at best. One notable exception is the iconic King Cascades on the Prince Regent River; these falls are spring fed and will have a flow year round. If you can’t bear the thought of another chilly winter then June and July are probably your ‘go to’ months to experience the Kimberley Coast.

 

 

 

 

Whale / Wildflower Season

From August to early October each year the Kimberley Coast is the world’s epicentre for whalewatching. Up to 30,000 humpbacks make their way from the Antarctic feeding grounds to the warm tropical waters of the Kimberley Coast to breed and give birth, and you will have the best seat in the house when travelling on an expedition cruise. It’s common practice for the skipper to idle the ship’s engines and drift with the tide whilst these majestic mammals put on playful displays around the ship. This late in the season it’s likely that Mitchell Falls and King George Falls will be dry (you can always see Talbot Bay’s Horizontal Falls at least!), but you’re likely to have more wildlife encounters due to native fauna having to travel further, out in the open in search of water. Wildflowers are also blooming, covering the ground in a carpet of colourful native blooms.

 

 

 

 

Our Verdict

So which should you choose? It really comes down to where your interests lay; waterfalls or whales. But we think it would be a real pity to miss the grandeur and jaw dropping beauty of some of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. So if we were forced to choose, then May, when the humidity has started to drop off, is the ideal time to explore the Kimberley Coast on a small ship cruise.

 

For more top tips or to book your Kimberley Cruise call our expert team today on 1800 90 20 80 or fill in the form below and one of our team will call you back.